Groove Circuit Mode allows you to bounce from place to place as you accomplish goals and unlock new venues and songs. Free Play Mode lets you select whatever songs and characters you prefer and supports up to four players. (Unfortunately, additional dance mats haven't gone on sale yet, although the game supports Wii remote and Nunchuk gameplay.) Workout Mode serves a greater purpose, as folks can dance off their excessive weight while the game tracks calorie burn. In addition, the game tracks personal records, allowing you to compare your achievements against another player's

Visually, the game isn't amazing, but the backgrounds are vibrant and the on-screen characters look cute. The song list, though, could've used more variety. It's great to hear classic hits like "Disco Inferno" and "Rhythm Is a Dancer", but was it really necessary to turn mainstream songs like "Clocks" and "Lips of an Angel" into dance tunes? "Karma Chameleon" is almost completely unbearable. Fortunately, some better songs are unlockable over the course of the game, with enough groovy beats to make up for the lackluster selections.

Although the cost of the overall package is questionable ($70 for the game and one dance mat – imagine what three others will run you), Dance Dance Revolution: Hottest Party is one of the more engaging entries in the series. The addition of hand movements and battle gimmicks keep things fresh, as they tie into the already worthwhile Workout and multiplayer modes. If you're all about dancing, then this Party deserves an immediate RSVP.