Command the Band- Major Minor’s Majestic March Reviewed

Despite the critical and commercial success, I never fully appreciated PaRappa the Rapper (and its subsequent sequel, UmJammer Lammy). Although the game’s music was likable and its art was disgustingly adorable, the gameplay itself was little more than an electronic variation of ‘Simon Says.”  After a few hours with the title, the novelty quickly dissipated for me. Luckily, PaRappa creators Masaya Matsuura and Rodney Alan Greenblat have collaborated on Major Minor’s Majestic March, a Wii title whose gameplay complements its charming visual style and aural quirkiness.

In the way that Rock Band simulates playing a variety of music instruments, and SingStar recreates the sensation of delivering a vocal performance, Major Minor reproduces the responsibilities of a drum major. While I am competent at EA’s and Sony’s musical diversion, Majestic March was initially frustrating; maintaining a marching tempo while simultaneously recruiting new band members made me feel arrhythmic. However after a bit of practice, I was leading a respectable-sized band adeptly.

At the start of each level, players thrust the Wiimote up and down rhythmically, to imitate a tempo. Once the player is comfortable with their cadence, they can press the ‘A’ button to begin their linear march through the level. Periodically, players will pass power-ups and animals waiting to join the procession. While maintaining a steady rhythm, players can move the Wiimote toward the left or right side to soak up these supplements. Each animal recruited from the margins adds to your symphonic procession, from trombone playing monkeys to otters that are proficient with the tuba. Players must be diligent to keep each performers satisfied with a proper tempo, lest they leave your march. The bottom third of the screen displays a representation of your entire band, with colored balloons to indicate each member’s satisfaction level.

Power pick-ups vary from jelly beans, which can be used to briefly negate any member dissatisfaction, to candy, which increases the likelihood of additional items and characters appearing. Three negative power-downs also appear, which can remove an animal from the errant player’s procession, or worsen the mood of all members. After a stage has been successfully cleared, the gamer is allowed to increase a single animal’s resiliency statistic, adding a slight RPG element to the proceedings.

With the exception of the initial stage, once players recruit ten band members, they will enter a drill mode, which offers a brief diversion from the game’s core mechanic. Here, players have a limited amount of time to mimic simple Wiimote gestures, from shaking the controller wildly, to quick horizontal motions. Occasionally, the required circular motion proved unresponsive, dampening the proceedings.

Competitive and co-operative multiplayer modes add a bit of depth to Major Minor. While I was initially skeptical that the title would maintain my interest, within a few hours I found myself strangely compelled by the game, trying to best my own high scores. Majestic March isn’t a game that dazzles the player at the onset, instead inducing a slow-burning curiosity, and later, offering a rewarding relationship with the gamer.

Aesthetically, the game is capable, with the exception of the game’s cinematics.  The static cut-scenes are static, and narrated unhurriedly with child-like voices. While the segments seem tailored for the early grammar school set, those young enough to enjoy the cinematics may become frustrated with the game’s metrical requirement. Beyond the cut-scenes (which you can skip after viewing once), the game rich color palette and animal designs amuse. Seeing the lead characters swing his baton proved to be consistently charming. As expected for a title focused on music, Major Minor’s sonic output is impressive, recreating the crash and jingle of a marching band.