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Parents' Guide to

Audition Online

By Carolyn Koh, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Keyboard rhythm MMO features popular music, open chat.

Game Windows 2009
Audition Online Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

  • Audition Online Game: Screenshot #1
  • Audition Online Game: Screenshot #2
  • Audition Online Game: Screenshot #3
  • Audition Online Game: Screenshot #4

Community Reviews

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age 18+

Based on 1 parent review

What’s It About?

AUDITION ONLINE brings the social activity of dancing into the format of a massively multiplayer online game. Players can simulate dancing with and against other players by using either the arrow keys in 4-key control or the number pad for 8-key control. Players start off by choosing a male or female avatar and then play the tutorial to learn the controls. They select the game-modes of their choice to learn the game. Similar to Dance Dance Revolution, as the song plays, arrow keys are displayed and if the player depresses them in the correct sequence and within the time allowed, their avatar will then perform the dance moves and earn a grade of Perfect, Great, Cool, Bad, or Miss. At the end of the song, the player's stats are displayed - the number of points earned, the ranking in that dance contest as well as Beats (in-game cash) earned for that song.In-game items either have a Cash or Beat price and although the prices may seem exorbitant, Beats are quickly earned and accumulated.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Audition Online is a fun way to play a dance game on akeyboard. The ability to play it online with and against other players by using avatarsthat are attractive also adds to its appeal. The dance animation graphics are fun to watch when playershit a sequence - i.e. make the right key strokes at the right time.That together the ability to dance to the latest music on the popcharts and play with friends online can make this a compelling game. Another plus is that the basics of Audition Online are simple - press the correct arrow keys in the correct sequence and hit the space bar at the right time, and your avatar will dance.  But it offers great diversity because there are over 20 different game modes which run the gamut from individual practice modes to team synchronization, team against team, playing against the computer, "Simon Says," as well as a Story Mode - which is akin to a quest in other online role playing games. New players can flounder trying to figure out the game modes, but as they all use the same basic key controls, it simply takes a game or two to learn them. Difficulty level is set by beats per minute (BPM) in a song.  The higher number of beats, the faster a player needs to depress keys.

Audition Online works well as a social space not only because of the activity of dance, but because it provides tools that support social networking. Players can create groups called Fams (Families) which are the game equivalent of guilds or clans. Players can pool together their Beats in order to upgrade various aspects of their Fams' looks and create special dance parties for their Fams. An instant messenger in game allows players to chat with others on their buddy list and an active message forum on the Redbana site is also where players interact. Once you log into the game, music is always playing in the background, whether you are shopping and trying on accessories before buying them or getting ready to join a game.  The number of game modes, move combinations, and music updates ensure that this game remains fresh and fun. 

Online interaction: Chat is open and although a profanity filter is in place, the quality of the interaction can vary considerably.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can discuss the messages in today's top hits. Have you listened to the lyrics? What do you think the singer is trying to say?

  • Families can also discuss the concept of Internet Safety and Behavior. How do you know that that is really a buddy of a buddy? If you don't behave like this on the playground why do you think you should online?

Game Details

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