But word of mouth is a wonderful thing – and by its third week sales saw it climb to number ten. Two months later it was number one.
Which typifies the High School Musical phenomenon: at the same time terribly cheesy, deliciously nostalgic and disarmingly charming, it’s something that takes time to grow on you. Outsiders will wonder what all the fuss is about, but in the playgrounds of the world this has become a modern Grease, Hairspray and Fame rolled into one. Even The X-Factor is getting in on the act with Simon Cowell asking his charges to belt out songs from the show.
Originally released as a TV movie, the phenomenon now runs to a sequel, a forthcoming feature film, a stage version, novels and an ice dance show.
“It’s absolutely massive,” enthuses Disney marketing manager Burcin Ergin. “Over 250 million people have seen the original High School Musical globally and over 58 million have seen High School Musical 2, with over seven million of those in Europe. The movie only just premiered in the US this August and in the UK in September.”
If you’re still unsure about the sales the title can achieve you only need know that in the UK alone HSM2 is the most viewed programme ever on the Disney Channel – totalling 1.2 million viewers on its first showing alone.
“In all versions of the game – PlayStation 2, Wii and DS – you will have songs from the movies,” continues Ergin. “In the karaoke games (PS2 and Wii) you actually get every track from both movies as well as other bonus songs. There’s loads of great content.”
Songs include the basketball gym anthem, Get’cha Head in the Game, audition favourite What I’ve Been Looking For, and karaoke contest clincher, Start of Something New.
All songs in the game are delivered with the customary High School Musical cheerleading energy and should even get your granny tapping her feet.
“You are able to play as the stars of the film in settings from both movies including the gym and lunch hall,” adds Ergin. “The game also features motion-captured choreography from the original movie’s dance routines.”
The PS2 and Wii versions of the game come with microphone peripherals so players can belt out their favourite numbers (SingStar fans will be pleased to hear that Sony’s microphones will be compatible with the game). The package is a particular boon for the Wii, as there’s still a huge gap in the market for a karaoke-style title on Nintendo’s console. There are over 30 hits from the show which can be performed one after the other in Story mode or in duets with another player.
The experience has been clearly tailored for exuberant party entertainment. Quickplay enables you to jump right into your favourite song with your favourite character and as you sing you can earn points. Points in High School Musical mean extra characters, outfits, songs and environments to be unlocked.
But non-singers aren’t left out as they can even accompany with percussion using the PS2 controller or the Wii nunchuk.
Though High School Musical: Makin’ the Cut on DS – which is already on shelves – doesn’t offer quite the same potential for social embarrassment, the chance to swap personal music and dance videos with friends, compete in head-to-head rhythm-action battles and choose your favourite settings from the movies via wi-fi will easily compensate.
“The DS HSM game is a fun rhythm-based title which takes players across America as they compete in the ultimate musical competition,” explains Ergin. “You can play as any of the six High School Musical stars: Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan, Chad or Taylor. Players dance and play along to the movie songs, and can even create and choreograph their own dance videos in order to win the national title.”
But can High School Musical capture audiences unaware of Disney’s runaway hit? “Definitely,” asserts Ergin. “High School Musical is the perfect product for any family regardless of their familiarity with the films. As with all Disney games the principles are the same: storytelling, quality, decency and innovation all coming together to make a truly fun \game.
"HSM is a huge phenomenon, but if somehow you have never heard of it before you can still enjoy it. The songs are too catchy not to.”
As you might expect, Disney’s marketing is aimed directly at teenage girls with a print campaign hitting all key girls’ gaming magazines.
Online exposure includes everything from Neopets, Mykindaplace through to AOL and Miniclip. But it’s the touring game pods which have been making the most waves, with many placed in shopping centres up and down the country and at popular concerts such as McFly’s recent tour.
While High School Musical is not going to win over the Halo brigade, its potent licence, catchy tunes and sheer exuberance is sure to make it one of the most sought after party games over the festive season. Better prepare your vocal cords now.
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