Most notable among gameplay additions are Solo Mode (a more challenging 6-panel adaptation from
DDR Solo 2000/DDR Solo 4th Mix), Nonstop Order (where players can finally customize their own uninterrupted four-song marathons), Edit Mode (U.S. gamers? first chance to create and save their own steps without having to import), and an enhanced Workout Mode which tells players how many calories they?ve burned depending on weight, song speed, and additional factors. Harkening back to
4th Mix also provides the 2-player Battle option for songs never included in the original
4th Mix roster, and the ability to play 6-panel versions of tracks from all previous mixes only means more exclusive material than ever before.
From the looks of our preview version, Konamix promises something for players of any caliber, old school or fresh meat. While the selection runs extremely thin on licensed tunes, KOA has intentions of including more in future stateside releases, assuming Konamix pulls in enough profit to place the American DDR scene parallel with that of Japan in the near future. That said, look for this gem to hit shelves April 23, and watch this space for a full review forthcoming next month!