DDR Max2: Dance Dance Revolution
Score: 90% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: Konami Developer: Konami TYO Media: DVD/1 Players: 1 - 2 Genre: Rhythm/ Miscellaneous
Graphics & Sound: If Dance Dance Revolution has taught me anything, it's that I am undeniably, 100 percent completely white. Although I may play it off well in person, once I step on the dance pad, I have all the rhythm, grace and technique of a white guy. But, even if I am as white as Carson Daily, I still found much to like with DDR Max 2. Graphics have never been one of the key focuses of the DDR series. The backgrounds have always been bright and shiny in their own ravy way - but they have never been something that really blew your mind. For the most part, this is the same story with DDR Max 2. The primary element, the arrows, is big and easy to see -- even with the visual shenanigans going on with the backgrounds. The newest addition to the game is the inclusion of original music videos that play with some of the game's 65 songs, such as Kylie Minogue's 'Love At First Sight'. The game also features an unlockable option that allows animated characters to dance along with you on screen. Song selection is vitally important to the game -- otherwise you're just stomping on a bunch of arrows with no rhyme or reason. The variety of songs offered in the game is big and should offer at least one song for everyone. DDR Max 2 is a little more accessible to casual gamers with the number of songs offered. The number of licensed tracks heard in DDR Max 2 should provide a few more songs (or groups) people have heard of, including KC and the Sunshine Band, The Crystal Method and Dirty Vegas. A few heavily requested songs, such as Tenth Planet's 'Ghosts' are also present in the game. The sound quality is great, especially with pumping out of a nice sound setup, but it would have been nice to get a little more bass out of the game.
Gameplay: The concept behind Dance Dance Revolution is rather simple. Music plays and four arrows scroll vertically across the screen in rhythm with the music. You 'dance' on your dance pad (or standard controller) by hitting the same directions on the screen. Hitting arrows at the right time nets you points, while missing the arrow takes away 'life'. As the songs get more complicated, so do the arrow combinations. Some songs will require you to hit two at a time, others will have you hitting 3-4 arrows in a short period of time and a few will require you to hold an arrow down for a period of time. The catch is that this is all in time with the music -- so the faster the song, the more complicated things get. DDR Max 2 offers a variety of gameplay options beyond the standard Arcade and 2-Player modes. First timers, or those like myself with no rhythm, will want to check out the Lesson and Training modes which will allow you to get into the swing of the game. These modes feature animated tutorials which are really helpful. They will also allow you to practice with any unlocked song on any difficulty level with variable metronome and arrow-scroll speeds. One of my favorite modes from the Disney Mix (the only DDR game I am remotely decent at), the Workout mode, is also present in this version of the game. This is a mode that should bring smiles to the faces of many mothers who think their kids aren't getting enough exercise. This mode is the standard game of DDR, only it keeps track of how many calories you're burning while playing. Of course, this mode is only useful when using the dance pad. One of the more interesting modes in the game is Edit, which allows players to create their own arrow patterns for games. Nonstop mode is about as close of a 'Story mode' as you'll find in the game. Instead of choosing one song, players choose themed courses to follow. Each of these 15 courses features songs that connect with each other in some way. Completing the game unlocks Endless mode. As the name suggests, this mode is a true test of stamina. Whereas normal games stop when the song does, Endless mode continues to throw song after song at you until you either quit or pass out.
Difficulty: Picking up the game's concept shouldn't take long - but newcomers should expect to fall a few times. The Lesson and Training modes help make this transition a little easier. Hardcore fans will surely bemoan the loss of the Ultra hard mode found in the game's last installment -- but that's life. There's still quite a lot here to keep you challenged for a while.
Game Mechanics: Figuring your way around DDR Max 2's controls is as easy as cracking a Gary Coleman short joke. When the arrow says Up, press Up. Down, press Down. Clearly, this isn't higher-order thinking. It's when you have to hit precise combinations and timings that things get confusing. DDR Max 2 can be played with the standard PS2 controller, but that's just no fun. In order to really enjoy the game, you have to get a dance pad controller. For those who haven't seen these pads yet, they resemble the old Power Pad add-on for the NES. It's a flat, 3 ft x 3 ft (roughly) foam padded mat. The mat is broken up into a grid of 9 squares, each with a directional arrow or face button in it. Most pads can be picked up for about 20-30 with higher end ones coming in at around 90 dollars. Those who really want to get hardcore with the game can pick up one of the metal pads offered by Red Octane. But be wary, although these pads don't slide as much as the cheaper, vinyl padded ones - they are pricey (I've seen some listed at 200 a pop). Regardless of what pad you buy, it's really encouraged you get one in order to enjoy the game to the fullest. Although I may not be very good at it, I still enjoyed the hell out of DDR Max 2. Yes, when describing it and watching someone play it, the game looks incredibly silly. But once you try it out, it's hard to stop playing. If you've always wanted to try out the DDR machines in your local arcade, but were to shy to give it a shot, here's your chance. Pick up a dance pad and a copy of DDR Max 2, close the window blinds, lock the doors and have fun the privacy of your own home.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
Culdcept Disgaea: Hour of Darkness