"US Arcade DDR, Round 2."

Lets face it, an arcade without DDR is horrible, horrible place indeed. Konami must have realized this and released a second US version of DDR, entitled Dance Dance Revolution USA. While a very awesome game in it's own right...well...it could have been a lot better...

HOW TO PLAY

I should have a review of the PSX version of DDR up. Check that if you don't know how to play. Otherwise, it's very easy to figure out. Sorry for not going into detail here, I just feel like explaining it in 20 separate reviews.

REVIEW

The Gameplay is once again AWESOME! I love stepping up onto the arcade pad and impressing all those around me. It's a great feeling. But, this game suffers from the same idiotic localization changes that plagued the PSX home version. Basic/Trick/Mania has once again become Normal/Difficult/Expert. The grading system has all but eliminated the S's and made it too easy to score an A. Also, a unique problem to the arcade version, you can't change your individual difficulty if you're playing two player. So if a beginner wants to play and you love dancing on Maniac, there's a problem immediately. They got it right the first time on the first arcade machine! Why change it now? The song list is along the short lines as well when compared to the Japanese machines. But, the actual songs are among my absolute favorites of all time, so this point balances out. Think of it as DDR 2.5 Mix. Gameplay gets a 8/10.

Yes, the game also has graphics! You hardly notice them when you dance, but they psychedelic effects just look awesome when you play. 10/10 baby!

The Music and Sound category also gets a perfect score. Granted the song list is short, but nearly all of the 26 songs are so good that you don't even care. Plus, all the crowd pleasers are here. Afronova, Paranoia Rebirth, Dead End, Trip Machine Luv Mix, etc. If this was a home version, I'd give it a lower score, but for the arcade, what's to complain about? 10/10.

OVERALL

Okay, the review was short, I know. But this is the arcade version, people! Not much to report on!

My opinion? Great game. But if you can find an imported arcade machine of 3rd or 4th mix, go to that one. You'll have more fun. But if you're staying in Vegas and happen to hit one of these babies, there's nothing wrong with showing up all the newbies with the dance that will ''save us all!''

SCORE: 8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/02/02, Updated 01/02/02