Dance Dance Revolution Extreme

"A shameful title to hold the name Dance Dance Revolution"

As the once world renowned Dance Dance Revolution series turns 5 this fall, this mix is suppose to celebrate and commemorate the series 5 year long run. There have been well over 20 DDR titles from home versions of popular arcade mixes, to spin offs such as Solo Bass Mix or Dancing Stage, to Americanized home versions which is a mix that is more of a compilation. So what is wrong with DDR Extreme. Well read on to find out.

GAMEPLAY
There has been little change over the years as the tired but long lasting stepping action continues the tradition on this mix. Step on the correct arrows as the reach the permanent step zone. Execute the correct patterns to move on and if your dance gauge goes to zero, GAME OVER. Nonstop mode returns along with Oni mode for players who are up to the challenge. Beginner mode also returns (I believe a feature first in DDR USA) for players who are very new to the series. There are 4 difficulties to choose from this time with the addition of Beginner mode. Freeze arrows make their 3rd appearance as well and continue to add a small twist on the gameplay.

GRAPHICS
The interface is a modified version of 6th Mix. This time the main color scheme seems to be green. Where the game really shows is ugliness is 1/3 on the graphics. The 320 X 240 resolution videos even look more pixalated than ever. The game runs in a very poor resolution making it more rough to the eyes even more than say 4th Mix. The video backgrounds are also uninspired and less desireable to watch. Though it's a rhythm and action game, Konami atleast try to work on the videos like how you work on your Beatmania IIDX videos. The main problem is the game is all stored on a single CD-ROM making it impossible to hold quality videos. Use of a DVD ROM is crucial if you are going to make a game that will have a beefload of data.

SOUND
This is where DDR Extreme just falls flat on it's face. 2/3 of the problem is blamed on the game's inferior sound.

MUSIC-
DDR Extreme has just over 230 songs. About say 170 of them are re-appearing songs from past mixes. Just about every arcade mix is represented on this one which fits the anniversary theme. There are brand spanking new songs like 1998, Dance Dance Revolution, I do I do I do, Cartoon Heroes, bag, etc. Also the majority of the new to DDR songs are imports from other Bemani games. A huge mistake on Konami's part. Songs like Sakura, V, L'amour et liberite', A, Daikenkai, Across the nightmare, make a complete mockery of DDR. These songs come from other Bemani games and they are some of the most undanceable tracks in DDR history. Dance Dance Revolution is all about dancing to great dance music. Lately Konami has lost it's sense and just import the most undanceable songs. Please do not listen to your fans like that Konami. This is just shamefull. The amount of Japanese songs is also present, these songs I just can't stand. I see no musical value whatsover listening to songs like Love Love Shine, Love 2 Sugar. They really annoy my ears and which makes me miss the days when DDR just had great dance music from Toshiba EMI (Dancemania). So what new songs are actualy good. Well here they are.

I do I do I do
Last Message
Jane Jana
Heaven is a '57 metallic gray
Jet World
I'm gonna get you
White lovers
air
We are the champions
La Senorita
La copa de la vida
Xenon

That's about it. Here are some of the best returing songs.

Sky High
Fantasy
Mr.T take me higher
Celebrate
Dr Love
Be in my paradise
Think ya better D

The last 1/3 of DDR Extreme's huge flaws is the sound quality. No matter what condition your arcade's speakers are this is the worst DDR mix for sound quality. Going back to the CD ROM issue, Konami stuffed 200 plus songs on a single CD ROM. All the songs run at 112kbps which is piss poor sound quality. Konami, please don't do this again. DVD ROM is the best move you can make.

IN THE END
The days where DDR mixes had the best songs from Dancemania are gone in favor of just tacky not even dance music. Play DDR 4th Mix Plus to play the true and once great DDR. From the poor video resolution to even worse sound quality the Dance Dance Revolution we once knew is no longer around. Change is bad. Happy 5th DDR! 3/10.

Reviewer's Score: 3/10, Originally Posted: 02/04/03, Updated 06/14/03