Dance Dance Revolution Extreme

"Might be the last one.... better learn to love it"

Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) is without a doubt the most widely recognized dance type game to date. DDR is part of Konami's Bemani (sound simulation) series. Often imitated, never duplicated, DDR spawned a new line of arcade gaming, where foot-eye coordination was needed in order to play. First introduced in 1998, DDR has been through many different facelifts since 0.5 was floating around Japan. The latest arcade release of DDR is called DDR: Extreme. Extreme (also known as 8th mix) first debuted in Japan as a beta test machine in October 2002. The official release date for Extreme was December 25th, 2002. Within mere HOURS of this release, DDR Extreme units were being sold and shipped to arcades in the United States, Canada, and all around the world.

Gameplay (9/10):

The logistics of gameplay haven't changed since the game started... hit the arrows as they scroll up the screen and match up with the stationary arrows at the top. Freeze arrows are still here (first introduced in DDRMAX: 6th mix). Oni mode makes its second appearance (introduced in DDRMAX2: 7th mix), and Nonstop gets a welcome back, having disappeared after 3rd mix. Foot ratings are back for the 7th time. 9 of 10, because nothings perfect.

Graphics (9/10):

As stated earlier, the logistics of the game haven't changed, and this also includes the main parts of the graphics. The arrows still look the same, the song selection list is the same as it's been since 5th mix, and we get an update to a lovely green backdrop. Runs at a decent 60FPS, a VERY noticeable upgrade from 4th mix and older. The videos... very few of them are updated and more original, though those that are do look good, they run well, and add something to the game. Another review stated that the videos ran at 320x240, thats a lie... they run at a higher resolution, i think 640x480, and DEFINITELY an improvement over older mixes in quality. 9 of 10, things look the same, didn't get worse.

Sound (10/10):

This is where DDR Extreme really shines, as there are a TON of songs on this mix. Over 230 total songs, quite a few of the best coming back from older DDR mixes (I MISS FLASH IN THE NIGHT) as well as from home versions. This game features many new songs from the different genres of Bemani games, such as IIDX, Mambo-a-Go Go, and Pop N Music. Songs like Frozen Ray, Xenon, and Sakura (all from IIDX) make the IIDX selection from this mix more than adequate. The new DDR Extreme originals (includes bag, Paranoia Survivor, Legend of Max, Cartoon Heroes, and Tears) are wonderfully done, with multiple faster harder songs rounding out the mix. 10 of 10, this is where DDR Extreme gets its glory.

Conclusion (9/10):

Rumor has it that this is going to be the last arcade DDR mix released... it's definitely got quite a bit of stuff to keep you busy, and it's worth a good once over.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/31/03