DDRMAX: Dance Dance Revolution

"Break a leg...or two"

DDR fanatics alike can now rejoice for the latest installment is infact a very good game. However, this game may have different responses from veterans and players/dancers who are new to the DDR experience.It is easy to enjoy yourself while executing intricate dance moves but also very easy to break a leg...or two

Gameplay: either a 5/10 or a 9/10(or a 1/10 if you dont have a dance pad)

Gameplay is going to either be great or bad. Reasons for this is because this game was intended for those who thought that DDR needed to be more challenging; this latest game has that. With a new difficulty Oni mode and the usual customization ability, players will be able to create songs where the sky is the limit in difficulty. However, novice players are likely to get very frustrated very quickly as this new game offers VERY VERY few easy songs aimed for new players. If you are new to DDR then this is BY ALL MEANS NOT THE GAME FOR YOU. I would recommend Konamix instead as that is more sympathetic to ''newbs''

Songs like Exotic Enthic,Orion, and Max300 are EXTREMELY DIFFICULT and require hours of dedicated practicing...yes practicing. If you dont have a dance pad however, excitement will run out literally 5 minutes into playing. This game while compatible is not meant for normal playstation controller but for a dance pad(which must be purchased seperately)and to actually enjoy DDR a dance pad is a necessity.(and just a useful tip: any dance pad will work fine...but if you staple gun it down to a wooden board, it wont slip and therefor will enhance ur overall score and performance)

The game as usual also flaunts workout mode, which is all revamped and cool. It can tranlate ur DDR workout into running or swimming and give you that ratio. In this mode it is possible to not only get in some great practicing time, but also burn calories and lose weight. I think that i should be the poster boy for this because i myself lost a grand total of 50 pounds by exercising on my dance pad(along with the proper diet of course)Workout mode is a great way to stay in shape and is just as addictive as the game itself.

Sound/Audio/Visual: 8/10

The music is clear, and the sound is adjustable. But MAN O MAN do you have variety. With a practically exponential increase in the amount of songs from Konamix, you are given a huge amount of variety; encompasing almost every musical genre(disco,house,hip-hop,rock,techno,and the bizarre)Music songs are about 1-2 minutes and so they dont become tedious but rather, catchy(like a good TV jingle) I myself wanted to buy the soundtrack! One downside however is the visual on dance-dance...there is just WAAAAY too much going on. Between all the flashing lights, the arrows, and the movies in the background you can easily be distracted. I am not holding any pretenses...you have to be able to concentrate in order to succeed at this, otherwise you are going to get confused. However, at the same time...the background images are also cute ;) with chibi cell shaded chars dancing like fools and anything from pinapples to ninjas floating in the background...I overall, was not bugged enough for it to lessen my DDR experience and still had a great time as I am sure you will too.

Replayability: 11/10(no...i did not make a typo)

THIS IS WHERE THE GAME REALLY SHINES!!!! with 4 different difficulties, unlockable songs, practice and workout modes,customization and lesson modes, and the song gallery(which gives background info on all the songs u succesfully complete) you are going to be entertained for a LOOOOONG TIME!!! this game is extremely addictive and gives enough extras so that the player will never really feel bored. I found myself playing up to 3 hours straight. You can practice your routines and develope complex moves; if you get good enough you can even enter some DDR contests and win a little money and hey! who doesnt need money!

So...whats the verdict; should I rent or buy??

Renting is fine...i always suggest that with any game because different people like different things and its always a good decision to try something out before you go and waste 40 bucks. However, I think this is a great game and would be a awesome purchase for any gamers' library. It is great for parties or soloing and is gauranteed to provide many hours of entertainment...and sore legs.

So have fun...dance your heart away...but please try not to hurt yourself or break anything ;D

Final Score: 8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/02/03, Updated 01/02/03