DDRMAX: Dance Dance Revolution

"Great Game. Great, Addictive Game."

I first got interested in DDR when I played on a machine in California three years ago. After that, I just had to play more! I was so disappointed when I realized that there were no DDR machines in my area, so I was obviously ecstatic when I found out that there was DDR for Playstation and Playstation 2. I begged and begged my mom, and last Christmas, I got DDRMAX. I've been hooked ever since.

In case you've never played DDR before, this is a game you play with your feet. Arrows float up the screen to the beat, and when they reach the top, you step on the arrow that corresponds with the one on the screen. (provided you have the dance pad, a necessity)

Besides being really fun, this game can also be a good workout. It features an exercise mode that tracks how many calories you burn while you dance. Though it's not extremely accurate, you still get some idea.

Plus, the music is great! But then again, a music game is all about the music, isn't it? Of course, there are some songs you'll hate, and those that will stick in your head. You'll be downloading mp3s/buying the soundtrack. Trust me.

Graphics: 9/10
The graphics are a huge improvement on those of Konamix (the previous DDR Playstation game). Though some might miss the annoying background dancers, the background graphics in the songs certainly make up for it. Everything is clean and bright and finished looking.

Sound: 10/10
As I said, a music game is all about the music, and Bemani certainly followed that rule. There is music from all genres; pop, hip-hop, eurobeat, rap, new age, r&b, disco, trance; you name it, MAX has got it. Though some of the favorite songs in the Japanese version are missing, there are some songs only featured in this version as well.

Difficulty: 10/10
Anyone can play this game. The wide range of difficulty spans from sickeningly easy (Remember You, light) to insanely difficult (Max 300, heavy [300 beats per minute!] ) Plus, the new 'Oni Mode' may be a challenge for some. Also, DDRMAX introduces 'Freeze Arrows' (you have to keep your foot on the arrow until the arrow on screen is gone).

Gameplay: 10/10
Playing this game with the proper equipment is fun and calorie-burning. It can be played with one or two players, so invite your friends over to play with you. MAX is fun, healthy, and social. What more could you ask for in a game?

Replayability: 10/10
Once you play, you'll be hooked. This game keeps you playing with around 60+ different songs to play (about 1/3 have to be unlocked) This game is very very addictive and you won't want to stop dancing until you're too tired or sore to dance.

Overall: 10/10
Great game. I would suggest buying it along with a dance pad. (Reminder: Soft dance pads may be your undoing.)

Happy dancing!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 02/23/03, Updated 02/23/03