Dance Dance Revolution Disney Mix

"SUPER FUN for USA Dancing. A Must Rent at least!"

The second DDR game to be released in the United States, Disney Mix extends the fun from the first USA game with a major kiddy feel. You might think that this version is strictly for the younger crowd, but you'd be wrong. This game is HUGELY fun, and very addicting. It's too bad that there isn't much to do here.

FEATURES:

-20 Songs
-3 Difficulty Settings (Basic, Trick, Maniac)
-The ''AAA'' Scoring System
-''Workout'' (Diet) Mode Integrated into Main Play
-Animated Backgrounds
-''Dance Magic'' Versus Mode
-Compatible with DDR Dance Mat Controllers

ADVANTAGES:

1) Song Selection
Both an advantage and disadvantage in this title (we'll get into the disadvantage later), DDR comes equipped with 20 extremely catchy songs to dance to. Out of these 20 are 9 Disney-related tunes, 5 classic songs from the past (like Mr. Bassman), and 6 songs collected from the Japanese 4th & Extra mixes. The Disney tunes are extremely well done in their new dance mixes, which include a Eurobeat mix of Mickey Mouse Club, a Japanese language track called D.D.D., and a ''Small World'' mix of Paranoia-esque proportions. The best songs though lie in the 4th Mix bunch, which, thanks to some copyright laws, wouldn't have been there in the first place! It is a welcome surprise, and well worth your time to go through.

2) Ranking System Updated
You can now see your rank go up and down as you progress through the stage! Down to a C? That should inspire you to work your way up to a AAA!

3) Animated Backgrounds
The backgrounds are a drastic change from the normal polygon figures that danced with you in the original US release. Now we see your favorite Disney characters (Mickey, Donald, Chip & Dale, Pluto, etc.) Operating DJ tables and getting down with their bad selves as you dance. If you actually pay attention that is, as the arrows can go by with lightning quickness. But be that as it may, the backgrounds are very cool to watch when you're on the sidelines.

4) ''Dance Magic Mode''
This new VS mode adds new puzzle elements to the game when you compete against an opponent. You both share one life bar, and the better you do, the more you screw up your opponent! You can add half-steps to your opponent, even turn on Hidden/Sudden modes in the middle of the song! Lets see who's the better dancer NOW!

5) Workout (Diet) Mode Integration
There is no set ''Workout'' Mode now, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist! Now when you reach the end of a stage, you'll be given the total amount of calories you burned during your turn. You'll even be compared to how many yards you jogged/yards swam/stairs climbed/sit-ups done. Very nice touch.

6) Basic/Trick/Maniac Modes Untouched!
In the first US release, the names of these modes were changed to Normal/Difficult/Expert for some unknown reason. And it sucked. But now they are back to normal! And yes, there IS a Maniac Mode. It just needs to be unlocked.

And now, the...

DISADVANTAGES:

1) Song Selection
The main disadvantage of this game is that there is only 20 songs, with none to unlock. This makes 7 less than the main US game, and this version cost $10 more?!? Not only that, but there were at least 25 in the import version, and that included songs such as Surfin' USA, Johnny B. Goode, Vacation, and the Disney Track ''Electric Parade''. Most couldn't make it due to US copyright laws. That's why we got bonus 4th Mix songs. But why not equal the amount of songs we lost? Konami? HELLO?

2) Watered Down Scoring System
The game may be for everyone, but the scoring system is defintely geared for the kids. Players of the original US release had a maximum of an A grade if they didn't hit all the arrows, with AA or AAA if you did. In Disney Mix, a AAA is obtainable even if you mess up a great deal. So for the hardcore dancers, you'll never really know how good you're dancing. And don't get me started on the dropping of the S/SS/SSS ranks. But that's for another review...

3) No Numerical Score
The points from the last game have been totally removed. Now you can only judge your score via the ''AAA'' system.

4) Songs Too Easy
For the most part, the majority of the songs are just too easy on the Basic setting. You'll have no trouble gaining ''AAA-Perfects'' on most of the stages. But there are exceptions. The Small World mix featuring Donald Duck as the DJ is fast an tough, almost Paranoia level. And when you get to Maniac Mode...lets just say you need to be REALLY good!

5) Lack of Modes
Only 3 Modes of play? Where's the Non-Stop mixes? Where's Endless Mode? And no Edit Mode? Not even Paint Mode? This is a problem that plagued the first US release as well. Without the multiple modes, the replay value drops a lot.

OVERALL:

This game rules. Even with the Disney license. It is a definate rental for the casual fan, and it will give you a great fun-filled week-end if you have nothing to do. For hard-core DDR fans, though, you won't be dissapointed. And until more mixes hit the US (BWAHAHAHAHAHA! I kill me!), it's a great diversion to tide you over. I put my recommendation all over this thing!

SCORE: 8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 09/27/01, Updated 09/27/01