BeatMania

"Konami rules!!!"

For those of you that have never heard of this game, Beatmania is a DJ simulator from Konami that is VERY popular in Japan. I'm not sure if this will ever hit U.S. shores, but if it does, it'll probably be a big hit here, too. My aim in this review is to help those who do not know what this is.

The gameplay is actually really simple. There are five "hit buttons," three on the bottom and two a little higher. The object of the game is to hit the buttons as types of notes "fall" down. Hit a note at the right time, and your beat will match the beat of the song. You can even scratch by using your "special" scratch button. Although using the basic Playstation controller may be hard and awkward to get used to, you can buy a special Beatmania controller to make it much easier. Just stop by your local Japanese import store to get one.

There are actually FOUR DIFFERENT DISCS you can play from. Each of them have a variety of song types, such as ROCK and ROLL, HOUSE, HIP HOP, VOCAL, TECHNO, and more. And by beating some songs, you can unlock more to play. Whoopee! There are even DJ battles, where you can battle another DJ!

GRAPHICS: Eh, Konami made this game to be a music simulator, not some super-graphic powerhouse like Final Fantasy VIII. What do you expect??? Graphics suck, but read on...it gets better. Graphics: 4/10

SOUND/MUSIC: BOOM! Here is the big one! There are so many songs to play (if you got all four CDs)!! The sound is very easy-listening and the music is very catchy. You'll be humming all kinds of songs at your school, workplace, bathroom, etc. Sound: 9/10 Music: 10/10

INNOVATION/CONCEPT: Well, the concept of this game is so easy to get into. Playing it for more than 9-10 hours, and it gets real boring. You might just play to listen to the songs or if you're with a friend. Innovation: 6/10 Concept: 6/10

PRESENTATION: Overall, Konami has made an excellent new original game. I like the whole "disc changing idea," too. They should be proud of themselves, ‘cuz I am. Presentation: 8/10

SUMMARY: All I can say is: new idea, very original. Keep up the good work Konami!

Rating: 7/10

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 11/23/99, Updated 11/23/99