Die! Die (DDR)!
by Heather Sommer

I hated it. I had no rhythm, the graphics made me worry about seizuring, the tracks were incessant and the idea of dancing around in order to play a video game appalled me. Video games were created for those who’d rather control characters and have them do the dirty work. I can’t tumble or shoot a gun, why should I have to dance? Then it happened. I was left alone with the accursed game and a pad and I was stressed out over work (not to mention having a definite lack of internet to distract me from real life). All sanity and logic left me.

DDR Max was the game. I tried it a few times before (in different incarnations of the title) and vowed to never do it again. Watching was a bore, though, and I’m a creature of action. As it turns out, the DDR series is tastefully done – and the music featured is definitely a staple in most techno-and-dance fans’ collections. But what about hardcore video game fans?

The first image that jumps to mind is the hardcore DDR fan – the ones who spend hundreds of dollars a month playing in the arcade, stomping away at a tune in ‘heavy’ mode and not missing a single note. They’re sweaty, of questionable sanity and vicious when it comes to giving up time on the machine – only breaking for water and losing water. There’s a stigma that comes with admitting enjoying the game, though, and that image is the definitive stereotype.

Honestly, though, the series has its merits. The soundtrack is, perhaps, the most obvious, each game title boasting mixes from Captain Jack, Naoki, Chemical Brothers – appearing alongside more obscure, but equally talented, artists. American and Japanese, to most people’s surprise. It is a culturally musical mix. Who said dance beats weren’t diverse?

Game play is simple (theoretically), merely stepping on an arrow when it reaches the top of the screen. Game play is also difficult, as oftentimes it is necessary to jump on two arrows at once, hold down an arrow (freeze arrows) and maneuver into seemingly impossible combinations at seemingly breakneck speeds. Tracks’ tempo can also change halfway through, tripping even an avid player up unexpectedly. Sometimes the rhythm is nearly discernible without concentrating quite hard – also making it difficult to move one’s feet to the beat. Then again, that might be my inability to do anything music-related. That’s why I only use ‘light’ mode (DDR Max) and ‘beginner’ mode (DDR Max 2) – others who are either seasoned or enjoy a challenge can choose from ‘light,’ ‘standard,’ ‘heavy,’ or DDR Max’s ‘oni’ mode – which only allows for four mistakes to be made.

Need moral support but don’t want to look completely foolish? Certain DDR titles feature AI commentary, ranging from cheers to loud, well, ‘boo’s. Do you learn by doing? Follow the tutorials, covering most aspects of the game via lessons. Then turn off the ‘failed’ option, allowing you to continue through a song even if you only hit two arrows correctly.

The bright and constant graphics in the series may seem as though they’d distract the player from the task. When one finds the rhythm, however, following the arrows becomes easier – thus the background graphics hardly matter after a certain point.

If you’re not shy, compete against a friend (or foe). If you’re extremely skilled, play ‘double’ – meaning two pads instead of one. Jump from one pad to the other as the song dictates, or work cooperatively with a friend to dance to an entire song.

This game is full of choices, and anyone could find it enjoyable – but the first step is admitting it to oneself.
Perhaps the biggest accomplishment of the DDR series is its ability to get those VG couch potatoes (you know the type) up and moving. While the game does have a ‘workout’ mode, it is most likely the challenge of ‘beating’ (or mastering) a game that provides the motivation. Even former cheerleaders or dance team members will find it challenging – something that can provide comfort to those not wholly physically inclined.

I hated it. And there’s still one thing I hate about the DDR series, as a whole: it’s highly addictive.

I came in thinking a rant of DDR was going to happen, and found myself a little disappointed. Not that your review was poorly done, just that the title didn't completely fit the article...... now I must hold my head in shame as surely as pro would love this.

Monty

It sounds more like you were reviewing the game. Anyways, like Monty, I also expected you to bash on DDR. I never actually played the game with a pad. The most I did was play the game with a controller. It will be a cold day in hell if you ever catch me on that dance pad.

DDR blows, and anyone that is willing to pay a dollar to play a game where you jump on four pads over and over again is insane. You know why people do it, is because they know there's OTHER goony people that play it, and they want their status.

I'm sorry, but this game is horrible... I admit I do like some of the music, but other than that it's not worth the praise it gets.

Ugh - it does read much like a review. Sorry. Still my opinion, though!

Tomorrow I get a break from booth babing to compete in a beginner tourney. Wish me luck, even if you hate it?

Thanks for the feedback!

Wait, you're a booth babe?

I'm both curious and suspicious at the same time... I demand picks of this supposed babing, you can't make such a statement and not expect skeptics like me to cry out " MUST BE THE MONEY "

My god, what has this world come to.

^LMAO Is that Spam? Well I would never play it because I'd look retarded. I don't Dance. They call us men for a reason. Oh. But If you like it. It's cool. I bet it's great excercize. Even Though We have a Dance Pad thing at our House...

This game is dedicated only for Overweight gamers, lol.
I have the pad in my house, but I never touch it. What a waste of my money.
And yeah, some of the music are nice, but thats all.

Yes, I was a boothbabe. I'd have to find the drooling, pre-pubescent males to post a pic of me, sadly. My cam isn't that hot.

Point of interest: I placed second in a TTR tournament. Yes, that's Tekken 4 played on DDR pads. I am teh hot.

Or very, very sad. Regardless - I won!

Lol, hey I like this game! I get good exercise and some tracks are worth being praised by me...

I actually don't get embarassed to play it in arcades, and I can spare P10 to play it, that's merely a few cents for US people to play 3 songs...

I agree with Shadowwalker, I like this game. It's fun and it's good exercise, and all of you guys complaining about paying "a dollar to jump on four pads over and over again" *Glares at Evil Dead*, it's no worse than paying so much money a month to go to a gym and push some heavy weights up and down.

I bet you guys don't like it just cuz you can't do it. *Riverdances away*

well i dont kno really about DDR i think its a really sick game that me and my friendz play for hours. I use to hate DDR but i got use to it so i think u should try it.




~~~~~~~Mike~~~~~~~~~

O yea, for the people that hate DDR idc if u do ya kno its just a game u dont have to like it if u dont want 2. Keep it cool with games




RPG #1 FAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!













~~~~~~~~~~~~~Mike~~~~~~~~~~~

I use to play DDR until a cousin of mine killed the game for me. It started out cool but then every time we went to play we'ed end up leaving because he gets raging mad at it and then I have to put up with his bs for the rest of the day. Because of him I now can't listen to certain music, play certain games, go to certain places because if I do I remember all the crap he put me through and it pisses me off.

So my advice to you is, if you plan on playing, make sure you're either pro or nobody else is playing the game (unless the players can't play either). Most of the people who play are cool, it's just the select few that can ruin your entire day by trying to start some sheet with you or a friend.

But if you really feel like stepping and you don't want the ridicule, play Pump it Up. Nobody plays that game anyways.

Lol... opinions differ, no use trying to argue that someone's viewpoint is wrong because it is a person's own opinion, you can't change it and you shouldn't try. Unless that person thinks a rooster is a penguin... that's a different matter.

Now, my opinion. I like DDR, because it is good nice exercise and has nice song... it trains my speed and coordination as well and since I'm learning karate, it helps tremendously. But I play DDR at home or when the place is not filled with people (I hate embarressing myself too much). Now, this is my opinion and if you think I'm a silly bint-head for liking DDR... *shrug* you're entitled to your own opinion.

PS. to TED, I AM insane

i didn't really like ddr until i started playing it, its fun once u know what ur doing.

yea i kno, ddr is a pretty tite game.

I have to say this itself is...how did you put it? ...Oh yeah, 'Appalling'.
DDR is a fun game, and if you dont like it fine but who cares about your opinion?
A review is one thing, a bash is just plain f*ckin stupid

Anyone who stereotypes people who play DDR doesn't sound very intelligent (Not to say you aren't intelligent, you just don't sound intelligent). People are different, they may have similarities, but also uncountable differences. Stereotyping = a convenient tool, but an amazingly innacurate tool.

I happen to like playing DDR, because in my opinion it's fun...and pretty good exercise...But is there a true DDR Stereotype? No. In fact, there aren't any true stereotypes at all, Duh...

I am actually somewhat of a fan of this game. I went through it and had fun. Got decent and now I rarely play the game. Still it is fun to bring ot for some friends to make them feel bad.

oOo....i actually kinda like this game...to me, it's a good form of exercise and it trains my coordination and speed....and it's fun!....i like the music too...the beat is nice....makes you wanna dance and dance and dance....there was even once where i dance so much i almost collasped....>_<

Sorry to tell you but if you hate ddr you are like such a dumb #####.And a big Nub.

It might be fun for a party. But, I honestly don't care for it. I'd rather practice with blades for exercise.

grr my dance pad brike. And this is a problem that has happened to alot of players. Cheap dance pads ripping off the customer.

Lol, It's funny seeing the posts "if u dont like ddr u r a $%^$%1"

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.. let them be.


Me, I love DDR. Every chance I get, I'll play it. Even at the mall or at the beach. It's really cool having a group of people crowd around you and your friend watching then when your done if you do an okay job, they clap for you. I'm really not that good though. I can do some standard songs, but I stick to light mode most of the time.

TTR on the other hand, I couldn't stink more. I wind up just sitting there hitting one button until my leg falls off. My friend owns me at the game, but you can always hit them in the face then kick their charecter's ass. =D

[SIZE=1][FONT=Optima][FONT=Arial]
DDR Doesn't suck, and anyone that says so should be pimp slapped
First, you gotta understand the whole aspect of the game, and it's philosophies! Live life to the fullest! Dance all night long! Don't give a ##### about other people watching! Groove to the funky beat, kno what im sayin'??
There is no reason why you should hate on it, cuz it's really tite! The only people who'd NOT like DDR are like these:
1) Serious and not fun
2) Don't got rhythm (ravers got it! )
3) Listen to rock music (oh, you mean THAT lousy #####??)
4)Are dumb
5) Don't know what life is meant to be about!

Those who DO like DDR are like these:
1) Love life and live it dancing!
2) Go with the flow and don't hesitate!
3) Got passion! (I'm best at the songs I like, y'know?)
4) Kno how to smile!
5) Like to have fun!
6) Never sweat (as in drippity-drip-drip type of sweat)!
7) And of course, love rave music! LIKE ME!

So, in other words, if you don't like DDR, YOU must be the shithead!
I love it, and my life is good! Woohoo! Get funky! Go wild! Get busy child!

at first i hated DDR cuz i dance for real and cant dance that way to a machien so it took me awhile to get down the movements needed to play DDR and not use real dancing i was taught as a kid...

Music is excellent though, love the music they play

Harsh words man, those are harsh words. The reality is, the people who bash DDR the most are usually the ones who wish they could play --- without the embarrassment of having to learn. I'm a firm believer that everyone could learn to like this game if they gave it a true effort, if only casually.

I played DDR once and I SUCK at it, but I love playing the online version FlashFlashRevolution

lol, I guess we're reviving an old topic here.

I used to agree with a lot of you. I didn't think that the game was worth the time and money. But after I finally got up on the machine, I was hooked. Now a year and a half later, I'm one of the better players around. Beating any console game just can't compare to the sense of reward when you finally pass a song that you have been trying to do for the past month.

A person shouldn't have too learn too like a game.

i don't know... i like DDR. It's fun, challenging and it keeps me moving. Without DDr i don't think i would do any moving except for moving from my bed, to the computer, or to work, or to school. which is pretty sad. I get bored with weight machines or tread mills or exercise bikes etc etc. DDR is my way of "working out" and having fun at the same time. I admit that the music on the american DDRs suck but hey, you can't go wrong with "like a virgin" hehe.
now i suppose if other gamers have the patience and attention span to exercise in a different way then DDR might not be for them. But i love the idea of jumping around and using my feet instead of kicking back on the couch and wasting away in front of the TV. though i do alot of that too lol. it keeps me somewhat healthy and i find it very fun.
the arcade ones i don't play very often because yeah, i don't want to pay a dollar for a game of DDR. i'd be broke by now if i didn't just purchase th e game for myself. in the end it has paid itself off. for the people who are too embaressed to try DDR in the public then why not just buy it? kind of hard to get without ordering online in canada but i know that it's available in stores in the US.
video games are made for entertainment, but entertainment doesn't necessarily mean no exercise or movement what so ever. DDR is fun! just give it a shot, yes, moving around and getting a bit sweaty is required, but it's really fun specially if you got a few friends to play with.

DDR is really fun. I suck horribly at it, but it's fun. I never really hated it, although I thought it was a bad idea at first, but it is addictive.

What we do need are harder dance pads on the home versions.

I too enjoy DDR. Some of the tunes are rather catchy, and it's fun to do something that actually challenges me physically. Although, I am not obbsessive over it.

Maybe $5 at most on the game whenever I play it, and that's usually once or twice every two months or so.

Gemini_Bloodian

DDR is awsome i think at least. it is cool just to play it casually with friends. those hardcore people are crazy though.

I've never played this game but I've heard from some people it's stupid and sucks, and a few others that it's really good and they love it. I'm gonna have to see for myself because I need my own opinion on it.

Truly, we had to stick our pad to the floor to dance so we won't be missing the keys. >.> But then again, harder means bulky and not so portable.

Jungle Book Groove party was better...

Who doesn't enjoy the odd game of DDR on one of 'those' saturdays (i'm sure most know who I mean... and people who don't go out can probably imagine as well). I like a game where you can't take it serious... but if you do I fell sorry for you...

yeah ddr is a great game....
it requires skill balance and cordiantion
which are great things to train
especially for overweight unhealth gamers who dont do much......(not all of them are)
BUT the game is really anoying if u goto an arcade and someone challenges u and all they do is bar hug while u try to keep up with their cheating.....
the bars intent was to keep people from falling NOT HOLD U UP!!!
lol random rant lol
i have home pads i customized they dont have bars either
antinull.com

The DDR pads in a near by arcade is so dead it doesn't light up anymore. The freaky thing is that it's never available. There's always two people jumping for their lives competeing one another, a line beind them hoping to get on next and a huge crowd behind the very long line watching. It's a freaky sight. I have DDR mats at home xD

I love ddr but the truth is I only play it for..the money hehe

I got 150 dollers one weekend for competeting only a hour on saturday and sunday

It's tight Aight!

lol Sawyer

love ddr who burn those calories ahah

Bah!

DDR should be burned. Trashed. Or Destroyed in some odd unsightly manner.
My friend has DDR at his house, but the worse part is.. the T.V he played it on, broke.
When u play the home version, you seem to stomp down on the floor wich causes some of the stuff behind you T.v to become "un-done". Unless your a t.v person or someone whos good with that 'stuff' your out a couple hundred dollars (depending on your t.v)
Yup, so my friend had to buy a new flat screen tv, now.. im no expert on television sets, but the one he had was Nice!

if u dont believe me, your entitled to your own opinion.. unfortunetly








+Gamer

I love this game. Maybe because it plays techno music? That's a good reason; or maybe it's because I can lose weight while having fun.