arcade

DDR MAX, in the arcades, was the 6th version of the popular dance game, and contained all new songs. Almost none of those songs from the arcade version are in this version. That is disappointing.

However, there's very little to be disappointed about in this game in itself. The first thing I noticed is that the PS2 engine makes the arrows scroll much more smoothly than they do in the PSone versions. Also, the FMV backgrounds are very cool, and the interface is far easier to use.

The music selection is much more varied than in the first two home versions of DDR, though I'm not ready to say it's better. Some songs are incredible, including old DDR classics like Rhythm and Police and Gentle Stress, newer classics like Healing Vision Angelic Mix, Exotic Ethnic and Max 300, and new licensed songs like Take It to the Morning Light. Some hideous songs are included too, such as Celebrate, I'm For Real, Gambol, 22 Dunk... songs that could have been replaced by the many, many DDR classics that have never been on a U.S. home release.

Many songs have creative little tricks that make them more interesting than the Konamix songs, such as more tempo changes and stops. For example, in the song "Healing Vision Angelic Mix," the arrows, scrolling very quickly, suddenly halt completely for one beat, then keep moving. Once you know where the stops are, they're quite fun to play.

The freeze arrows, where you have to hold a certain arrow for a length of time, also make the game interesting, as sometimes they force you to spin around on the pad, face away from the screen or use one leg to tap several buttons in a row.

I am slightly annoyed by the inclusion of several songs from Konamix (Matsuri Japan, Healing Vision, Era, Baby Baby Gimme Your Love, Holic, etc.), because most likely anyone who buys this game already has Konamix. Other songs are repeated (Cutie Chaser, Look to the Sky, etc.), but these are new mixes and have new steps, so that's acceptable.

If you buy this game, do not, I repeat, do not buy the [...] pads available in stores. Order them online. If you buy soft pads, make sure they are the type that have a zippered compartment for padding on the inside...

I will rate this game into three different catigories.

Gameplay:
Great! Freeze arrows have been introduced and the animation of the arrows on the screen have been greatly improved. Also, the introduction of music videos adds a nice touch. There are three modes of difficulty so everyone can dance at exactly their skill level.

Music:
Now I know that everyone has different musical tastes but several people have told me that the songs in DDR Max are terrible. I am sorry to say that I have to agree with them. The arrows are really only half of the fun. The music you dance to is the other half.

Fun:
This game really fun. However, some of the fun is taken away by the terrible music. For some reason,Dance Dance Revolution is a really great game. It is great for parties and provides hours of fun and entertainment.

OK lets get started with this review!!

Storyline NA/10
This is no storyline to this game, all u do is DANCE!!!

Gameplay 10/10
This game is extremely fun u will spend hours playing this game!!! And now with the new option menu added u can increase the speed, and do a lot of other stuff with the game. If u have ever played Konamix, u r going to be amazed at how advanced this is.

Graphics 8/10
There isn't really any graphics in the game, except for the background image. The background image is fairly good; IT IS A BIG IMPORVMENT FROM KONAMIX BACKGROUND. Also for one of the songs true... Trance rise sun mix has a music video background

Sound/Music 10/10
YEAH of chores this gets a 10/10, the music for this game is absolutely wonder with such songs as Sandstorm, to Look to the Sky. This game has some of the best music out there.

Replay Value 10/10
U can never finish this game, there's always something new to do with it, like added options, and a whole lot of other stuff.

Overall 10/10
THIS is one of the best sports games out there! Highly recommended!!