Day 2: DDR MAX: Dance Dance Revolution

Playstation 2
2002

Now then, onto the Playstation 2 ports. DDR MAX. The home equivalent of DDR Max: Dance Dance Revolution 6th Mix. Featuring songs from many versions of Dance Dance Revolution series, this game had the most variety and versatility in terms of the song list. There are a select few slow R+B songs for the newbies, the instantly recognizable radio hits for the apprehensive(Ordinary World, and the now-famous Sandstorm by Darude), as well as a great deal of arcade favorites(Ecstacy, era, My Generation, Spin the Disc, etc).

PROTIP: The R&B songs(Secret Rendez-Vous, Let the Beat Hit 'Em) are best for beginners,
Midnight Blaze and the Naoki songs are fun for intermediate players,
and Heavy mode players should pride themselves by learning to play Healing Vision Angelic Mix, Rhythm and Police, the Paranoia's and especially MAX 300.

The graphics are crisp and clear and rival the arcade versions, and the sound goes without a hitch. The only qualms with this one I have are that there aren't as many videos in the background as there are on the arcade, and once again, the pad is slippery--especially for the more skillful(Standard, Heavy Mode players). This Dance Dance also included the new and frustrating Oni mode, which gives skillful players 3 strikes, and then it's game over.
One last thing, be sure to carefully watch your save data on your memory card--this game tends to corrupt very very often.
Overall, this one is great for its song list that will keep you coming back to enjoy again and again.



Graphics: 4.5 Although it could use more variety in terms of the background videos, the visuals are extremely crisp and clean, and the graphic design perfectly mirrors its arcade brother.

Sound: 5.0 An excellent selection of music--Konami really put a lot of effort into compiling this song list keeping both arcade fans and curious newbies happy.

Control: 4.5: The best way to play this game, hands down, is with the RedOctane heavy-duty dancepad. Whether with the glossy or standard plastic, it is the best brand to buy when playing this game on the higher difficulties. All other mats are inferior in comparison--and of course...you could always use the D-pad on a standard controller if you're tired or lazy.

Fun Factor: 5.0 : Definitely one of the better home ports of the Dance Dance Revolution franchise. Don't let the purple cover art scare you away from this great game!

A Prime Playlist:
In a 5-song Set:
1) Warm-up Song: Ecstacy or Dark Black Forest
2) Faster Paced: Era or Holic
3) More Fun: Midnight Blaze or Healing Vision
4) Getting Speedy and Damn Difficult: Healing Vision Angelic Mix
5) The Tough Song: Rhythm and Police(but it's fun as hell!)
OR
To try and impress the crowd: Max 300. But you HAVE to beat it!

PROTIP: Don't get discouraged when playing Heavy Mode--the songs tend
to followthe rhythm much better and flow a lot easier than on Standard Mode,
so just go with it when learning to play a new song.