Dance Dance Revolution advice

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

I'm thinking about buying some games from the Dance Dance Revolution series, but I don't know much about it. Here's a few questions:

Is the series still relevant? With all the new dance games (like Dance Central) coming out these days that don't require dance mats, is there any reason to even still play Dance Dance games?

What system had the best Dance Dance games? I know most of them were on the PS2 and Xbox, but there's a few on PS1, and some on the modern systems like Wii.

Is there one game in the series that stands above the rest, or are they all pretty much the same?

Are any of the mats compatible with more than one system. For example, can a PS1 mat be played on the PS2 to play PS2 Dance Dance games?

[Sunnyvale]

DDR Mario Mix for the GameCube gets decent reviews, but that could just be on account of the name 'Mario'. Beyond that, I dunno, sorry.

[PapaStu]

The best? It's about the songs, not about the 'game'. There are better songs on the DDR & Konamix (both PS) has a decent range of some of the better older songs. The PS2 games are alright. Don't bother with the XBox games, they were done by a US dev and the mixes aren't all that good. I've not bothered with any of the newer releases.

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

Don't bother with the XBox games, they were done by a US dev and the mixes aren't all that good.

Information like that is why I come here. Thanks. I would have figured the Xbox versions to be "copies" of the PS2 versions.

[joshnickerson]

I picked up all 5 of the Wii released DDR games (part of a workout plan that eventually lost me about 40 lbs), and they're pretty good fun, with an even mix of licensed songs and Konami originals, with some Japanese tracks sprinkled in. The licensed music was strictly covers in the first couple of games, but as the series went on, they got the original artist tracks. If you're not a fan of the licensed music, the most recent one is actually almost all Konami originals, and very light on contemporary tunes.

The Wii versions also feature the ability to use the Wiimote and Nunchuck in addition to the pad (except the most recent one, for some reason), but it's completely optional.

As for pad compatiability, I believe they're system specific... you can't use a PS2 branded pad on the 360, for instance. And if you do get the Wii version, be sure you're Wii isn't the newer model, as you'll need the GC ports to plug in the pads.

[Nz17]

As far as hardware compatibility is concerned, PS1 dance pads work on PS2. I'm pretty sure that continues onward to the PS3, with PS2 and PS1 controllers working on PS3. If you are interested in using one controller on many consoles, get a PS1 controller and a PlayStation->target console adapter. There are many, many different ones out there, and some don't map diagonals right, so be on the lookout for that information on any seller's page. The adapters are about $10 and you should be able to find ones for all gen. of console.

Music wise, I prefer the Konami-original songs and J-pop. Please be aware that Konami will change not just the music lineup but the background graphics in the Western releases. So get Japanese imports if you want the "pure" experience or shop around the North American releases to find the right mix of eastern and western music for you. And if you like European pop and house music, pick up the Dancing Stage titles from there - Konami called DDR "Dancing Stage" over in Europe for a long time.

[SpaceHarrier]

Some of these questions are difficult to answer, since music is so subjective. I've been playing DDR since 2003, with DDR and DDR Max being the first couple I was introduced to. I prefer the Konami original music, the Eurobeat style stuff and techno, even the cheesy j-pop. When I started, there was very little 'licensed music' -- mostly remixed disco hits.

Here are a couple things to remember:

1. The older the game, the more 'hardcore' the scoring system. The newer games are much more friendly with the timing element. Older games you will FAIL very quickly for a couple missed steps. Both DDR Max and Super Nova 2 are PS2 games, but I find Max is more strict about step timing, giving you a smaller window of opportunity to get a PERFECT to GREAT (which keeps your combo going).

2. The PS1 (and import Dreamcast) games only ran at 30 frames per second, making timing even more difficult, as you almost had to step slightly before the arrows collide completely. If you play a 60 fps version (PS2 and up) and then try to play one of these older ones, it can be a jarring experience.

3. Starting with DDR Extreme, you could use the eyetoy to 'touch' onscreen prompts, thus involving more than just your feet and satisfying any 'waggle' needs you might have. Despite having an eyetoy, I've never actually tried this, so I can't vouch for it.

I prefer the PS2 versions, they have a decent selection of the japanese songs, and there are numerous games in the PS2 series. I have:
DDR Max, Max 2, DDR Extreme, DDR Super Nova 2, and I imported DDR Party Mix. I love all of them, but I mostly play DDR Extreme and Super Nova 2. This is mostly because I prefer the songs/dance steps to these games better. Subjective.

DDR X and X2 (not to be confused with 'Extreme)have a ton of licensed junk. This may be a good thing, depending on perspective.

Another good game that plays exactly like DDR is In the Groove, also for PS2. Again, music is subjective, but if you like Euro dance, or techno, it has alot of good stuff.

I don't know about the Wii ones, I don't have room for more dance mats lying around.

I'm not sure I answered any of your questions.. LOL

[ChR0n1k]

I have played this series for over a decade, and yes it is still relevant IMO. This is more of a timing/accuracy type of game rather than the whole kinect no controller thing. I played the most on PS2 as it also played my old Konamix from PS1, which is a great one for the classic songs. I have never played any of the Wii or newest ones. I have Ultramix 1-3 I believe on the Xbox and they are quite good. My favorite title was Extreme, but I think that was arcade only (it had the big green marquee)

As far as the controllers, I think the Ps1 work on the ps2, but not vice versa. and an xbox mat has the specific xbox connector so you need one of those to play those versions. If you really want to go hardcore buy a metal mat on ebay that has a multi system connector and usb and u can play it on many systems. Or make your own ;)