DDRMAX2 is the 5th U.S. installment of Konami's long-running DDR series, and is probably the best release yet. The game can be best described as a fusion of old and new. The fundamental gameplay of DDR hasn't changed over the years, but there have been a few features added and removed. DDRMAX2 brings back a few of the beloved older features that have been cut from later releases and synthesizes them with the newest interface, graphics, and songs. DDR is still basically about putting your foot on the right arrow in time to the music. The game is almost completely worthless without a dance controller, but Konami is bundling them with the game for only $20 more, making the total price of game+pad a mere $60. There are a few modes specifically for beginners, such as lesson mode and beginner difficulty. There are also the old standby modes such as training, edit, and workout. Making its triumphant return in DDRMAX2 is nonstop mode. Players are able to pick from several nonstop "courses" which consist of a number of songs that are played with only a slight break in between. While some fans may miss the challengin "oni" mode from DDRMAX2, most will agree that the new nonstop mode makes a more than adequate substitute. Graphically, DDR has never looked better. Although the game is still primarily about scrolling arrows, those arrows look very nice. The game retains the 60 fps framerate and graphical polish that was in the first game, and the interface is slightly updated to look a little smoother. There are a lot more real music videos instead of just animations this time around, which definately increase the appeal for DDR neophytes. Long-time fans of the series will appreciate the return of selectable dancing background characters. As an added bonus, these characters are now more detailed and sport a cool cel-shaded look. The music selection this time around is very good. There's some solid new Jpop from the likes of Be For U, some hip-hop type tracks, recognizable dance hits like DJ Sammy's "We're in Heaven", and a few old favorites like Afronova and Paranoia KCET (clean mix). This mix probably does the best job yet of providing music that hardcore fans will love from the oldest and newest mixes as well as tunes that anyone will recognize from the radio. The new licensed songs tend to have steps that are a little on the dull side, probably because Konami wanted them to be accessable to new players, but most veterans won't mind because of the abundance of songs tailered to them. There are more songs with the 9- and 10-foot difficulty ranking in this mix than in any other U.S. mix. All in all, DDRMAX2 is a game that any fan of the series can't be without. And with the cheap pad bundle, this game is a great time for beginners to give the game a shot. Although japanese importers may not find too many new features or songs, anyone without the ability to play japanese PS2 games will certainly fall in love with this game.
Other Helpful Reviews for DDRMAX2: Dance Dance Revolution
This game is another amazing game by konami. It takes lots of the songs that are in the arcades, and also many that are on the radio. Most of the artists are well known. In dance dance revolution, as known by most people... Read Full Review
Dance Dance Revolution: DDRMAX2 is my favorite game out of the series. If you don't have time to go to the arcade and hop on a machine just to pump in quarters until your pockets are empty, this PS2 version is perfect f... Read Full Review
