This game is on the right track, but it fails to keep up with most DDR games.
In story mode, you can either play as Mario or Luigi, and you start off on easy mode. This is also required to unlock most of the songs. After you beat Bowser in a dance off, you unlock the harder difficulties. You can replay story mode any time you want, but I would stop once you unlock everything.
This game also has five difficulty levels (easy, normal, hard, very hard, and super hard). Super hard mode is about equivalent to standard mode in an average DDR game. Most people will realize that this game is slightly too easy overall. Therefore, this game is not as popular as most DDR games. Some people think that this game is only suitable for children and beginner players. That choice it totally up to you on whether or not this game is right for you. Yes, this game also has mush mode, and it does bring up more of a challenge.
Since this is a game cube game, DDR Mario Mix will have fewer songs than an average DDR game. It only has about 29 songs, and some of them should have been left out. For example, I feel that they should have never added Twinkle Twinkle Little Star because more people will stay away from this game. Most of the songs are Mario themed, so not all of the tunes are childish.
Another thing that will disappoint DDR fans is that this game doesn't have extra modes (speed up arrows, make them invisible etc.). I think that those features were replaced with a mini game mode. Mini game mode may suffice for a little while, but may bore out gamers eventually.
The good - the only official DDR that has Mario and Luigi, some good song choices, and mini-games suffice for a little while, also has workout mode and two player modes
The bad - not enough song choices (29 songs), difficulties are very easy even on super hard mode, story mode is also too short and easy, a few of the songs are childish like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, can't speed up arrows
Overall, this does lack for a DDR game, but some DDR and Mario fans may be still be impressed with this game.
Presentation - 6 There's a short story mode, workout mode, mini-game mode, options mode, single, and a two player mode.
Too bad this game doesn't let you speed up arrows.
Graphics - 7 The graphics are passable and colorful for a Mario game.
Sound - 6 This game has about 29 songs, and some of them are annoying to listen to. Most of the tunes are pretty catchy.
Game play - 7 This game has responsive controls, but it's a little too easy for most people.
Lasting approval - 5 Most DDR fans will be disappointed with DDR Mario Mix, but beginner players and Mario fans may be impressed with it.
I know that I did give this game a higher score on IGN because I was new with writing reviews. Now I'm more aware of the graphics.
Overall: 6.2 out of 10 Game spot Score: 6.0