Let's be honest: You already know if you want to pick up Dance Dance Revolution Extreme, and nothing I say is going to change your mind. The quarter munching, health-club-in-your-arcade game spawns forth yet another home edition, which means another mandatory purchase for arcade junkies.
For those who have been living under a rock, DDR is a dance simulator. Players jump around on a pad in timing with the arrows on screen. At least, in theory – it takes a lot of skill and practice to get right. The home versions also support gamepad input, but that method all but defeats the game's gimmick.
DDR's never been much to look at, so it should come as no surprise that Extreme's visuals are lacking. The cel-shaded onscreen avatars are a nice touch, as are the music video clips, but as a whole, this isn't a game you play to be stunned by the eye-candy.
Sound, on the other hand, has always been DDR's strong point. And while diehard fans might quibble over the track list, Extreme does a good job of striking a balance between the hardcore fanbase's beloved import tracks and appealing to a wider audience with more mainstream tunes. "Butterfly," "Boom Boom Dollar," or "Dam Dariam" would have been nice… but "Ecstasy" and "Move Your Feet" work in a pinch.
In addition to the blister-inducing main mode, Extreme is packed with extras. Sadly, the most intriguing extra mode – Eyetoy minigames – is both clunky and set up to only really work for those who have both the camera and a dance pad. A more fleshed out mode that could be played using only the arms, ala Konami's "DDR for the hands," Para Para Paradise, would have sent the game's casual appeal flying through the roof.
Here's the part where I tell you what you already know: Dance Dance Revolution: Extreme is a surefire bet for any gamer that's already a fan of the series. Everyone else knows better.
-George
Create an Account
Member Login
