Review
Release Date: 06.01.2000
Platform:
PlayStationDeveloper:
Konami Computer Entertainment TokyoPublisher:
Konami of America, Inc.Reviewed by
Luke Campbell on 4.28.2003
When a game series reaches its third installment, we hope that most of the initial bugs and gripes from the earlier games are smoothed out, and the series can really begin to shine. Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) 3rd Mix is an example of exactly how a sequel should be made. It improves upon the earlier DDR games without drastically altering the gameplay, and is a good choice for either the DDR beginner or the seasoned stepping veteran.
For the uninitiated, here is a quick run-though on how one plays DDR. DDR uses a peripheral dancepad controller, which the player stands upon during gameplay. Players select a difficulty, a character, and then a song. A row of stationary dark arrows are located near the top of the screen, representing up, down, left, and right. Colored arrows scroll up the screen, and upon lining up with the dark arrow, the player then steps on the corresponding arrow on the dancepad (or presses the controller button, if no dancepad is available). Depending on how well the step was timed, a rating for each step is given to the player, ranging from "Perfect!," all the way down to "Boo!," with "Perfect!" steps netting more points. This sounds easy in theory, but the execution can become terribly tough as the songs ramp up in difficulty. As a player goes from "Basic" difficulty to "Another," and then to "SSR," the songs contain more steps, and half-steps are thrown into the mix as well. DDR seems challenging at first, but with practice, any song can eventually be cleared. It all depends on how determined you are to do it.
The game can be played without a dancepad, using a standard controller, but it detracts from the overall experience. The point of DDR is to show off the dancin' fool within!
Graphically, this game does its job well enough, but won't win any awards for outstanding visuals. The interface is mostly in English and is easy to use, making it very import-friendly. The characters, which dance around in the background while the game plays, are fairly basic 3D models. The backgrounds during the gameplay are varied and unique, resembling a kind of LSD-inspired kaleidoscope, with all sorts of random items, designs, and animals swirling and scrolling around. While these can serve as a distraction the first few times you see them, once you get focused on watching the arrows, the backgrounds don't even need to be there. In fact, an option to turn the backgrounds off is present. While the game doesn't razzle-dazzle as far as visuals go, it was never meant to, and it doesn't detract from the gameplay at all.
Sonically, the game shines. Music is snazzy and upbeat, and you'll find yourself whistling some of the catchier DDR tunes even when you're not playing. The music in 3rd Mix covers all kinds of musical genres, from rock to techno to R&B, so there's something in here for everyone. The only drawback, as far as audio goes, is the announcer. While you play, an announcer will cheer you on (with lines like, "This is the best show I've ever seen!"), but as soon as you miss a step, he can also come down pretty hard on you (with a line like, "Your moves are lame!," or even booing you). It's a minor annoyance either way, because you can only hear the same comments so many times. But again, as with the backgrounds, the announcer can be turned off. DDR's soundtrack is excellent, and is available through import shops as a double CD set, which goes to show how good it really is.
One of DDR's major pluses is its replayability. Unless you can get a "Perfect!" on each step in a song, there is always room for improvement. Also, by replaying the game, new gameplay modes and songs are unlocked. Initially, Arcade Mode, Diet Mode, Lesson Mode and Training Mode are open, among others. Later, you'll open Paint, Endless, and Bonus Track. Since there are a ton of options available, here's a quick rundown on each.
Arcade Mode: the game as it appears in the arcade. Play three to five songs, shoot for the best score, and show us your hottest dance! Play alone on one dancepad, on two dancepads (Double Play), against another player (Versus), or together with another player (Unison).
Diet Mode: DDR with a calorie counter attached. Gameplay can be set to count calories burned as you step. The game length can be set for x amount of time, or until x amount of calories are burned. Three difficulty levels exist in Diet Mode, just like the other modes. A fun way to exercise!
Lesson Mode: Step by step tutorial on how to play DDR. The text is in Japanese, but following the onscreen foot cursors make this mode a breeze to learn from.
Training Mode: Having trouble passing a particular section of a song? Training Mode allows you to go in and play any portion of a song you choose, with a speed option that allows you to speed up or slow down the arrow speed. Really helpful for some of the more complex step patterns.
Edit: This mode allows a player to make their own step pattern for any song, on any difficulty. These can then be saved onto the memory card and replayed later. Creative players can make some really tough step patterns.
Nonstop Order: Don't like the default song selections for Nonstop Mode? Change them here.
Paint: Draw your own arrows in Paint Mode, which can then be used during gameplay.
Endless: Want to test your endurance? Endless mode is the place to do it! Songs are played without stopping, and will continue to play for as long as you can stay on your feet. (Note: I could only make it to about fifteen songs in before I had to sit down)
Bonus Track: Two songs from the Arcade 4th Mix become available for trial, "Gimme Gimme Gimme" by E-Rotic and "Bumble Bee" by Bambee.
With all of these modes and options, and a seemingly endless list of songs to unlock, you'd think that there's no way Konami could cram anything else into 3rd Mix, right? Wrong. DDR 3rd Mix is actually three games in one: 3rd Mix, 3rd Remix, and SSR. 3rd Mix is the standard game, 3rd Remix has a larger track list and more characters, and SSR presents the 3rd Mix songlist, but all songs are played on SSR difficulty. Also, a disc change option allows for players to swap out 3rd Mix with DDR or DDR 2nd. This allows you to play DDR and DDR 2nd Remix with the 3rd Mix interface, which is great, as DDR and DDR 2nd Remix each have a pretty clumsy interface.
DDR 3rd Mix was released in June of 2000, but still has a steep price tag today, averaging $60-$70 new. But considering the amount of gameplay that is contained within this single disc, it comes highly recommended. If you're a fan of the US DDRs and have a PSone that plays imports, pick it up. You won't be disappointed. Tack another point onto the rating if you've got the dancepad.
