DDR KONAMIX
featuring the RedOctane Arcade Size Dance Pad (Sold Separately)

C'mon.... admit it.... You're intrigued. You might feel like you have all the grace and savoir faire of Ichabod Crane, but you just can't stop looking at that dance pad in the game store display rack and want to give it a try. Maybe you're scared you'll look like Tom Hanks in Big, stomping on that larger than life piano keyboard. Maybe you're afraid of ending up in worse configurations than that last game of Twister you played (this could be especially embarrassing if it was an office party). Maybe you're just a big WUSS! Whatever the case may be, you have no excuse not to at least try this Konami masterpiece! DDR is back with a new groove and a whole new way to test your moves with: Dance Dance Revolution: KONAMIX.

Following up in the US to the original DDR, as well as the Disney Mix, the recently released DDR KONAMIX promises new music, new game modes, and all the fun of the original releases. In case you're not familiar with this challenging dance craze imported from Japan, the theory behind DDR and it's successors is to time your moves with the prompts on the screens. It's kind of like karaoke, but at least you don't have to break people's eardrums when you can't carry a tune. Instead, you must follow the music and the on screen arrow prompts to match your moves to the music. Do you have to be a good dancer to enjoy KONAMIX? Absolutely not. The ability to adapt to choreography is a must, but just because you have natural rhythm on the dance floor doesn't mean you're going to blast away the competition in DDR. It's all that hand-eye coordination stuff - except in this case its foot-eye coordination, and we all know how much fun it is to watch people try to get their motor skills out of chaos mode.

Speaking of modes, before you go thinking that DDR KONAMIX is just going to be a disc full of moves set to music, let's set the record straight. There are just a TON of modes to play in DDR KONAMIX. Here's the breakdown:

Game Mode: It's the core of the experience and what you've come to expect in the arcade versions. Hit your moves or get thrown off stage. There's an on screen meter to let you know how you're doing, and it that meter reaches zero - your game's over.

Solo Mode: At first you'd think this would just be a redundant form of the game mood. Au contraire, not only can you play using the standard four button arrangement (up, down, left, right), you show offs can play 6 button versions which give you an ever wider range of motions. This is NOT easy kids - if you haven't mastered game mode, don't step your foot in here!

Workout mode: Here was the hook line and sinker for me! What's better than getting truly involved in your gaming that actually burning away those extra ho-ho's doing it? What I found really cool about this mode is that you can also change the game options to only allow calories to be counted when you land steps. After all, who do you think you're fooling when you're standing there and letting the meter run while you take a few minutes to look dumbfounded at the screen?

Lesson mode: A MUST FOR NEWBIES! If you even try to place this game without getting into lesson mode first, you're probably gonna go home crying for momma. Or at least try to resell it before you question your ability to even walk in a straight line! This helpful 3 tiered course will make you master some of the fundamental moves (usually 8 steps in each tier), and get used to that dance pad under your feet.

Training mode: Sometimes you just need to focus on one thing at a time. That's what this mode is all about. If you're having trouble with a particular song, you can focus on it here. It's also a great way to get really good at one song and fool people into thinking you're just as master of the groove.

Edit mode: Okay all you Janet Jacksons and Paula Abduls - now it's time for you to go beyond just learning the moves and making up some of your own. This will no doubt be enjoyed by all those dance teams and pom pom groups as a way to absolutely flaunt the gifts that nature gave them when it comes to dancing. Plus, it doesn't hurt to just let your own rhythm do the talking. See if you can't best the pros behind the game!

Nonstop order: Have 10 or 20 songs you just love together and a few you just can do without. This mode basically does what your CD player does when it allows you to program the songs you like and then put them all on repeat mode. This is only good for play mode and solo mode, but the cool thing is you can import your own "edit mode" pieces into the mix.

Miscellaneous: Of course you know there are options - and these options are essential for the newcomer as it will allow you to move down the difficulty/speed of the game when you're first starting out. This is also where you'll change things like which graphics/effects you'd like to see, arrow configurations, and many other little tidbits to customize the game to your little heart's desire. There's also a section to keep track of your (or your friend's) records so you can keep track of just how much more DDR you're becoming!

Now I bet you're wondering/fearing just how hard this game can be? Well let me fill you in a bunch of little goodies you can change in DDR KONAMIX for Game Mode and Solo Modes. There's lots of fun things you can do once you get the basics down, including making arrows disappear and reappear at random times (talk about discombobulating), change the whole direction of where you're facing (Left, right, backwards), and even make it where the arrows don't appear and you need to hit the right area when the arrow merely lights up. The crazy thing is that when you do start the games you can go from basic, to trick, to maniac modes. How anyone can do the maniac modes is beyond me - but it is making me think that a trip to a local tournament would be more than worth looking into!

I was exceptionally impressed by the workout mode. As an aerobic workout participant myself, I just had to know how seriously DDR KONAMIX took this whole calorie burning thing. Well considering it lets you enter your weight, desired calories burned, time constraints (if preferred), and even a date to keep track of your progress. As I mentioned earlier, it also doesn't let you cheat, allowing you to get credit for calories you may not be burning. My advice: get a big glass of water or two by your side. While songs can vary from a little more subdued, to manageable, some songs, like Afronova Primeval will make you feel like you just ran the Boston Marathon. 

After mastering Konami's little plans for your aching feet, the edit mode can nicely challenge your own innate talents. This area is a bit difficult to learn if you're not thoroughly familiar with the game, but it is a fun way to add your personal touch to the experience. There are a number of helpful ways to set your moves correctly to the music and manipulate the steps you already have out there - but by the time you've mastered the regular modes, it does get to feel like second nature.

Music, music, music. Well that's what it's all about isn't it? DDR KONAMIX features genres from techno/house, trance, R&B, pop, and other mixes than defy definition, but still get your pulse moving.  Only 7 of the songs on KONAMIX are from previously released US versions, with 36 brand new US pieces highlighting the line-up. Even better, two of the songs have never been released on any other version anywhere. Each track is about 3 minutes or so, and they will continue cycling through whatever category you choose. For instance, you might pick a "classics" collection or a "calorie burner" collection. Some of the same songs might appear in different selections, but all in all, it keeps the variety fresh for people who like to play a lot.

The best thing about the music is that even though you would think it would sound a bit "foreign," just as the concept of DDR is still fresh in the US, getting into the KONAMIX music is just like stepping into your local techno bar/club. This is one thing that really helps in the comfort factor if you've done any clubbing yourself. One hint: one of the best ways to relax and not let all those crazy arrows fluster you is to just listen to the music and feel how it moves you naturally. Sometimes you might just find that the arrow orders make sense and it will feel more natural that trying to view DDR KONAMIX as a game of whack-the-mole.

All in all, even if I sometimes look about as a REAL badger trying to tap dance on a square gaming pad, there's once thing I always feel when playing this game - happy! I don't know why it's taking so long for this to catch on over here on this side of the puddle, but I'm hoping before too long I'll start seeing DDR nights on the local billboards rather than Karaoke nights. There are just so many wonderful options to make this game as easy or as difficult as you like - and it's got enough music collections and variations to keep you from ever really getting bored with the game. So slip those socks off and get your feet ready to move - will you be as sleek as a gazelle or as "graceful" as a gorilla? Don't be intimidated - be incited! With a little practice you might surprise yourself - and in the meantime have a little fun!

Graphics: 7
You're not buying this game for the graphics to start with, though they are a marked improvement over the original DDR. If anything, what the graphics do work to do is distract you from the already difficult challenge of keeping up with the arrows. The characters are kinda blocky and it's nothing you're going to want to use as wallpaper. 

Sound: 9
Some might be hesitant not to see any familiar faces in the track listing for DDR KONAMIX - but you need to remember two things: First of all, us Westerners haven't quite caught the fever that gave birth to the DDR craze, it may be only a matter of time before we can resort to something other than "Britney's Dance Beat" to hear some more familiar tunes. Secondly, and more importantly, techno-dance is a universal language, and if you're a true blue club goer, you're really not going to feel like the tracks to the game are foreign to your ears. You can go from trance to R&B in a heartbeat, literally, and it really works well.

Concept: 9 
This isn't just the original DDR with some new music added, boys and girls, DDR KONAMIX is a whole new experience - and if you haven't had the chance (or the guts) to try it out yet, there's never been a better time! With 54 new songs, 20 hidden ones, and enhancements to graphics and gameplay, DDR KONAMIX is an investment you more active gamers just won't regret.

Overall: 9
DDR KONAMIX takes gaming one step further than what we typically call interactive gaming. While it's not going to make you a Madonna backup dancer or the smoothest hip-hopper in the club, it will have you reaching for the biggest water glass you have in the house and cursing at the sudden appearance or your second left foot. This game is F-U-N, and with the right, high-quality dance pad (like Red Octane's pad - see note below), you will spend countless hours mastering your moves and then adding your own style to it.

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The Red Octane Arcade Size Dance Pad (Sold Separately)

You've undoubtedly heard a lot of warnings about those cheap dance pads out there. And if you think about it, it really makes sense - who wants to buy a second-rate version of something you're going to be pounding your feet (or big feet in my case) on for hours at a time. Well worry no more - the Red Octane Arcade Size dance pad not only does it's intended duty (give your feet a place to groove), it does it with style. I'll tell you one thing, there's nothing like seeing all those familiar start, select, triangle, square, etc.. buttons beneath you and really being able to "put your foot down" when you get frustrated with the game. It's got a really sharp silver design base, and like the name implies, it's got the full size feeling on the real arcade game. This is essential for practicing at home so that you can really show off at the clubs! It was really comfortable under the feet and is made of a durable material that didn't feel like it was going to crack after a week or too.

Still wary about trying out the new pad? RedOctane offers a 30 day money back guarantee on their products, and you can't beat that!