Dance dance revolution

[-D12-_LMN8R]

Well, since last year at camp where I first learned about DDR, I've completely gotten hooked. I got to the arcades at least once a week and spend $5-10, I have the crappy PSX DDR USA version, and I'm also going to get the just-released Konamix soon (which has all the good songs from 5th mix), and I'm just about doing 9-footers on my first try. 7 feet is a sinch, and 8 feet, except for Drop Out (which Konami will be rating a 9 in all future versions), I can do them all. I've passed Drop Out before, but didn't do so hot. I think I was playing with someone else who was on Trick and barely saved me.

Anyways, who here plays it? I know most of the counselors do, but how good are you? I was a n3wb to this game at camp last year, so I didn't really pay attention.

DDR = BEST GAME EFAR!!!!!!!!

btw 6th mix sux, 5th mix = best

[Stanley]

Unfortunatly, I don't get to play as much as I would like (we don't have any machines near me). And i'm stuck playing the different mixes at home. I've noticed a few interesting things. Mainly that the foot ratings actually fluctuate depending on the mix. Generally I find that 3rd mix's ratings are a little low for each song. In contrast 4th mix are generally a little high. 5th isn't two bad. I don't play much Best of, with 3rd, 4th, and 5th mixes, i don't have much reason. And DDR first mix (no it's not usa, i've actually played on DDR USA machine, trust me, it's worse) is fun just for old memories and the songs are ddr classics.
As for skills? It's hard to say, our current batch of home pads kind of suck, so i'm having issues with consistency. I'm not quite up to my friends level (he goes to um, sight reads 9's and aces them) but i can hang on most stuff. Have sight read a few 9 footers and passed (I switch the mix I play too often for me to remember how paterns go). Doubles is a different story. I'm a little week (one of my pads broke early and stopped doing doubles back in december), but i've been playing more since the new pads come in, and it's coming back. Hopefully, i'll be in full gear for camp, who knows.

[Mode_X_Crash]

Hey everyone, the first time around Camp CAEN King of DDR is back and better than ever ^_^. I still play and play at least 5 times a week and spend 25 bucks a week. I entered my first tourney at the Detroiter Truckstop by my house and did fairly well in both freestyle and tecnical, I can do 8's easy and 9's give me a tiny bit of trouble, "Cant stop Falling In Love = Cant stop breaking my legs" ^_^ Anyway LMN8R I'll be able to help you on Drop Out Maniac, it's really easy once you get down the first crazy running part after the break, people think it's on long straight string when it's really just 3 steps real quick. Anyway I cant wait to play with all other fellow DDR players at Petes, DDR Max = L33t, Cowgirl and Candy are my favorite songs on maniac, MAX300 = Impossible LOL! anyway cya all later

~Donovan
( Counselor all sessions ) http://campcaen.engin.umich.edu/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[-D12-_LMN8R]

Alright cool, yea I played 5th mix again today. I barely passed Drop Out, lol. I also tried Dead End, which isn't too bad but I need work on. And Can't Stop Falling in Love = OMG THAT SONG SUCKS AND ROX AT THE SAME TIME!!

I'll have my (modded) PSX pads, as well as DDR USA and Konamix at Caen this year.

1st session I'm rooming with Adam (aka. Kows), and 2nd session I'm a CIT (yahoo), so 2nd session I'll have plenty o' DDR room http://campcaen.engin.umich.edu/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Spaceman_Bob]

:-D I felt that I had to enter this topic....
Let me just say I'm pretty glad the Donovan introduced me to this game last year, I've been hooked since then. Unlike Jordan, I have a life :-Þ hehe j/k, so I'm not that good yet, but after camp I'll hopefully be doing 8's....

[Stanley]

I would just like to say that I got a copy of ddr konomix today for 30 bucks in NYC. God life rules!!!

[-D12-_LMN8R]

It's $30 everywhere............... http://campcaen.engin.umich.edu/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

So far so good, I just need to go and unlock more of the good songs. I hate it how you pick one group of songs and need to stay with it for all 3 songs in your turn, kinda sucks, but oh well.

Fku evan http://campcaen.engin.umich.edu/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[Stanley]

yeah, but that's how 4th mix home was too, so it's not a big change for me.

[-wu-]

konamix is sold out everywhere in Ann Arbor. The people up at Toys R Us never even had it in stock.

[Stanley]

after playing some extensive konamix tonight, i have determined one thing. It is highly lame. The new songs that I have unlocked and played have all been pretty easy. Even on maniac i can sight read and easily pass 8 footers. If you can, get a copy of 5th mix. It's far superior. Although few home versions are as good as 3rd home. But that's just MHO.

[-D12-_LMN8R]

There's plenty of challange to be found in this game. Â*And anyways, those of us without PS2s and without mod chips who don't feel like paying a dollar each time in the arcades will like this a lot. Â*It has most of my favorite songs from 5th mix (Dead End, Drop Out, orion 78, etc.) plus solo mode adds the 6-panel mode.

Pretty much, all of the versions 1-5 which use the foot ratings have gotten as tough as they're gonna get, with Konamix and 5th mix being the toughest versions. Â*That's why DDR Max and Max2 have incorporated the graphs - they can be rated MUCH tougher (and are).

Konamix is only boring if you can pass 9 footers easily on your first try. Â*Other than that, you have the 52 total songs, most of which are awesome, plus the 6-panel adds a huge new degree of challange.

I've found that all of the songs in 6-panel mode are rated on a scale of 2-10 instead of 1-9. Â*For example, Afronova is normally a 9-footer on maniac, and on the 6-panel mode it's actually one of the few songs which doesn't have steps written for all 6 panels (only the normal 4). Â*Yet, even though it hadn't changed, it was still brought down to 8 feet. Â*That leaves room for the 9 foot 6-panels, which are pretty much 10-footers. Â*Overall, it's a huge challange for people who haven't completely mastered DDR yet, like myself.

[Stanley]

Personally, I think people should just stick to DDR 1st mix if they don't wanna get a disk exchange (30 bucks to play copies and imports on ps1). It's not DDR USA like everyone thinks (DDR USA is an arcade machine) and the songs are better. The other thing is, Konamix leaves about a bunch of the really cool parts of 5th (or at least i haven't seen them yet) like speed changes. Plus it's only Konami originals, so it doesn't include music by Me and My, Smile .dk, Bambee and Captain Jack. Ultimatly, save you money, get a disk exchange and pick up 3rd, 4th, or 5th mix. It's so much more worth it.

[-D12-_LMN8R]

Hey Stan, I have a couple questions for you. Can ya IM me at dLMN8R or ICQ me at 25493940? thx

[jyorke]

Hey, anyone know where I can get some cheap pads to practice on before I get to camp? I can obtain the games easily enough, and supposably many people at camp will have good pads, so I just need some cheapos to practice on. Stan has already informed my that my room will be transformed into a DDR and Puzzle Fighter parlour, so I might as well be able to compete.

[-D12-_LMN8R]

There are some $30 or so pads at Buy n' Shop (BNS brand) that I've heard VERY good things about. But as all soft pads go, you'll probably want to mod it. For example, I have crappy $25 Naki pads, but they work well because I've modded them. What modding is, is putting it on a piece of plywood, and covering it with hardwood floor covering. Staple (with a staple gun) the floor covering into the wood, and you'll all set. Remember - do NOT PUT THE STAPLES THROUGH THE DANCE MAT!! Overall, it increases the life a lot of the pad, and overall just makes it infinitaly better.

Look for the BNS pads, I think they're good.

[-D12-_LMN8R]

This is an excellent deal right here:

2 BNS pads + DDR Konamix (http://www.buynshop.com/productinfophp3/VG-DDR-ULTX2)

Stan don't get started on konamix, it's good for people who aren't gods and who haven't played all the import versions.

[jyorke]

I picked up a copy of Konamix from Target and got a pad from a guy in my neighborhood for $15 yesturday. It's a Trustmaster pad, they sell them for $20 at Funcoland... seems pretty good, but I dunno... at least everyone I've talked to says that they are better that the $25 MadCatz ones, so that's something going for it at least. Only problem is when I stand in the middle, I'm constantly hitting either up or down. Must be becuase I have big feet. You know what they say about men with big feet...... they have problems with the menus in DDR. :-P

After two days, I got my first A just now, on Let Them Move Basic (3 foot). I also managed to sight-read successfully for the first time (Orion.78 - 3 Foot). So, yeah, I'm nowhere near your guys' level, but I'm workin' on it. Hopefully I'll be better by the time camp comes around (luckily I've got nothing else to do).

Why did no one tell me how cool DDR was before? I always thought people looked dumb playing it (and I'll admit that I do), but I never figured it would actually be fun :-) .

Anyways, back to it.

[Mode_X_Crash]

Alright sorry all but I must update on my l33tness. I went to my local 5th Mix today and tried every 9 foot maniac on the machine and only did'nt pass Rythym and Police ( HORRIBLY HORRIBLY MEAN GALLOPING 9 ) but everything else is sooo cool, I love "CANT STOP FALLING IN LOVE SPEED MIX" By the way, an easy nine to impress your friends with D12 is Japan, just learn basic gallops and your set. I'll be posting again once I beat Max300, very soon ^_^

[Spaceman_Bob]

hey donovan, you hear that, jyorke can beat your FAVORITE song, Let Them Move..... :-P hehe

[jyorke]

I sense a joke being made at the expense of the newbie (me)...

* Starts taking down names *

[Stanley]

There will be no tearing down of newbs, in any game. None at all. Those who think it's cool to make fun of newbs, prepare. That's all I'm saying.

[Spaceman_Bob]

no no no! You got me all wrong!!! I'm actually making fun of Donovan http://campcaen.engin.umich.edu/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif . He really hates that song, he thinks the singing is really annoying. All of you that know me know I wouldn't make fun of a newbie, I am one myself in many many games.......

[jyorke]

Yeah it is a tad annoying, but it's a good learning song IMHO, anyways...

*nods in agreement to Stan*

*crosses Bob off his list*

[Mode_X_Crash]

How very true, Let them move has the worst singing in ANY game EVER! period. *sighs* thankfully I have'nt heard it since the last years camp. Songs on the DONOVANS favorites list include "Cowgirl" (DDR MAX) , "Rythym and Police"(5th), and "Lets Groove" (DDR MAX) also to all you counselors obsessed with DDR, Stan and Spaceman in specific hehe, while at camp I plan on making acouple trips over to "Blasters Family Fun Center" during the off weeks or any free time for that matter. They have Ubah DDR machines as well as other Bemani series. Here is the list below...prepare yourself

(2) DDR MAX2
(2) DDR MAX
(1) DDR 5TH MIX
(1) DDR 4TH PLUS
(1) DDR Disney Mix http://campcaen.engin.umich.edu/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
(1) Para Para Paradice 2nd Mix
(1) Beatmania 6th Mix
(1) Drummania 6th Mix

best thing about it all is that they are lined up all on ONE wall hehe I went there yesterday and almost cried with happiness. MAX 2 rules and I suggest to everyone finding the closest machine to you and spending at least 20 bucks on "Candy Vocal Mix", "Waka Laka", and "Tsugaru" ( the new Japan, tons of gallops ^_^ ) ok I'm gona close up this huge post soon but first I wana point out to anyone who has'nt downloaded this yet. DDR FOR YOUR COMPUTER! FREE FOR DOWNLOAD /cheer you download the songs and the steps off sites found off of
http://www.teamgwailo.com/ddrpccentral/
but you have to have the program first to do anything so here it is..
http://ddrpccentral.teamgwailo.com/DWI/

hehe enjoy everyone and work on those skills, CAMP CAEN is closer than you think and DanceMasterDingDong ( My DDR Name ^_^ ) is ready to teach you in the arts of freestyle and anything DDR hehe...catch ya all later. e-mail me if ya want to at Donovan_G@Dork.com or AIM at Mode X Crash

CYA!

~Donovan

[Stanley]

Favorite songs (mind you this is music):
Dam Dariram (Dude, it's a camp classic)
Gotchya (4th mix, it's Starsky and Hutch, you have to like it)
Cowgirl (song is sweeeeet)

Btw, after playing Konamix some more, i've upgraded its status from lame, to mediocre. But only after my friends and I started unlocking the the other songs (we're on a kick, trying to unlock all of my disks before i leave campus). Still though...get a mod and 5th mix home....or 4th mix...both are...so good.

[GPeszek]

I've been trying (albiet in vain) to get my pads to work on this box. Problems with getting the adapters to work etc etc. *IF* I get it to work, I'll have DWI (dance with intensity) running with all of the mixes I can get my hands on (have 2,3,4 and 5 now if memory serves me). The coolest thing about DWI is that you can import songs and dance steps. Can you say Tunak Tunak all night long? http://campcaen.engin.umich.edu/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I can pass 4 and 5 foot songs arent i 1337?
when at Pinball Petes if you ever see a guy with a broken are and shagy hair playing DDR... Fear him... he passess 9 foot songs without sweeting.

[Stanley]

for a moment, i thought you were talking about one of my best friends from high school (he's a UM student) but he hasn't broken his arm. But it's cool, he should be around when not working at the Point this summer. Alright, back to my cs project.

[Mode_X_Crash]

I would pass 9's without a sweat if I was'nt so sweaty ALL the time hehe, I work a sweat sometimes playing DWI LOL!

~Donovan

[-D12-_LMN8R]

The arcade near me has 5th and 6th (Max), but will soon be replacing 6th with 7th. Thank god they're not getting rid of 6th though.

Drop Out on maniac = new favorite. http://campcaen.engin.umich.edu/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif - 8 feet, should be 9 feet

Other favorites:

Healing Vision Maniac - 8 feet
Dead End Maniac (can ALMOST do it) - 9 feet
Can't stop falling in love SPEED MIX Maniac (terrible name, sweet ### song) - 9 feet
Dam Dariram, both mixes, maniac - 7/8 feet
.59 maniac - very easy, but still cool - 7 feet
All of the paranoias almost all on maniac - 7/8/9 feet

more that I can't remember, with soon-to-be new favorites once the arcade near me gets 7th mix, soo I think.

[Mode_X_Crash]

6th mix = l33t I dont know WHAT your talking about hehe, 7th is better though cause it has all 6th,7th, and 5th so one 7th mix makes any location set for life hehe

~Don0van

WOO HOO! I made the 4th page.

[-D12-_LMN8R]

Well I just tried Max300 for my first time (standard, not heavy) and passed it with a C!! I played it like 10 times because it's so awesome, and only failed once. Now maniac, on the other hand........omg that was the most impressive thing I've ever seen when I saw someone beat it.

[simonsj]

for those of you interested in DDR, do NOT, i repeat NOT, come to the mishawaka area. We have one machine (i believe, i only live here two months out of the year so you cannot blame me) and it is 3rd mix. As for the greater Lafayette community (read Purdue) no general arcades are even in exsistence, granted i have not looked with too much effort, being a broke college student and all. I say we petition Konamix to put this stuff on GameCube, i might buy one of those in the future. Hmm, if i pay my housing i am 80 cents short on my credit card bill... let's see if i can earn enough money to pay tuition next year! stan, you and i have switched places...

[GPeszek]

Got some bad news too...

The people that were leasing the "Study Break" (for those of you camp vets, that was the room in Pierpont Commons that had the video games) didn't renew, so they took out all of the games. Â*Its all empty now, dunno whats going to take its place. Â**tears*

[Stanley]

*hangs head* this is a sad day.....but fear not, i will bring my home versions of the games, so there will be DDR (5th, 4th, 3rd and Konamix). BUt it is definetly a sad day for the camp.

[jyorke]

This is a sad, sad day http://campcaen.engin.umich.edu/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

Study Break was where I first saw DDR in person, and also where I played GuitarFreaks for the first time... it will be missed.

[Stanley]

Don't forget the games of Metal Slug back in the day.

Ach!
Will we still go to Pinball Pete's once during the sessions to get our DDR on?

-b

[Mode_X_Crash]

Duh how could we not, I believe it is my and stans duty to have "Trip to Petes" as the everday activity, I could do it, but I dont know if my paychecks could LOL!

~Donovan

[Stanley]

don't tempt me D, my wallet can't take that kind of hit. I'm definetly thinking there will be a lot more home playing than arcade playing for me.

well dont you guys wish you had my brother (http://www.j2e.org/ddr/).

[Stanley]

not really, seeing as how my friend and I built the first version of these:

http://drop0ut.ddrstl.com/DDaRcadepad/index.htm

i really don't feel envious. why buy when you can build.

nice!

you going to be bringing that to camp?

[Stanley]

he kept (and i believe he sold) the prototype. He still makes them for cash. I didn't have room for them in my dorm, but I may order a pair for over the summer and keep them at my club here.

[-D12-_LMN8R]

Ok, this is my new favorite run on 5th mix:

CSFiL Speed Mix Maniac
Dead End Maniac
Drop Out Maniac

Not necessaraily in that order, but those are my 3 favorite songs. On 6th mix, I play:

Max300 Trick
Orion78 Trick/Maniac
Max300 Maniac