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The main question that’s asked of every sequel is what it has done to better itself from its previous installment. Even if the new game is just as good, or even better than the last, that doesn’t necessarily mean it will get just as good of a score. If all sequels just added new levels, without changing much else, they would all just feel like expansion packs. A good sequel almost always has to add new modes, new character moves, improved graphics, and new concepts in order to be considered good. Sometimes, even complete gameplay overhauls are necessary to keep things fresh. No one wants to buy the same game over again, which is one of the reasons I neglected to play most of the .Hack series. The four games were almost identical, except for the story. Each game continued the tale of the last, and even allowed you to use your old game saves to start off with. It was almost as if you had to buy one game in four, fifty-dollar increments. What makes Dance Dance Revolution so weird (besides the obvious dancing craziness) is the fact that it has done all these “sequel no-no’s”, and that it doesn’t seem to matter. Sure, small improvements have been made overtime, and new modes have been added, but the main efforts shown in any new DDR game have always been in the songs (taking place of the afore mentioned new levels). And for some crazy reason, it works. I’ll start with the small list of improvements/changes. As I hinted earlier, don’t expect too much new stuff. All the modes from last time make a return (excluding Oni mode) with two new ones, Nonstop mode and Endless mode. Nonstop is for any of you who just couldn’t handle Oni mode (that’s me!). Instead of getting a game over after just a few missed steps, the regular life bar is used. Some additional challenge is added by the fact that it doesn’t recharge between songs. You can either dance to one of the preset song lists or make your own custom one, which is very cool. Endless is the last thing unlocked, and is an awesome idea. Upon selecting Endless mode, the game begins to play through every single song in the game, back to back. With over 65 songs, that’s a lot of dancing! As far as actual gameplay improvements, there’s nothing new like the awesome freeze arrows added in the original MAX title. However, there is a new difficulty setting that extreme beginners will appreciate, called, appropriately enough, Beginner mode. It’s super easy and even puts a dancer on screen displaying the correct steps. Anyone who’s played DDR knows how tough it can be in the beginning. I could have really used a beginner mode when I started out to help ease me into things.
The main reason for purchasing any new DDR release is for the music. MAX2 brings a balanced mix of over 65 new songs and returning classics. I found the music to be just as enjoyable as any other version I’ve played (to dance to anyway). The list does seem to have a larger amount of popular songs than before, which is good or bad depending on who you talk to. I’ve actually heard many of them outside of DDR, and that’s saying something. Hardcore DDR addicts need not worry though, as traditional Japanese and techno tunes the series is known for still abound. Some of the songs now have their real-life music videos to go along with them. This addition didn’t really matter to me, but some might enjoy it. DDR continues to be more addictive than Krispy Kreme donuts with crack sprinkles. It seems that my legs and energy level have always run out too early while playing. There have been times when my legs have hurt so bad after so many hours, but I’m just having way too much fun to quit. Believe me when I say the lasting appeal on this game is INSANE. The concept is just too sound to get old. Then add all the modes and modifiers, and you’ll be playing forever. Also, lots of extra people add even more to the excitement. MAX2 doesn’t do a huge amount of innovating, but like I said, that doesn’t matter. It’s just as much fun as any other version of the game. It’s up to you to decide if new songs to dance to are worth the price of admission. I found that they are. And I would like to invite anyone who still hasn’t experienced this game to give it a try. You might just find yourself a way to get some exercise, without ever feeling like you’re getting any. It’s a little hard at first, but practice makes perfect. One of the most entertaining things about DDR is just watching yourself improve, and you will improve. On one more side note, I’d also like to invite anyone who hasn’t tried Double mode to give it a try. A lot of people try it once and never do it again because they suck at it, and it feels weird. Playing double is almost like learning DDR again from the beginning. That means that you get to have all that thrill of progression one more time! Seriously, it’s worth the price of an extra pad.
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