Visually the Xbox version does nothing new to the genre. A good amount of music videos support the beats in the background. Whether you are treated to real time videos or polygonal dancers, the eye candy is as good as it gets for the DDR series. On the foreground you are treated to an epileptic portion of arrows that move in time with the beat. You must get your timing right if you want to succeed. The interface is simple to navigate, but tough to master. Newbies will easily want to start off on a light level of difficulty and a slower song. This version is also by far the most difficult.

DDR Ultramix has over 45 songs to choose from in the R&B, house, and techno variety. What’s more you have the option to download new songs once you’ve master the current selection. The game’s songs are thumping in terrific 5.1 audio, so you neighbors can get their groove on as well. Club goers will recognize the selection of artists like Paul Oakenfold, Ian Van Dahl Feat, Who da Funk, and Masai. For the rest of the world, there is no Skynyrd, Zeppelin, Bad Religion, Hank Williams, or even REO Speedwagon. This is pure bass and heart thumping beats from artist you probably won’t recognize, but will still get your booty shaking to.

Game play is fast and breathtaking…literally. Don’t have a cardio machine in your home, no problem. DDR is a game that is fun and will have you dropping calories in no time. Timing is crucial in this game, and to be a winner you must have some rhythm white boy. The game is so particular on timing that you can’t just step all over the pad like the chick from Flashdance and still be successful. If you have low patience and a slow tolerance for demanding perfection, then this game may turn you off. Dancing fans will no doubt love this challenge and will be up for it…long into the night.

DDR for the Xbox has many features seen before. The traditional game mode has you choosing a song and dancing for the high score, Battle mode pits you against another dancer to see who be da best, Challenge mode moves through a variety of songs in different fashions to see how good you really are, Training gets your feet wet, Edit mode allows you to set your own routine, and Workout mode gives you a guide to burning off that Thanksgiving feast. One feature that is new to the genre is the Xbox live play. Now show off online complete with Optimatch, Quickmatch, and Create Match against a friend or another human player. Your scores will be added to the rankings board, so if you the hizzle, your shizzle with be displayed for the world to see. Konami was even kind enough to toss in a head set communicator extension, so you can talk while you dance. To be honest, I’m as white as they come, so my experience online was embarrassing to say the least, but you know, I still had a blast. The game was lag free, and if you’re new to the series, playing one of these guys/gals will show you the essential purpose of practicing. Downloading songs, thanks to Xbox Live is a welcome addition as well. With the Edit mode available, I was hoping to see custom soundtracks incorporated, but no.

So if you’ve been a fan of the series, an Xbox owner, and were about to plop down 200 plus dollars for a PS2 and the game, your pocket book just thanked you. Now this popular franchise is on the Xbox and a welcome addition to its library. It’s tough, yes, but it’s also a good time to be had by all.

Editor’s Note: Canadians who plan to purchase DDR Ultramix for Xbox may want to think twice. Konami has disabled the Xbox Live download capabilities for all Canadian accounts, due to song licensing issues.