Dance Dance Revolution S Review
Usually in the App Store you see a Lite version of a game a little bit after the full game comes out. The hope is that there will be interest in the game and then the Lite version will get them to try it and then the buyer will shell out money for the full version… but why am I telling you this? I’m sure you’ve already picked up a few Lite versions of games already.
But it was odd when Dance Dance Revolution S put out a Lite version for their latest game about two months ago and finally we get the full version. I admit that I loved the Lite version and was looking forward to getting the full version, but I’d almost forgotten about it by the time they finally decided to get on the ball.
Luckily they finally got a full version out and it seems to be exactly what all of us were expecting after playing the one song teaser.
The game is perfect for DDR on the go as your thumbs take the place of your feet and it wont be long before you find yourself working up a sweat. And much like the arcade version… I find I’m not near as good at playing the game as I am when I’m watching and “practicing”.
For the two or three of you not familiar with DDR here’s a little rundown. You’re job is to match the rhythm of some fun techno dance songs. Arrows fly up the screen and you have to touch your matching arrow at the same time as it passes through a zone at the top of the screen. What first starts off as a simple exercise quickly becomes a finger twister.
The music is a very important part of any DDR game and this mobile version stays very faithful. Fans of the game will recognize several songs and all of them will have your toes… I mean your fingers… tapping. I have to admit that I do wish that there were some more traditional (make that US) songs on the playlist. That type of thing always helps me in rhythm games.
And I’m not sure how… but this game seems to be the loudest game on my iPhone. And, yes, that’s a good thing.
Graphically the game also stays true to what fans are used to seeing. Only some might find the frame rate a little slower than what the arcades are throwing at them, but I’m not sure it could be handled any better on a mobile device.
One thing that was missing for me is a pause button. I know that the same thing would happen in an arcade, but on a mobile phone I’d love to be able to stop for a minute if I need to take a break or answer a question. Granted, taking time to push a pause button will mean missing a few beats, and that could be the reason for keeping it out, but it’s still something I’d like to have.
A new mode has been created especially for the iPhone and it will help you get you shaking your booty, or at least your hand. In the Shake mode you will shake the phone to the right, left, back, and forth to match the arrows instead of tapping. This makes the game playable for times when you can’t use both your hands. The version if fun, but it needs more songs in the mode to really make it something people will come back to again and again.
Another missing element is a better scoreboard. High scores are given for each of the songs and levels, but Konami should know that people like to put their initials up so they can shove it in their friends faces. I would normally like a Global Scoreboard, but I know I’ll never get anywhere near the top so I’ll let that one go this time.
I know a hurdle for people buying this game will be the price and that’s too bad. Yes, it’s more expensive than many games out there, but it’s certainly worth the money, especially for fans. Also, when it finally decided to come out TapTapRevenge 2 came out and that one is free. I will say that I do like TTR2 a lot, but I find DDR S to be more of a challenge.
DDR fans know who they are and right now they should be very happy. This game is almost everything they’ve been wanting since they first popped quarters into slots at an arcade. This is DDR on the go, and it’s a great deal of fun.
The Good
DDR Fun On Go
Music Sounds Great
Shake ModeThe Bad
Needs more songs on Shake Mode
Needs Pause Button
Would like more “recognizable” songs
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Category: Games
I love this game!!! it reminds of Tap Tap Revenge and Guitar Hero!!!! i have been waiting for this app!! I played the lite version of it and i was very amused and surprised!! I love the graphics and songs but i wish that it had more english songs… but otherwise GREAT GAME!
I’m a pretty big fan of DDR, and i think this game would be a decent game to occupy my time.
love the demo sorta like tap tap but different and cool in its own way
never played this on any other console actually. The lite version is really fun though.
DDR to the max! I still remeber hearing it on my ps2! I would love to play this!
I like dancing and it is at times when it is too late, this game comes in handy when I am in the mood for dancing.
looks fun. I only have tap tap revenge so i dont have many of games. Im sure its high quality and nice review.
Its a bit pricey but its DDR on ur phone/ipod. There are some big name games out there. Imagine someone does step on it.
this game is rly fun and hectic and is probably the best guitar hero like game on the appstore.nice graphics, good gameplay, the whole package!!!
lol…that return policy is crazy! Anyways, it looks fun and i love tap tap 2 so i would love to play this too.
This game actually looks pretty good. Im not sure if I’m willing to spend 7 dollars on it, but if that 90 day return policy ever happens, I’ll gladly purchase it.
Looks quite fun! I’m a huge fan of DDR and In The Groove and it’s amazing that games such as TTR were created for iPods. This looks like a great addition to the “tap to the beat” style apps!
Doesn’t look like something I’d play much.
I agree looks really repetitive.
Looks ok, similar to Tap Tap. But still would be nice to try out. Wouldn’t that be horrible if you had to “step” on your iDevice? Lol!
Step Mania is amazing on the PSP; from the lite version, I’m guessing that this is even better.
Still, steep price = sad face. Just think! I could get Zen Bound…Eliss…Sway…
Konami is really relying on name recognition here, and it seems to be working…they’re pretty high up in the lists.
On the other hand, I’d probably play DDR more.
i used to love this game on ps2. I would love to give it a go on the phone.
I know ive played that lite version 100 times lol. I never liked to play DDR with the controller on my PS2, but it’s so much more fun on the ipod touch!
Glenn, do you know how many songs there are total?
There are 25 songs right now… Here’s hoping for more in updates.
Bob
I’m a big fan of Dance Dance Revolution, but the shake mode seems like it could be very difficult.
Actually it’s pretty easy. The only problem is that there’s not enough songs for that mode right now. You’ll have a good time with it though…
Bob
its not as good as rock guitar tour .. or tap tap … but its ok .. i don’t like how they dance so .. and its to hard .. you must click that miuch …
too much thinking xD …
i like other games more
and tooo expensive!