Strengths: Crisp, HD graphics, only "next-gen" DDR game, robust beginner mode.
Weakness: Songs may not appeal to everyone, questionable downloadable content, somewhat annoying arrow interference.
I am a huge fan of DDR. Naturally, I own every (US) entry in the series for the PS1, PS2, GC, Xbox, and now Xbox 360.
If you've never played DDR, this game would be a good starting point, as Konami put into place a new beginner mode. This mode goes through the basics of playing DDR, to get you ready for the more advanced steps. I actually played through the beginner mode to see how it was, and it's fairly lengthy; it practices all the major step routines.
When you move up to the main game mode, you have the usual options. Workout mode tracks calories and can help you plan a workout schedule. Edit Mode allows you to make your own steps. Quest Mode is back, and is very similar to the Quest Mode found in the DDR Ultramix series. Start at one venue in the US and work your way around, earning a fanbase, buying new songs, and obtaining backup dancers.
Party Mode is a fun mode when your friends come over. There, you can compete against each other will rule sets, or you can even play with up to four people on one TV!
And when you're ready for opponents, you can jump Online and take on the world.
So far, I haven't been the biggest fan of the song selections. They seem hit-or-miss for me. Of course, that's entirely up to the user. It may just not be my type of music.
One thing many people are angry about is that downloadable content is already available. Song packs allow you to purchase new songs with real money. But, when you buy the song packs, you only get 'codes' telling the game to open the songs for you. What I'm trying to say is that the songs are already programmed to the game disc; you are just paying to allow the console to find them! And that seems cheap to me. I say if it's already on there, just give it to the players!
Overall, if you're wanting a new DDR, you should give this one a try. As a veteran, there's really nothing new here, but it still keeps the same great formula.
One other thing I should mention is that at the time of this review, no company has made an adaptor for the dance mats. Meaning if you have metal mats or other mats you were hoping to use, they (at the moment) cannot be used on the 360. You'll have to get the bundle in order to use a mat right now. Hopefully some company makes an adaptor soon, because I have a metal mat I want to be using!
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Testseek.com has collected 6 expert reviews for Dance Dance Revolution Universe and the average expert rating is 80 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use Testseek.com to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions.
Dance Dance Revolution Universe receives an overall TopTenREVIEWS rating of 1.62 out of 4.00. It is ranked the #10,766 game of all time and #283 Xbox 360 game of all time. The rating and ranking is based on an average of 1 critic scores, awards and other criteria. To see a breakdown of the game ranking, read individual critic reviews, or see how other games ranked, click on the link below.
Dance Dance Revolution has been a popular franchise in arcades and on consoles for nearly a decade now, paving the way for a slew of rhythm-based games meant to get you off the couch and soaked in sweat. Now, the series is making its way onto the Xbox 360. Dance Dance Revolution Universe is the latest entry to the long-running series, and offering a ton of songs, online play, a deep tutorial, and...
A solid entry for the series
Strengths: Crisp, HD graphics, only "next-gen" DDR game, robust beginner mode.
Weakness: Songs may not appeal to everyone, questionable downloadable content, somewhat annoying arrow interference.
I am a huge fan of DDR. Naturally, I own every (US) entry in the series for the PS1, PS2, GC, Xbox, and now Xbox 360.
If you've never played DDR, this game would be a good starting point, as Konami put into place a new beginner mode. This mode goes through the basics of playing DDR, to get you ready for the more advanced steps. I actually played through the beginner mode to see how it was, and it's fairly lengthy; it practices all the major step routines.
When you move up to the main game mode, you have the usual options. Workout mode tracks calories and can help you plan a workout schedule. Edit Mode allows you to make your own steps. Quest Mode is back, and is very similar to the Quest Mode found in the DDR Ultramix series. Start at one venue in the US and work your way around, earning a fanbase, buying new songs, and obtaining backup dancers.
Party Mode is a fun mode when your friends come over. There, you can compete against each other will rule sets, or you can even play with up to four people on one TV!
And when you're ready for opponents, you can jump Online and take on the world.
So far, I haven't been the biggest fan of the song selections. They seem hit-or-miss for me. Of course, that's entirely up to the user. It may just not be my type of music.
One thing many people are angry about is that downloadable content is already available. Song packs allow you to purchase new songs with real money. But, when you buy the song packs, you only get 'codes' telling the game to open the songs for you. What I'm trying to say is that the songs are already programmed to the game disc; you are just paying to allow the console to find them! And that seems cheap to me. I say if it's already on there, just give it to the players!
Overall, if you're wanting a new DDR, you should give this one a try. As a veteran, there's really nothing new here, but it still keeps the same great formula.
One other thing I should mention is that at the time of this review, no company has made an adaptor for the dance mats. Meaning if you have metal mats or other mats you were hoping to use, they (at the moment) cannot be used on the 360. You'll have to get the bundle in order to use a mat right now. Hopefully some company makes an adaptor soon, because I have a metal mat I want to be using!
100% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?