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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Strengths: DDR catches up finally to next gen consoles
Weakness: No stellar improvements
DDR is still DDR be it on the Xbox 360 or on the PS2, this unfortunately offers nothing too novel or stellar to make this a $60+ purchase. While the new party modes, updated graphics, and new audio library do offer a change, they are primative at best and nothing "next gen" of DDR Universe. The lack of importing new music (ie your own), and the lackluster graphics make this title more of an XBL title.
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I bought this game to keep the family busy during family functions and gatherings, and it has not disappointed. Quite a nice selection of songs, but it does require some work to get a decent score.
Strengths: Keeps you moving while you play. Great for group games.
Weakness: none
Dance Revolution has been popular because it gets people up and moving with action. This is, of course, not all about the finest graphics and tuned controls like your average game, but is all about getting into the music with timed steps; Dance. This is one of the few games that girls and boys will enjoy together, given that many girls do not enjoy the typical video game.
Strengths: Classic DDR action for the first time on the 360
Weakness: Can't use pads from previous games
Dance Dance Revolution Universe doesn't do anything remarkable but it delivers a solid DDR experience. It is the first version available for the 360 and the pads from previous Xbox versions cannot be used on this one. So for multiplayer play, you'll have to pick up a second new pad for the 360.
The game has an extensive tutorial level for beginners and a richly-featured Master Edition for DDR pros. Basically, if you are buying a DDR game you know what you are getting and this first 360 version delivers.
Strengths: Nice HD graphics, improved sound, a fair number of tracks
Weakness: No dance pad compatibility, even if your pad has a USB connector!!!!! No backwards compatibility with xbox DDR titles. Contains several tracks from the ultramix series.
I have been a long time DDR fan and own all 4 Dance Dance Revolution titles for the xbox. The ultramix series for the original xbox is wonderful and I hope in the near future that microsoft puts the titles on the backward compatibility list. If you are new to DDR, you might consider picking up a used XBOX at gamestop and some of the ultramix games as you will find much more depth in song selection than what is currently available for the xbox 360. Alternatively, konami has discontinued support for the original xbox-so for future games you will need a PS2, WII, XBOX 360, or a PS3.
DDR universe rehashes several songs from ultramix and returns the annoying quest mode (which is unfortuantely how you unlock songs). To it's credit, the visuals are sharper, but look very similar to the xbox DDR games. The licensed tracks are fairly good, including some good remixes by depeche mode and new order. The rest of the track list is hit or miss-don't expect many songs from major artists though-most of these songs are produced in house by konami.
By far the biggest consideration into getting DDR universe is the pad selection for the xbox 360, which at this time is pretty much limited to mad catz and the official pad that comes with the game. I would reccomend buying this game as a bundle to get the official pad as it is far superior to the mad catz pad and then modifying it by taping foam to the bottom or using a hard pad modification or else you will be slipping and sliding all over the floor on the harder songs and the pad will bunch up.
Strengths: It's DDR! New songs, pretty good graphics for this sort of game, lots of different modes
Weakness: It's DDR! Basically the same game yet again. If you don't buy it with a mat it's worthless.
Dance Dance Revolution Universe is the Xbox 360's take on the DDR craze (stomp on arrows to the beat). DDR is the game that can get you to actually get up and dance. People either love it or hate it, but it seems like most every system gets a version of it.
DDRU is a good addition to the lineup. While it doesn't show off the 360's power at all, it does have a good song listing and is fun to play. However, keep in mind if you don't have a dance mat, you'll just be mindlessly mashing buttons on the controller to the music (And it isn't always all that sensitive).
Recommended to fans of music games, DDR fans, and people wanting to try something different (if you've never played DDR before). If you hate DDR, you'll hate this.
Strengths: Tested DDR play mechanic, excellent variety of songs
Weakness: No hard mats available for platform
There's very little to say about the game, other than it's the next evolutionary step in the franchise. I was excited to see that WWW.BLONDE.GIRL was included for the first time in the US, and the Chemical Brothers remix of Kylie Minogue's Slow was included.
The Quest mode of the game is the driving force behind the unlocking of more songs, which can be a little annoying, being forced to complete trivial tasks. New songs are also available for purchase via XBLA.
The achievements for the game are pretty straightforward and spread out through the game, so nerd points won't come all at once.
The biggest downside is not being able to use my Red Octane metal pad (it's for PS2/XBox), as I've grown very accustomed to playing with a true arcade feel.
Weakness: too much of a gap between basic and hard.
I purchased this game initially for my wife and I, but it has quickly become our favorite. Thinking of getting an extra pad. The songs are good and there are plenty of them, however I was looking forward to a game with a lot of Japanese style music like the previous DDR.
I found the game to be extremely fun. I am not a co-ordinated person, but after having completed the tutoring levels, I was ready to hit the dance mat big time. At first you may be hesitant to go crazy and just shuffle your feet, but after a few songs, and the awesome overpowering beat of the game will take control of you feet and body, you will be dancing like a person possessed, but in a good way.
I love the fact that this game has a workout mode, that will estimate how many calories you have burnt, and playing this game will burn calories like crazy.....but you will not have more fun burning those calories than with this game.
I give the game, two arms up in the air, waving like I just don't care....
Strengths: Good Upbeat Music, EXERCISE, Very Addictive.
Weakness: Mat Slides Around Slightly, Graphics Are Just OK, Steep Level of Difficulty After Basic Mode.
I have never actually played any DDR series games before, so this is my first time with it. The gaming mat is made really nice and is very responsive. I bought just for the sole purpose to get an easy way of getting exercise on the days I don't go to the gym. You will get a workout with this game! Music is very good with some known artists but mostly ones I have never heard of. Beginner mode is the way to go if you have never played before along with the training modes. Tried the next higher up level and had a really hard time with it. I recommend getting this game and don't listen to 1UP's review of it.
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 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!
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