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When esports blew up, DDR moved to the suburbs
Even in a packed arcade, David Maiman stands out from the crowd. He's wearing a black T-shirt with multicolor DDR arrows darting across the front, his long, dark hair curling down to his shoulders. As he walks into his local arcade in suburban Long Island, he's almost like a celebrity, shaking hands with the manager, snapping selfies with fellow players and cheering on his friends as they set high scores. "Rhythm games are social," says Maiman, traces of a New York accent in his voice. "That's what makes DDR, and our community, so special."
'Dance Dance Revolution' is going to the movies
The world is burning and there's only one way to stop it: through the power of dance. At least that's the premise of the upcoming Dance Dance Revolution movie. Yep, some 20 years later a film studio picked up the rights for the once-wildly popular rhythm game. As for any casting details or who's directing the film, that info isn't available at the moment. Variety reports that publisher Konami is onboard as a production partner.
MeeGo Conference 2011 sights and sounds (video)
So the MeeGo Conference is winding down here in San Francisco and we have prowled the exhibitor area over the past couple of days to bring you a taste of what's stimulated our eyes and ears at the event so far. We got to play with the Indamixx 2 music tablet -- basically an iiView M1Touch Pine Trail tablet running an audio-optimized build of MeeGoo 1.2 Tablet UX, which features a customized kernel for more real-time control and better audio scheduling. It's expected to ship for $700 in "June or July" complete with DAW and DJ apps. Next we came across a MeeGo-based in-vehicle entertainment system that's currently available in cars from Chinese manufacturer Hawtai Motor. The device is Atom-powered, includes 3G connectivity, and provides navigation, communication, audio / video playback (for both stored and streamed content), along with Internet access. We saw a MeeGo app that gathers contact information on a form, sends it to an NFC-equipped Nokia C7, and writes it to a blank RFID tag. The tag can then be read by any NFC-capable phone, such as Google's Nexus S. A fun conference isn't complete without some games, and we were treated to a homebrew, QML-based Dance Dance Revolution clone running on MeeGo, written using just a few hundred lines of code. Speaking of QML, we got a demo of another in-vehicle entertainment system with built-in instrumentation. This MeeGo app was designed to interface with a MegaSquirt open source ECU and display engine and other car data on a set of virtual gauges -- this in addition to performing the usual audio and navigation tasks. Check out our gallery below, then grab a snack and hit the break for our 15-minute hands-on video. %Gallery-124363%
DanceMasters, a new dance game from the Dance Dance Revolution team, has dancing
DanceMasters is a new dancing game from the team responsible for the DanceDanceRevolution series. Unsurprisingly, it features dancing. The game places your face on dancers, and is able to follow your body. Although the Konami repeated that phrase multiple times, there's no mention of Kinect, or any other platform. Stay tuned for more.
Navy Surgeon General eyes Wii Fit, Dance Dance Revolution for boot camp
We understand that Wii Fit has dubious health benefits at best (whatever CTA Digital might say top the contrary), but apparently word hasn't reached the Navy's top brass. According to the Navy Times, recruits need more work than ever before to get into fighting shape, "given that many young people prefer computers and video games" to sports and physical activity. The solution, says Navy Surgeon General Vice Adm. Adam Robinson, is to use break in would-be sailers slowly, introducing "the equivalents of Nintendo's Wii Fit or Konami's Dance Dance Revolution" in basic training. This sounds rather silly to us, but what do we know? We're lovers, not fighters.
DDR Universe 3 is latest addition to Games on Demand
Looking to cram your Xbox 360's side saddle (that's what the cool kids call the hard drive) with more precious e-games? Major Nelson reports US gamers can now check out DDR Universe 3 for $30. Of course, we don't have to tell you that you should own a dance mat before downloading, unless you're one of those freaks who plays DDR games with a controller. If you're outside of these states united, then you can check availability of a new Game on Demand: Medal of Honor: Airborne. If that's not enough to satiate your carnal lust for new gameplay experiences, a new demo for Superstars V8 Next Challenge may also be available to you. Shortcut: Add DDR Universe 3 to your queue [Xbox.com]
E3 2009 highlights: The Nintendo roundup
Nintendo E3 2009 checklist: Mario? *check* Zelda? *check* Metroid? *check* Are we missing something? Head past the break to find out!
E3 2009 highlights: The Xbox roundup
E3 was brütal! If you blinked, for a split/second, you missed something. Even if you were trine to keep up, it was a blur -- staying a.wake like that, you only pushed yourself to the brink of your own dark void. That's where Joystiq comes in; to crackdown on the madness; to reach out ... with conviction -- phew! Crysis averted. We've scoured the dark corners and survived the inferno to piece together this roundup of all things Xbox at E3. Why? Just 'cause we love you. So, draw nier and shift your eyes past the break.
Have 8 feet? Try the new DanceDanceRevolution
For dance fanatics that are just too good for four buttons comes DanceDanceRevolution for PS3 and Xbox 360. The newly revised game will take advantage of a brand new floor mat that has twice the number of buttons as the original. We're not exactly sure how this mode will play, but we're hoping it'll be a little less confusing than playing the drums in Rock Revolution.The 360 and PS3 versions of DanceDanceRevolution will also include 50 licensed tracks from artists such as Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Coldplay, Gorillaz. 150 classic tracks will also be downloadable at launch.
Wii's new Dance Dance Revolution is Balance Board-based, fitness-focused
It's with no amount of surprise whatsoever that we tell you Konami is making a new Dance Dance Revolution, or what it's for Wii. Neither is the fact that it will feature licensed pop/rock/dance songs and videos. What is surprising: the game will support the Wii Balance Board and features a number of new elements focused on personal fitness. It's not about stomping on the right arrows anymore; hip-swaying and other full body movements -- still guided by on-screen arrows -- are the revolution.
Dance Dance Remote Control adds a few steps to your TV experience
Crazy us, we thought that a remote control was meant to keep you on the couch -- it does seem rather counter-intuitive to build one that makes you leave your seat and jump around within arm's reach of the TV set. But when this guy saw an over-sized novelty remote at Brookstone, he knew that he had to have it. Not only that, but he had to best it -- by fashioning a controller for Windows Media Center so large that one would need an entire appendage to get any use out of the thing. Our intrepid modder achieved his goal by stitching together two PS2 Dance Dance Revolution mats, a PS2-to-PC controller converter box, and some homebrew source code. What can we say about this one? Well, it certainly does seem to work... but we'll be sticking to the tried and true, thank you very much. Video after the break. [Via Hacked Gadgets]
Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and DDR get cheap rip-offs
When you're out trawling for a copy of the rapidly selling out Rock Band, you may run into a cheap knock-off or two of the rhythm game genre. Our tipster spotted several units including a Guitar and DDR imitation in Macy's, and a Drum game in another store. All of them plug directly into a TV, but none are particularly cheap at around $40 each. The usual target audience for these kind of gadgets are unsuspecting parents looking for a present for the kids, so make sure you include a rigorous education program in the perils of game rip-offs when you hand in your holiday wish-list.[Thanks, Seth]Read - Guitar SuperstarRead - Dance ManiaRead - Drum Star
WRUP: It's a hot party edition
The highlight of this week's releases is undoubtedly Konami's DDR: Hottest Party. While we have yet to see how hot that party is for ourselves, we're sure many of you are sweating up a storm as you move to the beat. So, are you going to be cutting up a rug this weekend, or do you plan on playing something else?
Hands-on with DDR Hottest Party
If there's one series in desperate need of a revolution, it's DDR. Unfortunately, adding Wii waggle is not our definition of a revolution. In many ways, Hottest Party feels like a spiritual successor to the last Nintendo DDR game, Mario DDR. The game reintroduces many gimmick arrows, such as bomb arrows that must be avoided, and other arrows that must be stepped on twice. Of course, the most significant addition are the waggle arrows, which have the player shaking the Wii Nunchuck or Wii Remote, depending on whether or not the left or right waggle arrow appears.The new arrows don't feel like worthwhile additions. After extended play, it's clear that they're simply gimmicks. In addition, the waggle functionality doesn't feel precise enough for a rhythm game. We were also disappointed by the poor construction of the default pads, but that should come as no surprise for long-time DDR connoisseurs.For dance fans that only have a Wii, it doesn't look like there'll be too many alternatives. The game will have a variety of music from the last four decades. One surprising omission from the game has to be the lack of Mii support: why can't we have the avatars we've created dance dance in the game? At least those will have a bit more personality than the generic anime characters that Konami has been using in the franchise. Do it Konami -- the fans want it.%Gallery-4789%
Konami reveals E3 lineup
A vampire, gunner, dancer and water drop go fishing by a playground and they spot a vengeful apparition. That just about sums up Konami's announced E3 2007 lineup: Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles (PSP; Fall 2007) Contra 4 (DS; 2007) Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party (Wii; Fall 2007) Dance Dance Revolution SuperNOVA 2 (PS2; Fall 2007) Dewy's Adventure (Wii; Fall 2007) Fishing Master (Wii; Fall 2007) Hellboy: The Science of Evil (working title) (PS3, Xbox 360, PSP; 2007) Konami Kids Playground (PS2; Fall 2007) Silent Hill Origins (PSP; Fall 2007) Not listed is Metal Gear Solid 4, but we already know that a new trailer is being debuted at the Sony, Konami keynotes.
Konami announces new DDR, removes arrows (seriously)
BREAKING NEWS. Konami just sent a press release for a brand ... new ... Dance Dance Revolution game. Again. Dance Dance Revolution Universe 2 for Xbox 360 will be "the best-looking DDR game to date." In addition to the now-standard Xbox Live support and Quest Mode, the biggest addition to Universe 2 is Freestyle Mode. This new mode has all the dance-dancing of DDR, with none of the arrows, allowing players to mindlessly stomp on their pads. Konami says it's "perfect for kids or anyone with two left feet." In short, it's made for people that should have never played DDR in the first place.For those afraid that the 360 version will not provide enough challenge, the upcoming PS2 Supernova 2 will include the awesomely titled "Hyper Master Mode." Konami's E3 showing contains three DDR games: DDR Universe 2 on Xbox 360, Supernova 2 for PS2 and Hottest Party for Wii. We're hoping that the rest of Konami's E3 line up will have, y'know, some other real games too.
Dance Dance Revolution: Biggest Heads
Konami has released some screens of their new Wii-style Dance Dance Revolution, entitled Dance Dance Revolution HOTTEST PARTY. And it mostly looks like a DDR game, with some small adjustments. Hottest Party (we're going to stop with the caps, if that's all right) includes the same Free Play and Diet Modes as other DDR games, but also includes simultaneous four-player mode for people with really big living rooms.The most noticeable adjustment is head size. That's funny, and a little weird, but totally cosmetic and won't get in the way of anyone's Dance Dance Revolving. What's a little more interesting than cranial embiggening is the Wiimote/Nunchuk usage. There seem to be special arrows that instruct players to point their hands in a certain direction, much like Samba de Amigo. Sometimes even the on-screen characters hold Wiimotes and Nunchuks.The dance pad has made it to the Wii pretty much unscathed, with no Wiimote-shaped cavities or anything. It's a basic dance pad in a Wii color scheme. It appears to be wired, probably USB. We didn't need more-- with the extra waggling, this game seems complicated enough!
DDR Hottest Party site launches
The Japanese website for Konami's upcoming Wii installment in their incredibly huge rhythm-based franchise Dance Dance Revolution has launched. The Wii installment, Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party, doesn't have much going for it on its website, at the moment, but this is sure to change fairly soon. We're dying to see a demonstration of using all three peripherals at once, as we cannot possibly imagine how it could be done.[Via Go Nintendo]
Are today's students getting enough gaming time?
There's an alarming epidemic facing high school graduates in this country. No, we're not talking about literacy or obesity or anything so unimportant. We're talking about video games. Get your priorities straight, people!According to a shocking report in the Dayton Daily News, the graduating class of 2007 is being distracted from important game-playing time by attention-stealing activities like "homework, jobs and extracurricular activities." That's right ... the promise of our future would rather do their homework than put in the important gaming time that will help them grow into mature and active adult gamers.What's worse, some of today's graduating seniors have a hard time envisioning a future that included normative social gaming. "If some guy was like 'You want to go on a date? We could play Guitar Hero,' and I'm 30, I'd be, like, 'No!,' " said one such lost youth. It's enough to make you long for the good old days when students knew how important a Pac-Man high score was to their future.[Via Gaming Today]
BMG to distribute Konami's music online
The place may be overrun with deadly monstrosities and the overwhelming powers of darkness, but the tunes that echo throughout the hallways of Dracula's castle usually make the vampire killing ordeal worth it. Sensing that others might share the dark lord's fine taste in orchestral compositions, Konami has announced an agreement with Sony BMG Music to distribute its library of tunes through mobile service providers and online music retailers, including iTunes and Rhapsody. The deal encompasses soundtracks beyond those belonging to the obvious Dance Dance Revolution franchise, even catering to those that find the clanging pipes and grating gears of Silent Hill preferable to the latest Ashlee Simpson squealfest.Konami also promises to make its vast history of music available for purchase on its official website, though specific release dates have yet to be announced. [Via Konami press release]