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Dance Pad Buyer's Guide

What Do I Need to Play?
Which Game Do I Need?
Which Dance Pad Pad Is Right for Me?

A Beginner's Guide to DDR
    What is DDR?
    DDR FAQ?


What Do I Need to Play the Game Dance Dance Revolution? There are 3 things that you will need (in addition to a Television) to play the game Dance Dance Revolution:
  1. Video Game Console
    Dance Dance Revolution can be played on a PlayStation 2, PlayStation or Xbox gaming console.
  2. Game Software
    Game software will only work for the specific game console it was designed for so be sure to look for the right game platform (e.g. PlayStation 2 or PlayStation) when purchasing software. Note: PlayStation games will work on a PlayStation 2, but PlayStation 2 games will not work on a PlayStation.
  3. Dance Pad
    There are many different types of dance pads, from lower end pads that are appropriate for beginners to high end metal pads that provide the player with an experience similar to the arcade. A chart below recommends which pads you should buy depending on your level of experience.


Which Game Do I Need In Order to Play Dance Dance Revolution at Home?
CONSOLE
GAMES
PlayStation DDR USA
DDR Disney Mix
DDR Konamix
PlayStation 2 DDR Max
DDR Max 2
XBox DDR Ultramix

If you own an PlayStation 2:
You can play any US Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) game with your PlayStation 2 (PS2). The PS2 is backwards compatible with any PlayStation 1 (PSOne) game and allows to you play any US DDR game including PSOne favorites like DDR USA, DDR Disney Mix, and DDR Konamix.

DDR Max 2 is the newest version of Dance Dance Revolution and is exclusively for the PS2 only. Graphics are improved, load times are shortened, and it has new features only available on this exciting new PS2 format. The only other game available for the PS2 is DDR Max which has 65+ songs and over 100 minutes of dance music and video.



If you own an PlayStation 1:
DDR USA, DDR Disney Mix, and DDR Konamix are compatible with the PlayStation 1 (PSOne). Most of these PSOne titles are now difficult to get. Some are out of print. Please click on the links provided to check on the most current availability.
                                                          


If you own an XBox:
DDR Ultra Mix is the first game released for the Microsoft Xbox. Ultra Mix features downloadable characters, downloadable songs and downloadable videos via Xbox Live. The sleeker looknig interface has been updated from existing DDR mixes and there are new game modes to keep you interested. Make your own dance steps with edit mode and get trim in no time with workout mode.


What to Look For When Shopping For a Dance Pad?
RedOctane Dance Pad, RedOctane Ignition Pad 2.0, RedOctane Metal Pad To fully enjoy the Dance Dance Revolution gaming experience, you will need the right dance pad to go along with your game. When deciding which dance pad is right for your needs, it's important to know what features are important:
  1. Playability:
    A common problem with many dance pads is that they have a tendency to slide around on the floor. With inexpensive entry level pads players in the past have had to go to great lengths to fasten their dance pads to the floor. The more a pad slides, the less fun the gaming experience.

    RedOctane saw this problem and developed its "anti-slip" bottom to prevent the pads from sliding. This is available with every dance pad at RedOctane and will help to keep your dance pad from slipping and sliding on both hardwood AND carpeted floors. Beware; a lot of beginner dance pads do not have this feature.

  2. Accuracy:
    All players benefit from having the most accurate and responsive dance pad available. To advanced players accuracy is absolutely essential. If a dance pad isn't accurate, then a player's score will drop significantly and could cause the pad to become virtually unplayable.

    All RedOctane Pads feature upgraded arcade-sized internal circuitry for more accurate scores. This is an upgraded feature that most players would consider a requirement. This feature is available with the RedOctane Dance Pad, the RedOctane Ignition 2.0 Pad, and RedOctane Metal Pad.

    The RedOctane Ignition pad goes a step further and features raised, reinforced buttons for an arcade-like feel. This is an advanced feature that helps players improve their scores by allowing him/her to dance without having to look down at the pad.

  3. Value:
    Something that most advanced DDR players will tell you is that there is a huge difference between a well made dance pad and a poorly made dance pad. A majority of dance pads on the market today are not made very well. Most low quality dance pads will wear out and break within a matter of weeks of high use.

    RedOctane has long had a reputation for making lasting dance pads that stand up to even the most rigorous playing. All RedOctane pads are constructed with the greatest care and feature the best return policy on the market.

  4. Comfort:
    Playing DDR for long periods of time can cause some discomfort in a persons feet and legs. It's important to find a dance pad that feels comfortable and is designed for a lot of rugged play.

    The RedOctane Ignition pad features a one-of-a-kind dense foam insert for improved comfort. This is an advanced feature that helps to reduce fatigue and sore knees and feet when dancing for prolonged periods of time. This is only available with the RedOctane Ignition 2.0 Pad. Many RedOctane Ignition pad knock-offs feature a thin spongy foam which flattens out over time and loses its effectiveness.

  5. Authenticity: :
    A lot of people who play DDR have at first played it in the arcades. Metal pads are often described as the closest you can get to experiencing the arcade version of DDR at home. When shopping for a metal pad it's important to look at the construction, quality and overall presentation of the pad.

    The RedOctane Metal Pad features a stainless steel frame and Polycarbonate buttons for an authentic arcade feel. This is an advanced feature designed to give the serious player a true arcade feel without sacrificing game play. Thick, authentic plastic buttons give the pad an arcade-like response and provides durability not found in other pads. This is only available with the RedOctane Metal Pad.


A Beginner's Guide To DDR
What is Dance Dance Revolution?
Dance Dance Revolution, or simply "DDR" is a dance simulation game that began as an arcade game in Asia. DDR made its first appearance in Japanese arcades in 1998 and quickly became a national obsession. Its popularity broke every sales record as the dance craze swept through all of Asia.

DDR finally made its US debut on the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 in March 2001 and has been rapidly gaining in popularity, especially in California. It's a simple-to-understand, difficult-to-master, and highly addictive game. Dance Dance Revolution can be played on a standard PlayStation or PlayStation 2 controller, but requires a special dance pad for absolute enjoyment. Players match rhythm and choreography while following onscreen arrows for dance steps. Players must step on arrows on a pad when corresponding arrows move up on a screen.

Different versions of DDR are available on the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and Xbox. The games are widely available at most retailers and on RedOctane's website and features several modes of play, including a requisite Arcade mode, a calorie-evaporating "Diet" mode, and a neophyte Lesson mode. The different DDR soundtracks are all very catchy with tons of infectious tunes, featuring everything from pop to rap, techno to disco and everything in between, All the songs have a strong beat and encourage enthusiastic dancing.

RedOctane's dance pads were all custom made from suggestions given by hardcore DDR fans. The bottoms of these pads are all made from non-slip cushion material, which prevents the pad from slipping and provides a softer, more compliant feel similar to the arcade version. RedOctane's Ignition dance pads feature a thick foam insert that allows for greater comfort while playing. The RedOctane Metal Pad has thick arcade-like buttons and a stainless steel frame, just like the arcade!

DDR game play is extremely addictive and the graphics are colorful, fun, and really add to the DDR experience. In addition to arrows that scroll up and down the screen, players are treated to psychedelic colors and polygonal dancers. What are you waiting for? Get the game, the pads, and Start Dancing!

DDR FAQ
With the popularity of Dance Dance Revolution reaching new heights everyday, we've received tons of email asking us questions about the game, dance pads, and even the pad covers. So we've created a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section that can answer all of the questions we get. If you think that there is a question that we should include in this FAQ, please email ddrquestions@redoctane.com

1. Do the dance pads work on both the PS1 and PS2?
Yes, all RedOctane Dance Pads work on both the original PlayStation and PlayStation 2.

2. I've seen other companies sell an "Ignition" dance pad, what the difference between yours and theirs?
The RedOctane Ignition dance pad was the first one on the market. Other companies have stolen the Ignition name and are now using it. The RedOctane Ignition pad is the only one that features a dense foam insert that provides a lot of comfort while playing DDR.

3. What is a Dance Pad Cover and why do I need it?
The dance pad cover, exclusive from RedOctane, is a custom designed cover which enhances your dance pad and improves your dancing performance. You need a dance pad cover if you want to: prevent slipping and sliding of your dance pad; double the life of your pad; or keep your shoes on while you play.

4. What is the difference between the Metal Pad and the soft pad?
The RedOctane Metal Pad was designed to replicate the arcade experience of playing DDR. Most hardcore arcade DDR players prefer playing on the metal pad. RedOctane soft pads like the Ignition and RedOctane pad are great for beginner and advanced home DDR players because of their portability and comfort.

5. What's the difference between the different versions of DDR?
Each version of DDR offers different sets of songs and different game modes. A popular addition to all versions of DDR for the PlayStation is the "workout" mode. This mode shows you how many calories you've burned in a single game session. It's a great way to stay in shape!

6. Will Import versions of DDR work on my PS2?
The only legal way for an import version of DDR to work on your PS2 is if you own a Japanese PS2.

7. My pad slips around when I play at home. How can I keep it from slipping?
If you want to prevent slipping of your pad, use a dance pad cover. Not only does the pad cover prevent slipping and sliding of the pad, but it also doubles the life of the pad and allows you to play with your shoes on.

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