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A Beginner's Guide to the Dance Dance Phenomena

Posted by timothy on from the perhaps-it's-a-good-weight-loss-plan dept.

An anonymous reader writes "I just saw a rather interesting article over at LANParty.com about breaking into the world of Dance Dance Revolution. The article has a humourous story about going from DDR mocker to DDR fanatic thanks to a seven-year-old kid. Also, it has reviews of some home DDR equipment for those too timid to play in public. The article is written from a beginner's perspective, and has some good resources for newbies! If you've ever thought of hopping up and 'busting a move', be sure to check it out."

4 of 284 comments (clear)

  1. I'm probably addicted. by Renraku · · Score: 5, Insightful

    DDR introduced me to social situations. I mean, before DDR, I never really mingled with people at large social gatherings. But DDR has made me a much more social person, forcing you to either deal with people or play at home. Not to mention the health benefits of being able to pass Max300 on maniac (I did that once, it hurt).

    --
    Job? I don't have time to get a job! Who will sit around and bitch about being broke and unemployed then?
  2. You don't need an arcade.... by mblase · · Score: 5, Insightful

    DDR introduced me to social situations. I mean, before DDR, I never really mingled with people at large social gatherings. But DDR has made me a much more social person, forcing you to either deal with people or play at home.

    For what it's worth, regular dance lessons (of pretty much any kind. I started with swing and proceeded into ballroom) will achieve the same result, teaching you to be more sociable and courteous -- especially with the opposite sex -- while also helping you get into better shape.

    I was going to say that DDR is probably cheaper than dance lessons, but at a buck for three songs, it's probably not.

    Crack your paper Yellow Pages to look for dance instruction in your area, or look in the quarterly park district catalog. Learn some partner dances. Swallow your pride and practice them in public. If nothing else, it'll make the next wedding reception you attend 100% more enjoyable.

  3. The man has a point. by Mulletproof · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Study the demographics that play DDR (no sources, just spend a night at your local gameworks). Having skills in DDR is a good way to hook up with the ladies as this is one of the few games they seem to like and float around the most. On a side note, I'd be more impressed with people who play DDR if they could bust their moves at random instead of the physical game of memorization DDR is.

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    You need a FREE iPod Nano
  4. Re:Wake up, there are cheaper places to dance. by Enonu · · Score: 5, Insightful

    You're missing the appeal.

    What's the point of playing a game? Two answers depending on who you are:

    1. To have fun
    2. To beat it

    I'm personally in the #1 and #2 crowd. DDR songs at 9 feet (1 == beginner) are exceptionaly hard. So hard, that'd I'd challenge any "real" dancer to do a 9-footer, and get at least a B in under 20 tries. Normal people might be able to do it after 500 or so tries.

    Now here's the obsession people have. Do the above, but get a AA (not missing a step and staying on-time). Ah, missed a step --> do the entire song again! It's like being able to beat Contra without dying once. Stractch that. It's like being able to beat ghost and ghoblins and not dying once. It's a real accomplishment.

    Finally. If you're overweight, the game kicks ass for losing weight. Even in public, it's worth the shame to lose the pounds. I've met people who've lost over 60lbs on the machine. I doubt there are many other weight loss methods that'd compete in terms of fun.

    So, is DDR worth it? Depends on who you are.