Now that the American version of Konami’s long-running dance simulator (Japanese fans have gotten four titles in this series plus a number of spin-offs), here’s a review of the Japan-only Best Hits, recently released and widely available through import shops. I’ve chosen to review this version of the game since it is similar to the version released domestically, but has a somewhat better song selection. Konami let Japanese DDR fans choose their favorite tracks from all of the DDR titles prior to the recently released 4^th Mix, and in all seriousness, this is the selection we should have gotten for the American version as well.

DDR is a member of Konami’s Bemani line, a series of music simulators which has grown to include guitar, keyboard, drums and turntables, with each game in the series utilizing its own unique controller. DDR uses a floor mat with four arrows (up, down, left, right). As onscreen arrows move up the screen toward a set of marker arrows, your task is to step onto the correct arrow when they reach the marker.

DDR allows for an incredibly robust selection of difficulties for every of its 30+ songs. So, as you improve, you’re able to increase the difficulty level of even the easiest of tunes to make them remain challenging. There are something like 7 difficulty levels in all, as well as a Beginners Mode that makes all of the songs fairly easy to get through and provides an onscreen instructor to help with your timing.

Unlike the other Bemani games (with the exceptions of DrumMania and Konami’s other dance sims), which have you pressing buttons or keys, DDR’s method of play means that you’ll have to be able to think ahead so that you can raise your foot and bring it down on the appropriate arrow at the correct time. This sort of "advanced timing" skill takes awhile to get the hang of, as in the beginning it’s easy to mistime your steps and come down too early or too late.

DDR Best Hits contains a couple of popular modes, Nonstop and Diet, which both add to the game’s already immense replay value. Nonstop mode takes you through a block of songs with only a slight pause to load between each one. It’s a test of stamina and skill to make it through to the end. Diet Mode purports to show you how many calories you’re burning by playing the game, but I have a very hard time believing that this is at all accurate. A person who moves the least amount necessary to hit the steps isn’t going to burn the calories that a person who really gets into the game and jumps around like a monkey hopped up on crack would. Heck, I don’t even need a Diet Mode to inform me that I’m losing weight as I play – the copious amounts of sweat, the burning sensation in my legs and the dwindling ability to draw air into my lungs are all testament to this fact.

DDR isn’t for everybody. More than any of the other music games currently available, you have to be willing to look stupid in front of people to play the game (unless you plan on playing alone at all times, and even then you’re going to get good enough that you’ll want to show off… and you’ll still look pretty silly). And like every other title in the Bemani series, you’re going to have to be willing to part with a good deal of money to get a decent DDR setup. The American version plus one controller will run you about $70, and a second floor mat is going for $50 (online only at the moment). My wife considers this a sound investment, since she wants me to get more exercise, and I’m always willing to spend copious amounts of green on wacky game peripherals, but not everyone is, and without the dance mats DDR is but a shadow of its own potential. If you’re not sure about it, though, try before you buy. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go work on my "Boom Boom Dollar" routine.