Dance Dance Revolution: An Overview and Why You Should Play

When I made videos about rhythm games, I knew this was an inevitability. So here's a video about why you should play DDR. It's a truly great game that is sadly underappreciated. In any case, I can't wait for the day when Konami makes a DDR pachinko machine.
All songs and footage belong to their respective owners. I just own the voice over.

[@jons9239]

DDR is the best workout. For me, the workout doesn't even start until I'm already dying, then I go in to overdrive and do like 10 more games. I never push a workout that hard.

[@RoflCopterDesigner]

this was awesome to watch. ddr has changed my life - it and StepMania were my first and still standing form of consistent cardio and it's done a number on my physical wellbeing and making friends over several years of play.

[@AdamTopCommenter]

I always find myself coming back to ddr, there's a timeless quality to it

[@hjh2196]

NICE VIDEO. DDR is a revolutionary game. DDR has made the public's view of arcade games positive.

[@fabsab4434]

Am I gonna be annoying and send this to everyone I don't know even if I know they don't care about ddr? Hell yes.

[@fabsab4434]

I love this video it is very well done and I feel like there aren't enough begginer videos like this and espicially with social distance now it's hard for people to get info

[@Rogerioapsandrade]

I miss DDR so much ... I had so much fun with that in the 2000's , but today in my country, there are very, very few DDR machines. Even Pump It Up, which is kind of cheaper replacement for DDR is getting hard to find.

[@thesparxeffect9734]

Dance Dance Revolution, in the groove & Taiko Drum Master FOREVER! Kimono Princess just accessed my old memories when I used to play it regularly in the arcades.

[@bertobazmastr]

A20+ is the recent installment not A20 anymore. Other than that, solid vid!

[@pumpfan1889]

Now it's A3

[@bertobazmastr]

@@pumpfan1889 as of last week, yes.

[@bdown_hbunz]

We should just keep updating this comment until who knows what other version comes out

[@chris.twentyeightt]

Please note for DDR players who want to video tape: Many D&B’s (Including PA which I went to recently and had to relocate) will not permit you to record their screen (even DDR A20 PLUS). Be careful if you choose to record camera with tripod so that no guest in any arcade trips over it.

[@chris.twentyeightt]

@mjc 5678 too late for me on that bc I retired from DDR at the end of Summer 2021, but would LOVE to try out new games like jubeat, Pop’n Music, & Nostalgia. Hopefully they have USB ports too.

[@003MB]

DDR will forever live in my heart. Gonna go the nearest dave and busters about an hour away and play A20+ soon 💖

[@eink-reviews]

Great background song choices, gotta love KIMONO PRINCESS and FLOWERS

[@alandunaway3000]

One thing that would improve rhythm game view with the general public is streaming. We have too many games that have dangerous soundtracks, that's why streamers stay away from them. Streaming bring revenue to both the dev and the streamer, also creates a community. If record companies weren't so annoying with copyright, we could have a bigger scene by now. But, oh well, we have this "corrupt" recording industry association of america, that's mainly why.

[@BleddynsStudio]

Great video essay! I've been hooked on DDR Extreme 2 for my PS2 recently. The last time I played it before now was all the way back in 2006, so reliving those days while also discovering so many other songs I didn't know about has been an incredible trip.

[@nightmare-nightmarenightma1147]

Really enjoyed this mini doc. I loved playing DDR up until a couple of years ago as it was the only way I would exercise. I stopped playing mostly because the mats I have don't work that well and the one game I do have on Xbox 360 isn't the best one imo. I wish Konami would bring another game to consoles and release new mats with every song from past games. That probably would never happen though. Anyways, DDR is what got me into anime, Japanese music and rythm games in the first place. I've played Project Diva, Just Dance, Dance Central, Pop'n Music, OSU, and a few others but DDR is definitely my favorite.

[@theriseoftony]

I’m glad round one open near by but no gold cab. I guess better than no ddr at all

[@AnthonyCheeseborough]

I can definitely attest to DDR being a good workout.

[@fabsab4434]

OMG I'M IN THE VIDEO 2:19 :0

[@fd3sforlife145]

ddr is one of the greatest games games of all time, I love it so much I ever managed to get my hands on one of the 20th anniversary e passes

[@lukevsrg3151]

Hoping the algorithm picks up your channel soon

[@CowEye]

8:03 LUL, Very nice video! Hope this chosen by the youtube algorithm

[@jdivergh22]

I love DDR. So happy to have it back in a lot of locations in the U.S. Excellent video on it!

[@tallcabbagegirl]

i'm glad this popped into reccomendations, i LOOOOVE DDR! This was so nice to watch(: I was def the kid that would flex in arcades growing up 💀💀💀 kid me was way too proud of having the local arcade record in this one small town we'd visit every summer LMAO

[@DarthG33k]

I'm still waiting for them to bring back Tubthumping to a modern mix. We haven't seen it since 2nd Mix, and 90's nostalgia is all the rage right now. I could see it taking off again. Konmai, pls!

[@zenbmonk1016]

Been quite sometime since I played this last at a local arcade. (Close to five years now) I have a few of the home console versions, but I always preferred the machines in arcades. Maxx Unlimited Heavy/Expert was the first I ever cleared on that difficulty when I was younger. Got a C as the end grade, but I was just happy to clear it.

[@TheOneRioji]

DDR was my childhood. I will love it forever. If I ever get loaded, I'm buying an Extreme cabinet.

[@AaronWhatIFTran]

DDR's been pretty useful to maintain my weight in quarantine (that's more on me watching my diet first and foremost though). It's been a go to game for me to destress for years now, even when I'm trying to go for PFCs and new clears. The hard part is getting people to get over the initial barrier of entry both in terms of embarrassment and coordination but there's a reason people still actively play 20 years on.

[@samanthareyo4560]

You are CRIMINALLY underrated

[@windowsxpnt2347]

just gonna mention, in the uk, the most common variant is dancing stage euromix (idk why its called dancing stag over here lol), but its old and based off 3rd mix (basically no hold notes, no speed mods and no note skins), also we don't really have eamusement over here, so pretty much to keep your scores, pick your nearest machine, and start getting on the high score table

[@burni988]

I'm always disappointed cause I never see ddr games in UK arcades. When I was younger there used to always be a ddr machine but now it's super rare to see one in UK arcades.

[@rythmicrice471]

You know how bad it is when you most common form of ddr cabinet in UK is a barely functioning euromix 1 cabinet, with the euromix 2 display card put over the top of the machine Also do you know anywhere in UK that does any none euromix ddr cabinets? my current one I go to is 3 hours away from my house lol

[@NubTactics]

Oh hey look it's me~ This is a great video and I appreciate seeing extra exposure given to DDR and rhythm games in general; I notice you're pulling content from many different sources to fill space while you talk; I suggest citing the sources for each piece of content as you drop them in perhaps as a text caption on the bottom left/right, to more properly credit them, as well as to give viewers additional sources to check out more related content. I'd also recommend doing the same with the various music you use, if you don't put it in the description or credits. It's nice to see myself being featured, I hope your channel grows! =]

[@xman04228]

I’m glad I got back playing it 😍

[@dmas7749]

giving a like for stepmania, trying to get back into shape used to be able to pass Max 300 on Heavy, now struggle with Hasse Mich on Medium

[@led_light]

5:28 Personally, I would argue that almost every DDR chart can be a freestyle chart if you're creative enough, but otherwise, great video!

[@rodrigorodriguez509]

based

[@MuseAzaria]

I'm testing that theory.

[@rythmicrice471]

Us british players have it so damn hard, the closest ddr cabinet which isnt bootleg euromix one (euromix one being the fires european release of ddr, with barely anysongs on it, most challenging song being afronova), is about 3 hours away from my house. if any konami men are reading thid PLEASE GIVE US UK CHAPS MORE MACHINES, THE TRAM TICKETS ARE TOO EXPENSIVE

[@Shikairo]

Nice video! I got into DDR during Quarantine and I am waiting for this pandemic to end so I can finally play in the Arcades

[@ResurrectedElvenMonk]

Though I'm past my prime, I still play the occasional arcade machine from time to time for a quick sweat.

[@PaulD-pj]

DDR fue la verdadera revolucion del baile en arcades!!! (por lo menos en mi país lo fue) ddr for ever :D

[@gabbo13]

I played the latest DDR game and it was on-line enabled, but you have to play independently in each arcade venue because it has no official support of e-Amusement and the arcade place can help to create a profile and access trough the smartphone or USB device (if available).

[@cesarmeza4355]

Nice moves bro

[@2sxxx]

I’m ur 490 subscriber!

[@megustalapizzaxd2463]

"ddr is more accesible than ever" me living in mexico is there any arcade to play ddr not ok then im just gonna cry

[@UCVoKPxrW7TzLaFpEKemBBzQ]

I would recommend getting StepMania.

[@bluezcreen]

me with barely any arcades in my city:

[@asksalottle220]

8:50 I feel like this footage was from kumoricon, that looked like my man Cameron's setup and it looked like him with long hair on his knees towards the end.

[@lilialive25]

I went to an arcade really far away for DDR but the dancing pad was funky. I had to STOMP really hardly to press anything so yeah 💔. Didn't quite enjoy it but I think it's still greate.

[@dob6696]

We had a local arcade for a bit that had a ddr cabinet, but it went out of business and a dominos pizza took its place

[@FNWeeaboo]

That's unfortunate

[@SuperSmashDolls]

5:15 You know DDR is in a weird spot when the high level tournaments are being sponsored by Taiko no Tatsujin

[@RobertsBrainIsGone]

Happy 20,november everyone!

[@domitg]

This game looks awesome

[@eng3d]

Here in my country (Chile) happens the same, there are really few machines, most are broken in some way or really old ones. I don't mind if they are old because I love old songs, but sheesh, they are still using CRT monitors. So I play at home, I usually do a marathon on the weekends, 15 dance dance revolution, and 15 pump it up. I wish I can play at arcades but the situation is grim. I love to play because, like many "dancers", we play in **flow state**

[@ThePixelPolygon]

We have some D&B locations in Canada, but it still pales in comparison to thr sheer number of them and the number of Round1 locations in the U.S. Still hoping we aren't completely left out in the dust!

[@alfredobetancourt7417]

My little sister showed me a new game that is really similar to DDR (Friday night funking), I started playing it and even though I really enjoyed the game it was really easy so I downloaded stepmania and got all the pack song from old DDRs, bro... I even started crying because I remembered me playing when I was a kid and how happy I was playing it, I do really hope this game becomes popular again and thank you for making this video, it was very well made!

[@susantuna3434]

you are not and ordinary fella !!! (ahh the memories of DDR and PIU )

[@akaiyui9300]

I've been slowly getting into rhythm games (Drummania, Pop'n Music, DDR, PIU, etc.) this year since I last played Drummania back in 2015. The only thing is there is only one usable DDR cab in my city and I can't play it whenever I want to due to one reason, the cab is placed near a karaoke system and whenever someone is singing there, it completely drowns the sound coming out from the cab and not only it completely throws me off, but it also defeats one of the reasons as to why I'm playing the game in the first place. I'd be really lucky if no one is singing there and it only happened once and it was last week. I can't really blame the arcade since someone told me reason why the cab was placed there and it was because they received complaints from the appliance store located below the arcade regarding their appliances slowly moving around caused by all the stomping from people playing DDR, forcing them to move the DDR cab to its current location. The old speakers could also be one of the reasons why I can't hear the music.

[@akaiyui9300]

Update: The machine can't even accept coins the last time I went there.

[@ddrdanganvloger2187]

Now the latest installment is DDR A3.

[@eink-reviews]

You should do a video on DanceMasters/Evolution!

[@Lightningwarrior1236]

Yay, there i am at 2:09. XD

[@Tupidix]

In Switzerland I think there only is one DDR/PIU left :( there used to be more but all got thrown away because "no one play those old wacky games anymore" I'd love rythm games being more accessible either in price so you can just buy it and play home or just having arcades and stuff. I still have the luck that I've been able to buy a SDVX controller to play Unnamed SDVX Clone, project diva with PS4 controller and osu/Etterna and Taiko no tatsujin on PS4.

[@SuperSealMan777]

Very very good video my man. Watched this in-between songs on stepmania. Here's a question for ya, what's your favorite at home pad?

[@FNWeeaboo]

Obviously the foam pad lol. But no actually I have no idea since I've never used a home pad.

[@SuperSealMan777]

@@FNWeeaboo you got me in the first half lol. Ooo okay I getcha. Well of course I highly recommend it if it's something you can and want to do. In my experience and "the general opinion" seems to be that the l-tek pads are the best bang for your buck. Keep up the great videos, will definitely be checking out more

[@fabsab4434]

2:47 **technically latest release is A20+

[@TrickyJebus]

Will you be doing these kinds of videos for other rhythm games like the mobile ones? (Arcaea, lanota, phigros etc...)

[@FNWeeaboo]

I only have plans to do arcade rhythm games right now (working on a script at the moment) but I'm definitely open to the idea.

[@TrickyJebus]

@@FNWeeaboo the mobile ones are very accessible so it'll be easy to get started on them

[@lordeilluminati]

The big advantage of mobile music games is that they work regardless of your equipment. What makes games that require precision timing not a thing on consoles and PCs is that the display lag varies greatly and it can make the experience miserable, on a phone this doesnt happen. The most elegant solution I saw was some Rockband guitars that had a mic on them and the game adjusted the lag automatically. Games like Just Dance or Dance Central are not as keen on precision timing, so they are not as affected.

[@GoldenFrizbee]

I learned to play this from a young age without holding the grips but I can't do anything insanely fast because of it. I could do Exotic Ethnic that's all and I'm PROUD

[@rainbowfury1019]

Alright Konami, I will still respect you

[@E1_DE3]

For a long time I have felt like these sorts of games were not for me, but even now I have continued interest in the genre. I just have no clue where to go because I feel like I've hit a permanent ceiling. I understand the basic idea, but when you get these big floods of direction inputs my mind always goes blank. I have even tried pausing to try the basic movements, but when I speed it back up I can't keep up. I wonder if my brain is just broken or I'm not suited to these sorts of games, but I respect that these have a steep learning curve. Any advice on what I could maybe do to improve? Or are these games just not for me?

[@FNWeeaboo]

I find shadowing the charts helps in establishing a sort of foundation for rhythm games. For one it's a free and convenient way to measure skill level when starting out. From there you can use charts found on KZbin to practice in the comfort of your own home. Try to feel the beats of the music and look out for certain patterns in the chart.

[@E1_DE3]

@@Reverberation256 Idk, I felt like the issue I was having was more in trying to figure out the different techniques when I got to higher levels. You have to not waste motion and learn to read the inputs, and it's harder to learn that on the easiest songs. At first, seeing the big wall of inputs was overwhelming and I didn't know wtf to do, but approaching it little by little on slow mo helped me figure out what I needed to do step by step before approaching it at normal speed.

[@fascinationproductions5973]

I love flexing in DDR, it's such a fun experience to play, also, I'm a fan of other obscure rhythm games that are japan exclusive like Sound Voltex, Beatmania and many others!

[@unknowndeoxys00]

Been waiting for this. 😁 Lol at Max 300 dreads man. Corona I swear 😭

[@hanuu6257]

I actually haven’t played DDR A20 is it different from DDR Ace? 1:50 the kids playing taiko are going strong!

[@FNWeeaboo]

Sort of there's a lot more songs I'll tell you that much

[@2dguy434]

in my country there is at the moment a total of 7 ddr machines that are open for the public.

[@yukko_parra]

as long as one is close to you, then its fine otherwise... rip...

[@2dguy434]

@@yukko_parra indeed rip

[@emmancomedy57]

Cool

[@bills-beard]

"Diverse music styles ranging from anime to jpop" those two things are basically the same buddy

[@palblue]

I played ddr on my last day of break, i thought it was cool but my feet hurt alot

[@Alawiyyun]

I wish I could play DDR, sadly I live in Italy where it's impossible..

[@blengdiabloed7335]

well u know some people have bad coordination in general and not interested on playing pattern games, fnf already made its way and a lot of players are demotivated on how hard to play the game is and memes about their hands breaking and shit. on an average casual player, it is a pattern game. it tests your coordination, endurance, and precision but you don't expect that. i tried promoting people to play rhythm games back in the day when i was still good, and here's my criticism.... it's hard to hook players up if the game is too hard to play. some of them can't even clear easy mode and would just give up and i gave up promoting it to a lot of people. if they want to play this sort of game, they have the freedom to do so. i'm not going to be there and say "oh broo lets play a rhythm game like just dance! its more fun and it promotes exercising." and yeah they did for some time till they get tired and felt tedious and left. the genre is the problem. they promote fast pace skill torture for casuals to enjoy. its not so fun to keep failing the same pattern. trust me, it ain't fun to keep making mistakes. i know us pros made mistakes. back when DDR was trending back in 2005, only a handful of people in the west likes it but more popular in japan. they rather play console games which doesnt take up their time and energy.

[@WesGalaxy]

4:26 LITERLY

[@baz00ka_446]

im a beginner ddr player its hard but i want to get good at it

[@chukomeow]

In The Groove with Stepmania and Simply Love theme. Sorry, I'm a elite snob!

[@chukomeow]

Stream forever

[@felipeluna9597]

yoooooo ddr

[@midaskun7556]

Best song I think I can do is dead end at expert or tsugaru

[@feenixblue]

"lookin cool in front of your peers" topkek

[@ifureadthis_urgay]

What's the song @1:07?

[@FNWeeaboo]

DADADADADADADADADADA (打打打打打打打打打打)

[@ifureadthis_urgay]

@@FNWeeaboo ty

[@gavinyt8170]

I already play it a lot and in the last week I wasted $200

[@derpydashdjblazekin]

My wife is trying to get me to play Just Dance but I'm too much of a DDR snob that I can't get into any of little Ubisoft Dance games with emotion gimmick that's easy to cheese

[@windowsxpnt2347]

if you ever get the chance to play it, try out parapara paradise, its basically ddr+just dance

[@derpydashdjblazekin]

@@windowsxpnt2347 if only an arcade near me had it or I could afford the game and controller for my ps2 but I have played it back in the day but now I can't find it anywhere

[@RarecuisineGaming]

max 300 seems cool. i think ill try it. *dies*

[@perceptionzzz]

40-year-old nostalgic kid !

[@michaellyga4726]

JONX #1

[@VincentKun]

In italy here ddr does not exist and the people that own one keep at home, as I rhythm game player I'm pissed off

[@The_Grace_God]

Kind of sad you never mentioned NotITG

[@Gl33D]

NotITG is not DDR (and neither is ITG)

[@xDewritos]

Yeah join us, you’ll get to argue with other people about chart ratings in YT comment sections! Now isn’t that exciting!

[@TheOneandOnlyCRMartin]

Don’t you know? That’s the funnest part of it

[@therhythmgamer]

DDR is like Iphone It is Very Expensive 😂

[@michaellk2254]

DDR double stepping is a problem.

[@ASquidWithC4]

do 2dx :)

[@FNWeeaboo]

I would love to do a video on IIDX but it's one of the rhythm games that I actually haven't tried yet so I can't really do a video on it yet

[@jamiebrom733]

He doesnt even iidx

[@AwesomeHairo]

I played DDR for 10 years, and I recently converted to PIU. PIU is the better game.

[@ryanpsyu7339]

Crowds watching you? Bystanders got bored of DDR back in like 2006... Nobody cares enough to stop and watch like that anymore.

[@patrickbateman00]

I have a hard time picking a song from Ace. The older mixes were soo much better. I also find it difficult to navigate though the whole thing to find a song before the times runs out.

[@rodrigorodriguez509]

.... Are you an imbecile?

[@Tigerwolf-uq1fu]

DDR A20 is blend without naoki he was the reason he made DDR where it is without him, it doesn't hold up like past DDR since X3 but that's just my opinion.

[@windowsxpnt2347]

wtf???? ddr without naoki, thats like having inital d without the eurobeat

[@Zololololololotted]

Why do you sound like you have a bubble in your throat all the time?

[@rodrigorodriguez509]

Probably because he's a dork. I'm a recent new player and honestly the social adjustment of the community is alarmingly low. All these comments are saying they hope it gets more popular but one of the biggest obstacles will be the player base.

[@CumKitten09]

Don't play DDR play ITG instead Support community, not Konami

[@aaronmerkel5216]

The new DDR's really have bad music, I hate to say it. Where is the Eurobeat? Well, it's nowhere. Where are the fun pop songs....welll, really nowhere anymore. The music is comprised of impossibly fast-paced instrumentals and groups of teenage asian women singing high pitched crap. The music in DDR started to go downhill in Extreme but picked up again a little with Supernova 1 & 2 (not by much)....and now it's just full of garbage that I don't want to play. I know DDR music is all personal taste, so this is just my opinion.