E for All 2007 Preview
The Dance Dance Revolution series basically put
the rhythm genre on the map, affectively launching it into the minds (and living
rooms) of gamers from all walks of life. The series has launched several
different games across a bevy of systems (even the mobile platform) and shows no
sign of slowing down. Now, Konami is readying the launch of its next DDR game
for the Xbox 360 with DDR Universe 2. The sequel to last year’s Universe, DDR
Universe 2 makes a few incremental updates to the formula, but largely keeps
things the same. Of course, the series was never about massive changes, and this
entry should be a great one for hardcore series fanatics to sink their teeth
into.
The biggest new addition to the DDR formula with
Dance Dance Revolution Universe 2 is the new Freestyle mode. This mode allows
you to dance to the beat of your own drum, not following the arrows, but rather
stomping your feet around the way you want to the songs.
Many of the new modes and songs will be returning
stalwarts from previous entries to the DDR franchise. The Quest Mode from last
year’s Universe will be back, letting you create your own avatar and dance your
way across the country through a series of missions. Also, the online component
still benefits from Xbox Live, allowing you to dance with people the world over.
Dance Dance Revolution Universe 2 makes subtle
changes over its predecessors, but should be a worthy title for long-time fans
of the series.
