My first foray into the world of Dance Dance Revolution was only 10 years after it first surfaced in North America and Europe. It is not that I hadn't heard of DDR, as it's affectionately known, it's that I never really had the opportunity to experience it. I grew up in a small town in western Michigan and was in the middle of high school when it became really popular. I do remember seeing it on the King of the Hill in the episode "Returning Japanese." Okay, that wasn't actually DDR, but it was as close as I had come to seeing the real thing.
The box that Dance Dance Revolution: Hottest Party 3 -- the latest DDR title -- is packaged in is a fairly compact size for what is included: the Wii Dance Dance Revolution Dance Pad Controller and the game itself. There isn't any extreme excess packaging as sometime happens with game releases that come with things beyond the game, though the Dance Pad Controller does come folded with a piece of white tissue paper (my rabbit is still thoroughly enjoying it). The Dance Pad Controller is the similar to every other dance apparatus associated with DDR.
Connecting the Dance Pad Controller to the Wii was quite simple and took less time than reconnecting a Wii remote. Getting the game itself started was also not difficult. The brightly colored menu shows many different options ranging from Tournament mode to Free Play mode to Workout mode.
There is also a DDR School mode that teaches first timers the basics. In the DDR School mode there are six Step Lessons, six Gimmick Lessons, and five Hand Lessons. After completing DDR School, a player should be well prepared for the other modes. In addition to the DDR School there is a Training mode where players can hone their skills even more. Essentially though, gameplay boils down to this — stepping on the specific square at the appropriate time registers the correct move and the player gets points.
One of the best features of DDR: Hottest Party 3 is that you can now use a Balance Board to complete the dances. One can also use the Wii remote with the nunchuk for added upper body dance moves. The Wii Balance Board works like it does with Wii Fit — you lean and rotate your hips to the music. While using the Wii Balance Board, you also use the Wii remote with the nunchuks for an added challenge.
Article comments
1 - Mar
My main complaint with the game is it does not have a feature to add your name or initials when you receive a high score. It would make it more fun to be competitive with other.
2 - Rochelle
The game is fun,but for an older adult 50, plus it might be a little difficult to get use to,wii walk it out is so much more easier and a lot of fun, plus you get a good workout
3 - Briana
I am not sure how to use just the dance pad without having to use the controllers. all i want to use is the dance pad
4 - Briana
Will someone please answer my question...
5 - El Bicho
Can't. It's a secret. Sorry
6 - Briana
haha, very funny.
its okay, i figured it out so i don't need your help or smart remarks.
im smart and figured out the secret.
7 - Anika
Is there any way to use the wii balance board as player 2 instead of player 4?
i want player 1 to use teh mat and player 2 to use the wii balance board but when i go to "register a player" it puts the balance board as player 4???
8 - Courtney
Thanks for the review. It was helpful. I am trying to decide between DDR and Just Dance? Any suggestions.
9 - Chelsea
It's fun except that the learning curve is really weird from basic to difficult. Also, the options I've played with don't actually change anything. (ie. no movies, cut etc.)