What Is GFDM: Difference between revisions

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''This entry is copied from the Wikipedia pages for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar_Freaks GuitarFreaks] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DrumMania DrumMania], which may be more up to date than this one.''<br>
'''''GuitarFreaks''''' (formerly capitalized as '''''GUITARFREAKS''''', abbreviated '''GF''') and '''''DrumMania''''' (formerly capitalized as '''''drummania''''', abbreviated '''''DM''''') are rock-oriented music video games produced by KONAMI. Together, the series is formerly abbreviated as "ギタドラ" (GITADORA). In GuitarFreaks, the player uses a controller to simulate the playing of an electric guitar, while in DrumMania, the player must hit the drum parts when the notes reach the bottom of the screen in order to fill in missing drum parts from a song. The game consists of music predominantly from rock, metal, and J-Pop genres, and is now in its 29th and 28th versions, [[AC GD FUZZ-UP|GITADORA FUZZ-UP GuitarFreaks and GITADORA FUZZ-UP DrumMania]] respectively, which were released in December 2022.
<br>
'''''GuitarFreaks''''' (also '''''GUITARFREAKS''''', abbreviated '''GF''') and '''''DrumMania''''' (alternately '''''drummania''''', abbreviated '''''DM''''') are music video game series produced by Konami. In GuitarFreaks, the player uses a controller to simulate the playing of an electric guitar. In DrumMania, the player must hit the drum parts when the notes reach the bottom of the screen in order to fill in missing drum parts from a song. The game consists of music predominantly from rock and roll and J-Pop genres, and is now in its 19th and 18th versions, '''GuitarFreaks V7''' and '''Drummania V7''' respectively, which were released in March 2010.


Earlier versions of ''DrumMania'', which includes those released before DrumMania 10th Mix, have been released in Asian countries under the title ''Percussion Freaks''.
In 2010, KONAMI released '''GuitarFreaksXG''' and '''DrumManiaXG''', which introduced several changes to the cabinet and controllers for both games. Since the release of the XG series, the original cabinets had [[AC GFDM V7|two new]] [[AC GFDM V8|versions]] before being discontinued. The XG series had three games before being renamed as simply '''GITADORA GuitarFreaks''' and '''GITADORA DrumMania''', with another new, smaller cabinet (although the controller, and therefore gameplay, was not changed). The GITADORA series is currently being supported with online updates.


Konami has not mass produced an American version of ''DrumMania'', primarily since John Devecka holds the US patent for "drum simulation games", which Activision had purchased and utilized in Guitar Hero series. Even with this possible obstacle in mind, Konami has tested English builds of DrumMania and Guitar Freaks V4 at the ATEI exhibition in London and at a Brunswick Zone bowling alley in Naperville, Illinois - though official releases have not been announced.  Nonetheless, imported versions of ''DrumMania'' can be found in various locations across the United States and Canada.
Earlier versions of ''DrumMania'', which include those released before drummania 10thMIX, have been released in Asian countries under the title ''Percussion Freaks''.


==Controllers==
KONAMI has not mass produced an American version of ''DrumMania'', primarily since John Devecka holds the US patent for "drum simulation games", which Activision had purchased and utilized in the Guitar Hero series. Even with this possible obstacle in mind, KONAMI has tested English builds of DrumMania and GuitarFreaks V4 at the ATEI exhibition in London and at a Brunswick Zone bowling alley in Naperville, Illinois - though official releases have not been announced. Nonetheless, imported versions of ''DrumMania'' can be found in various locations across the United States and Canada.
''GuitarFreaks'' is played using a controller designed to imitate the shape of an electric guitar, most like the Fender Jazzmaster or Fender Mustang. The neck houses three buttons, colored red, green, and blue. On the main face of the guitar, a pick lever is used to simulate the picking and strumming of an actual guitar. A small metal knob near the pick is used to alter the sound produced by the game, such as adding Chorus/Delay effects.


''DrumMania'' is played using a controller designed to imitate a drum set. Five pads are arrayed from left to right for the hi-hat, snare drum, high tom, low tom and cymbal. There is also a foot pedal for the bass drum near the snare and the high tom. During play, the player presses the pads and steps on the pedal.
= Controllers =
''Note: Games from [[AC GF|GUITARFREAKS]]/[[AC DM|drummania]] to [[AC GFDM V8|GuitarFreaks V8 & DrumMania V8]] are known as the "original series", while games using the [[AC GFDM XG|GuitarFreaksXG & DrumManiaXG]] and [[AC GD|GITADORA]] cabinets are known as the "XG/GITADORA series".''
 
''GuitarFreaks'' is played using a controller designed to imitate the shape of an electric guitar, most like the Fender Jazzmaster or Fender Mustang. The original series neck houses three buttons, colored red, green, and blue. On the main face of the guitar, a pick lever is used to simulate the picking and strumming of an actual guitar. A small metal knob near the pick is used to alter the sound produced by the game, such as adding Chorus/Delay effects.
 
The XG/GITADORA series feature five buttons, in order from left to right on the game screen: red, green, blue, yellow, purple. A foot effector was added, which allows the guitar to be played with Chorus, Delay, or Reverb effects. The guitar effect knob alters the effect strength instead.
 
''DrumMania'' is played using a controller designed to imitate a drum set. The original series features five pads are arrayed from left to right for the hi-hat, snare drum, high tom, low tom and cymbal. There is also a foot pedal for the bass drum near the snare and the high tom. During play, the player presses the pads and steps on the pedal.


The pads are actually a modified version of the DTXPRESS electronic drum kit made by Yamaha Corporation which is available in almost any musical chain store.
The pads are actually a modified version of the DTXPRESS electronic drum kit made by Yamaha Corporation which is available in almost any musical chain store.
The XG/GITADORA series feature a left cymbal, floor tom, and left pedal in addition to the the five pads from the original series.


To the right of these pads, there are three buttons, Left, Start and Right, which are used to select and decide in the selection screens. In those cases, the Left button is assigned to the snare drum pad, Right to the low tom, and Start to the cymbal.
To the right of these pads, there are three buttons, Left, Start and Right, which are used to select and decide in the selection screens. In those cases, the Left button is assigned to the snare drum pad, Right to the low tom, and Start to the cymbal.


==Gameplay (GF)==
= Gameplay =
The interface is similar to other games in the Bemani series. Two ''note scrolls'' - one for each player - are displayed at the left and right sides of the screen. Colorful animations for each song are displayed in the center of the screen. Each note scroll consists of four columns: one each for the red, green, and blue buttons, and a fourth column, known as the '''Wailing Bonus''' column. Individual notes and chords are represented by small colored bars that scroll upward in the columns. To play the correct note, the player must hold down the buttons corresponding to the colored bars, and move the fret lever when the bars reach the yellow fretting line. When a guitar icon is displayed in the Wailing Bonus column along with an associated note, the player can tilt the guitar upright while playing the note to receive bonus points.
== GuitarFreaks ==
The interface is similar to other games in the BEMANI series. Two ''note scrolls'' - one for each player - are displayed at the left and right sides of the screen. Videos for each song are displayed in the center of the screen. Each note scroll consists of columns: one each for the red, green, and blue buttons (the XG/GITADORA series also has two extra columns for yellow and purple buttons), and another column, known as the '''Wailing Bonus''' column. Individual notes and chords are represented by small colored bars that scroll upward in the columns. To play the correct note, the player must hold down the buttons corresponding to the colored bars, and move the fret lever when the bars reach the yellow fretting line. When a guitar icon is displayed in the Wailing Bonus column along with an associated note, the player can tilt the guitar upright while playing the note to receive bonus points.


The player's accuracy is judged for each note played. The current system uses the names ''Perfect'', ''Great'', ''Good'', ''Poor'', and ''Miss'' to indicate a player's accuracy. Ratings of Poor or Miss will deplete the player's '''Groove Gauge''', while Perfect and Great ratings will replenish it. If the Groove Gauge is emptied completely, the player fails, and the game ends. Players are allowed to play anywhere from one to five songs depending on the game cabinet's configuration, with the ability to earn additional songs in certain versions of the game.
The player's accuracy is judged for each note played. The current system uses the names ''Perfect'', ''Great'', ''Good'', ''Poor'', and ''Miss'' to indicate a player's accuracy. Ratings of Poor or Miss will deplete the player's '''Groove Gauge''', while Perfect and Great ratings will replenish it. If the Groove Gauge is emptied completely, the player fails, and the game ends. Players are allowed to play anywhere from one to five songs depending on the game cabinet's configuration, with the ability to earn additional songs in certain versions of the game.
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Upon successful completion of a song, players are graded on their performance. When the game ends, the player's total score across all songs played is tabulated.
Upon successful completion of a song, players are graded on their performance. When the game ends, the player's total score across all songs played is tabulated.


==Gameplay (DM)==
== DrumMania ==
The screen setup is simple. On the left side, notes scroll vertically downwards and a short video clip for each song is displayed in the right side of the screen. Individual notes are represented by small colored bars that scroll downward in the columns.  
The screen setup is simple. On the left side, notes scroll vertically downwards and a short video clip for each song is displayed in the right side of the screen. Individual notes are represented by small colored bars that scroll downward in the columns.  


To play the correct note, the player must hit one or two of these pads and/or step the pedal when the note bars reach the yellow line. The note scroll in ''DrumMania'' is in essence a drum tablature timed with the music and placed vertically.
To play the correct note, the player must hit one or two of these pads and/or step the pedal(s) when the note bars reach the yellow line. The note scroll in ''DrumMania'' is in essence a drum tablature timed with the music and placed vertically.


The player's accuracy is judged for each note played, and while the individual note judgments have changed throughout the series, the current system uses Perfect, Great, Good, Poor, and Miss to evaluate performance of each note. Ratings of Poor or Miss will deplete the player's "Excite Gauge", while accurate play will replenish it.  
The player's accuracy is judged for each note played, and while the individual note judgments have changed throughout the series, the current system uses Perfect, Great, Good, Poor, and Miss to evaluate performance of each note. Ratings of Poor or Miss will deplete the player's "Excite Gauge", while accurate play will replenish it.  
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At the completion of a song, players are given a letter rank for their performance which can range anywhere from E to A, as well as S and SS depending on how well the song was played, and how the particular release of the game being played computes ranks.
At the completion of a song, players are given a letter rank for their performance which can range anywhere from E to A, as well as S and SS depending on how well the song was played, and how the particular release of the game being played computes ranks.


==Session Linking==
= Session Linking =
One of the major selling points of ''GuitarFreaks'' and ''DrumMania'' are the games' ability to be linked to the other game. This allows up to three players to join together to play simultaneously in ''Session Mode''. During a session, the music will play simultaneously from both games, and the players' guitar and drum sounds are relayed between the two games.
One of the major selling points of ''GuitarFreaks'' and ''DrumMania'' are the games' ability to be linked to the other game. This allows up to three players to join together to play simultaneously in ''Session Mode''. During a session, the music will play simultaneously from both games, and the players' guitar and drum sounds are relayed between the two games.


Because the second version of ''GuitarFreaks'' was released prior to the first version of DrumMania, GuitarFreaks is one "mix" number higher than the ''DrumMania'' version it links up to. For example, ''GUITARFREAKS 6th MIX'' is designed to be linked with ''DrumMania 5th MIX''. The mix versions were synchronized with the release of ''GuitarFreaks V & DrumMania V'' eschewing the long-standing number system, and replacing what would have been the 12th and 11th mix, respectively.
Because the second version of ''GuitarFreaks'' was released prior to the first version of DrumMania, GuitarFreaks is one "mix" number higher than the ''DrumMania'' version it links up to. For example, [[AC GF6DM5|GUITARFREAKS 6thMIX]] is designed to be linked with drummania 5thMIX. The mix versions were synchronized with the release of [[AC GFDM V|GuitarFreaks V & DrumMania V]] eschewing the long-standing number system, and replacing what would have been the 12th and 11th mix, respectively.
 
== MultiSession GDK ==
Seen only in two releases each of ''GuitarFreaks'' and ''DrumMania'', MultiSession GDK allowed the games to be linked up with [[AC KBM 3rd|KEYBOARDMANIA 3rdMIX]] as well. In addition to having three players control the guitars and drums, two more could be added playing along on keyboards. However, when linked with KEYBOARDMANIA, only about a [[:Category:MultiSession GDK Songs|dozen songs]] are available to play. KEYBOARDMANIA 3rdMIX can be linked with [[AC GF5DM4|GUITARFREAKS 5thMIX & drummania 4thMIX]], or [[AC GF6DM5|GUITARFREAKS 6thMIX & drummania 5thMIX]].
 
= Hardware =
Until V, ''DrumMania'' used KONAMI's System 573 Digital hardware, which was also implemented on ''GuitarFreaks'' on its [[AC GF3|3rdMIX]], allowing the implementation of link functionality between the two games. On V, both games were switched to a PlayStation 2 based system, now using a hard drive instead of CD-ROM discs to store game data. As of V4, both ''GuitarFreaks'' and ''DrumMania'' now run on Windows XP Embedded based hardware known as BEMANI PC (which has also been adopted by other KONAMI arcade games).


===Super Session===
== Cabinets ==
Seen only in two releases each of ''GuitarFreaks'' and ''DrumMania'', Super Session allowed the games to be linked up with Keyboardmania 3rd Mix as well. In addition to having three players control the guitars and drums, two more could be added playing along on keyboards. However, when linked with ''Keyboardmania'', only about a dozen songs are available to play. ''Keyboardmania 3rd Mix'' can be linked with ''GuitarFreaks 5th Mix'' and ''DrumMania 4th Mix'', or ''GuitarFreaks 6th Mix'' and ''DrumMania 5th Mix''.
Three different cabinet models have been released throughout the series' lifespan. Each model has different aspects and features, as shown below:


==Hardware==
{| class="wikitable" border="1px" style="background:#ccccee; font-size:90%; text-align: center; margin: 1em auto 1em auto"
Until V, ''DrumMania'' used Konami's System 573 Digital hardware, which was also implemented on ''GuitarFreaks'' on its 3rd Mix, allowing the implementation of link functionality between the two games. On V, both games were switched to a PlayStation 2 based system, now using a hard drive instead of CD-ROM discs to store game data. As of V4, the ''DrumMania'' now runs on Windows XP Embedded based hardware (which has also been adopted by other Konami arcade games).
|-
!style="background:#9999ee; text-align: center;" | Feature
!style="background:#9999ee; text-align: center;" | Classic
!style="background:#9999ee; text-align: center;" | DX cabinets
!style="background:#9999ee; text-align: center;" | White cabinets
|-
| Debut year
| 1998
| 2010
| 2013
|-
| Color
| Black
| Black/Silver
| White
|-
| Screen display
| colspan=2| 37 inch
| 32 inch
|-
| Controllers
| colspan=2| 2 Guitars and 1 Drum
| 1 Guitar and 1 Drum
|-
| Effector/vibration
| Absent
| Present
| Absent
|-
| Raised stage
| Present
| Optional
| Absent
|-
| Bass shaking
| colspan=2| Present
| Absent
|-
|}


==e-Amusement==
= Modes =
Since GF 9th Mix/DM 8th Mix, the series has taken advantage of Konami's ''e-Amusement'' system, which adds several online capabilities to the game:
As of GITADORA FUZZ-UP, the game currently has the following entry modes:


===Avatar===
{| class="wikitable" border="1px" style="background:#ccccee; font-size:90%; text-align: center; margin: 1em auto 1em auto"
With the usage of the e-AMUSEMENT Pass, players are allowed to select an avatar to represent themselves.
|-
!style="background:#9999ee; text-align: center;" | Mode
!style="background:#9999ee; text-align: center;" | Duration
!style="background:#9999ee; text-align: center;" | ENCORE Stage
!style="background:#9999ee; text-align: center;" | LONG songs
!style="background:#9999ee; text-align: center;" | Rivals
!style="background:#9999ee; text-align: center;" | Battle System
!style="background:#9999ee; text-align: center;" | Session Play
!style="background:#9999ee; text-align: center;" | Remarks
|-
| Light
| Up to 3 songs
| No
| No
| Up to three
| No
| rowspan=3| Yes
| Can be paid with either credits or PASELI.
|-
| Standard
| rowspan=2| 3 songs guaranteed <br>(up to 5 songs)
| rowspan=2| Yes
| rowspan=2| Once per session
| rowspan=3| Up to five
| rowspan=2| Yes
|
|-
| Deluxe
| Added on [[AC GD Matixx|GITADORA Matixx]]<br>Available if there are songs unlockable through [[DX Challenge|Deluxe Mode]]
|-
| Premium Free
| 10 or 15 minutes
| No
| Yes
| No
| No
| Added on [[AC GD FUZZ-UP|GITADORA FUZZ-UP]]
|-
|}


===Battle===
= [[e-amusement]] =
As of Drummania V3 with the usage of the e-AMUSEMENT Pass, players are allowed to select an additional mode: Battle (Worldwide). With Battle mode, players can compete and pit their skills with another player available on the e-AMUSEMENT server; otherwise not available without the usage of the e-AMUSEMENT Pass.
Since [[AC GF8DM7|GUITARFREAKS 8thMIX & drummania 7thMIX]], the series has taken advantage of KONAMI's e-amusement (formerly eAMUSEMENT or e-AMUSEMENT) system, which adds several online capabilities to the game:


Players can select NORMAL, PERFECT or COMBO modes upon selection of the song to determine the final calculation. Upon winning or losing, they will be entitled to promote or demote to another higher BATTLE CLASS rated from D3 to SS, where players are sorted according how well they have successfully defeated opponents.
== Avatar ==
With the usage of the e-amusement pass, players are allowed to select an avatar to represent themselves.


However, without the use of the e-AMUSEMENT Pass, if there are additional Drummania machines in the arcade, an additional Battle Mode (Local) option is created, just like in a LAN. They have the same functionaility as the Battle Mode (Worldwide); otherwise do not have Battle Classes to sort the players.
== Battle ==
As of [[AC GFDM V3|V3]] with the usage of the e-amusement pass, players are allowed to select an additional mode: Battle (Worldwide). With Battle mode, players can compete and pit their skills with another player available on the e-amusement server; otherwise not available without the usage of the e-amusement pass.


Other than Battle Mode (Local), alternatively players can select the Battle Mode (CPU) which is also available only Drummania machines without e-AMUSEMENT access. This mode allows players to complete with the CPU, rather than a player.
Players can select NORMAL, PERFECT, or COMBO modes upon selection of the song to determine the final calculation. Upon winning or losing, they will be entitled to promote or demote to another higher BATTLE CLASS rated from D3 to SS, where players are sorted according how well they have successfully defeated opponents.


===Hidden songs===
However, without the use of the e-amusement pass, if there are additional GuitarFreaks or DrumMania machines in the arcade, an additional Battle Mode (Local) option is created, just like in a LAN. They have the same functionality as the Battle Mode (Worldwide); otherwise do not have Battle Classes to sort the players.
With the usage of the e-AMUSEMENT Pass, players are allowed access to hidden songs not playable without the usage of the e-AMUSEMENT Pass. These songs are highlighted in green prior to selecting a songs.


===Internet ranking===
Other than Battle Mode (Local), alternatively players can select the Battle Mode (CPU) which is also available only for GuitarFreaks or DrumMania machines without e-amusement access. This mode allows players to complete with the CPU, rather than a player.
With the usage of the e-AMUSEMENT Pass, players are allowed to have their results posted via the Internet. These results include their own personal ranking and have results of their songs stored into the e-AMUSEMENT Pass.


===Regional competition===
== Hidden songs ==
With the usage of the e-AMUSEMENT Pass, players can compete against other players locally before being selected as the top 8 players to represent for their country. According the BEMANI TOP RANKER 2008 Competition, these players will be invited to Hong Kong for the semi-finals and Japan for the finals respectively.
With the usage of the e-amusement pass, players are allowed access to hidden songs not playable or unlockable without an e-amusement Pass.


However, an online registration must be submitted via the BEMANI TOP RANKER website and the player must play the complusory songs to determine the players who will be representing for their country.
== Internet ranking ==
With the usage of the e-amusement pass, players are allowed to have their results posted via the Internet. These results include their own personal ranking and have results of their songs stored into the e-amusement pass.


===Skill Points===
== Skill Points ==
Songs played are then converted to Skill Points, which is determined by the percentage of Perfects, Greats and the number of notes hit correctly in succession, known as "Combo." The higher the combo count and percentage of Perfects, Greats, the higher the percentage of skill obtained for that particular song, up to 100% or simply MAX.
Songs played are then converted to Skill Points, which is determined by the percentage of Perfects, Greats and the number of notes hit correctly in succession, known as "Combo." The higher the combo count and percentage of Perfects, Greats, the higher the percentage of skill obtained for that particular song, up to 100% or simply MAX.


As of Drummania V4, Skill Points are dependent on the first 14 songs released for the particular mix, next 36 songs from previous mixes and last 3 long songs from any mix played throughout the song list.
As of [[AC GFDM V4|V4]], Skill Points are dependent on the first 14 songs released for the particular mix, next 36 songs from previous mixes and last 3 long songs from any mix played throughout the song list.


The previous mixes uses a different calculation of Skill Points since NON-STOP Mode is abolished in Drummania V4. The old skill point calculation is dependent on the first 13 songs released for the particular mix, next 35 songs from previous mixes, 2 long songs from any mix and the last 3 non-stop courses played throughout the song list.
The previous mixes uses a different calculation of Skill Points since NONSTOP MODE was abolished in V4. The old skill point calculation is dependent on the first 13 songs released for the particular mix, next 35 songs from previous mixes, 2 long songs from any mix and the last 3 non-stop courses played throughout the song list.


Skill Points are awarded upon successful completion of a song, and depending on how well the Skill Percentage earned for the particular song, the player earns the amount of Skill Points reflected at the end of the game.
Skill Points are awarded upon successful completion of a song, and depending on how well the Skill Percentage earned for the particular song, the player earns the amount of Skill Points reflected at the end of the game.


===Titles===
== Titles ==
Players are allowed to select titles earned from Drummania to represent them. These titles require special condition(s) to be met before earning the particular title.
Players are allowed to select titles earned from the games to represent them. These titles require special condition(s) to be met before earning the particular title.
 
== Updates ==
Since GITADORA, both ''GuitarFreaks'' and ''DrumMania'' require to be connected to e-amusement in order to receive software update, which can include new songs, unlocking events, bug fixes, among other various additions or removals. New games are also released through online updates as well.
 
= Simulators =
A handful of ''GuitarFreaks'' and ''DrumMania'' simulators have been created for use on PCs, the most popular of which is called ''DTXMania''. It can be controlled using the computer keyboard, any USB device that can act as a joystick, or any MIDI instrument such as a MIDI keyboard or professional quality electronic drum kit. While DTXMania is compatible with Rock Band and Guitar Hero series drum sets, they do not have enough drum pads to play many of the DrumMania songs correctly unless more sets are added. DTXMania supports up to 8 drum pads and makes a distinction between open and closed Hi-Hat. Using DTXCreator from the web page it is possible to create playable songs from any mp3/ogg files if the guitar/drum tablature is available.


==Drummania Simulators==
= External Links =
A handful of ''DrumMania'' simulators have been created for use on PCs, the most popular of which is called [http://mainori-se.sakura.ne.jp/dtxmania/ DTXMania], which also supports ''GuitarFreaks''. It can be controlled using the computer keyboard, any USB device that can act as a joystick, or any MIDI instrument such as a MIDI keyboard or professional quality electronic drum kit. While DTXMania is compatible with Rock Band and Guitar Hero series drum sets, they do not have enough drum pads to play many of the DrumMania songs correctly unless more sets are added. DTXMania supports up to 8 drum pads and makes a distinction between open and closed Hi-Hat. Using DTXCreator from the web page it is possible to create playable songs from any mp3/ogg files if the drum tablature is available.
== Official Sites ==
* [http://twitter.com/gfdm_staff GITADORA staff Twitter].
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120426034908/http://www.konami.jp/bemani/gfdm/arcade/index.html GuitarFreaks & DrumMania GATEWAY], KONAMI's official arcade website for GuitarFreaks & DrumMania games up to [[AC GFDM XG3|GuitarFreaksXG3 & DrumManiaXG3]] (archived).


==External Links==
== Community Sites ==
*[http://www.konami-asia.com/en/am/index.html Konami Digital Entertainment Limited (Hong Kong)]
* [http://bemaniwiki.com/index.php BEMANIWiki 2nd]
*[http://gdamania.co.cc Drummania/DTXMania community Forum]
* [https://beatpool.am-box.com/ ギタドラ検索 beatpool]
*[http://www.konami.jp/bemani/gfdm/ GFdm Gateway], Konami's official arcade website for ''GuitarFreaks'' and ''DrumMania'' (in Japanese)
*[http://www.gdamania.net GDAmania], a popular GF/DM community website with simfiles, songlists, lyrics and worldwide locations.
*[http://www.ea-pass.konami.jp/ e-AMUSEMENT PASS]


===Simulators===
== Simulators ==
*[http://mainori-se.sakura.ne.jp/dtxmania/ DTXMania], a popular simulator for DM/GF.
* [http://www.dtxmania.net/ DTXMania], a popular simulator for GuitarFreaks & DrumMania.
*[http://www.digiband.net/ DigiBand], another simulator for DM/GF, currently the only one available for Linux.
* [http://www.digiband.net/ DigiBand], another simulator for GuitarFreaks & DrumMania, currently the only one available for Linux.
*[http://sourceforge.net/projects/drumtrainer/ Drum Trainer], a simulator that works with MIDI files.


===Community===
{{stub}}
*[http://www.gdamania.net/ GDAmania], a Drummania/Guitarfreaks community website.
*[http://www.drummania.org/home.shtml Drummania Unofficial Homepage], a resource for ''DrumMania'' song information, including drum charts, artists, and difficulties.


===Hardware information===
[[Category:GuitarFreaks & DrumMania]]
*[http://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=822 System 16's Bemani System 573 Analog Page], a listing of games that run on the same arcade platform as the first-generation DrumMania games.
*[http://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=823 System 16's Bemani System 573 Digital Page], a listing of games that run on the same arcade platform as the second-generation DrumMania games.
*[http://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=831 System 16's Bemani PlayStation 2 Hardware Page], a listing of games that run on the same arcade platform as the third-generation of DrumMania games.
*[http://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=830 System 16's Bemani PC Based Hardware Page], a listing of games that run on the same arcade platform as the most recent forth-generation of DrumMania games.

Latest revision as of 04:00, 24 July 2024

GuitarFreaks (formerly capitalized as GUITARFREAKS, abbreviated GF) and DrumMania (formerly capitalized as drummania, abbreviated DM) are rock-oriented music video games produced by KONAMI. Together, the series is formerly abbreviated as "ギタドラ" (GITADORA). In GuitarFreaks, the player uses a controller to simulate the playing of an electric guitar, while in DrumMania, the player must hit the drum parts when the notes reach the bottom of the screen in order to fill in missing drum parts from a song. The game consists of music predominantly from rock, metal, and J-Pop genres, and is now in its 29th and 28th versions, GITADORA FUZZ-UP GuitarFreaks and GITADORA FUZZ-UP DrumMania respectively, which were released in December 2022.

In 2010, KONAMI released GuitarFreaksXG and DrumManiaXG, which introduced several changes to the cabinet and controllers for both games. Since the release of the XG series, the original cabinets had two new versions before being discontinued. The XG series had three games before being renamed as simply GITADORA GuitarFreaks and GITADORA DrumMania, with another new, smaller cabinet (although the controller, and therefore gameplay, was not changed). The GITADORA series is currently being supported with online updates.

Earlier versions of DrumMania, which include those released before drummania 10thMIX, have been released in Asian countries under the title Percussion Freaks.

KONAMI has not mass produced an American version of DrumMania, primarily since John Devecka holds the US patent for "drum simulation games", which Activision had purchased and utilized in the Guitar Hero series. Even with this possible obstacle in mind, KONAMI has tested English builds of DrumMania and GuitarFreaks V4 at the ATEI exhibition in London and at a Brunswick Zone bowling alley in Naperville, Illinois - though official releases have not been announced. Nonetheless, imported versions of DrumMania can be found in various locations across the United States and Canada.

Controllers

Note: Games from GUITARFREAKS/drummania to GuitarFreaks V8 & DrumMania V8 are known as the "original series", while games using the GuitarFreaksXG & DrumManiaXG and GITADORA cabinets are known as the "XG/GITADORA series".

GuitarFreaks is played using a controller designed to imitate the shape of an electric guitar, most like the Fender Jazzmaster or Fender Mustang. The original series neck houses three buttons, colored red, green, and blue. On the main face of the guitar, a pick lever is used to simulate the picking and strumming of an actual guitar. A small metal knob near the pick is used to alter the sound produced by the game, such as adding Chorus/Delay effects.

The XG/GITADORA series feature five buttons, in order from left to right on the game screen: red, green, blue, yellow, purple. A foot effector was added, which allows the guitar to be played with Chorus, Delay, or Reverb effects. The guitar effect knob alters the effect strength instead.

DrumMania is played using a controller designed to imitate a drum set. The original series features five pads are arrayed from left to right for the hi-hat, snare drum, high tom, low tom and cymbal. There is also a foot pedal for the bass drum near the snare and the high tom. During play, the player presses the pads and steps on the pedal.

The pads are actually a modified version of the DTXPRESS electronic drum kit made by Yamaha Corporation which is available in almost any musical chain store.

The XG/GITADORA series feature a left cymbal, floor tom, and left pedal in addition to the the five pads from the original series.

To the right of these pads, there are three buttons, Left, Start and Right, which are used to select and decide in the selection screens. In those cases, the Left button is assigned to the snare drum pad, Right to the low tom, and Start to the cymbal.

Gameplay

GuitarFreaks

The interface is similar to other games in the BEMANI series. Two note scrolls - one for each player - are displayed at the left and right sides of the screen. Videos for each song are displayed in the center of the screen. Each note scroll consists of columns: one each for the red, green, and blue buttons (the XG/GITADORA series also has two extra columns for yellow and purple buttons), and another column, known as the Wailing Bonus column. Individual notes and chords are represented by small colored bars that scroll upward in the columns. To play the correct note, the player must hold down the buttons corresponding to the colored bars, and move the fret lever when the bars reach the yellow fretting line. When a guitar icon is displayed in the Wailing Bonus column along with an associated note, the player can tilt the guitar upright while playing the note to receive bonus points.

The player's accuracy is judged for each note played. The current system uses the names Perfect, Great, Good, Poor, and Miss to indicate a player's accuracy. Ratings of Poor or Miss will deplete the player's Groove Gauge, while Perfect and Great ratings will replenish it. If the Groove Gauge is emptied completely, the player fails, and the game ends. Players are allowed to play anywhere from one to five songs depending on the game cabinet's configuration, with the ability to earn additional songs in certain versions of the game.

Upon successful completion of a song, players are graded on their performance. When the game ends, the player's total score across all songs played is tabulated.

DrumMania

The screen setup is simple. On the left side, notes scroll vertically downwards and a short video clip for each song is displayed in the right side of the screen. Individual notes are represented by small colored bars that scroll downward in the columns.

To play the correct note, the player must hit one or two of these pads and/or step the pedal(s) when the note bars reach the yellow line. The note scroll in DrumMania is in essence a drum tablature timed with the music and placed vertically.

The player's accuracy is judged for each note played, and while the individual note judgments have changed throughout the series, the current system uses Perfect, Great, Good, Poor, and Miss to evaluate performance of each note. Ratings of Poor or Miss will deplete the player's "Excite Gauge", while accurate play will replenish it.

If the Excite Gauge is emptied completely, the game ends. Players will be able to play anywhere from three to five songs depending on the game's configuration, with the potential to earn one or two additional stages in certain versions of the game if performance is good enough.

At the completion of a song, players are given a letter rank for their performance which can range anywhere from E to A, as well as S and SS depending on how well the song was played, and how the particular release of the game being played computes ranks.

Session Linking

One of the major selling points of GuitarFreaks and DrumMania are the games' ability to be linked to the other game. This allows up to three players to join together to play simultaneously in Session Mode. During a session, the music will play simultaneously from both games, and the players' guitar and drum sounds are relayed between the two games.

Because the second version of GuitarFreaks was released prior to the first version of DrumMania, GuitarFreaks is one "mix" number higher than the DrumMania version it links up to. For example, GUITARFREAKS 6thMIX is designed to be linked with drummania 5thMIX. The mix versions were synchronized with the release of GuitarFreaks V & DrumMania V eschewing the long-standing number system, and replacing what would have been the 12th and 11th mix, respectively.

MultiSession GDK

Seen only in two releases each of GuitarFreaks and DrumMania, MultiSession GDK allowed the games to be linked up with KEYBOARDMANIA 3rdMIX as well. In addition to having three players control the guitars and drums, two more could be added playing along on keyboards. However, when linked with KEYBOARDMANIA, only about a dozen songs are available to play. KEYBOARDMANIA 3rdMIX can be linked with GUITARFREAKS 5thMIX & drummania 4thMIX, or GUITARFREAKS 6thMIX & drummania 5thMIX.

Hardware

Until V, DrumMania used KONAMI's System 573 Digital hardware, which was also implemented on GuitarFreaks on its 3rdMIX, allowing the implementation of link functionality between the two games. On V, both games were switched to a PlayStation 2 based system, now using a hard drive instead of CD-ROM discs to store game data. As of V4, both GuitarFreaks and DrumMania now run on Windows XP Embedded based hardware known as BEMANI PC (which has also been adopted by other KONAMI arcade games).

Cabinets

Three different cabinet models have been released throughout the series' lifespan. Each model has different aspects and features, as shown below:

Feature Classic DX cabinets White cabinets
Debut year 1998 2010 2013
Color Black Black/Silver White
Screen display 37 inch 32 inch
Controllers 2 Guitars and 1 Drum 1 Guitar and 1 Drum
Effector/vibration Absent Present Absent
Raised stage Present Optional Absent
Bass shaking Present Absent

Modes

As of GITADORA FUZZ-UP, the game currently has the following entry modes:

Mode Duration ENCORE Stage LONG songs Rivals Battle System Session Play Remarks
Light Up to 3 songs No No Up to three No Yes Can be paid with either credits or PASELI.
Standard 3 songs guaranteed
(up to 5 songs) 		Yes Once per session Up to five Yes
Deluxe Added on GITADORA Matixx
Available if there are songs unlockable through Deluxe Mode
Premium Free 10 or 15 minutes No Yes No No Added on GITADORA FUZZ-UP

e-amusement

Since GUITARFREAKS 8thMIX & drummania 7thMIX, the series has taken advantage of KONAMI's e-amusement (formerly eAMUSEMENT or e-AMUSEMENT) system, which adds several online capabilities to the game:

Avatar

With the usage of the e-amusement pass, players are allowed to select an avatar to represent themselves.

Battle

As of V3 with the usage of the e-amusement pass, players are allowed to select an additional mode: Battle (Worldwide). With Battle mode, players can compete and pit their skills with another player available on the e-amusement server; otherwise not available without the usage of the e-amusement pass.

Players can select NORMAL, PERFECT, or COMBO modes upon selection of the song to determine the final calculation. Upon winning or losing, they will be entitled to promote or demote to another higher BATTLE CLASS rated from D3 to SS, where players are sorted according how well they have successfully defeated opponents.

However, without the use of the e-amusement pass, if there are additional GuitarFreaks or DrumMania machines in the arcade, an additional Battle Mode (Local) option is created, just like in a LAN. They have the same functionality as the Battle Mode (Worldwide); otherwise do not have Battle Classes to sort the players.

Other than Battle Mode (Local), alternatively players can select the Battle Mode (CPU) which is also available only for GuitarFreaks or DrumMania machines without e-amusement access. This mode allows players to complete with the CPU, rather than a player.

Hidden songs

With the usage of the e-amusement pass, players are allowed access to hidden songs not playable or unlockable without an e-amusement Pass.

Internet ranking

With the usage of the e-amusement pass, players are allowed to have their results posted via the Internet. These results include their own personal ranking and have results of their songs stored into the e-amusement pass.

Skill Points

Songs played are then converted to Skill Points, which is determined by the percentage of Perfects, Greats and the number of notes hit correctly in succession, known as "Combo." The higher the combo count and percentage of Perfects, Greats, the higher the percentage of skill obtained for that particular song, up to 100% or simply MAX.

As of V4, Skill Points are dependent on the first 14 songs released for the particular mix, next 36 songs from previous mixes and last 3 long songs from any mix played throughout the song list.

The previous mixes uses a different calculation of Skill Points since NONSTOP MODE was abolished in V4. The old skill point calculation is dependent on the first 13 songs released for the particular mix, next 35 songs from previous mixes, 2 long songs from any mix and the last 3 non-stop courses played throughout the song list.

Skill Points are awarded upon successful completion of a song, and depending on how well the Skill Percentage earned for the particular song, the player earns the amount of Skill Points reflected at the end of the game.

Titles

Players are allowed to select titles earned from the games to represent them. These titles require special condition(s) to be met before earning the particular title.

Updates

Since GITADORA, both GuitarFreaks and DrumMania require to be connected to e-amusement in order to receive software update, which can include new songs, unlocking events, bug fixes, among other various additions or removals. New games are also released through online updates as well.

Simulators

A handful of GuitarFreaks and DrumMania simulators have been created for use on PCs, the most popular of which is called DTXMania. It can be controlled using the computer keyboard, any USB device that can act as a joystick, or any MIDI instrument such as a MIDI keyboard or professional quality electronic drum kit. While DTXMania is compatible with Rock Band and Guitar Hero series drum sets, they do not have enough drum pads to play many of the DrumMania songs correctly unless more sets are added. DTXMania supports up to 8 drum pads and makes a distinction between open and closed Hi-Hat. Using DTXCreator from the web page it is possible to create playable songs from any mp3/ogg files if the guitar/drum tablature is available.

External Links

Official Sites

Community Sites

Simulators

  • DTXMania, a popular simulator for GuitarFreaks & DrumMania.
  • DigiBand, another simulator for GuitarFreaks & DrumMania, currently the only one available for Linux.
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