DDR CS General Info

Which mix do I buy?

Want to find a good console release of DDR but don't know which one to pick? Well here I will cover the console releases and the pros and cons of each one. Therefore, you can make a choice!

Note: For consistency's sake, this list will only cover the Japanese CS releases of the main series. (and EXTRA MIX, since it has 4thMIX PLUS songs on it.)

CS DDR 1st

Total Songs: 16
Unique Songs: 1

Pros

• Contains three preview songs for 2ndMIX and two entirely new songs.
• Beginner friendly.
• Sealed copies can be found for cheap.
• Introduces EDIT MODE, which allows you to create your own charts for songs.
• Includes exclusive ARRANGE MODE.
• Color coded FLAT arrows fixed from arcade version.
• Includes EASY and TRAINING modes for those new to the game.

Cons

• Small songlist.
• Nearly all the songs were repeated in the the next game's Dreamcast version and future releases.
• Timing is incredibly strict compared to later games.
• Only game to feature the negative OUCH! judgment, which penalizes standard gameplay methods (e.g. not returning feet to the center) that have become common in the modern day.
• The preview songs, CS songs, and EDIT MODE all have ridiculous unlock requirements.

CS 2ndReMIX

Total Songs: 38
Unique Songs: 5 (not counting 2ndMIX Dreamcast Edition)

Pros

• Also includes EASY and TRAINING modes.
• Like before, sealed copies can be found cheap.
• includes two previews for the next game.
• EDIT MODE is a default mode now.
• Color coded FLAT arrows fixed from arcade version.
• Includes System Data Support, which allows one to unlock all the hidden content from the previous CS release.
• STEP BATTLE songs are now playable outside that mode.

Cons

• Timing is incredibly strict compared to later games.
• Some songs have dumb unlock requirements.
• Nearly all the songs (especially the KONAMI Originals) were repeated in later games.

DDR 2ndMIX Dreamcast Edition

Total Songs: 47
Unique Songs: 5 (not counting 2ndReMIX)

Pros

• Also has EASY and TRAINING modes.
• Sealed copies are, once again, easy to find.
• Unlike the PlayStation version, all but one of the songs from DDR 1st are playable as well.
• Includes two more 3rdMIX previews than the PlayStation version, as well as full charts for the aforementioned four songs.