What Is DDR?: Difference between revisions

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== Notes / Arrow Types ==
== Notes / Arrow Types ==
Usually, the arrows (or notes) are seen scrolling upward from the bottom to the top of the screen. The arrows are normally placed to match the main beat of the song. The most common note found in the game is a ¼ note. In the first two games, only ¼, ⅛ and <sup>1</sup>/<sub>16</sub> notes existed and they were each colored the same. After [[AC DDR 3rd|DanceDanceRevolution 3rdMIX]], the game sporadically added options to change the color of the notes depending on the beat they fall on. For example, a ¼ note will appear colored in red when the modifiers ARROW COLOR is set to NOTE.
Usually, the arrows (or notes) are seen scrolling upward from the bottom to the top of the screen. The arrows are normally placed to match the main beat of the song. The most common note found in the game is a ¼ note. In the first two games, only ¼, ⅛, and <sup>1</sup>/<sub>16</sub> notes existed and they were each colored the same. After [[AC DDR 3rd|DanceDanceRevolution 3rdMIX]], the game sporadically added options to change the color of the notes depending on the beat they fall on. For example, a ¼ note will appear colored in red when the modifiers ARROW COLOR is set to NOTE.


Other than the regular arrows, the game also has:
Other than the regular arrows, the game also has:
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** In older games, hitting a step off-beat would get the step rating Boo (known as Almost in the American CS versions). That step rating was merged with Miss in DanceDanceRevolution X2.
** In older games, hitting a step off-beat would get the step rating Boo (known as Almost in the American CS versions). That step rating was merged with Miss in DanceDanceRevolution X2.


Since DanceDanceRevolution X2, the game can display a judgment timing indicator (判定タイミング表示) on screen: <span style="color: #ca00cd;">'''SLOW'''</span> when the arrow was stepped after it matched the STEP ZONE arrows and <span style="color: #311aa3;">'''FAST'''</span> if the step was pressed before the arrows met the STEP ZONE properly. Getting a Perfect judgment or higher (O.K. included) won't trigger the timing indicator. This feature can be disabled by the arcade operator and thus, not available on every arcade machines.
Since DanceDanceRevolution X2, the game can display a judgment timing indicator (判定タイミング表示) on screen: <span style="color: #ca00cd;">'''Slow'''</span> when the arrow was stepped after it matched the STEP ZONE arrows and <span style="color: #311aa3;">'''Fast'''</span> if the step was pressed before the arrows met the STEP ZONE properly. Getting a Perfect judgment or higher (O.K. included) won't trigger the timing indicator. This feature can be disabled by the arcade operator and thus, it is not available on every arcade machine.


;DANCE GAUGE
; DANCE GAUGE
The timing result influences both the score and the player's DANCE GAUGE (ダンスゲージ). Continuously missing (Miss) or receiving timing judgments lower than Good (except O.K.) drain the life gauge. After a while if the player doesn't improve, this could lead to the game ending prematurely (getting a "Game Over", thus failing the song). A visual cue exists to help identify when the life meter is low, it goes from being rainbow colored (no misses in a while) to green (a few miss) and finally to red (danger). The gauge usually starts at half its capacity and is shown in green as default. Prior to DanceDanceRevolution (2013), the DANCE GAUGE was known as the dance meter in the game tutorial.
The timing result influences both the score and the player's DANCE GAUGE (ダンスゲージ). Continuously missing (Miss) or receiving timing judgments lower than Good (except O.K.) will drain the life gauge. After a while if the player doesn't improve, this could lead to the game ending prematurely (getting a "Game Over", thus failing the song). A visual cue exists to help identify when the life meter is low, it goes from being rainbow colored (no misses in a while) to green (a few misses) and finally to red (danger). Also, audio cues that help identify when the player is in danger of failing include a booing audience and the announcer encouraging the player to stop missing notes. The gauge usually starts at half its capacity and is shown in green as default. Prior to DanceDanceRevolution (2013), the DANCE GAUGE was known as the dance meter in the game tutorial.


Since DDRMAX, the standard DANCE GAUGE is often replaced with a stricter gauge such as [[DDR AC General Info|RISKY]] during a special event called an EXTRA STAGE which is unlocked after fulfilling one or more conditions.
Since DDRMAX, the standard DANCE GAUGE is often replaced with a stricter gauge such as [[DDR AC General Info|RISKY]] during a special event called an EXTRA STAGE which is unlocked after fulfilling one or more conditions.


;Combo
; Combo
Another concept is the ability to create a combo (コンボ). After hitting successfully a number of steps (4), the combo number will appear on the screen. Since [[AC DDR 2013|DanceDanceRevolution (2013)]], getting a Good won't break the combo and only getting a Miss or a N.G. can now break the combo.
Another concept is the ability to create a combo (コンボ). After hitting successfully a number of steps (4), the combo number will appear on the screen. Since [[AC DDR 2013|DanceDanceRevolution (2013)]], getting a Good won't break the combo and only getting a Miss or a N.G. can now break the combo.


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== STAGE System ==
== STAGE System ==
Due to the game being an arcade game, it uses a STAGE (ステージ) system to limit the amount of songs played so that other player can enjoy the game too. Only one song can be played by STAGE. In the earlier games, the number of STAGE possible for a play session was decided by the arcade operator, usually from 3 to 5 songs. In the most recent versions, the game is set to 3 STAGEs (FIRST, 2nd and FINAL) with a potential EXTRA STAGE if unlocked.
Due to the game being an arcade game, it uses a STAGE (ステージ) system to limit the amount of songs played so that other player can enjoy the game too. Only one song can be played by STAGE. In the earlier games, the number of STAGE possible for a play session was decided by the arcade operator, usually from 3 to 5 songs. In the most recent versions, the game is set to 3 STAGEs (FIRST, 2nd, and FINAL) with a potential EXTRA STAGE if unlocked.


; EXTRA STAGE
; EXTRA STAGE
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; ONE MORE EXTRA STAGE / ENCORE EXTRA STAGE
; ONE MORE EXTRA STAGE / ENCORE EXTRA STAGE
If the EXTRA STAGE was cleared by completing a specific condition (different for every games), an ENCORE EXTRA STAGE can be played. It was first introduced as ONE MORE EXTRA STAGE in DDRMAX before being renamed ENCORE EXTRA STAGE in SuperNOVA2. The EXTRA STAGE was removed in DanceDanceRevolution (2013) after being used in nine arcade games.
If the EXTRA STAGE was cleared by completing a specific condition (different for every games), an ENCORE EXTRA STAGE can be played. It was first introduced as ONE MORE EXTRA STAGE in DDRMAX before being renamed ENCORE EXTRA STAGE in SuperNOVA2. The ENCORE EXTRA STAGE was removed in DanceDanceRevolution (2013) after being used in nine arcade games, but was temporarily revived for [[Another Phase]] via a bug, and revived again for [[MAX.(period)]] and [[Over The "Period"|Over The “Period”]] as part of the ''Replicant D-ignition'' event in DanceDanceRevolution (2014).


== Song Selection ==
== Song Selection ==
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Usually, the Song Selection Screen shows for each song its banner, the ratings and difficulties available for that song, its BPM and any previous high score by the player. In DanceDanceRevolution X2, the series' long-time traditional banners were replaced by album jackets.
Usually, the Song Selection Screen shows for each song its banner, the ratings and difficulties available for that song, its BPM and any previous high score by the player. In DanceDanceRevolution X2, the series' long-time traditional banners were replaced by album jackets.


Similar to other rhythm game, the songs featured in a DanceDanceRevolution game are usually short, around 1:30 in length. Only in DanceDanceRevolution 5th and DanceDanceRevolution X (known as Xmix) that long versions were in the game. In order to create more complexity in the game, the BPM of the songs can either be constant or vary during the song. Additionally, a feature known as a stop (a moment where the arrows stop scrolling on the screen) was added in DanceDanceRevolution 5thMIX.
Similar to most other rhythm games, the songs featured in a DanceDanceRevolution game are usually short, ranging between 1:30 and 1:50 in length. Only in DanceDanceRevolution 5thMIX and DanceDanceRevolution X (known as Xmix) that long versions were in the game. In order to create more complexity in the game, the BPM of the songs can either be constant or vary during the song. Additionally, a feature known as a stop (a moment where the arrows stop scrolling on the screen) was added in DanceDanceRevolution 5thMIX.


For the first few games, KONAMI opted to use mostly licensed songs from the popular nonstop mixed compilation series, Dancemania by the label Intercord Japan (now i-DANCE). Some original songs (known as KONAMI originals) made by the game staff were also included in the song list. As the years progressed, the ratio of original songs overtook the number of Dancemania licenses. This also includes cover of songs or licenses mainly from Japanese artists that are included in the game but in a smaller proportion. With the addition of more rhythm games in the BEMANI series, songs from the other games got transplanted to DanceDanceRevolution as well.
For the first few games, KONAMI opted to use mostly licensed songs from the popular nonstop mixed compilation series, Dancemania by the label Intercord Japan (now i-DANCE). Some original songs (known as KONAMI originals) made by the game staff were also included in the song list. As the years progressed, the ratio of original songs overtook the number of Dancemania licenses. This also includes cover of songs or licenses mainly from Japanese artists that are included in the game but in a smaller proportion. With the addition of more rhythm games in the BEMANI series, songs from the other games got transplanted to DanceDanceRevolution as well.


== Difficulty ==
== Difficulty ==
=== Level ===
=== Level ===
In DanceDanceRevolution, songs are rated using a number from 1, being the easiest, to 20, being the hardest. The difficulty number is known as a Foot Level due to a feet icon being displayed next to the rating number for the song in the earliest games. Initially in the first game, the rating was from 1 to 8 and each number had a corresponding name. However, these names were dropped in DanceDanceRevolution 4thMIX. The rating was expanded to 9 in DanceDanceRevolution 3rdMIX and finally up to 10 in DDRMAX2. The whole system was upgraded to its current range of 1 to 20 in DanceDanceRevolution X.
In DanceDanceRevolution, songs are rated using a number from 1, being the easiest, to 20, being the hardest. The difficulty number is known as a Foot Level due to a feet icon being displayed next to the rating number for the song in the earliest games. Initially in the first game, the rating was from 1 to 8 and each number had a corresponding name. However, these names were dropped in DanceDanceRevolution 4thMIX. The rating was expanded to 9 in DanceDanceRevolution 3rdMIX and finally up to 10 in DDRMAX2. The whole system was upgraded to its current range of 1 to 20 in DanceDanceRevolution X.


=== DANCE LEVEL ===
=== DANCE LEVEL ===
Depending on the edition of the game, dance steps are broken into 3 to 5 levels of difficulty. Each dance level is also represented by a color. The differencee between each difficulty for a song, is the sequence of pre-recorded dance steps (known as a chart).
Depending on the edition of the game, dance steps are broken into 3 to 5 levels of difficulty. Each dance level is also represented by a color. The difference between each difficulty for a song, is the sequence of pre-recorded dance steps (known as a chart).


; <span style="color:#1fd6fe;">BEGINNER</span>
; <span style="color:#1fd6fe;">BEGINNER</span>
:Added in [[AC DDR EXTREME|DanceDanceRevolution EXTREME]], this difficulty is aimed at the newcomers to the game. It usually have a foot level of 1 to 4 with the maximum being 9. A typical chart can includes Jumps and simple Freeze Arrows. This difficulty doesn't exist in DOUBLE Play. BEGINNER can also be known as 習 (Shuu) or カンタン (Kantan) in Happy Mode found in DanceDanceRevolution X2 and X3 vs 2ndMIX respectively only.
: Added in [[AC DDR EXTREME|DanceDanceRevolution EXTREME]], this difficulty is aimed at the newcomers to the game. It usually has a foot level which ranges from 1 to 4 with the maximum being 9. A typical chart can include Jumps and simple Freeze Arrows. This difficulty doesn't exist in DOUBLE Play. BEGINNER can also be known as 習 (Shuu) or カンタン (Kantan) in Happy Mode found in DanceDanceRevolution X2 and X3 vs 2ndMIX respectively only.


; <span style="color:#fdac1c;">BASIC</span>
; <span style="color:#fdac1c;">BASIC</span>
:Introduced in [[AC DDR 1st|DanceDanceRevolution]], this is the setting for those familiar to the game. Ideal difficulty for players between beginners and intermidiates as the range is 3 to 7 with 13 being the maximum and 1 the minimum. Charts include 4th notes and at times, 8th notes. In DDRMAX to DanceDanceRevolution EXTREME, BASIC was known as LIGHT (楽). For the Happy Mode in DanceDanceRevolution X2 to DanceDanceRevolution X3 VS 2ndMIX, BASIC was known as ふつう (Futsuu).
: Introduced in [[AC DDR 1st|DanceDanceRevolution]], this is the setting for those familiar to the game. This is the ideal difficulty for players between beginners and intermediates as the level range is from 3 to 7 with 13 being the maximum and 1 the minimum. Charts include 4th notes, and at times, 8th notes. In DDRMAX to DanceDanceRevolution EXTREME, BASIC was known as LIGHT (楽). For the Happy Mode in DanceDanceRevolution X2 to DanceDanceRevolution X3 VS 2ndMIX, BASIC was known as ふつう (Futsuu).


; <span style="color:#ff1e3c;">DIFFICULT</span>
; <span style="color:#ff1e3c;">DIFFICULT</span>
:Introduced in [[AC DDR 1st|DanceDanceRevolution]], this is for people looking for some resistance. Minimum difficulty is 4 and the standard range is 5 to 9 with 15 being the maximum. Charts can have 4th, 8th and occasionnal 16th notes. DIFFICULT was known initially as ANOTHER from DanceDanceRevolution to DanceDanceRevolution 3rdMIX, it changed to TRICK in DanceDanceRevolution 4thMIX to 5thMIX and became STANDARD (踊) in DDRMAX to DanceDanceRevolution EXTREME. It finally received the name DIFFICULT in DanceDanceRevolution SuperNOVA.
: Introduced in [[AC DDR 1st|DanceDanceRevolution]], this is for people looking for some resistance. Minimum difficulty is 4 and the standard difficulty range is 5 to 9 with 15 being the maximum. Charts can have 4th, 8th, and occasional 16th notes. DIFFICULT was known initially as ANOTHER from DanceDanceRevolution to DanceDanceRevolution 3rdMIX, it was changed to TRICK in DanceDanceRevolution 4thMIX to 5thMIX and became STANDARD (踊) in DDRMAX to DanceDanceRevolution EXTREME. It finally received the name DIFFICULT in DanceDanceRevolution SuperNOVA.


; <span style="color:#33eb19;">EXPERT</span>
; <span style="color:#33eb19;">EXPERT</span>
:Introduced in [[AC DDR 1st|DanceDanceRevolution]], this difficulty is aimed at people seeking stimulus. The usual interval is 10 to 13 with 18 being the maximum and 6 the minimum. Introduced as MANIAC in DanceDanceRevolution until DanceDanceRevolution 3rdMIX, it was temporarily named SSR (Step Step Revolution) in 3rdMIX but returned to its former name in DanceDanceRevolution 3rdMIX PLUS. From DDRMAX to DanceDanceRevolution EXTREME, MANIAC was known as Heavy (激) before receiving its current name EXPERT in DanceDanceRevolution SuperNOVA.
: Introduced in [[AC DDR 1st|DanceDanceRevolution]], this difficulty is aimed at people seeking stimulus. The usual interval is 10 to 13 with 18 being the maximum and 6 the minimum. Introduced as MANIAC in DanceDanceRevolution until DanceDanceRevolution 3rdMIX, it was temporarily named SSR (Step Step Revolution) in 3rdMIX but returned to its former name in DanceDanceRevolution 3rdMIX PLUS. From DDRMAX to DanceDanceRevolution EXTREME, MANIAC was known as Heavy (激) before receiving its current name EXPERT in DanceDanceRevolution SuperNOVA.


; <span style="color:#eb1eff;">CHALLENGE</span>
; <span style="color:#eb1eff;">CHALLENGE</span>
:Added in [[AC DDRMAX2|DDRMAX2 -DanceDanceRevolution 7thMIX-]], this last difficulty is for people who want to feel a new world. CHALLENGE is also often referred as 鬼 (Oni). This difficulty was first made available on select songs during some NONSTOP Courses in DDRMAX2 before being added outside of courses in DanceDanceRevolution EXTREME. Typical range is 17-18 with 19 being the highest rated yet and appeared in DanceDanceRevolution X2. The Shock Arrows (SA) added in DanceDanceRevolution X are found in CHALLENGE charts only. An icon is displayed on screen to notify the user of their presence in the chart. Charts with Shock Arrows are often a modified lower difficulty chart and thus, can be actually played by nearly everyone.
: Added in [[AC DDRMAX2|DDRMAX2 -DanceDanceRevolution 7thMIX-]], this last difficulty is for people who want to feel a new world. CHALLENGE is also often referred as 鬼 (Oni). This difficulty was first made available on select songs during some NONSTOP Courses in DDRMAX2 before being added outside of courses in DanceDanceRevolution EXTREME. Typical range is 13 to 18 with 19 being the maximum (first appearance in DanceDanceRevolution X2) and 5 being the minimum. The Shock Arrows (SA) added in DanceDanceRevolution X are found in CHALLENGE charts only. An icon is displayed on screen to notify the user of their presence in the chart. Charts with Shock Arrows are sometimes a modified lower difficulty chart and thus, can be actually played by nearly everyone.


=== GROOVE RADAR ===
=== GROOVE RADAR ===
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