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''Text originally borrowed from the Beatmania/IIDX/III FAQ on Bemanistyle, originally written by Kimcicle and updated by rmz.''
''Text originally borrowed from the Beatmania/IIDX/III FAQ on Bemanistyle, originally written by Kimcicle and updated by rmz.''


''All information listed is accurate as of January 7th, 2020.''
''All information listed is accurate as of October 12th, 2021''
 
''Due to its mobile nature, [[CS ULTIMATE MOBILE|beatmania IIDX ULTIMATE MOBILE]] is not accounted for here when going over unique song totals.''


== Which style should I buy? ==
== Which style should I buy? ==
Line 13: Line 15:


'''Pros'''
'''Pros'''
* Huge songlist.
* Huge, beginner friendly song list.
* Beginner friendly songlist.
* Can be found cheap used.
* Can be found cheap used.
* Actual music videos.
* Actual music videos.
* Many songs have never been revived in another CS release.


'''Cons'''
'''Cons'''
* Timing is bad on certain songs ([[GAMBOL]], [[OVERDOSER]]).
* Timing is bad on certain songs ([[GAMBOL]], [[OVERDOSER]]).
* No BEGINNER mode (but there are enough easy LIGHT charts that you can get away with it).
* Interface is widely considered to be poor compared to later titles.
* Interface is widely considered to be poor compared to later titles.
* Single and Double scores for songs aren't saved individually.
* Single and Double scores for songs aren't saved individually.
Line 28: Line 29:


'''Total Songs:''' 53<br>
'''Total Songs:''' 53<br>
'''Unique Songs:''' 19
'''Unique Songs:''' 17


'''Pros'''
'''Pros'''
Line 36: Line 37:
'''Cons'''
'''Cons'''
* LIGHT charts are significantly harder than other styles.
* LIGHT charts are significantly harder than other styles.
* Smallest songlist of all the home releases.
* Smallest song list of all the home releases.
* No BEGINNER mode.
* No BEGINNER mode.


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'''Total Songs:''' 64<br>
'''Total Songs:''' 64<br>
'''Unique Songs:''' 12
'''Unique Songs:''' 11


'''Pros'''
'''Pros'''
Line 49: Line 50:


'''Cons'''
'''Cons'''
* Slower speed mods than other games.
* Slower speed mods than the rest of the series.
* Many complain about timing issues.
* Many complain about timing issues.
* Nearly all of the originals have appeared in later CS releases.
* Nearly all of the originals have appeared in later CS releases.
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* Debut of HI-SPEED 4.
* Debut of HI-SPEED 4.
* Decent difficulty balance.
* Decent difficulty balance.
* Much less cumbersome interface than the last three CS games.


'''Cons'''
'''Cons'''
* Songlist is hit or miss for people.
* Song list is hit or miss for people.
* Notecharts by this time were getting harder, and this style reflects it.
* Notecharts by this time were getting harder, and this style reflects it.
* All but five of the KONAMI originals in the game have appeared in later CS releases.
* All but five KONAMI originals have appeared in later CS releases.


=== [[CS 7th style|beatmania IIDX 7th style]] ===
=== [[CS 7th style|beatmania IIDX 7th style]] ===


'''Total Songs:''' 90<br>
'''Total Songs:''' 90<br>
'''Unique Songs:''' 19
'''Unique Songs:''' 15


'''Pros'''
'''Pros'''
* Good BEGINNER mode.
* Decent difficulty balance.
* Decent difficulty balance.
* Large songlist.
* Large song list.
* Fairly easy to get now.
* Fairly easy to get now.
* Songs no longer have to be played in ARCADE MODE to unlock in FREE.
* Songs no longer have to be played in ARCADE to unlock in FREE.


'''Cons'''
'''Cons'''
Line 89: Line 90:


'''Total Songs:''' 90<br>
'''Total Songs:''' 90<br>
'''Unique Songs:''' 20
'''Unique Songs:''' 16


'''Pros'''
'''Pros'''
* Easy to get.
* Easy to get.
* New sort methods. Other info can be displayed while selecting the song.
* New sort methods; other info can be displayed while selecting the song.
* Random+ is entertaining.
* RANDOM+ is entertaining.
* All 8th style CS originals available by default.


'''Cons'''
'''Cons'''
* Lack of regular record screen as from previous styles.
* Lack of regular record screen as from previous styles.
* Scores achieved in Expert Mode do not save.
* Scores achieved in EXPERT do not save.
* Many songs have been repeated in later games.
* Many songs have been repeated in later games.
* Very bland, ugly menu.


=== [[CS 9th style|beatmania IIDX 9th style]] ===
=== [[CS 9th style|beatmania IIDX 9th style]] ===


'''Total Songs:''' 87<br>
'''Total Songs:''' 87<br>
'''Unique Songs:''' 35
'''Unique Songs:''' 28


'''Pros'''
'''Pros'''
* New high-res graphics make the game extremely pretty.
* New high-res graphics make the game extremely pretty.
* Quite a few first-time repeats (songs that have not been repeated before, including a lot from 3rd and 4th style).
* Quite a few first-time repeats.
* Lots of remixes of songs from previous styles.
* Lots of remixes of songs from previous styles.
* Many of its new songs have never been on another CS game.


'''Cons'''
'''Cons'''
* Not many revival songs; only 19 total.
* Only 19 revivals, mostly for courses.
* Lack of regular record screen as from previous styles.
* Lack of regular record screen as from previous styles.
* Rather beginner unfriendly.
* Rather beginner unfriendly.
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'''Total Songs:''' 88<br>
'''Total Songs:''' 88<br>
'''Unique Songs:''' 33
'''Unique Songs:''' 27


'''Pros'''
'''Pros'''
* .5 speed mods from [[AC HAPPY SKY|HAPPY SKY]] introduced.
* .5 speed mods from [[AC HAPPY SKY|HAPPY SKY]] introduced.
* S-Random is more entertaining than Random+ - luckily, both are included.
* S-RANDOM is more entertaining than RANDOM+ - luckily, both are included.
* Many of its new songs have never been on another CS game.


'''Cons'''
'''Cons'''
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* Lack of regular record screen as from previous styles.
* Lack of regular record screen as from previous styles.


=== [[CS USA|beatmania (2006)]] ===
=== [[CS 2006|beatmania (2006)]] ===


'''Total Songs:''' 58<br>
'''Total Songs:''' 58<br>
Line 152: Line 157:


'''Total Songs:''' 89<br>
'''Total Songs:''' 89<br>
'''Unique Songs:''' 23
'''Unique Songs:''' 24<br>


'''Pros'''
'''Pros'''
* Displays in-game score graphs.
* Displays in-game score graphs.
* Can import up to five players' scores onto your memory card.
* Can import up to five players' scores onto your memory card.
* Hidden+ and Sudden+ from DistorteD are selectable mods.
* HIDDEN+ and SUDDEN+ from DistorteD are selectable mods.
* Can change speed mods during a song.
* Can change speed mods during a song.
* Lots of unlockable interface items.
* Lots of unlockable interface items.


'''Cons'''
'''Cons'''
* Another chart difficulty skews very high compared to earlier styles.
* ANOTHER chart difficulty skews very high compared to earlier styles.
* Overall chart quality is debated on among fans.
* Overall chart quality is debated on among fans.


Line 168: Line 173:


'''Total Songs:''' 91<br>
'''Total Songs:''' 91<br>
'''Unique Songs:''' 24<br>
'''Unique Songs:''' 19<br>


'''Pros'''
'''Pros'''
Line 180: Line 185:


'''Total Songs''': 95<br>
'''Total Songs''': 95<br>
'''Unique Songs''': 26<br>
'''Unique Songs''': 25<br>


'''Pros'''
'''Pros'''
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=== [[CS GOLD|beatmania IIDX 14 GOLD]]===
=== [[CS GOLD|beatmania IIDX 14 GOLD]]===
'''Total Songs''': 97<br>
'''Total Songs''': 97<br>
'''Unique Songs''' 28<br>
'''Unique Songs''' 27<br>


'''Pros'''
'''Pros'''


* Sudden+ green number introduced, allowing for more intricate tuning for timing.
* Sudden+ green number introduced, allowing for more intricate tuning for timing.
* Large varied songlist, with more beatmania revivals, too.
* Large, varied song list, with more beatmania revivals, too.
* ASSIST CLEAR introduced.
* ASSIST CLEAR introduced.


'''Cons'''
'''Cons'''
* Overall song list quality has been debated by fans.
* Some videos were removed from songs to meet Japanese rating standards.
* Some videos were removed from songs to meet Japanese rating standards.


=== [[CS DJ TROOPERS|beatmania IIDX 15 DJ TROOPERS]] ===
=== [[CS DJ TROOPERS|beatmania IIDX 15 DJ TROOPERS]] ===
'''Total Songs''': 96<br>
'''Total Songs''': 96<br>
'''Unique Songs''': 30<br>
'''Unique Songs''': 21<br>


'''Pros'''
'''Pros'''
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* 22 songs new to beatmania IIDX, the biggest of any CS beatmania IIDX release.
* 22 songs new to beatmania IIDX, the biggest of any CS beatmania IIDX release.
* New difficulty level above ANOTHER introduced, known as "Black Another".
* New difficulty level above ANOTHER introduced, known as "Black Another".
* Large, balanced songlist difficulty-wise.
* Large, balanced song list difficulty-wise.


'''Cons'''
'''Cons'''
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* Small revival list.
* Small revival list.
* Some videos were edited to meet Japanese rating standards.
* Some videos were edited to meet Japanese rating standards.
* One of the arcade originals (I'm In Love Again -DJ YOSHITAKA REMIX-) is not in the game, the first non-license not to be.
* One of the arcade originals ([[I'm In Love Again -DJ YOSHITAKA REMIX-]]) is not in the game, the first non-license not to be.
* Some songs (i.e. [[VOX UP]]) have annoying unlocking requirements.
* Some songs (i.e. [[VOX UP]]) have annoying unlocking requirements.


=== [[CS EMPRESS|beatmania IIDX 16 EMPRESS + PREMIUM BEST]] ===
=== [[CS EMPRESS|beatmania IIDX 16 EMPRESS + PREMIUM BEST]] ===
'''Total Songs''': 198<br>
'''Total Songs''': 198<br>
'''Unique Songs''': 33<br>
'''Unique Songs''': 20<br>


'''Pros'''
'''Pros'''
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'''Cons'''
'''Cons'''


* ''Very'' expensive to find online these days.
* Usually fairly pricey online.
* PREMIUM BEST disc doesn't have EXPERT mode, as well as several other modes.
* PREMIUM BEST disc doesn't have ARCADE/EXPERT modes.
* No beatmania revivals.
* No beatmania revivals.
* Only one BEMANI crossover.
* Some videos and images were edited to meet Japanese rating standards.
* Some videos and images were edited to meet Japanese rating standards.
* Only 40 pictures in Gallery mode.
* Only 40 pictures in GALLERY.
* All CS originals have generic movies.
* All CS originals have generic movies.
* Two disc system may be cumbersome for some players.
* Cumbersome two disc system.
* Some songs (i.e. [[Bad Maniacs]]) have annoying unlocking requirements.
* Some songs (i.e. [[Bad Maniacs]]) have annoying unlocking requirements.


=== [[CS INFINITAS|beatmania IIDX INFINITAS]] ===
=== [[CS INFINITAS|beatmania IIDX INFINITAS]] ===
'''Total Songs''': 730<br>
'''Total Songs''': 873<br>
'''Unique Songs''': 382<br>
'''Unique Songs''': 474<br>


'''Pros'''
'''Pros'''
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* First HD beatmania IIDX console game.
* First HD beatmania IIDX console game.
* New controllers made, considered far superior to the old PS2 bundled controllers.
* New controllers made, considered far superior to the old PS2 bundled controllers.
* Ability to play songs from [[AC SIRIUS|beatmania IIDX 17 SIRIUS]] onward on a console beatmania IIDX game at long last.
* Ability to play songs from [[AC SIRIUS|beatmania IIDX 17 SIRIUS]] onward on a console beatmania IIDX game.


'''Cons'''
'''Cons'''


* Very small default songlist; only 43 songs by default. All other songs must be unlocked.
* Has DRM; you need to be online to play.
* You need to pay a monthly fee to play the game (requires [[PASELI]] or a credit card).
** It follows [[e-amusement]] downtime as well.
* Some songs cost additional PASELI to access, such as songs in the rarely appearing champion mode courses and song packs.
** You also need to pay a monthly fee to play (requires [[PASELI]] or a credit card).
* Some songs are locked for certain periods of time, and can't be accessed afterwards.
* Only 43 songs by default; all others must be unlocked.
* Some songs cost additional PASELI to access via song packs.
* No EXPERT mode.
* No EXPERT mode.
* Song records only show EX score and miss count (same as the arcade).
* Song records only show EX score and miss count (same as the arcade).
* Missing several custom options from the arcade games, such as PACEMAKER NEXT.
* Missing several custom options from the arcade games, such as PACEMAKER NEXT.
=== [[CS INFINITAS 2020|beatmania IIDX INFINITAS (2020)]] ===
'''Total Songs''': 1079<br>
'''Unique Songs''': ?<br>
'''Pros'''
* Cleaner interface than the original INFINITAS
* New options, like R-RAN and ASSISTED EASY, introduced.
* Can now up to 120FPS for much smoother experience.
* Songs no longer need to have full video/chart data loaded for each update, allowing for faster gameplay.
* BEGINNER added for new players.
* Three new CS songs, and two bonus [[AC HEROIC VERSE|HEROIC VERSE]] songs, added for free.
* Following an update on April 27th, 2021, customization options now go up to [[AC CANNON BALLERS|CANNON BALLERS]].
'''Cons'''
* Same DRM/e-amusement downtime/PASELI plan as the original INFINITAS.
* Still small default song list, with only 48 songs available.
* Most BEGINNER charts still need to be unlocked with BITs, and clearing them doesn't reward any.
* Monthly distribution rate is now only five songs a month, reduced to three as of March 2021, and then to ''two'' in September 2021.
* Still missing PACEMAKER NEXT and proper records for songs.


== Which controller should I buy? I can't afford a controller right now, should I just play on a Dualshock? ==
== Which controller should I buy? I can't afford a controller right now, should I just play on a Dualshock? ==
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''Konami Controller (JKOC)'' - An official controller by Konami, runs for about $90 from most online retailers. The keys are spaced correctly, but the turntable is smaller and closer to the keys. The keys are switchable so that you can emulate both the first and second player sides. People have problems with sticky keys, but you can mod your controller using cardboard to get around these problems.
''Konami Controller (JKOC)'' - An official controller by Konami, runs for about $90 from most online retailers. The keys are spaced correctly, but the turntable is smaller and closer to the keys. The keys are switchable so that you can emulate both the first and second player sides. People have problems with sticky keys, but you can mod your controller using cardboard to get around these problems.


''American Controller (KOC)'' - Also made by Konami, this controller comes bundled with the American [[CS_USA|beatmania]]. These controllers used to retail for about $50, but nowadays they can be tricky to obtain depending on where you live. Since it was made and sold in the US it's easier to obtain there, but if you're importing to Europe expect to pay $100 or more. It has some slight differences from the Japanese controller mentioned above; most are cosmetic, but it is worth noting that the buttons are significantly redesigned and the traditional "plunger" design has been completely replaced, and are therefore much less prone to sticking. This controller is leaps and bounds better than an unmodded KOC, though KOCs can more easily be modded to a player's exact preference in terms of key travel distance by adding or removing layers of cardboard. Though it comes bundled with the American beatmania, this controller is fully compatible with the Japanese versions of IIDX.
''American Controller (KOC)'' - Also made by Konami, this controller comes bundled with the American [[CS 2006|beatmania (2006)]]. These controllers used to retail for about $50, but nowadays they can be tricky to obtain depending on where you live. Since it was made and sold in the US it's easier to obtain there, but if you're importing to Europe expect to pay $100 or more. It has some slight differences from the Japanese controller mentioned above; most are cosmetic, but it is worth noting that the buttons are significantly redesigned and the traditional "plunger" design has been completely replaced, and are therefore much less prone to sticking. This controller is leaps and bounds better than an unmodded KOC, though KOCs can more easily be modded to a player's exact preference in terms of key travel distance by adding or removing layers of cardboard. Though it comes bundled with the American beatmania, this controller is fully compatible with the Japanese versions of IIDX.


''Third-Party DJ Dao ASC'' - A Chinese manufacturer of various Bemani controllers sells several editions of IIDX controllers. High quality arcade feel controllers that are customizable to be arcade perfect. As of 2008, the product line consists of: A smaller controller, resembling a larger KOC with lights and arcade feel ($300 shipped), A larger controller, resembling a KASC with lights and arcade feel ($400 shipped), and an enormous arcade-perfect doubles deck ($1000 shipped). Independent overseas seller makes some people nervous, shipping is brutal, wait can take a week to a month, quality is excellent.
''Third-Party DJ Dao ASC'' - A Chinese manufacturer of various Bemani controllers sells several editions of IIDX controllers. High quality arcade feel controllers that are customizable to be arcade perfect. As of 2008, the product line consists of: A smaller controller, resembling a larger KOC with lights and arcade feel ($300 shipped), A larger controller, resembling a KASC with lights and arcade feel ($400 shipped), and an enormous arcade-perfect doubles deck ($1000 shipped). Independent overseas seller makes some people nervous, shipping is brutal, wait can take a week to a month, quality is excellent.

Latest revision as of 15:04, 14 August 2023

Text originally borrowed from the Beatmania/IIDX/III FAQ on Bemanistyle, originally written by Kimcicle and updated by rmz.

All information listed is accurate as of October 12th, 2021

Due to its mobile nature, beatmania IIDX ULTIMATE MOBILE is not accounted for here when going over unique song totals.

Which style should I buy?

Every person has their own opinions about which style is the "best". Rather than point out a definitive list, I'll list the pros and cons of each style, and let you decide. It is easier, however, to get the newer styles. There is also a list of all CS songs and their appearances at Console Songs Guide.

beatmania IIDX 3rd style

Total Songs: 81
Unique Songs: 35

Pros

  • Huge, beginner friendly song list.
  • Can be found cheap used.
  • Actual music videos.
  • Many songs have never been revived in another CS release.

Cons

  • Timing is bad on certain songs (GAMBOL, OVERDOSER).
  • Interface is widely considered to be poor compared to later titles.
  • Single and Double scores for songs aren't saved individually.
  • Some songs only have one chart.

beatmania IIDX 4th style -new songs collection-

Total Songs: 53
Unique Songs: 17

Pros

  • Good song selection, with few songs repeated on other styles.
  • Most of 3rd style CS' bugs have been fixed.

Cons

  • LIGHT charts are significantly harder than other styles.
  • Smallest song list of all the home releases.
  • No BEGINNER mode.

beatmania IIDX 5th style -new songs collection-

Total Songs: 64
Unique Songs: 11

Pros

  • BEGINNER mode included.
  • DRILL MODE introduced to test your skills with.

Cons

  • Slower speed mods than the rest of the series.
  • Many complain about timing issues.
  • Nearly all of the originals have appeared in later CS releases.

beatmania IIDX 6th style -new songs collection-

Total Songs: 69
Unique Songs: 15

Pros

  • Also has a BEGINNER mode (covers all the songs in the game).
  • Lots of extras in the game: tatsujin videos, movie clip mode, expert daily courses.
  • Debut of HI-SPEED 4.
  • Decent difficulty balance.
  • Much less cumbersome interface than the last three CS games.

Cons

  • Song list is hit or miss for people.
  • Notecharts by this time were getting harder, and this style reflects it.
  • All but five KONAMI originals have appeared in later CS releases.

beatmania IIDX 7th style

Total Songs: 90
Unique Songs: 15

Pros

  • Decent difficulty balance.
  • Large song list.
  • Fairly easy to get now.
  • Songs no longer have to be played in ARCADE to unlock in FREE.

Cons

  • No CS songs.
  • Only two unlockable songs (murmur twins and Abyss -The Heavens Remix-), and the second one is hard to unlock.
  • Some complain about the sound quality, and say the style has an "incomplete" or "rushed" feel to it.

beatmania IIDX 8th style

Total Songs: 90
Unique Songs: 16

Pros

  • Easy to get.
  • New sort methods; other info can be displayed while selecting the song.
  • RANDOM+ is entertaining.
  • All 8th style CS originals available by default.

Cons

  • Lack of regular record screen as from previous styles.
  • Scores achieved in EXPERT do not save.
  • Many songs have been repeated in later games.
  • Very bland, ugly menu.

beatmania IIDX 9th style

Total Songs: 87
Unique Songs: 28

Pros

  • New high-res graphics make the game extremely pretty.
  • Quite a few first-time repeats.
  • Lots of remixes of songs from previous styles.
  • Many of its new songs have never been on another CS game.

Cons

  • Only 19 revivals, mostly for courses.
  • Lack of regular record screen as from previous styles.
  • Rather beginner unfriendly.

beatmania IIDX 10th style

Total Songs: 88
Unique Songs: 27

Pros

  • .5 speed mods from HAPPY SKY introduced.
  • S-RANDOM is more entertaining than RANDOM+ - luckily, both are included.
  • Many of its new songs have never been on another CS game.

Cons

  • Difficulty skews very high on 7/14KEY.
  • Lack of regular record screen as from previous styles.

beatmania (2006)

Total Songs: 58
Unique Songs: 20 (14 beatmania only)

Pros

  • Easy to find.
  • Comes with a controller.
  • Beginner friendly.
  • Contains many beatmania songs which have yet to appear in any of the CS beatmania IIDX releases.
  • Ability to save replays of your performance.

Cons

  • Grades are artificially inflated from Japanese and arcade releases.
  • None of the new licenses have ANOTHER charts.
  • Some songs have changed notecharts.
  • Total amount of songs is low compared to recent releases.
  • Only 40 of the songs are beatmania IIDX songs.
  • beatmania songs only have one chart.

beatmania IIDX 11 IIDX RED

Total Songs: 89
Unique Songs: 24

Pros

  • Displays in-game score graphs.
  • Can import up to five players' scores onto your memory card.
  • HIDDEN+ and SUDDEN+ from DistorteD are selectable mods.
  • Can change speed mods during a song.
  • Lots of unlockable interface items.

Cons

  • ANOTHER chart difficulty skews very high compared to earlier styles.
  • Overall chart quality is debated on among fans.

beatmania IIDX 12 HAPPY SKY

Total Songs: 91
Unique Songs: 19

Pros

  • Everything new from the last CS release is included, plus lots more unlockable interface items.
  • In-game score graph now displays how far you are from your next letter grade.

Cons

  • Timing is notably late compared to other styles.

beatmania IIDX 13 DistorteD

Total Songs: 95
Unique Songs: 25

Pros

  • Large amount of CS originals, and the first Japanese style to include traditional beatmania songs.
  • Increased speed adjustment functions and REGUL-SPEED in Training Mode.
  • Several unlockable interface items.
  • Timing vastly improved from HAPPY SKY CS.

Cons

  • Rather small revival list, with somewhat of an emphasis on certain artists.
  • Missing a song from the arcade version (SAMBA DE JANEIRO).

beatmania IIDX 14 GOLD

Total Songs: 97
Unique Songs 27

Pros

  • Sudden+ green number introduced, allowing for more intricate tuning for timing.
  • Large, varied song list, with more beatmania revivals, too.
  • ASSIST CLEAR introduced.

Cons

  • Overall song list quality has been debated by fans.
  • Some videos were removed from songs to meet Japanese rating standards.

beatmania IIDX 15 DJ TROOPERS

Total Songs: 96
Unique Songs: 21

Pros

  • 22 songs new to beatmania IIDX, the biggest of any CS beatmania IIDX release.
  • New difficulty level above ANOTHER introduced, known as "Black Another".
  • Large, balanced song list difficulty-wise.

Cons

  • A bit expensive to find online these days.
  • Small revival list.
  • Some videos were edited to meet Japanese rating standards.
  • One of the arcade originals (I'm In Love Again -DJ YOSHITAKA REMIX-) is not in the game, the first non-license not to be.
  • Some songs (i.e. VOX UP) have annoying unlocking requirements.

beatmania IIDX 16 EMPRESS + PREMIUM BEST

Total Songs: 198
Unique Songs: 20

Pros

  • Contains a record 198 songs spread across two game discs, making this the largest non-PC CS release in BEMANI history.
  • ARCHIVE MODE contains near every result screen picture from earlier beatmania IIDX games.
  • PREMIUM BEST contains many fan favorite beatmania IIDX songs, and also serves as a good introduction to those new to the series.

Cons

  • Usually fairly pricey online.
  • PREMIUM BEST disc doesn't have ARCADE/EXPERT modes.
  • No beatmania revivals.
  • Some videos and images were edited to meet Japanese rating standards.
  • Only 40 pictures in GALLERY.
  • All CS originals have generic movies.
  • Cumbersome two disc system.
  • Some songs (i.e. Bad Maniacs) have annoying unlocking requirements.

beatmania IIDX INFINITAS

Total Songs: 873
Unique Songs: 474

Pros

  • First new CS beatmania IIDX release in six years.
  • First HD beatmania IIDX console game.
  • New controllers made, considered far superior to the old PS2 bundled controllers.
  • Ability to play songs from beatmania IIDX 17 SIRIUS onward on a console beatmania IIDX game.

Cons

  • Has DRM; you need to be online to play.
    • It follows e-amusement downtime as well.
    • You also need to pay a monthly fee to play (requires PASELI or a credit card).
  • Only 43 songs by default; all others must be unlocked.
  • Some songs cost additional PASELI to access via song packs.
  • No EXPERT mode.
  • Song records only show EX score and miss count (same as the arcade).
  • Missing several custom options from the arcade games, such as PACEMAKER NEXT.

beatmania IIDX INFINITAS (2020)

Total Songs: 1079
Unique Songs: ?

Pros

  • Cleaner interface than the original INFINITAS
  • New options, like R-RAN and ASSISTED EASY, introduced.
  • Can now up to 120FPS for much smoother experience.
  • Songs no longer need to have full video/chart data loaded for each update, allowing for faster gameplay.
  • BEGINNER added for new players.
  • Three new CS songs, and two bonus HEROIC VERSE songs, added for free.
  • Following an update on April 27th, 2021, customization options now go up to CANNON BALLERS.

Cons

  • Same DRM/e-amusement downtime/PASELI plan as the original INFINITAS.
  • Still small default song list, with only 48 songs available.
  • Most BEGINNER charts still need to be unlocked with BITs, and clearing them doesn't reward any.
  • Monthly distribution rate is now only five songs a month, reduced to three as of March 2021, and then to two in September 2021.
  • Still missing PACEMAKER NEXT and proper records for songs.

Which controller should I buy? I can't afford a controller right now, should I just play on a Dualshock?

Personally, I would wait to have the cash to buy one game and the controller at the same time. However, if you are -that- pressed for cash, I'm not stopping you from playing on a Dualshock. You won't get the same experience, however, and playing on a Dualshock is confusing as hell.

As far as buying controllers, there are a few options:

Konami Controller (JKOC) - An official controller by Konami, runs for about $90 from most online retailers. The keys are spaced correctly, but the turntable is smaller and closer to the keys. The keys are switchable so that you can emulate both the first and second player sides. People have problems with sticky keys, but you can mod your controller using cardboard to get around these problems.

American Controller (KOC) - Also made by Konami, this controller comes bundled with the American beatmania (2006). These controllers used to retail for about $50, but nowadays they can be tricky to obtain depending on where you live. Since it was made and sold in the US it's easier to obtain there, but if you're importing to Europe expect to pay $100 or more. It has some slight differences from the Japanese controller mentioned above; most are cosmetic, but it is worth noting that the buttons are significantly redesigned and the traditional "plunger" design has been completely replaced, and are therefore much less prone to sticking. This controller is leaps and bounds better than an unmodded KOC, though KOCs can more easily be modded to a player's exact preference in terms of key travel distance by adding or removing layers of cardboard. Though it comes bundled with the American beatmania, this controller is fully compatible with the Japanese versions of IIDX.

Third-Party DJ Dao ASC - A Chinese manufacturer of various Bemani controllers sells several editions of IIDX controllers. High quality arcade feel controllers that are customizable to be arcade perfect. As of 2008, the product line consists of: A smaller controller, resembling a larger KOC with lights and arcade feel ($300 shipped), A larger controller, resembling a KASC with lights and arcade feel ($400 shipped), and an enormous arcade-perfect doubles deck ($1000 shipped). Independent overseas seller makes some people nervous, shipping is brutal, wait can take a week to a month, quality is excellent.

Konami ASC - The official arcade-style controller by Konami. It's huge, it's pricey, and for some, it's worth it. The price tag is quite hefty, but with arcade perfect dimensions, clicking keys, and switchable from first player to 2nd player, lots of people have purchased them. Expect to pay around $350-400 when all is said and done.

Rave Discman - Don't buy one. The price is attractive, but frankly, it's not all that great. For one, the keys are the wrong shape and are not spaced correctly. It's better to hold out for a Konami controller. It's possible to use a Rave Discman as a base for your own ASC, which some people on the forums have done. Take note this controller also has some voltage issues which could fry PS2->USB convertors that you might use.

Third-Party US ASC - two US controller makers well-known in the Pop'n Music community have both started producing ASC-like controllers for IIDX. These manufacturers are known for having long production times, good playability, and reasonable prices. Note: As of 2008, DA is not accepting new orders, and Ransai is only accepting replacements from people selling their place in the order queue.

There's a port on the side of my beatmania IIDX controller and I can't fit my finger in there? What is it for?

The port is meant for a foot pedal for beatmania III, but no home versions of beatmania III have been made. You can plug in a pedal from the drummania home controller into it, and triggering the pedal acts as a scratch.

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