DDRMAX: Dance Dance Revolution (Sony PlayStation 2, 2002)

I just bought DDR for my kids. Like most of their age group they have three major problems: 1) they are sedentary because their main interest is playing computer games, 2) they are overweight and out of shape (see above reason). and 3) they would rather do almost anything other than play with their mother. DDR has the potential to at least reduce these three problems.

DDR is a computer based game (we have the PS2 variety) which is played not with the fingers, but with the feet - the idea is to place your feet on the correct location of the dance pad at the precise time required by the game. This means that the kids are up on their feet and moving to play the game but that is not all! It encourages the kids to absorb concepts of beat, rhythm, and precision in order to get extra points in order to unlock extra tracks. There is also the ability for individual or competitive play, and while the competititors must play the same song, they can play at differing levels, so lame old Mom can compete foe a high score (at beginner level) against teenage daughter (or son) at a more difficult level.
Don't give up, though, it gets even better. For those who, for one reason or another, cannot physically play the game, they can still compete against their more mobile friends by plugging in a regular game controller, and still playing but with their fingers - clearly, for fairness, they would be playing a much more difficult level but the fun is still there! My kids have already had several DR parties where they take turns attempting to get better, and more difficult songs mastered.
Add into the mix, that when I am home alone, and I need of some exercise, I can turn on the machine, set it for workout mode, decide how many calories I want to burn, or how many minutes I want to workout, choose the level of play, and have a much more enjoyable exercise time than I would at a gym!
I would strongly recommend this game for anyone who is concerned that they or their children are spending too much time on their rear end playing games.

This is a game that is sweeping the continent in arcades. Ain't it great that you can bring it, and your children home for good clean fun, again!!

Not only is this fun for kids and adults, it is a great cardio workout! I have 3 girls, ages 10, 12, and 12 and an 18 year old son. The first week we had it, the girls played it for 4-6 hours STRAIGHT! During the snow days, we couldn't get them off it! The music is fun (100's of songs to choose from) and it also teaches hand-eye, or in this case, foot-eye coordination. My husband and I did it for about 10 minutes and we were totally winded. The description says it can be used for cardio workouts for adults, too. Our teenage son and his friends even got up and tried it one night. They were laughing so hard and really enjoying themselves. This can be used by one player or by a whole party, as long as they are willing to play two at a time! We highly recommend this, but be prepared to get a total workout and laugh a lot!

I bought this for myself thinking it would be a good way to start moving and grooving some calories off. OH MAN!!! I was right. this is so much fun! within a week my 7 and 11 year old daughters are on it and yesterday my 5 year old asked to get on it.
I was intimidated by it at first but once you get the settings right it's a blast.
The best part for me is that I can set my own calories I want to burn in workout mode. Then choose song after song until i've met my goal LOVE THAT!
You will amaze yourself at how quick you get good too. i'm still on the easy mode but i'm trying faster beats in different songs!
If you can't dance this is for you
if you CAN dance, HAVE FUN!!!

I know of noone who has ever tried DDR who hasn't enjoyed it, but for those seeking exercise motivation, this version is a really great start!

The workout mode on this game is incredible, letting you choose a light, standard or heavy workout, and allows you to track short or long-term activity with your memory card, measuring time & calories burned, & even compares your accomplishments with comparable time in jogging, swimming and jumping rope!

The dance pads (sold separately) are full-sized enough for full-figured adults, yet kids can handle them with ease. In Game mode, single and multi-player modes are offered, as well as a single player mode using two dance pads, for an extra challenge!

The amount of game time required before new songs are released for play could be decreased, but all-in-all, a very highly recommended game! Enjoy!

A friend had told me that a good DDR game is something every gamer needs, and I believe it! This game is awesome! I thought that it would be so difficult to get into the swing of things but even though I still need a lot of practice I enjoy mastering the beginner songs and unique game play. Another plus is that I get a great workout that beats the treadmill hands down and I get to listen to some great dance music. I have no rhythm to be spoken of and yet I am able to enjoy this game.
The game can be an intense workout for the body and I have some problems dancing without shoes or socks (this is for the soft foam dance pad peripheral by the way)as the game instructions recommend due to a previously existing foot ailment, so I use good workout shoes while playing. I would much rather damage a dance pad that I can replace than injure my feet or legs. Despite this, I still love the game.
I would not recommend this game for someone suffering from a preexisting condition or injury to the back, hips, legs or feet since the harder songs demand that you move quickly and/or jump while playing, sometimes many times during the song.
This game is wonderful for parties, or for friends to play together. I have yet to play any other DDR games yet I know this was the first DDR game for the PS2, so I thought to start from the beginning and the quality and fun factor of this game makes me want to buy more!