Import Games discussion thread

[Eckostyle]

This thread is for discussing any import game that doesn't already have its own sticky thread.

Got a question about how to play an import game? You need to go here.

Well, to prevent anymore "What mix should I buy for my PSX/PS2?" questions, or "How do I get them to run on my PSX/PS2" questions, I though i'd type this up.

Unfinished, more to come when I get to it.

Reccomended places to purchase legitimate copies of these games are:

www.yesasia.com
www.ncsx.com
www.toysnjoys.com
www.eBay.com(Caveat emptor.)
www.japanvideogames.com

For info on how to play the imported DDR's on your system, please refer to Larrikin's Modchip FAQ.

DDR Import Patches can be found here. If you cant find what your looking for, PM/AIM me, and I'll dig around.


USA Games:


Dance Dance Revolution



Songlist

This was the kickoff game for US DDR'ers, and for its time of release, wasnt that bad of a mix. Since it was released during the 3rd Mix era, it houses some choice songs from 3rd mix and below, some good, and some bad. It boasts the 3nd Mix interface, and unlike most mixes, it has a Beginner mode, where every song is 1 foot. It also has nonstop courses for a decent challenge. But before you buy, be warned, dont buy this mix expectin the cool extras seen in the import games. This is a somewhat barebones mix, but good to start out on. The only real con about this game is that Konami had the chance to include some great songs, but instead, added some lame songs, with only a couple of songs worth playing. If you arent a stickler about music and extras, go buy it. If you are, then skip this one.


Pros:
Decent interface
Some good songs
Nonstop courses

Cons:
Some songs are good, but the rest are nothing special(like Let Them Move)
No endless mode
Lack of extras


Dance Dance Revolution Konamix



Songlist

Konamix is Koanmi's way of making up for a sub-par debut in the USA. This mix takes advantage of the 4th Mix interface, which was rather organized and graphically looked great. The songlist is much improved(some excellent songs), but like the last mix in the USA, theres also some crap to deal with(Let Them Move found its way in this one). This mix also has a Nonstop Mode(you make the courses), 6-panel mode, and most notably, a stepchart editor, so you can make your own dances. And theres even songs to unlock, along with some rather uncommon songs to play, like Diving Money and The Earth Light, plus the songlist has been beefed up to 50+. Overall, a good buy. Go for it.

Pros:
Improved songlist
Improved interface
Nonstop Courses and Edit Mode

Cons:
Crappy songs still found their way in
Given its time of release, theres no excuse for the oldies outnumbering the new songs



Japanese Games:


Dance Dance Revolution 1st Mix



Songlist

This is the grandaddy of all the mixes. The first home release of DDR boasts some of the golden olides of DDR, but it lacks majory in one department, song content. Compared to the mixes of today, 17 songs just cant cut it. But it does house some elusive songs such as Strictly Busniess and Boys. The interface reeks of age. I has the CD cover interface of all the mixes, which is creative, yet flawed by 4th-5th. The grading system is not that "accurate" for that matter. If youre up for a nostaliga trip or wanna play the older songs, go buy it, but skip it if you are expecting anything liek the newer mixes.

Pros:
Its a classic, and has some pretty uncommon songs.
Probably the only way your gonna get a shot at Strictly Busniess.

Cons:
Its old.
No, seriously. Its really, REALLY old.
The interface and grading system were good back then, but now, its shamed.


Dance Dance Revolution 2nd Mix


Note: Dreamcast jewel case shown.


Songlist

Making up for the sub-par console-debut of DDR, 2nd Mix picks upon 1st Mix's major flaw, a good songlist. It boasts 34 songs, and houses some of the best songs in the series(I.E. Stomp To My Beat). It retains the interface with a few tiny tweaks. I cant say much, because in a nutshell, its 1st mix with a much improved(Hell, it has all the songs 1st Mix had) songlist. Want an old mix? This is a good oen to start out on.

Pros:
Much improved songlist.
Has some kick-ass songs worth paying for.

Cons:
Still keeps a sub-par interface and grading system.
Feels as if a bit more effort couldve been put into it.


Dance Dance Revolution 3rd Mix




Songlist

Antimod codes:

D00C1CDC 0943
800C1CDC 0758
D00C2166 1040
800C2166 0001


Ahh, now heres the big one. In my opinion(and many others) this is the best PSX mix to date. Boasts over 50 songs, and the extras....ohhhh, the extras. Most of the songs has extra step charts, so youll neveer be really complete with this game for some time. This mix has SSR Mode, where all the songs are on Maniac with Flat on. Give it a shot if you are feeling spunky. There are 2 preview songs for 4th Mix(Bumble Bee and Gimme Gimmie Gimmie*both just have basic steps*), an arrow paint mode that has to be unlocked, a wealth of returning songs to be unlocked, and more goodies. It even can switch between Appends, adding even more songs to it. The scoring system has been given a more accurate feel too. Dont pass this one up. This is a landmark mix. If youre looking for a long term mix to tackle with very rewarding gifts, this is the one to get.

Pros:
Massive songlist.
Tons of goodies to unlock.
A truckload of replay value.

Cons:
This will take a good while and 3 gallons of sweat to fully unlock everyting in this mix.


Dance Dance Revolution 4th Mix




Songlist

Antimod codes:

D00E8244FF52
800E824E1000


Konami put a damn large amount of effort into this mix too, just like its predecesor, 3rd Mix. This mix has some of the best songs on any machine(The 4th Mix Generation housed the best songs in the whole game.), goodies to unlock, and a challenge mode. Challenge Mode is where you have to meet certian objectives while playing songs(Some of these get REAL crative "GOOD ATTACK?! OMG YES!!! HAHHAHA!!!"). And finally, DDRers dreams came true when a long overdue Endless mode was introduced, where you kept playing till you failed. The songlist is strong(Its on steroids. Seriously.) and houses some unforgettable songs. And an added perk is 6-panel mode. Its hard to get at first, but its a welcome change. The first thing youll notice is the nice, new interface. Instead of having all of the songs on one select screen(though you can set to an All Music mode), the songs are broken up by categories("Pops", "Veriety" to name a few.). The new interface is welcome change, but the grading system leaves less to be desired. The only way to achieve an A is to FC a song, so get ready to get a B on almost every song you play. All in all, this is an awesome mix.

Pros:
Nice new interface.
Awesome songlist(But if youre smart, you wont even try "The 7 Jump")
The new look is damn sexy.
Endless mode introduced.
Challenge Mode introduced.
Neat goodies.

Cons:
The grading system is bad. Just flat out bad.
It has The 7 Jump. Thats all I have to say about that.


Dance Dance Revolution 5th Mix




Songlist

Antimod codes:

D01743061062
801743061000


Possibly one of the best DDR's you can buy. DDR got a MAJOR overhaul in everything. The first noticeable thing is the new graphics. 60 fps characters and arrows are an awesome addition. The atmosphere of this game is just plain delicious. Hell, even the interface music kicks ass.
This mix boasts an excellent songlist, and really shows off Konami's effort in making this one the best. The new interface menus are incredible and much eaiser to navigate, and are shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiny. The extras in this game rival 3rd Mix's(You can even fully unlock 4th and Extra Mix with a special save option it has). There are stepcharts for just about every pre-5th Mix song. If you have previous mixes, this will rock your socks. And the little pic snippets are fun to look at, plus, there are TONS of extra stepcharts for every song up to the making of 5th Mix, so this adds to the previous mixes. The only bad thing about this mix is that it lacks Endless mode, which fared so well on 4th Mix. So far, one the best PSX Mixes to date

Pros:
The new graphical sheen is incredible.
The new interface rocks.
The garding system is finally irked to perfection.
Its so good looking, youll molest the CD.

Cons:
Lacks an Endless mode.
Where the hell is Rhythym and Police?


Dance Dance Revolution Extra Mix





Songlist

Antimod codes:

D00E8A2A 1040
800E8A2A 1000

Well now. This mix is a unique one. First off, it includes some of the DDR songs you never even knew existed. Now ill get straingt to the con. Most of these songs, well, suck. Some of the songs are awesome, like Paranoia Evolution and Rhythym and Police. The interface is a rather much updated 4th Mix. Same crappy grade system, but the music and graphical sheen is bumped up a few notches. Thsi mix also has 4th Mix's 6Panel mode. I wont even speak to you about the announcer. If you want to play some misfit songs, then Extra Mix is your game.

Pros:
The songs are unique and uncommon.
Has 6-panel mode.
Interface/Grafix have been beffed up.

Cons:
Some of these songs really, really suck.
That damn announcer. Someone please choke her to death. Please.


Dance Dance Revolution Best Hits




Songlist

Antimod codes:

D01002D4023A
801002D61000


This mix is supposed to house the best songs from DDR. Well, the catch is that it holds the best songs form 3rd Mix and down. It retains the 2nd/3rd Mix interface, and has a truckload of characters. It has some cool songs liek butterfly and Stomp To My Beat. Other than that, thats all i can say about this one.

Pros:
Houses the best old school songs(3rd Mix era)

Cons:
Thats about it.


Dance Dance Revolution Disneys Rave



Antimod codes:

D019020A 1040
8019020A 1000


Songlist

Its DDR with Disney characters. Thats about it. The cool factor is that it houses dance remixes of Disney tunes(Electrical Parade owns). The interface is OK, but that announcer sounds like he never passed 2nd Grade. The arrows are rather hard to read too. But this is great for beginners, since some of the songs are pretty easy. But pros wont get much, because there is no maniac mode. Just basic and trick. I cant really say I reccomend this one. buy only if you are a Disney freak, beginner, or a DDR completist.

Pros:
Some of the songs are rather catchy.
Great for the kiddies.


Cons:
The announcer will make you laugh. Then make you cry.
The transparent and choppy arrows will mess you up.


I hope this FAQ helps.

Songlists produced by www.ddrei.com.
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[Shu-Chan]

Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiny..... Definitely cool. Great Overview of the mixes. Perfect for those deciding which mix to buy. *Gives you a cookie* Kakkoi!!!
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[AlexMax]

This topic NEEDS to be frozen.

Are there any differences in the DC versions, though? And what about club mix?

[Eckostyle]

Not much differences in the DC version, except a better looking Graphical sheen, and more previously released songs added. It one ups 2nd Mix PSX in terms of music and looks.

Im gonna add 2nd Remix DC Ver. along with the 2nd Mix Appends and DDRMAX once I get the chance.
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[ShadowRisae]

You forgot Ohastar (for PSX) as well. But considering it's supposed to be themes from Japanese kids shows and it seems relatively hard to find compared to most of the DDR games, I'm not surprised. I personally won't buy it even though I'm a big DDR fan.

[Eckostyle]

Ugh, I havent even played that one. Im still looking for it.
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[TANK]

U must have been really bored. LOL
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[TANK]

*bump* Because I think out of all the regular post on the first page, I think it can be in one of those sticky. Some of those posts need some logic and common sense. This post can help ppl.
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[muchacho timido]

Hey you left out DDRMax for PS2 .
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total onis I've passed: 5!
AAA count: 21!

[Nagorak]

Pretty good review, although I'd say whether you prefer 3rd/4th/5th mix to be mostly taste (depending on the type of songs you like). Best Hits is actually a really good compilation of the songs from the first three mixes. I'd strongly suggest getting BH instead of 1st, 2nd mix and maybe even 3rd if you're not that huge a fan of the "early" DDR music (big enough to want to play them, but not to the point where you want to buy 3 mixes).

[chocobeat ~3rd Append~]

OMG!!! you could print that and sell it for a nickel in a grocery store and people would buy it!!
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C-men, straight from the shaft onto the DDR pad

[Eckostyle]

Thats an idea.........................
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[Shu-Chan]

This really needs to be stickified.. for n00bs who want to know what to invest their money in.. its akin to the FAQ for DDR machine purchasing. Its definitely helpful!
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[Liger Version 1.0]

[CStarFlare]

I hate to ask, but what were you on when you made that 4th Mix section?

[TANK]

WITH POULAR DEMAND
OK, people have been waiting for the mix that will be better than all of the other U.S. mixes. Well, US got there moneys worth. This game has the best graphics i've seen on a DDR game. Also over 65 songs is a great deal plus U.S exclusives making it worthwhle. Plus the Drop The Bomb Remix. Also, this is the first mix ever to have the ever so popular Oni Mode.

Pros:
Over 65 songs
U.S. Exclusives like Sandstorm, Overblast, I Like To Move It and Dark Black Forest.
ONI Mode
Edit Modes and Information Mode

Cons:
Some of these steps are bad(5.1.1 is a 7 damn should be a 5)
Takes too long to unlock Drop The Bomb Remix[img][/img][img][/img]
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[CStarFlare]

[Eckostyle]

[Smbu |L©|]

so is faq only for imports? Because the us version of disney rave has maniac mode, but the japanese one doesn't

and i thought 3rd mix had endless mode too.
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President of the SuPa |L�| Fanclub! Oh, YEAH!!!1

[Captain Howdy]

Smbu and CStarflare are right. 3rd Mix did have an Endless mode. I'm completely positive of that.