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Delphy
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Joined: 05 Mar 2003
Location: Las Vegas, NV |
80.  Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 10:34 pm Post subject: |
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| alan_robert_1950 wrote: |
I'm finding myself rather at a loss to get beyond passing a number of 5 and 6 footers. And I can't even pass all of those. As for seven footers, I can't pass a single one. I don't have any really good scores in the standard category to speak of. I think I've really reached my limit, as I don't seem to be getting any better either. I don't know. But it's probably more ME, and not so much my age. I doubt whether I'd ever have been particularly good at DDR.
I have seen kids pass 9 footers in less time than I have been playing. It's disheartening, to tell the truth.  |
Kids have an uncanny ability to learn. Your own goals are what are important, not the comparison to someone else.
I think a fair number of 5s are either fast light songs, or standard songs that start having having 1/8th steps. My recollection is that me going to 5 foot songs comfortably was to manage those - at first I double-stepped, but have gradually matriculated to crossovers. My transition to 6s was being able to integrate more of the 1/8th with the 1/4 steps. Turning the freeze arrows off to learn most of the steps helped since I struggled so much with them when learning a song (when I got most of the steps I turned them back on).
Being a budget-conscious person and wanting to get the most out of my ddr experience, I learn better by watching the arrow patterns when others are playing. Maybe you'll find someone who plays 5s and 6s and you can learn by watching, then anticipating what's coming rather than reacting. I didn't get out of my 6 foot comfort zone until I saw someone play Holic heavy.
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alan_robert_1950
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Joined: 06 Nov 2003
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| 81. Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 9:25 am Post subject: |
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| Slowpoke wrote: | | When you say you're not getting any better, I'm interpreting that to mean that you don't feel like you've been able to pass tougher songs. But what about the songs you CAN do? Are your scores on those improving? And if you had to pin it down, what would you say is your biggest sticking point right now? |
I guess my scores are better if I go way back to LIGHT MODE. On STANDARD & HEAVY, I'm stuck barely passing five- and six-footers. I seem not to be getting better, and some days I think I may be worse. The biggest sticking point? I don't know. I think it's getting the message to my feet and my feet to move quickly enough. I'm just not progressing. If I can pass, then it's with a "D" on most 5 and 6 footers. Seven footers are a total failure. And that's that.
And, to be perfectly honest, I have enough other concerns in my life that I'm not going to obssess on it the way that the kids do.
For all the great qualities that the DDR kids possess, I also find most of them to be very, very self-indulgent, self-focused, and lacking in vision of the world beyond the arcade, the arrows, video games in general, and Japanese cartoons. Myself, I have to worry about other things, and fairly serious things, that they have not yet had to face. So, yeah, I think my limit's been reached.
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Bortlett
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Joined: 30 Dec 2003
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| 82. Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 9:44 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | I guess my scores are better if I go way back to LIGHT MODE. On STANDARD & HEAVY, I'm stuck barely passing five- and six-footers. I seem not to be getting better, and some days I think I may be worse. The biggest sticking point? I don't know. I think it's getting the message to my feet and my feet to move quickly enough. I'm just not progressing. If I can pass, then it's with a "D" on most 5 and 6 footers. Seven footers are a total failure. And that's that. |
Just keep at it  . When I started playing, I refused to advanced to standard until I had gotten at least a B on every light song (this was on a home version, though, so if you're on extreme, you might just want to worry about getting an A/B on half the songs, or something).
If you're worried about foot speed, perhaps focussing on slower 5/6 star songs might help, too. I can't remember the ratings for standard, but focussing on slower songs will help gradually build up your foot speed.
It will come with practice, you've just hit a brick wall right now. Pretty soon, you'll just break through it and wonder how it was ever a problem in the first place... |
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Slowpoke
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Joined: 28 Oct 2003
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| 83. Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 12:25 pm Post subject: |
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| alan_robert_1950 wrote: | | The biggest sticking point? I don't know. I think it's getting the message to my feet and my feet to move quickly enough. I'm just not progressing. |
Maybe it's just a slow progression. Also, we all have off days and hit plateaus. I was just talking to someone about how when you're playing Heavy mode, you can get into a zone where your feet act like they're "possessed", and you end up hitting the correct arrows almost instinctively. The problem with that is that sometimes that instinct just ain't working, and it can be a very, very frustrating experience... failing songs that on another day, gave me no problem at all.
Just stick with it, and ask yourself how many other 50 year olds are passing 5 or 6 footers? If I started comparing myself to kids 1/3 my age, I'd start to get pretty discouraged too... so I try not to. Look at your accomplishments in the proper context. |
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malictus
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Joined: 26 May 2002
Location: Bloomington, IN |
| 84. Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 5:38 am Post subject: |
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Cheers to rest of the 'over 30' crowd!
I'm 34 and have been playing for almost 2 years. As others have noted, it's true that us older players tend to have less time to play than younger folks --- but I'm lucky in that there's a DDR machine within walking distance of my work, so I can play a few rounds most days on my lunch break 
It took me a LONG time to build up speed and stamina, but I attribute this more to my status as a couch potato before I started playing. Now I am in MUCH better better shape than I've ever been in my whole life.
As for my playing ability, I have 60 or so Heavy AA's, and can at least pass every song in the game except PSM and PSMO. Of course, I know lots of people who started after me and are now better than me, but I don't really care at all. I only really compete against myself, and I am still improving every time I play.
As the game itself gets older, the average playing age will get older too. Someday all the 15-year-old DDR genuises will be 40 you know  |
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Slowpoke
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Joined: 28 Oct 2003
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| 85. Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 7:03 am Post subject: |
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| malictus wrote: | | As the game itself gets older, the average playing age will get older too. Someday all the 15-year-old DDR genuises will be 40 you know |
... at which point I'll be comparing my skills to the other 70 year olds in the nursing home...  |
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AFAD
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Joined: 18 Feb 2004
Location: So. Cal/ LA area |
| 86. Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 12:33 pm Post subject: Age Limit on DDR |
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For all I know, I've seen businessmen in their late 40's early 50's that play DDR to forget their troubles at work.
They told me that it was a good way to relax.
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coasterwiz
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Joined: 25 Dec 2002
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| 87. Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 5:40 am Post subject: |
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Hopefully no one over fourty. I saw a mother and a father playing at an arcade, dancing to "The Reflex" and "Ordinary World" (Both Duran Duran Songs). Not pretty.
But, I think anyone can do DDR, espically to get in shape.
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Justinian...
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Joined: 31 Oct 2003
Location: Fairfax, VA |
| 88. Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 10:41 am Post subject: |
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people progress at different rates some fast some slow simple as that
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KyuuA4
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Joined: 20 Mar 2002
Location: 42° 02' N (Latitude) 87° 46' W (Longitude) |
| 89. Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 9:29 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | Kids have an uncanny ability to learn. Your own goals are what are important, not the comparison to someone else.
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Plus they act like they've been pumped with so much ritalin or somethin'... |
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DDRmom
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Joined: 23 May 2002
Location: City Place in MARYLAND! |
| 90. Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 12:01 pm Post subject: |
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| coasterwiz wrote: | Hopefully no one over fourty. I saw a mother and a father playing at an arcade, dancing to "The Reflex" and "Ordinary World" (Both Duran Duran Songs). Not pretty.
But, I think anyone can do DDR, espically to get in shape. |
Over 40 here-I currently pass all 6 and some 7 footers-the two things slowing me down are lack of playing time-compared to the really good players around here I probably get about one game to every 50 of theirs-and asthma problems that slow me down -I am starting to get better at pivots and can pass just about anything in the 9-10 range on stepmania so I am reading the arrows-just got to get to where I can keep up on my feet. All the youngsters are great and always encourage me and give me tips on how to play better. The nice thing about DDR is it appeals to people of all ages, races and abilities -- we (me and my kids) have met some really great people through playing DDR and attending tournaments and such. You're never to old for arrow stomping!
Mom
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Pantera
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Joined: 01 Feb 2004
Location: ¯\(º_o)/¯ |
| 91. Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 12:46 pm Post subject: |
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| alan_robert_1950 wrote: | | Slowpoke wrote: | | When you say you're not getting any better, I'm interpreting that to mean that you don't feel like you've been able to pass tougher songs. But what about the songs you CAN do? Are your scores on those improving? And if you had to pin it down, what would you say is your biggest sticking point right now? |
I guess my scores are better if I go way back to LIGHT MODE. On STANDARD & HEAVY, I'm stuck barely passing five- and six-footers. I seem not to be getting better, and some days I think I may be worse. The biggest sticking point? I don't know. I think it's getting the message to my feet and my feet to move quickly enough. I'm just not progressing. If I can pass, then it's with a "D" on most 5 and 6 footers. Seven footers are a total failure. And that's that. |
I remember a time when I just couldn't handle 9 footers and could do maybe half of the 8s, and this went on for a few weeks. But I was still improving, I just couldn't tell. One day I just decided to try Kakumei on a whim and I passed it with a B on my first try. Keep doing it, you may be improving without even knowing it.
However I think the most important thing in DDR is to have fun. If you aren't having fun doing those 5 and 6 footers and want to get better, just relax, you'll get there eventually even if it is at a slower rate. If you can't have fun playing the game at the highest level you possibly can now, you probably won't have fun at the highest level you will play at eventually.
| alan_robert_1950 wrote: | And, to be perfectly honest, I have enough other concerns in my life that I'm not going to obssess on it the way that the kids do.
For all the great qualities that the DDR kids possess, I also find most of them to be very, very self-indulgent, self-focused, and lacking in vision of the world beyond the arcade, the arrows, video games in general, and Japanese cartoons. Myself, I have to worry about other things, and fairly serious things, that they have not yet had to face. So, yeah, I think my limit's been reached. |
Furthermore, there isn't any reason to put down kids just because you have more problems than them. I like to think of myself as a(n older) kid (or perhaps just barely at nearly 18  ) and I've got plenty of problems and concerns in my life, I've never been self-indulgent or self-focused or lacking in vision. I do know there's a world outside of video games, but that isn't going to stop me from enjoying them. If you've got things to take care of, take care of them, chances are pretty good their more important to you than stepping on arrows. But take it from me, if you've got some stress that needs relievin' DDR can help (as long as you're having FUN  ).
And last but not least, your limit will NEVER be reached. Unless, of course, you really think it has been. The only thing holdin' you back is you
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DDRmom
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Joined: 23 May 2002
Location: City Place in MARYLAND! |
| 92. Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 7:09 am Post subject: |
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I have found the kids who play ddr to be some pretty awesome people. Yes, many of them are arrow obsessed but there are a lot worse things they could be into these days.
Mom
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dj 8-ball
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Location: San Francisco, CA. |
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WoodyWindy
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Joined: 10 Feb 2004
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| 94. Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 7:27 pm Post subject: |
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| My intense training starts in the morning. I just hope by Easter to be able to unlock Maniac on my Disney Mix without causing serious damage to myself. |
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Delphy
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Joined: 05 Mar 2003
Location: Las Vegas, NV |
| 95. Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 7:34 pm Post subject: |
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Playing alongside those kids who are better can help you improve if they can pass songs you can't - or haven't tried yet; hence you can play without fear of failing. Plus it gives me a chance to try songs I've never tried (i.e. Dance Dance Revolution oni)
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BeckC
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Joined: 30 Jan 2004
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| 96. Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 1:35 am Post subject: |
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Well, like I said when I introduced myself here, I'm 19, almost 20, and I'm feeling OOLLD for a DDR player. I know I'm not, but still...
Just wondering.. how many other 20-year-old DDRers are there on this board??  I'm really curious (that, and I doen;t wanna be the only one my age that's on here! )
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Slowpoke
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Joined: 28 Oct 2003
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| 97. Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 4:59 am Post subject: |
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| You are... everyone else is either 14 or 40 |
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Ryu_Hirakashi
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Joined: 24 Jan 2002
Location: Middle River, MD |
| 98. Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 7:19 am Post subject: |
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| alan_robert_1950 wrote: | | Slowpoke wrote: | | When you say you're not getting any better, I'm interpreting that to mean that you don't feel like you've been able to pass tougher songs. But what about the songs you CAN do? Are your scores on those improving? And if you had to pin it down, what would you say is your biggest sticking point right now? |
I guess my scores are better if I go way back to LIGHT MODE. On STANDARD & HEAVY, I'm stuck barely passing five- and six-footers. I seem not to be getting better, and some days I think I may be worse. The biggest sticking point? I don't know. I think it's getting the message to my feet and my feet to move quickly enough. I'm just not progressing. If I can pass, then it's with a "D" on most 5 and 6 footers. Seven footers are a total failure. And that's that.
And, to be perfectly honest, I have enough other concerns in my life that I'm not going to obssess on it the way that the kids do.
For all the great qualities that the DDR kids possess, I also find most of them to be very, very self-indulgent, self-focused, and lacking in vision of the world beyond the arcade, the arrows, video games in general, and Japanese cartoons. Myself, I have to worry about other things, and fairly serious things, that they have not yet had to face. So, yeah, I think my limit's been reached. |
Hey, I think you're a nice guy and all but please refrain from talking about the anime artform. I'm very sensative about this subject matter. And further more they are not cartoons. That is a word that only exists in the english language and pretty sad that this culture can't respect animation as a repsectable film medium. How come Japan can and America can't??
Coming from a respected fan of the medium and of film in general I think you need to get your facts straight buddy. Maybe you should stop making childish remarks and start acting like a man; and to start respecting other cultures out there. You've lived for 53 years and still haven't learned that important lesson.
(now back on topic )
As for DDR....
Anybody here who wants to get better gets better by their own decision. If I want to play to the extreme that is because I made that choice, and I'm not a kid and I'm not obessed over this game. I think there is a fine line between wanting to improve and being addicted. You are starting to sound like the general public when it comes to things that american society doesn't accept.
And to think this is coming from a guy who as a full-time job and bills, and life to worry about in general. I think I have serious things to worry about as well. I see DDR as sport if you will and a physical challenge.
Now be gone insect!!! 
Edit: And I'm 26 thank you very much!!
Ryu Hiragoshi
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NiKK
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Joined: 18 Dec 2003
Location: California/ San Diego/ El Cajon |
| 99. Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 4:55 pm Post subject: |
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no
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