A Beginner Needing Some Advice

affle · Basic Member Joined: 09 Oct 2005

Well first off, let me introduce myself. My name is Andrea, and I've recently started to really enjoy DDR in the arcade. I now want to get some sort of home version, but I need some advice.

I do not have PS1 or PS2, nor do I have Xbox. I do have gamecube (and Nintendo 64, but I doubt that matters), as well as a Windows XP computer.

I was considering either one of the plug and play TV versions, or else some sort of PC version. However, I have no idea how good any of these or the mats are, and I could use some advice.

As far as the mats go, if I used a PC version, it would be on carpeting. (Don't know if that matters, but I figured I'd mention it). A TV version would be either on carpet or hard floors.

Overall, I want to spend somewhere under 50 bucks. This could be for two mats, or else if one mat thats particularly good is available for under that, just one. So basically, I want everyone's opinion on the TV plug and play version (which seems like it might be my best choice, since my room is a little crowded for the PC version), as well as on the various PC versions/mats. Any help you can give is really appreciated

P.S. Sorry if this is in the wrong forum, but since it seemed to be spanning several topics, I thought this might be the best place for it.

Solar-Wind · Trick Member Joined: 16 Jul 2005 Location: rumson, nj

the cheap plug and play versions = horrible, from what i've heard. they aren't even DDR, are they?

my suggestion: Get Stepmania for PC *mumble*though dont ask where to find songs here*mumble* and an adapter to plug your mat into it, and get a nice piece of plywood or something to put your mat on top of. because Stepmania is free, if you have a little bit more than 50 bucks, then you might be able to afford both the adapter and a thicker foam pad.
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~Xx=STABMASTER-ARSON=xX~ · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 9:35 am Post subject:

You can Get stepmania from,

Http://www.Stepmania.com/

And, <P-Chan edit> don't illegaly download music</P-Chan>
<P-Chan edit>Piracy is bad, mmmmkay</P-Chan>

OH! On the topic of stepmania.........

<P-Chan edit>I won't post any pointless images</P-Chan>

THEY MADE ME DO IT, IT WAS THEM SEE!

*Points to a sack of corn*
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Pop'n Usagi! · Trick Member Joined: 17 Nov 2002 Location: Your mum

Seriously, that was dumb and not in the least bit funny. Don't do it again please.

I agree with those who said to get Stepmania (DDRUK.com for songpacks, read the FAQ forum) and I say you should also save up and get a PS2, as you can then play top-quality DDR games rather than a simulator.
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[quote:8b1ee61c71="rampage in oct '04"]
I'm sure if it was sold for profit, Konami would clamp down on it (I'm sure it's a matter of time before they clamp down on ITG).[/quote]

Reenee · Trick Member Joined: 21 Nov 2003

Solar-Wind · Trick Member Joined: 16 Jul 2005 Location: rumson, nj

Reenee · Trick Member Joined: 21 Nov 2003

Solar-Wind · Trick Member Joined: 16 Jul 2005 Location: rumson, nj

Pop'n Usagi! · Trick Member Joined: 17 Nov 2002 Location: Your mum

Arguing != helping.

I'd forgotten about DDR Mario Mix, and despite the "omg its for kids" outlook a lot of people have, it looks worth getting.

And get Stepmania in the meantime!

_________________

[quote:8b1ee61c71="rampage in oct '04"]
I'm sure if it was sold for profit, Konami would clamp down on it (I'm sure it's a matter of time before they clamp down on ITG).[/quote]

affle · Basic Member Joined: 09 Oct 2005

Thanks for the advice, it was very helpful

I downloaded stepmedia and got some songs, and am now figuring out what type of mat to get. I'm going to look around at the local stores, because even though ebay seems to have some good deals, I seem to be getting the idea that ebay isn't the right place to buy that sort of thing.

As for Mario Mix, I looked it up, and it sounds okay but I think I'd prefer to have something more similar to DDR...I never really cared for Mario. Also, it looks pretty 3-d graphic intense, and graphic-intense video games get me very dizzy (also why I don't plan on getting a ps2). Nonetheless, thanks for the suggestions.

Kles · Trick Member Joined: 23 Aug 2005

123aaabbbccc · Trick Member Joined: 19 Aug 2005

may want to hit up these thread under controllers section: http://www.ddrfreak.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=37

http://www.ddrfreak.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=110350
http://www.ddrfreak.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=110575
http://www.ddrfreak.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=102781
http://www.ddrfreak.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=95098

etc etc etc. just hit up the forums.

PC adapter = 15 bucks
stepmania = free
soft pad = 25-35 bucks (depending on where u buy it).
total cost = 40 - 50 bucks.

couple well know companys.

soft pads:
buynshop NX: http://www.buynshop.com/productinfo/44/VG-DDR-ULTX/
red octane ITG: http://redoctane.com/itgdancepad.html

soft pads with dense foam inserts:
buynshopDX: http://www.buynshop.com/productinfo/44/VG-DDR-ULTDX/
red octane ignition: http://redoctane.com/ignitionpadv3.html

also, there are a ton of thread on here which argue about hard pads and soft pads and what is better than what etc etc etc. so use this as a starting point, hit the forums, then spend some big bucks on a good soft DDR like the rest of us jerks. And soon you'll be rockin the metal pad with the best of em'

good luck

Papersak · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 3:13 pm Post subject:

If you're a beginner, I say those super-cheap soft pads work fine. My mom surprised me with one, and despite what's always said it's still good. Painful on a hard surface considering shoes might kill it, but good. I end up purposely using a carpet...

The foam insert pads are pretty good, too. A lot more comfortable and I think shoes are better on it. Though it might be cause I got mine reeeally cheap, but when buttons get sticky they like freaking stay sticky...

Pop'n Usagi! · Trick Member Joined: 17 Nov 2002 Location: Your mum

Da-Risin-Smoke · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 4:04 pm Post subject:

DocMenach · Basic Member Joined: 28 Sep 2005

I would recomend getting the BNS-DX pads from BuynShop. That's what I've been using, but I only started playing about two and a half weeks ago. It's working good for me, I've already built up to 8-footers and it works great. From what I've read on these forums, they are just as good if not better than the ignition pads, and about half the price. A little bit more than you want to spend though ($58 plus shipping for one pad, plus $5 for the USB converter for the DX, $109 plus shipping plus $5 for the Ignition)

If you dont mind putting a little work in to it you could also get a cheaper pad with no foam insert, and mod it. That way you could possibly get two pads for under $50. Make sure the pads you get are have Arcade sized buttons. Some cheap home pads are smaller than the arcade, so it messes you up when you get to the arcade because you get used to smaller steps.

kamron_1 · Trick Member Joined: 15 Nov 2002 Location: YAY AREA

Solar-Wind · Trick Member Joined: 16 Jul 2005 Location: rumson, nj

affle · Basic Member Joined: 09 Oct 2005

Wow, thanks for all the help! The suggestions were great, and I think what I'm going to do as far as a mat goes is look around the electronics stores for the mats available here, keeping what everyone said in mind. If I can't find one that looks decent, then I'll either order online or possibly off ebay in order to keep the price down.

Btw, the disney rave sounds cool, actually, too bad its so hard to find. I'm a big disney fan lol.

~Xx=STABMASTER-ARSON=xX~ · Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 6:30 pm Post subject: