What to buy?!?

[JoelWhy]

I know this isn't supposed to be so complicated, but I'm having a heck of a time finding the 'right' dance pad to buy. I know next-to-nothing about DDRs (it took me half the day to Realize what DDR stands for, and I STILL don't know what the heck a Bemani is!)

Anyhow, I checked the FAQ sections and I've read the message boards, but I'm running into a big problem. I want to spend $100 or less, preferably including a game or two. So, people have said RedOctane Ignition is great, but way overpriced. So, instead I should buy the DDR Deluxe Dance Mat V.3.1 or the BNS Ultra DX-Xteme Dance Pad. Well, they're both on backorder and I need something by X-mas.

So, any advice? She's as new to this as I am, so I definitely don't want to get something too expensive.

[legend of zig~Rq$T_LCK]

the most expensive things are warning points but since you're new....just check all the diff treads about each pad if youre looking for something by xmas and you dont care what kinda pad go to your local eb and pick up an ignition anything else has shipping if its not already on back order

[Cutriss]

You should take a look at the DDR Freak Dictionary if you need some help getting oriented.

Anyhoo, the games will be the most expensive part. Getting two wouldn't leave you with much cash at all for a pad, so I'd stick to just one game for now, but also a cheap pad. They may suck, but it'll work well enough and long enough for someone to decide whether or not they plan to stick with it, at which point you can invest in a sturdier solution.

[JoelWhy]

Thanks, and one last question. Is there a reason to get a pad that has like 6 'buttons' instead of 8 or 9? I'm assuming you need more for certain games, but is there a 'standard' number I should look for? Do the majority of games require a specific minimum?

[JoelWhy]

Sorry, I lied. HERE'S my last post on the matter:)

I finally realized that it's going to be much cheaper to get one of these pads from a local EB Games than to order it online because S&H is quite pricey. So, here's what they have:

Nokiworld (wireless pad) - $29.99
Intek (wireless pad) - $39.99
Konami DDR extreme bundle -- $59
RedOctane -- $99


I know the RedOCtane one is overpriced, but it's the only one I've heard described as anything other than "it's a piece of crap." Any advice?

Also, they have an extended warranty plan for between $5 - $10 which lets you get a new one if it breaks w/in a year. I'm guessing it's worth it, right?

[FoxFireX]

If you're just getting started, I'd say get the official game/pad combo. Of the non-foam soft pads, I think the official Konami pad is considered one of the better ones, and when you aren't playing high difficulty songs, it'll probably be good enough. If you like it and start to notice the pad is causing you to miss steps, that's the time to consider getting a "good" pad.

As for the warranty, I'm not sure how different shops handle it, but usually there's a clause that they won't cover normal wear and tear. Once you get good at these games, you'll definitely be doing some wearing and tearing. Just depends on how your local shop interprets that sort of language.

For the number of buttons, if you're sticking with official DDR games, I don't think the back corners are ever used. The front corners are used in Solo (6 panel) mode, but that's only available in the US on Konamix (PS1) if memory serves. So long as it's true DDR, up, down, left, and right are all you need. (Other games use different layouts, such as Pump It Up, which uses the corners and a center button. Of course, none of the DDR pads to my knowledge have a center button at all, making the back corners of questionable use.)

(Side note: BEMANI is [fun to play regardless of its origin, and is] the catchall term Konami uses for their brand of music games.)

[Tomo_kun]

[FoxFireX]

Really? The more you know. Edited to correct.

Edit: Feh. Make up yer minds.

[Shinmizu]

No, Bemani was derived from Beatmania.
_________________

For a Good time, call 555-1212 and ask for Susan. For a Great time, call 555-3487 and ask for Mindy. For a Perfect time, call 555-6341 and ask for Stephanie. For a Marvelous time, call 555-6341 and ask for Stephanie's mom.