Dance Dance Revolution Universe 3 Review for Xbox 360

Dance Dance Revolution Universe 3 box art

System: X360	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Bemani	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Konami	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Oct. 21, 2008	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-4	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

A really cool new feature is the all-new DJ mode. Unlike nearly everything in DDR, this mode has to be played with the controller. The DJ mode allows you to combine and mix tracks from the game and add your own scratches and beats to the mix. This mode is not as customizable as other DJ simulators out there, but it is a nice add-on and a great way to take a break from all the stepping.

Dance Dance Revolution Universe 3 screenshot

Of course, in addition to all these new features, DDR Universe 3 has all the standard modes you might expect. There is an Arcade mode that lets you experience the classic "three-song average" gameplay from the original DDR machines, a Practice mode where you can hone your steps, and an Exercise mode where you can burn all those unwanted calories. All these standard modes work basically the way you would expect, and they are nice standard additions to the new features.

However, even though playing DDR Universe 3 is a blast, it has one big issue fans should be aware of before picking this one up: loading times. While some loading is expected, the loading screens generally appear before and after each song and even after selecting menu items, which is far too often. And when each screen lasts five to eight seconds, it can be a real buzz-kill.

The tracklist in DDR Universe 3 can best be described as standard and doesn't deviate from the techno-infused J-Pop feel of prior DDR titles. This one features tracks like 90's staple "Canned Heat" by Jamiroqai, The J-Pop infused "Doki Doki" by smile.dk and dancehall classic "Conga" by Gloria Estefan. The track list feels very balanced between high-energy techno and pop beats, and DDR vets will feel very comfortable with the song styling of this entry.

Overall, DDR Universe 3 is the best entry in the series so far. It has managed to take a fairly run-of-the-mill arcade-style dancing game and has breathed new life into it. There is a lot of content in this game, and DDR fans will no doubt be pleased with all the new stepping (and DJ-ing) opportunities that this title affords.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.9

Graphics
Graphics are crisp and sharp, and character animations are very smooth, but dancing backgrounds remain very basic.

4.0

Control
The dancing controls work very well, but navigating some of the more complex menus with the pad can be a little cumbersome.

4.2

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The music collection is very diverse and features several new techno tunes as well as some remixes of old songs.

4.1

Play Value
From creating your own DJ mixes to playing online, there is a lot to do in DDR Universe 3, and you may find yourself stepping for quite a long time! If you can wait for the loading screens, that is.

4.0

Overall Rating - Great
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Over 70 songs with truly universal appeal, with music from the 70s to today!

Everyone can play, accessible for all skill levels.

DJ Mode makes its debut on the Xbox 360 - create your own tracks and song lists to dance to!

Brand new City Mode lets you compete against bosses throughout the Dance Dance Revolution city to become the ultimate champion.

Enhanced Quest Mode lets you customize your own character with over 400 options of clothing, faces, skin tones, and hair styles.

Do more on Xbox LIVE; play online and download new music seamlessly.

Compete internationally with a different song list every week.

Screen Resolution: Up to 1080i (Standard HDTV).