IntroductionI've created this document since there is no comprehensive document for beginners to start playing Dance Dance Revolution.What is DDR?Dance Dance Revolution is a music game. Basically the goal of the game is to step on arrows which are on the floor to the rythm of a song. While the gameplay might seem simplistic, it is really fun!So how does it work?First off, don't worry about memorizing all these things. It will become natural with time.
To begin, you have to choose a song.
This looks fun! Where do I start?First, download the demo of DDRPC(22 megs). Although there is only one song, it should be enough to give you an idea of how to play. Play it until you are able to finish the song. Alternatively, you could download a simulator like StepMania or Dance With Intensity. Don't forget that you need step files and MP3s to play these simulators(DDRManiaX and DDREI have some).Then, check on DDR Freak if there are any DDR machines in your area. You want a machine that is not too expensive(obviously) and not too old. Also, you don't want to start on a solo machine, since you can't play with somebody else keeping you alive! Once you're ready to go at the arcade, bring some money and a bottle of water. Remember that the best time to go at the arcade is usually friday and saturday night. At the arcadeOnce you reach the arcade, try to find the DDR machine(usually its where the crowd is with the loud music ;). Look at the people playing, the arrows, the stage and listen to the music. Get a 'feel' for the machine. If there is nobody at the machine, wait a little(if nobody comes, its probably a bad location, you are at the wrong time or nobody plays in your town/city). I recommend playing your first games with someone(although you don't need to if you are rich).Then, you have to go buy some 'tokens'. Basically they are special coins that only work at that particular arcade. If you can't find a token distributor(they look like change machines), ask the attendant at the arcade. Head back to the machine. Talk a little with the people who seem to play and tell them that you are a beginner and that you would like to play versus(versus mode is two players on the same machine, as long as there is one player alive the game continues, which is what you want to do). Once you've got a partner and it is your time to climb on the stage, ask him/her to choose easy songs(they should be 1-3 yellow feet) since you are likely to fail. Coin(token) linesYou might be wondering why people put tokens(and sometimes ID cards) below the screen on the machine. Simple. Basically it is a waiting line. If you are the third token from the side of the machine, you are third in place. This requires you to remember which token is yours(which is why some people put an ID card next to their token). Obviously, you don't want to be labeled as a jerk, so please put your token at the end of the line and do not take other's tokens.Basic arrow patterns and how to hit themJump To hit this pattern, you have to press both arrows at the same time. This is usually done through jumping. You don't need to jump very high, just enough to get your feet off the ground then land both feet on both arrows. For example, to hit this jump, you would jump, then have your left foot land on the left arrow and your right foot land on the right arrow.
Hold(freeze) arrow To hit this pattern, you simply need to step at the beginning of the arrow and leave your foot there for at least as long as the arrow(or a little before the end). For example, for this arrow you would put your left foot on the left arrow and leave it there until the arrow has passed by.
Repeat(tap) This is a very simple pattern. You just need to tap your foot to the beat.
Walk This is another simple pattern. You need to 'walk' on the arrows while following the beat. For example, for this pattern you would have your left foot on the left arrow and your right foot on the right arrow. Then, following the beat you would lift each foot and put it back down, hence, walk in place.
3-step This is a little trickier, but still a basic pattern. You need to hit the first arrow with one foot, hit the middle arrow with your other foot while moving the first foot to the third arrow, then hit the third arrow with the foot you used for the first arrow. For example, to hit this pattern, you would have your left foot on the left arrow and your right foot on the up arrow. So, for the first arrow you would just step with the left foot. After, you would hit the up arrow with your right foot, while moving your left foot to the down arrow. Finally, your left foot would reach the down arrow and hit it. After a little practice, this move will become natural.
Side(half) walk This is trickier than the 3-step pattern, but is essential to finishing certain songs. One of your foot becomes a pivot and hits the middle arrow while the other foot alternates to hit the other arrows. For example, to hit this pattern, I would put my left foot on the back arrow and my right foot on the left arrow. First, I would step on the left arrow with my right foot. Then, I would hit the back arrow with my left foot, while moving the right foot to the right arrow. When the right foot reaches the right arrow, I would step on it. Then, my left foot would hit the back arrow while my right foot would return to the left arrow. Finally I would step on the left arrow.
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