DDR MAX: Revolution Enough? Ever since DDR MAX was announced, people all over the internet have been questioning future developments of the series. Many people argue that DDR MAX is just another DDR sequel, and that the addition of ‘freeze’ arrows is not a big enough step forward from past versions. Hardcore fans are demanding that the series be brought truly into the next generation, and that the basic concept of the game needs to be totally refreshed with the addition of new arrow controls. Only problem is Konami already thought of that idea with DDR Solo Bass MIX and Solo 2000, the most unpopular games in the series! Bare in mind that the DDR MAX arcade cabinet is the same as the one for the past games, just with a new arcade board. Furthermore, many famous DDR artists such as Smile.dk, E-rotic and Captain Jack do not currently feature in DDR MAX. In fact, the overall songlist of DDR MAX doesn’t seem very next-generation at all (with the exception of MAX300,etc). With these factors in mind, I ask: Is DDR MAX revolution enough? Some would argue that DDR can’t change, and they would be well justified as when Konami released DDR Solo many fans decided that the basic concept of DDR should stay unchanged. ‘Why fix something if it ain’t broke?’ One of the main selling points of DDR MAX is the addition of ‘freeze’ arrows. But is this really all that is needed to change DDR for the better - a feature that’s been in other dance games for years? The same goes for the hi-speed modes. Basically, DDR isn’t changing, it’s catching up with the competition. Thing is, DDR shouldn’t have been behind in the first place. To be perfectly honest, I can only see Konami making another two or three DDR games at this time - remember that the DDR series as a whole is almost the most unpopular of all the Bemani games in Japan. Konami could always bring DDR MAX to the west though (yeah, right!). I think it’s time we all faced the music (!) - DDR is slowly dying and we need a revolution! At this time though, it’s impossible to tell whether DDR MAX will be popular enough, or revolution enough to win back hardcore players. If not, then us westerners will probably just awe in amazement at the graphics and move to the groove! - Only time will tell. Thanks for reading! <^_^>