DDRMAX2 looks and plays more like its arcade counterparts than the first MAX did. Whereas some songs had to be omitted for legal reasons in the past, DDRMAX2 includes dance remakes of songs like “Heaven” and K.C. and the Sunshine Band’s original version of “Get Down Tonight.” There are over 65 tracks in all, some of which are exclusive to this version and over two dozen of which must be unlocked. The animations that run behind the arrows are even more psychedelic and distracting, but now there are some full-motion videos to divert your concentration. Some tracks even change tempo midsong; the icons might slide by at half-speed or stop altogether during a song’s breakdown. At least it’s always with the beat, and it’s nice to see the game evolve a little bit. As always, the game is infinitely more fun with a dance mat controller (DDRMAX2 does not come with one), and the better the construction of the mat, the better your experience. The edit mode and workout mode return to let dancers create their own routines and count their calories, respectively. And of course, the so-goofy-he’s-endearing announcer is here, too. Simply put, DDRMAX2 is the DDR that players know and love, but slightly flashier. Fans won’t be disappointed.
