Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this game will get your teens and tweens up off the couch and moving. This series of games is actually being used in some schools to get kids excited about exercise. While you can buy the game without the dance pad controller and use the gamepad, it isn't recommended. Playing with a game controller eliminates almost all of the exercise benefits and is ultimately too easy -- and not as much fun. Some of the pop songs contain suggestive lyrics.
Families can talk about what makes this series so popular. Is it more fun to dance with someone, or is the game fun by itself? Is it all about getting the highest score, or is it just fun regardless? Families can also talk about how to use the Edit mode to make new steps and challenge each other.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Andrew Bub
DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION SUPERNOVA (DDR) is the latest incarnation of the popular rhythm series that actually gets kids off the couch and jumping around in front of the television.
The concept is simple: the game uses a dance pad controller (if you're new to the series, find one that comes with a pad or buy a dance pad controller separately) instead of a gamepad (though you can use a gamepad if necessary) to simulate dancing. Licensed popular dance tracks fill your speakers, and a series of arrows (up, down, left, right, and combinations) slide relentlessly up the screen toward a bar at the top. Players must hop around to press each arrow with their foot as its corresponding onscreen arrow passes over the bar. They are scored based on timing, rhythm, and number of correct combinations. The resulting game is endlessly challenging and fun once your muscle-memory kicks in. Players eventually start hitting arrows with their feet without thinking about it. There is even research showing that DDR games have been proven to provide real exercise benefits. The game provides a calorie counter and workout mode.
SuperNOVA is bigger than all previous titles in the series. It features over 2000 dance steps and fan-favorite tunes from past versions of the game, as well as newly licensed songs.
A new graphics engine offers a slicker look and better-looking characters that play you on the screen, and each character now has their own dance moves. But really, players will spend their time staring at the constantly rising arrows, not the animated dancer on the screen. Dance Dance veterans will enjoy the new space-themed "Stellar Master Mode," with a string of dances and challenges to complete as you hoof and hop your way across the universe.
All the familiar modes return and are welcome, including the aforementioned Work Out Mode, an excellent Training Mode, and both single- and two-player options. Players can also edit dance steps to make their own routines; and if their Playstation 2 consoles are on broadband, they can compete against other players online. (Common Sense Media does not recommend having children under age 12 compete online)
With DDR, kids and parents can play games together. SuperNOVA is well worth the investment for die-hard fans of the game but players new to DDR might want to consider getting an older and cheaper version first. Check your local bargain bin.
Parents with younger gamers and a GameCube system might want to try Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix for a more kid-friendly introduction to the game, but that can be a difficult game to find these days. Happy dancing!
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentProvocative dancing; while the lyrics contain sexual innuendos, there's nothing overt. |
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LanguageDance songs reflect current pop music. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoOne tune talks about drinking booze. |
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Educational ValueTeaches movement, coordination, and confidence. |
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