How to Play

[ [ How to Play ] ]

For newbies and those of you who just wanna make sure u r doing it right, here's how 2 play according 2 me. If this don't help u, try playing Beginner Mode on DDR USA.

[ DDR Machine ]

pic originally from www.gamers.com

DDR machines all look like this (unless u r playin Solo, that's a different story). 4 arrows, handrail, 2 yellow buttons and a green start button. Flashing lights near the marquee. Speakers at the base of the machine. OK, enough description...

[ Arrows ]

You must physically step/hit the arrows. Don't be scared, if u have 2 stomp...do so. But u have 2 stop stompin soon...not good 4 the machine. When to step? look at the screen...

[ Screen ]

pic originally from www.konami.co.jp

You step about 1/100th of second b4 they match up...haha. OK, a better explanation is that you have to try and match up the colored and grey arrows, but there's a small lag time u must take into account. You don't step while the arrows is going up the screen, you don't step after the colored arrow has passed the grey arrow, just right b4 they match up.

[ Step Rating ]

[ ]

Highest rating for a step. U need to get these in order to continue combos. Go for as many perfects you can if u r playin 4 score.

[ ]

Next best thing. It also continues a combo. This means u r really close to gettin a perfect so keep tryin.

[ ]

You're not missing steps, but you're not doing that "good" either. These ruin your combos and just tell u that u gotta get better.

[ ]

DDR USA Equivalent: Almost! (purple letters)

A little off, not quite the right step. Keep tryin.

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DDR USA Equiavalent: Boo! (red letters)

Not even close. Don't be discouraged, just keep going and avoid failing. Of course too many misses will make u fail.

[ Grades ]

After every song and after the default number of songs, usually three, you get a results screen. Tells you the # of steps and ratings, max combo, a grade and points for that round.

AAA and AA are used for DDR USA and DDR Solo versions.

SSS or AAA (w/ "Perfect!" and Platinum letters): Max combo, all steps rated "Perfect!" U get the maximum score for that stage as well.

SS or AAA (Gold letters): Max combo, all steps "Perfect!" or "Great!" U get a score that is very high but less than SSS.

S or AA: Almost max combo, might have missed one or two steps. Hard 2 get in DDR USA.

A: Good score, some combos that range from half to almost max combo.

B: Not too bad, but u can do better.

C: Not too good, u have 2 get better.

D: U almost failed!!

E: NOOOOO...u failed!!

That's it...are you ready?