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For it's price, you can't do much better, September 10, 2004
Reviewer: Telegram Sam (athens, GA USA) - See all my reviews
I bought DDRMax2 and a pad like this a little over a month ago at an electronics store on a whim, and I must say, I've had a whole lot of fun with it, and I've recently joined my school's DDR club. If you're browsing around for a teen or older kid's birthday gift (like 7 or 8+ as a younger kid might not have the coordination for this sort of thing and would get frustrated) or looking for a fun hobby for yourself, DDR is a good choice.
As to the pad itself, it should go without saying that it is NOT a top quality pad (get an expensive metal one like redoctane or cobalt flux if you want something really good), but for a beginner, you can't do much better than this. I've played on a few other cheap pads, and this seems to be the best of its price range. It has the slip-resistant foam bottom layer which makes all the difference in the world. It still creeps backwards (DO play on a hard surface, not carpet. Buy a piece of plywood and duct tape the pad to it if you have to), and I don't think you'd do so hot on Heavy mode, but if you're just starting out, it's not a big deal to stop every couple of songs and nudge it back in place. Also, keep in mind that this pad isn't going to last forever. I've only had mine a month and it still works well, but I've been told by several serious players not to expect more than 2-5 months of moderate use out of a pad like this before it tears or becomes unresponsive.
In conclusion, if you're just starting out, go ahead and buy this pad and play on it until it's worn out. If at that point you're still serious about this game, *then* you might want to invest in something more expensive.
Good for beginners - Inexpensive without being totally cheap,
I'm a total DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) Newbie. (For now.) And this is the pad I've chosen to start with.
This is the least expensive pad of reasonable quality I have found yet.
It is a soft pad and can be folded. But you really should remember to fold it in thirds so the stepping areas don't get creased. (I don't know what happens when the stepping buttons get creased, and I don't plan on finding out.)
I have a somewhat cushy carpet, but that combined with the softness of the pad, it does NOT seem to negatively affect the sensitivity of the controller.
There does tend to be a little bit of slippage during play. (They do include some sticky disks that are supposed to help with that, but I want to be able to put the pad away so I'm a little dubious. I can probably fix the problem with some self adhesive Velcro or something.) But the slippage is not enough to seriously hinder gameplay for a fair number of rounds. (At least, not the way I dance, your mileage may vary.) Even without sticky stuff or Velcro, it's not big deal to step off the pad between songs and nudge it back into place with your toe.
The bottom is a smooth neoprene, the top is vinyl, and the padding in between sounds like crunchy plastic type material.
No, this is not the best made pad in the world.
But it's a good pad at a good price.
If you're just starting out and you're not sure that this type of game is for you, or if you're just on a limited budget, you would do well with this dance pad.
a kid, October 14, 2004
Reviewer: Kara Elizabeth "Lizzie" (Media, PA USA) - See all my reviews
This was the coolest thing i got for christmas last year (the game and the pad) it was really fun and you dont sit in front of the TV for hours with a regular controller. It was really good for me because alot of the time i need to let out my energy, and jumping around for a game really helps. The new DDR, dance dance revolution extreme, is really cool if you have i-toy. the songs aren't all from japan and some of them were from my karaoke game, which is made by the same people. tthis is a great toy even for my little brother who is just barely 6. My mom is not quite as good as me, but we still have lots of fun playing it. Whenever I have a sleepover, my whole neighborhood comes over and we all play it at the same time. I would reccomend this mat and the DDR games to any one 6-adult
I bought this pad for my 7 yr old daughter who absolutely loves DDR. This mat was perfect for her. It's not the most expensive, or the best built DDR pad out there, but I wasn't looking to go "all out on expense" with this. It has turned out to be a terrific buy. She and her friends have had hours of fun with this pad/game!! She uses it in our carpeted den, and there's a slight bit of slipping, but overall it's been perfect.
Our older kids (teens) have enjoyed it as well, and it has held up for a year so far! Can't beat that for the price!
Not worth the money., August 26, 2004
I bought the wireless version of this pad.
From the moment I used it, I noticed it slips a bit. I've almost fallen a few times while using it.
The sensors aren't the best. I would hit the right arrow, and it would register as the X button.
It doesn't register the faster moves, for example, any 9 or 10 foot songs.
I ended up returning it, because I found a better pad at
best buy (...).
DPR 2, August 23, 2004
A Kid's Review
Hi! It's me again who posted that super-long review of Dance Dance Revelution Max 2. (You have to have a PS2 and a DDR game to use this, it's what you dance on!!!)
This is a fun, bright colored, normal sized mat, that seems to fit the personality of anyone who would play DDR. It's fun and holds up well, and doesn't slip on the floor. But because of how it's made (this might be true for all dance mats, but I don't know) when it's shipped it's folded up, and it never quite fully flattens out, so it's harder if you nearly hit the button. But if you hit it at a normal magnitude (like would be human instince, like you are walking or dancing) it'll work just fine.
It's really cool and bright colored, but they're aren't big or bright lights like it's advertized, so don't think it'll light up where your supposed to stamp.
Overall this toy is alot of fun, and would only look like a decoration to have in a room of your house. But here's one tip for any dance-mat buyer, even if it's not this brand:
IT DOESN'T WORK VERY WELL ON CAPERT SINCE CAPET GIVES SOME WHEN WALKED ON. So plan on puting it in an area with wood, linoleum, or some other solid matterial
Though like I said, that's true of any mat, or you could but a sheet of wood between you and the floor!
I would give this toy 4 (or maybe a little less) stars for being what it's advertised to be, but trust me overall is truly wonderful!
