Dancing Stage Universe 2 + Dance Mat

Being a complete DDR freak, I simply had to buy this game. But at $150, I never took the plunge. When it dropped to $50 for a daily deal, I finally saw an opportunity to get a great game for an even better price.

Universe 2 is mine and konami's second DDR game on the Xbox 360, with some VERY nice songs this time around.
While some of the licensed songs will pull the interest of those outside the DDR loop that have never played before, the original and crossover tracks will keep those already into the game interested for quite a while.
The interface links nicely with Universe 1, but improves on it by providing slightly better framerates, more character customisation options and an improved quest mode. (And another announcer)
Unlocks are much easier to get than in Universe 1, meaning you don't have to spend hours roaming around sessions like you did before. You now have access to a shop to buy your clips and items for quest mode, rather than Universe 1's seemingly random system.

Game play is standard DDR, which is good. There's a few ways of mixing it up, like Quad mode (which can cause framerate problems… But then it's not really intended to be done by one player on any serious level anyway. It's listed as a party game for a reason)
There's not quite as many modifiers as you'd find in a DDR arcade game, or one of the PS2 releases, but there's enough to keep players happy.

Many of the step charts are surprisingly well constructed, some of them feeling very similar to the old arcade favourites, and are both easy for beginners to get into and hard for those who love playing 10 foot songs.

As for the pad, well, it's a softpad. While beginners will find it comfortable to play on, provided they have either a large carpeted area or something for the nonslip base to stick to, the above average players will likely find it just doesn't stack up against an arcade or hard pad. But then, that's not what it's trying to do.
What it does do is make you get off the couch and move your feet to music you WILL grow to love, and, as many people say, will help you lose weight all the while, without ever feeling like a chore. And when it's so well priced (like now, for example) there's almost no reason to NOT buy this game.

Always embarressed to go to the Timeout Zone cos everone would laugh? Well now take it home with you!!

I love this game. There are plenty of modes to choose from including a fitness mode which I love. Have fun, dance and sing along while you burn calories. It records it all for you. You sweat like crazy if you go for it but its worth it.
Best piece of excercise equipment I've ever bought and it doesn't even feel like your trying too.

This game is awesome. And its good for you too, work up a sweat to some awesome music or just have a dance battle with ya mates. I'll be bringing this game out every party I have from now on.

Five outa five

We all had fun was very Enjoyable dancing to the Music and a good Laugh as well, Recommend to all for a good time.

A great game but the mat can make this game a little annoying