Navigating DDR Game

Navigating the DDR Max 2 Game

Before running this game in a class setting, it is important to play it yourself to get a feel for how it works, and become comfortable with activating the dance pads and changing song selections.

· The dance pad is your controller for navigating through the game. The center of the pad is your home position. If you inadvertently step outside this home position, you may give unintentional commands to the game. Be aware of where your feet are placed so you don’t accidentally give an unintentional command.

· Every dance pad is divided into nine squares or spots, including the center home position. The NW (top left) spot usually has an X or a B marked on it — this is like an “enter” key on a computer — when you touch it with your foot, it will select whatever option may be highlighted on the screen. You’ll be touching this X with your foot to select game modes and dance songs.

· The up, down, and side to side directional arrows mark the dance pad spots where you will touch your feet to match screen instructions during game play. You will also use these directional arrows to navigate game options and song selections between dances.

· You may touch X with your foot to skip through opening game credits and go directly to the main menu.

· First time on the game — on the main menu of DDR Max 2, you’ll see a list of options starting with “Game Mode” then “Training” then “Workout” etc. From this menu, step on your back directional arrow until you highlight Lesson Mode. Once highlighted, touch X with your foot. Follow easy Lesson Mode on-screen instructions.

Note: Lesson mode is great for learning how to play DDR. It starts off with the basics and gradually works up to combination moves and jumps. There are three main lessons with eight sections in each lesson. On DDR Max 2, the Lesson Mode is only available to one live dance pad.

· Emergency game restart. At the very top of the dance pad are two “buttons” labeled Start and Select. If at any time you want to restart the game and get back to the main menu, jump on both of those buttons simultaneously. Then touch X to skip through opening game credits and get to the main menu.

After you’ve gone through the Lesson Mode

So now you’re feeling like you understand when to step on what arrow, and you’re ready for a real song. Here’s our recommendation.

· Exit Lesson Mode by stepping on the Select button in the upper left corner of the dance pad, or by touching the Restart button on the PS2. If you re-start, skip through the opening credits by touching the X button to get to the main menu.

· From the main menu, use your forward and backward directional arrows to select Workout Mode. Touch the X button to select this mode.

· The first screen that comes up offers the opportunity to put in data like height, weight, etc. In the school setting, there is no need to input this data since many students will be playing the game, and to re-input data every time dancers change will require too much class time.

Activate 2nd Dance Pad If you want to activate the second dance pad, this screen is the place to do it. Touch the “Start” button on the second dance pad to activate. At the bottom of the screen, you should see “OK?” for each activated dance pad. Touch X on each pad to go on to the next screen.

· Here is where you select your level of workout (e.g. beginner, light, advanced, or heavy) for each dance pad. “Light” is the default setting, and it is too difficult for those just starting to learn DDR. Change the setting to Beginner by stepping on the up arrow twice in a row quickly (a double tap). The indicator at the bottom left side of the screen should change from the default “Lgt” to “Beg.” Make sure you do this for both dance pads.

Note: It is possible to have one dance pad set to Beginner level and the second pad set to the more difficult Light or the very challenging Standard level. The screen will split accordingly, and each dancer may dance at their own level.

· This same screen is where you select your music. After you set your pad to the level you want, use the side arrows to scroll through music selections. A sample of each selection will play as you scroll through the titles. Once you’ve highlighted one you like, touch X with your foot to launch the song selection.

After you’ve completed a song selection in Workout mode

· Once you’ve completed the song, DDR will automatically send you to a screen which shows how your effort stacked up with other calorie-burning activities like jumping rope, jogging, etc. The data will be cumulative for as long as you play without re-starting the game. In other words, after you dance to another song, the next round of data shows calories burned for the two songs together.

· Touch “X” when you are ready to exit this screen and return to the Music Selection screen. Now you’re ready to pick your next dance song, or repeat the one you just danced. (It’s much easier the second time because you can better anticipate what’s coming!)