Konami recently took the opportunity of using E3 to showcase some new titles and some new announcements at their conference. As predicted, Konami did touch on the next entry in the DDR series. Despite some rumors floating around that the next one would take a 'Greatest Hits' approach, this game seems to be a fresh new reboot for the series and will mark a universal release: the game will transcend all major platforms and will share similar song lists and charts which has never been done before (the final name is still unknown; simply being dubbed "DanceDanceRevolution" for the time being). Additionally, Konami announced a PS3 DDR for the first time which will feature an Octomat which has 8 panels instead of the usual four by incorporating diagonal panels. So now you'll need quadruple the amount of feet!

    Most notably, though, the Wii version has received some massive updates when compared with previous entries in the Hottest Party series and Naoki (DDR producer and composer for some of the songs in the upcoming game) has even revealed that the Wii version will feature usage of the Balance Board to add to the whole "revolution" presence they're going for with this new game. They don't want this to be just another DDR entry but instead they look to be pushing some great changes with the DDR formula and while the PS3/360 Octomat has struck up mixed opinions, it's clear that the Wii version will be the winner here.

    Naoki also announced that DLC will be made available for 360 and PS3 versions (over 150 songs in total! crazy!) and no word has been made yet regarding the Wii version possibly getting these tracks but many (myself included) are hoping that it will be added via the Pay-and-Play service offered by Nintendo. For starters, you can take a look at the Press Release below as well as the summary provided on Konami's official site which outline many of the highlights of this game. 

    Konami promises a wealth of new modes across all versions along with a wide selection of "fully-licensed music" with accompanying music videos (PV's). For instance, at the conference, a new board game-style mode was shown for the PS2 version which could serve as the main unlock mode. Another one of the new promised modes is known as Hypermove Mode, an exclusive mode particularly designed for the Wii version for those who don't have access to the Balance Board. One site divulges details on the mode saying that it "allows play just with the Remote/Nunchuk". Also, some impressions on other sites have already revealed some of the other artists that Konami hasn't revealed via a Press Release just yet. Right before showing off the demonstration of the Wii version, though, Konami showed a video reel showing off a huge selection of the license songs that will be in the final game.

    The video reel showed a bunch of album arts with music videos playing in the background. Some looked intently at this video and were able to determine some of the artists that would be in this version. The license list as is so far is really good and well-balanced. Konami really feels confident in their abilities this time, saying that although "the songs in Dance Dance Revolution are always great... this year, [they] feel that [they] have outdone [themselves]". After further examination of this video reel and going by what Konami has already revealed in their PR's, the following licenses have been uncovered for this new DDR:

    In addition to three completely unknown licenses (one of which is believed to be 'Better Off Alone' by Alice Deejay), there are 9 artists who have confirmed songs in the game: Depeche Mode, Enrique Iglesias, Fatboy Slim, Juanes, KISS, Lady Gaga, Moby, New Kids On The Block, Rick Astley. The final songs that will be brought over from the aforementioned artists are currently unknown.

    One portion of the conference showed screens as well as a quick video clip of the Main Menu for the Wii iteration. After futher examination, it's been determined that the highlighted modes for the Wii version are (from right to left) Free Play Mode, Wii Balance Board Mode and Hypermove Mode. There seem to be 2 darkened modes after Hypermove Mode and 4 before Free Play mod. So theoretically, there could be like 10 modes this time. 4 are currently confirmed via this small clip -- after looking really closely, you can see that the darkened mode after Hypermove Mode is Workout Mode, separated from the mode for the Wii Balance Board.

    As for what the others could be, it's likely that Training Mode will re-appear from Hottest Party 2; one of the modes will be the main unlock mode: Groove Circuit Mode/Story Mode; the obligatory Options Mode and Records Mode; and the promised "DDR School Mode". That makes one currently unknown mode (and there could potentially be more). Interestingly, the one right before Free Play looks like it has the word Wii in it. Could this have to do with WiiConnect24 - an Edit Mode perhaps? Or could this refer to an unmentioned mode designated for online play? Time will tell!

    Back to the conference, when Naoki demonstrated the Balance Board mode on-stage, he got an amazing reaction from the crowd! One site described the experience this way:

• "What was awesome was when the fantastically fabulous DDR producer revealed that the Wii version would feature support for the Balance Board, and then proceeded to demonstrate for us how instead of stepping, you swivel your hips or punch with the Nunchuck and Wiimote. Awesome."

    After watching the demonstration myself online, I'm not surprised so many sites described him as an "awesome guy" when they were demonstrating the Wii version. The demonstration really won the crowd over! Some of the Wii screenshots showed some great improvements in the graphics department and even showed off at least 3 new characters for this new mix. Given the combined success of both Wii Fit and DDR, it won't be of any surprise if this next DDR will surpass the sales of HP1 and HP2 especially if they advertise on the front of the box that it's Balance Board compatible. Naoki, once again feeling confident, also comments: "Now there are no excuses to get on the mat or the Balance Board and start having fun with DDR." 

After the conference, Konami let the attendees loose and allowed them to play the PS2 and Wii versions on the show floor (the 360/PS3 versions were nowhere to be seen) and Benami Style was able to capture some footage of both versions! Some notable tidbtis found within these videos is that the Wii version has recieved a HUGE overhaul in terms of graphics and presentation. Just looking at the song wheel, you can see that Konami is raelly working hard on this one. In Hottest Party 2, the song wheel only had banners for each song with the difficulties underneath but now the song wheel has been completely revamped! The songs are chosen horizontally instead of vertically this time; each license song is represented with the original album cover shot instead of a banner this time; the song wheel now has a Groove Radar, something that's been a staple since old-school DDR but has been missing in the Hottest Party series -- now it's been added!

    The Wii version has receieved so many big improvements (including the addition of multi-directional Hand Markers that come in all directions and not just left and right like in HP2!) that it's clearly the leader of this batch especially when the PS2 version just looks like DDRX with little improvements. Konami might have a big winner here with the Wii version and certainly as more information unfolds on this story, I'll be sure to report it! Needless to say, this news has me extremely excited!

Full press release (June 4th)

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced four brand new games across multiple platforms for its popular DanceDanceRevolution franchise. The classic get-up-and-move franchise that kick-started the music gaming genre will make its debut on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system with a new eight arrow controller. Additionally, new versions will be available for the Xbox 360™ video game system, Wii™, and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.

Providing the ultimate music experience for the entire family, all four games leverage the technological capabilities of the console to deliver a cavalcade of new and enhanced features including improved graphics and customization, a network community loaded with downloadable music, and all-new game modes. Additionally, each sku comes with 30 major licensed master tracks including Disturbia (Rihanna), Closer (Ne-Yo), One Step At A Time (Jordin Sparks), My Prerogative (Bobby Brown), Pocketful of Sunshine (Natasha Bedingfield) in addition to 20 Bemani originals. A user-friendly Workout Mode in each game will allow players to easily manage their personal stats and watch the calories melt away on a calorie counter located on screen. Whether dancing for fun or to lose that extra baggage, DanceDanceRevolution fans old and new will be treated to a DanceDanceRevolution experience like never before when these titles launch this fall.

Wii

Wii is the place to be for DanceDanceRevolution this year as players can dance to the beat using the DanceDanceRevolution Wii Remote™ and, for the first time, the Wii Balance Board™ accessory in the Workout Mode. Players will enjoy in-game items that are exclusive to Wii such as hip, roll, and bump arrows that appear on screen or punch while moving their hips as they get their bodies in shape. Additionally, an all-new mode that is exclusive to Wii will be the Lesson Mode "DanceDanceRevolution School", which teaches how to play DanceDanceRevolution with ease. The game also features exciting new costume customization of the DanceDanceRevolution dancer including the player's Mii™.

After more than a decade as one of the most popular franchises in the music genre, DanceDanceRevolution has transcended from a video game into a pop culture icon. Since it was first introduced to home video game consoles in 2001, DanceDanceRevolution has sold more than 11 million units worldwide and more than six million in North America. The game has been available on most consoles including all three PlayStation's, Xbox, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii. Revolutionizing the get-up-and move concept for video games, DanceDanceRevolution combines high-energy music with fun-filled gameplay. The game has swept into the pop culture psyche as it has had its own television program on CBS, is regularly featured on primetime television and music videos, and has its own fan club and fan sites. Additionally, DanceDanceRevolution's legendary status has been enhanced immensely by its use as a workout tool. In the battle against childhood obesity, the game has become a part of the official physical education program in many school districts across the country including a groundbreaking deal with the State of West Virginia that put the game in most of the schools in the state. It is also a featured workout in fitness clubs across the United States as well as libraries, and has been featured in many studies on the connection between video games and weight loss.

Official Game Summary (via Konami.com)

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DanceDanceRevolution®: Taking the revolution to another level! DanceDanceRevolution enhances the entire series' across all platforms! DanceDanceRevolution is sure to be the life of the party and get you into shape with outrageous multiplayer fun, huge smash hit soundtrack, entirely new modes and more!  There is now a DanceDanceRevolution for everyone!

Product Features: