Beatmania (North America)

Infobox VG
title = beatmania


developer = Konami
publisher = Konami
distributor =
designer =
engine =
version =
released = March 28, 2006
genre = Music game
modes = Single player, Multi-player
ratings = ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)
platforms = PlayStation 2
media = DVD-ROM
requirements =
input = Turntable / 7-key keyboard

"beatmania", also known colloquially as "beatmania (US)" or "BMUS" to distinguish it from the original arcade game "beatmania", is the first version of the music video game "beatmania IIDX" to be released in the United States. It was officially released by Konami on March 28, 2006 for the Sony PlayStation 2 video game console.

The game is named for the original "beatmania", but is actually based on "beatmania IIDX" and the original "beatmania". Players play with five, seven, ten, and fourteen keyboard keys (the latter two options only available when players have two controllers available), regulation switches and a turntable.

Additionally, each mode in "beatmania (US)" (original "beatmania" and "beatmania IIDX") has its own separate songlist in "beatmania". Each mode has certain songs that only appeared in each specific version of "beatmania". Although there are songs that appear in both versions, most songs that appeared in (for example) "beatmania IIDX" (7/14 keys) are not accessible in original "beatmania" (5/10 keys) mode.

The game uses the "beatmania IIDX 9th Style" interface. However, unlike the E3 demo version of "beatmania", the final version does not use the original Japanese version, but uses a purple-colored, reskinned version instead. The judgement also has changed from the Japanese version, with the flashing "Great!" judgement being shown in the North American version as "Perfect", much like in "Dance Dance Revolution". The grading system in this game is also significantly easier than the Japanese games, requiring much lower scores to attain the highest grades.

Another change from the Japanese version of the game is the included controller has been modified slightly from the original Japanese version. The two controllers are similar in appearance. However, whereas the Japanese controller has a rectangular shape, the American controller features a rounded edge on the side where the turntable sits, and generally has a slightly lower profile. The keys on the American controller are also springloaded, whereas the Japanese controller's keys are not. This is presumably to prevent sticking, which is a common problem on the Japanese controller. Most players, American or Japanese, felt that the new American controller was a welcomed improvement, making the American controller the preferred choice.

Music List

There are 58 tracks in this game (not counting the fact that 20, November is "single mix" on Single and "radio edit" on Double). All tracks are playable in Game Mode, and then in Free Mode after being played once in Game Mode. While there are no hidden songs, only a few are available when starting the game. More appear as the game progresses, but once the game is started again only those same few are available.

Tracks in both "beatmania" and "beatmania IIDX" game modes:

*It should be noted that the original artists for "Toxic" (Britney Spears), and "Virtual Insanity" (Jamiroquai) are not credited. "You Really Got Me" is the cover version by Van Halen, rather than the original by The Kinks, and is also not credited.

Playstation 3 Compatibility

Because the Beatmania controller uses the standard PS2 controller connection, it was not originally compatible with the Playstation 3. The release of PS3 firmware 1.70 and the Pelican PS3-to-PS2 adapter (which has also been said to work with Guitar Hero controllers and Dance Dance Revolution dance pads) fixes this issue. Unfortunately, the adapter creates some lag that may make playing more difficult for some players.

ee also

*Bemani
*Beatmania
*Beatmania IIDX

References