Post #21 · Posted at 2011-03-02 02:49:43pm 14.3 years ago
 Cardia | |
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I might as well just copypasta my tumblr post again.
Quote
I personally started playing DDR around April 2003 when my older brother bought DDRMAX for the PS2 and some cheap soft pads for his 11th birthday (he’s 18 now). At first, I was pretty apprehensive about trying it. The thought of actually moving while playing a video game just baffled me… but like every curious kid, I tried it out. I did absolutely awful; I failed to pass even the slowest, most basic songs in the game. I did the usual “this sucks, I’ll never be good at this wahhhh” crap, and I almost considered never playing it ever again… but something just kept me coming back. I could never figure out what it was, but once I had started it was something I could not put down. It was to the point where I would just play from when I got home from school until dinner time. For a while I was still stuck on easy Light mode songs, but with constant practice, I eventually made it up to Standard mode, and after about a couple months or so, I had surpassed any expectation I had of myself and made it up to Heavy mode. I was so surprised that I had made it that far.
Playing it at home was fun, sure, but it wasn’t the complete experience. My brother managed to find a website called DDR Freak which had listings for DDR machine locations in every state, and we managed to find some in our area. I expected to just find a fun thing to do while out of the house, but I had basically found a “gold mine”. Instead of just finding a recreational activity, I stumbled upon a community of like-minded people who enjoyed the game just as much as I do. There was one small issue, if you can call it that… at the time, I was 9 years old (10 once December 2003 rolled around), and seemingly everyone else that played was 16 and older. It actually turned out to be somewhat of an advantage, though; I treated everyone with respect and they returned the favor, partially because no one had seen such a small kid being so good at the game. I would spend nearly every Friday and Saturday at the now-closed Cyberstation arcade in the Crossgates mall, just having the time of my life with a bunch of great people. My entire 2004 was amazing thanks to all of the people I had met. Even when I traveled out of state to Orlando, Florida and Texas (Corpus Christi and San Antonio), I was met with the same type of kindness from everyone in the DDR community.
As great as things were… they eventually started to end. Once 2005 I rolled around I started to lose interest in the game. I just couldn’t push myself to play anymore, and around May 2005, I officially quit the game. I vowed to never play the game again… but I did a really shitty job keeping that promise.
In January 2007 I was looking around my mom’s house for stuff to do, and I stumbled upon my old metal DDR pad and a bunch of my games. I remembered all the great times I had with the game, but at the same time I also remembered that promise I made to myself. I didn’t even try to fight the urge to start playing, so within a few minutes I was back on my feet dancing to shitty Japanese techno music. I have continued playing DDR ever since that one moment. Along the way I have met more people, and even participated in a tournament in June 2008 which was a hugely enjoyable experience.
Playing it at home was fun, sure, but it wasn’t the complete experience. My brother managed to find a website called DDR Freak which had listings for DDR machine locations in every state, and we managed to find some in our area. I expected to just find a fun thing to do while out of the house, but I had basically found a “gold mine”. Instead of just finding a recreational activity, I stumbled upon a community of like-minded people who enjoyed the game just as much as I do. There was one small issue, if you can call it that… at the time, I was 9 years old (10 once December 2003 rolled around), and seemingly everyone else that played was 16 and older. It actually turned out to be somewhat of an advantage, though; I treated everyone with respect and they returned the favor, partially because no one had seen such a small kid being so good at the game. I would spend nearly every Friday and Saturday at the now-closed Cyberstation arcade in the Crossgates mall, just having the time of my life with a bunch of great people. My entire 2004 was amazing thanks to all of the people I had met. Even when I traveled out of state to Orlando, Florida and Texas (Corpus Christi and San Antonio), I was met with the same type of kindness from everyone in the DDR community.
As great as things were… they eventually started to end. Once 2005 I rolled around I started to lose interest in the game. I just couldn’t push myself to play anymore, and around May 2005, I officially quit the game. I vowed to never play the game again… but I did a really shitty job keeping that promise.
In January 2007 I was looking around my mom’s house for stuff to do, and I stumbled upon my old metal DDR pad and a bunch of my games. I remembered all the great times I had with the game, but at the same time I also remembered that promise I made to myself. I didn’t even try to fight the urge to start playing, so within a few minutes I was back on my feet dancing to shitty Japanese techno music. I have continued playing DDR ever since that one moment. Along the way I have met more people, and even participated in a tournament in June 2008 which was a hugely enjoyable experience.Post #22 · Posted at 2011-03-02 03:55:19pm 14.3 years ago
| ADavalosJR | |
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I was first exposed to DDR back in 2004 when I was with my ex-girlfriend. She could pass some 
charts but mostly 
. When I played my 1st round with her she picked Drop the Bomb and I managed to beat her score-wise on . I didn't think much of it then. A few months later I saw EXTREME at the local mall and I wanted to give it a shot on my own.
charts but mostly . When I played my 1st round with her she picked Drop the Bomb and I managed to beat her score-wise on . I didn't think much of it then. A few months later I saw EXTREME at the local mall and I wanted to give it a shot on my own. Post #23 · Posted at 2011-03-04 08:44:37am 14.3 years ago
| Rage* | |
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I first played DDR in 1999 when I saw 2nd mix on a pier in Weston Super Mare. I failed of course.
A year later we got EuroMix and 3rd Mix in local arcades and I played them (badly) and learned to love the music.
It was 5th Mix that really got my interest, though. While everyone else was queueing up to play the same old songs over and over again on EM1 I pretty much had a shiny new game all to myself, one with music by Atomic Kitten and 2 Unlimited, as well as remixes and new tracks from Captain Jack, E-Rotic, Smile.dk and Joga! From that moment on I was hooked.
When EuroMix 2 came out I was baffled that they'd chosen to licence music from unknown Zomba acts instead of the amazing stuff I'd been playing for so long.
A year later we got EuroMix and 3rd Mix in local arcades and I played them (badly) and learned to love the music.
It was 5th Mix that really got my interest, though. While everyone else was queueing up to play the same old songs over and over again on EM1 I pretty much had a shiny new game all to myself, one with music by Atomic Kitten and 2 Unlimited, as well as remixes and new tracks from Captain Jack, E-Rotic, Smile.dk and Joga! From that moment on I was hooked.
When EuroMix 2 came out I was baffled that they'd chosen to licence music from unknown Zomba acts instead of the amazing stuff I'd been playing for so long.
Post #24 · Posted at 2011-03-04 09:25:26am 14.3 years ago
| Spirit of Nightmare | |
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I started playing DDR sometime in 2003. What inspired me to start with it was a TV-commercial(!) for DSMM. But it wasn't until after DS SuperNOVA came out that I started to take serious interest in it, and nowadays I have my Stepmania full of songs from the DDR series.
Post #25 · Posted at 2011-03-05 06:12:58pm 14.3 years ago
| 8ftmetalhead | |
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Saw a few videos of a group called JAC from a friend. He got into DDR based solely on seeing them playing in a very short clip during the credits, and I got into it from him.
He showed me SM on his laptop, and then at a class party/get together he brought DS SN1 and a couple of pads.
Downloaded Stepmania that night.
A week or two later I'd tracked down DS fusion from Ebay UK, found a DDR softpad on trademe (NZ's crappier attempt at an ebay) and started out on basic songs after failing them on difficult.
Then built a homepad as found in my sig.
About 8 months after that, I played in the arcade for the first time after spending the time prior to this believing NZ had never had nor ever would have DDR or I would have heard of it or seen it in my trips to the arcades in my youth.
But then, my fav arcade closed down and I visited others before and after DDR came to NZ properly.
But yeah now I'm right into it
He showed me SM on his laptop, and then at a class party/get together he brought DS SN1 and a couple of pads.
Downloaded Stepmania that night.
A week or two later I'd tracked down DS fusion from Ebay UK, found a DDR softpad on trademe (NZ's crappier attempt at an ebay) and started out on basic songs after failing them on difficult.
Then built a homepad as found in my sig.
About 8 months after that, I played in the arcade for the first time after spending the time prior to this believing NZ had never had nor ever would have DDR or I would have heard of it or seen it in my trips to the arcades in my youth.
But then, my fav arcade closed down and I visited others before and after DDR came to NZ properly.
But yeah now I'm right into it
Post #26 · Posted at 2011-03-05 11:08:10pm 14.3 years ago
| agentmargo | |
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My parents bought a PS2 for my sisters and I for Christmas in late 2006 when I was 14. The games they got with it were Horsez(gave that one away REALLY fast), Kingdom Hearts, and DDR SuperNOVA. I had played DDR before that at friends' houses and the arcade once, but I never got too good at it and didn't think it was really my thing. Man, I was wrong.
So, here's the funny part: We put DDR in after not being able to figure out that stupid horse game and my sisters and I each attempted a song. I went last failing Since You Been Gone(what can I say, I used to be a total prep who liked Kelly Clarkson) on
. The 3 of us were crying just because we couldn't pass anything. My mom looked at us like we were being ridiculous, stepped on the mat, and played Funkytown and passed. After watching her play it all suddenly clicked. I played DDR all afternoon on Christmas and managed to get on in about 2 hours. Then I later got on in about 4 weeks via Stellar Master Mode.
During the second half of 9th grade, I met 2 students who were the best at DDR in my school and town. I asked them all about what they did and what songs they could pass, but they kept telling me they were Anti-DDR post SuperNOVA and said ITG was SOOO much better. I kind of ignored that and kept playing DDR for a while getting to
and some 
in the spring. I played the game mostly for the characters then, but around late 2009 when I bought my metal dance mat, I began to play it for the steps because I was seeing improvement in my playing. Very rarely would I ever get AAs on on my plastic mats, and I barely passed a boss song either. So after I started AA-ing things and passing more boss songs, I decided to try ITG.
I bought ITG for $5 used at a Gamestop and played it on my first day. The game made me out of breath, and I kept trying so badly to pass the 11s and 12s, and I did eventually. Now, granted, I like DDR so much better because I love the music, the characters, and everything else. ITG is too generic, but it did improve my timing and help me to pass 17s and 18s on DDR(only a few of them so far).
I'm also getting higher scores at the arcades as well. All in all, I have been playing DDR for 5 years, and improving, and I'm loving it. Plus, those 2 students I mentioned earlier, both of them quit playing DDR/ITG and are now out of shape and one of them is asking me for help, which makes me the best in my town!
So, here's the funny part: We put DDR in after not being able to figure out that stupid horse game and my sisters and I each attempted a song. I went last failing Since You Been Gone(what can I say, I used to be a total prep who liked Kelly Clarkson) on
. The 3 of us were crying just because we couldn't pass anything. My mom looked at us like we were being ridiculous, stepped on the mat, and played Funkytown and passed. After watching her play it all suddenly clicked. I played DDR all afternoon on Christmas and managed to get on in about 2 hours. Then I later got on in about 4 weeks via Stellar Master Mode. During the second half of 9th grade, I met 2 students who were the best at DDR in my school and town. I asked them all about what they did and what songs they could pass, but they kept telling me they were Anti-DDR post SuperNOVA and said ITG was SOOO much better. I kind of ignored that and kept playing DDR for a while getting to
and some in the spring. I played the game mostly for the characters then, but around late 2009 when I bought my metal dance mat, I began to play it for the steps because I was seeing improvement in my playing. Very rarely would I ever get AAs on on my plastic mats, and I barely passed a boss song either. So after I started AA-ing things and passing more boss songs, I decided to try ITG. I bought ITG for $5 used at a Gamestop and played it on my first day. The game made me out of breath, and I kept trying so badly to pass the 11s and 12s, and I did eventually. Now, granted, I like DDR so much better because I love the music, the characters, and everything else. ITG is too generic, but it did improve my timing and help me to pass 17s and 18s on DDR(only a few of them so far).
I'm also getting higher scores at the arcades as well. All in all, I have been playing DDR for 5 years, and improving, and I'm loving it. Plus, those 2 students I mentioned earlier, both of them quit playing DDR/ITG and are now out of shape and one of them is asking me for help, which makes me the best in my town!
Post #27 · Posted at 2011-03-20 12:28:30am 14.3 years ago
| Namyag | |
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O2Jam (WEE!) got me into DDR. I used DDR to lose weight in order to fit in the shirt I bought I needed to wear to an O2Jam event. A year and a half later, O2Jam disappeared from the face of my country and I was left to wander the gamersphere for another rhythm game. DDR abruptly stopped that journey.
Post #28 · Posted at 2011-03-30 05:50:36pm 14.2 years ago
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I got into DDR after playing loads of pump it up at trocadero and finding out one of the machines had Joint Premium enabled. So now I play a bit of X2 whenever I'm at troc but usually I play Pump a HELL of a lot more ;D
Post #29 · Posted at 2011-03-31 02:46:59pm 14.2 years ago
| ddrencoremyst | |
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I first played DDR when my old local arcade received a DDR Extreme back in February of 2004. Since then I kept coming back for more. Its been 7 years now and still running strong. My old arcade just closed down (sob T_T ) however I take care of my friends machine here in town and still having a great time playing.
Post #30 · Posted at 2011-03-31 03:03:08pm 14.2 years ago
| boomba | |
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Well, Stepping Stage arrived first in my country.
It was somewhere in 1999.
After playing Stepping Stage for more than half year,
DDR arrived at January 1st, 2000.
I love the catcy musics (I think it's the music that atrracted me).
and so, It has been 11years now ..
and there's no DDR in the local arcade (sob).
And I have to travel around 30 minutes to play DDR.
Stepmania saves the day somehow
It was somewhere in 1999.
After playing Stepping Stage for more than half year,
DDR arrived at January 1st, 2000.
I love the catcy musics (I think it's the music that atrracted me).
and so, It has been 11years now ..
and there's no DDR in the local arcade (sob).
And I have to travel around 30 minutes to play DDR.
Stepmania saves the day somehow
Post #31 · Posted at 2011-03-31 05:09:31pm 14.2 years ago
| Air12567 | |
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EZ 2 Dancer.
i was on holiday... 2000 or 2001 i think, played EZ2 & enjoyed it, then someone was like "Oooh they have one of those at home at hollywood bowl" but it was a euromix, then i discovered in 2003 when on holiday, that dancing stage was DDR, there was 5th Mixes everywhere in skegness
i was on holiday... 2000 or 2001 i think, played EZ2 & enjoyed it, then someone was like "Oooh they have one of those at home at hollywood bowl" but it was a euromix, then i discovered in 2003 when on holiday, that dancing stage was DDR, there was 5th Mixes everywhere in skegness
Post #32 · Posted at 2011-03-31 08:49:24pm 14.2 years ago
| TheSirius17 | |
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It happened when I was at the 4th or 5th grade (around 2005 or 2006). I was at the mall near my house, and I was excited when I saw the machine (It was DDR Extreme). At that time, I thought, "Wow, it was huge!" And then I tried it. But when I put my credit in it, I was very scared of its great volume. But, I went back again and tried it. Every song I played was on . I remember that my "must-play" song on that period of time is Speedy Over Beethoven.
I also tried DDR 3rd Mix Ver. KOREA (don't remember where) and the shitty pad pissed me off. I left the machine at the middle of the first song, then I tried it again (because the dance gauge was still filled) and the machine pissed me off, once again. At the time, I really left the machine until the fail screen showed up.
. I remember that my "must-play" song on that period of time is Speedy Over Beethoven.I also tried DDR 3rd Mix Ver. KOREA (don't remember where) and the shitty pad pissed me off. I left the machine at the middle of the first song, then I tried it again (because the dance gauge was still filled) and the machine pissed me off, once again. At the time, I really left the machine until the fail screen showed up.
Post #33 · Posted at 2011-04-03 04:53:23am 14.2 years ago
| Drenferalis | |
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I was 13 when I first played DDR, I had seen it in the arcade before and it looked pretty hard, I didnt want to look like a fool in front of people so i never played it then.
I went out with a girl on a blind date and she decided we should play it at her house. I was a huge failure and got embarrassed, she said that I could borrow it while she was on vacation the next week (Supernova). I played nonstop for 16 hours at a time. I got so sore in that time that It was almost impossible for me to walk. But now I could play on heavy just like her. I challenged her when she got back and I still lost, we broke up shortly after.
I then decided it was time to start practicing at the arcade, I met many people who would play in many different ways and also taught me how to use speed multipliers. I watched people play songs they loved facing the bar, with dark, sudden and boost on and many other different types, I felt horrible and went and bought the game. I practiced for years and then suddenly quit for about 2 years. Then I found stepmania. Now here I am playing yet again, this time with my fingers until I can afford a metal pad.
Im glad to be back!
I went out with a girl on a blind date and she decided we should play it at her house. I was a huge failure and got embarrassed, she said that I could borrow it while she was on vacation the next week (Supernova). I played nonstop for 16 hours at a time. I got so sore in that time that It was almost impossible for me to walk. But now I could play on heavy just like her. I challenged her when she got back and I still lost, we broke up shortly after.
I then decided it was time to start practicing at the arcade, I met many people who would play in many different ways and also taught me how to use speed multipliers. I watched people play songs they loved facing the bar, with dark, sudden and boost on and many other different types, I felt horrible and went and bought the game. I practiced for years and then suddenly quit for about 2 years. Then I found stepmania. Now here I am playing yet again, this time with my fingers until I can afford a metal pad.
Im glad to be back!
Post #34 · Posted at 2011-04-03 04:54:54am 14.2 years ago
| Aegis | |
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You broke up because you lost?
Post #35 · Posted at 2011-04-03 04:58:05am 14.2 years ago
| Drenferalis | |
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Removed.
(You asked)
(You asked)
Post #36 · Posted at 2011-04-03 05:00:30am 14.2 years ago
| Aegis | |
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I didn't ask.
Post #37 · Posted at 2011-04-03 05:20:09am 14.2 years ago
| dominatorstrangeman8 | |
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I started Playing DDR the second time I went to Busch Gardens for my JROTC field Trip. I was a complete noob back then and me and a friend of mine were making an utter fool of ouselves in front of hundreds of spectators. However, A year later, I got DDR X for the PS2 for christmas and decided I would practice ALOT so that when I return someday I wouldn't humiliate myself so badly (not that I cared, I told them I sucked anyway and they all knew it. ;P) Now I'm passing songs like TRIP MACHINE Phoenix Oni, Unreal Heavy, Pluto Relinquish Heavy, etc. & on a Bundle mat no less. It's JUST passing, but it's a heck of a leap from when I first started.
Post #38 · Posted at 2011-04-03 05:55:09am 14.2 years ago
| Aegis | |
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Passing is the only thing that matters.
Not that having fun isn't important...
Not that having fun isn't important...
Post #39 · Posted at 2011-04-03 05:57:15am 14.2 years ago
| dominatorstrangeman8 | |
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If it weren't fun then I wouldn't even bother now would I. *gasp* say, they actually add up! ;P
(@ least for me they do)
(@ least for me they do)
Post #40 · Posted at 2011-04-03 06:01:55am 14.2 years ago
| Aegis | |
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Some people are different like that, dom.