E3: Beatmania totally rules

[05.16.99] » And games that rule know no cultural bounds.

   Konami was showing a Beatmania arcade machine (entitled "Hiphopmania") at their booth. They confirmed that Konami was still looking into localizing the title - perhaps with new, U.S. music - and were trying to judge reaction to the title. Well, the reaction was excellent. Everyone from importing masterr Beatmaniacs to DJing neophytes stepped up to take a turn at the turntable, and all came away thrilled by the game's awesome tunes and unique gameplay. Parappa, UmJammer, and Bust a Groove - while fantastic titles - are all just practice for Beatmania's finger-bending, polyphonic, multi-key manifestos. This is the rhythm-action game that separates the men from the boys. The "4th Mix" Beatmania CD is coming to the PlayStation, and the arcade machine's special controls (three white keys, two black keys, and a turn table) are even available as a special controller. Konami was also showing their arcade dancing game, "Dance Dance Revolution," whose special power-padesque controller is also available for home use.

   That is, available only in Japan - at this time, Konami still has no concrete plans to bring Beatmania (or Dance Dance Revolution) over to the U.S. Hopefully the success of E3's "testing of the waters" will expedite a localization.