Music/Dance

After learning about The Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition Premium Bundle, I thought Electronic Arts had lost its collective mind. A videogame bundle that cost as much as the console it plays on? What is this Steel Battalion? We all remember how successful that was, right?

But this only speaks to the incredible popularity of the genre. A popularity that attracts criticism and praise.

Am I the only person who's not completely bowled over by Street Fighter IV? I had a mad urge to run out and pick up a brand-new copy on the release day, but I held out in an effort to stick to my budget, and wow... I'm glad that I did. I finally got a chance to put some time into it and I've got to say, it left me a little cold.

For some reason, I thought the graphics would be better (and yes, I'm playing on an HD set). It's not just the resolution or whatever, it's that the actual art direction is just weird. The characters look kind of cartoony, kind of not… it's just odd. Besides that, the hit detection seems kind of wonky to me and I've got to be honest in saying that none of the characters really float my boat. Rufus, especially—I mean, how did that guy ever get off the drawing board at Capcom R&D?

Kawaii! (means super-cute in Japanese!)

HIGH Hearing my Japanese host mother comment "kawaii!!" after I showed her a level of the game.

LOW Almost doubling the amount of scratches on my touch-screen due to excessive and forceful spinning.

WTF The instance where the Ouendan somehow manage to travel back in time... When Japanese male cheerleaders start inexplicably using time travel to help a distressed Cleopatra, I laugh.

West Virginia was the first school system in the United States to incorporate a video game (Konami's Dance Dance Revolution) into its physical education curriculum. Now, West Virginia University, ResCare Home Care and the Special Olympics are conducting a study to see if the series has benefits for people with disabilities. According to the very small blurb I was able to find, "Participants will play the game three days a week, for eight weeks. If it is successful, the Special Olympics may consider making 'DDR' a competitive event during its annual games."

It’s Dance Dance Revolution for my hands

HIGH My standout tune: “Battle for Planet Earth” by Tokyo Robot Gangsters.

LOW Disappointment that there isn’t much variety beyond the core game.

WTF I could half-heartedly wiggle the Wiimote and still score.

Shaking in frustration!

HIGH A sequel to an all-time great game.

LOW Achieving an A ranking through most of “Tequila” (Super Hard) only to plunge to an E within the last ten notes.

WTF The Hustle move requiring one controller above your head and the other between your legs!