Dance Dance Revolution

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."

Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) , the rhythm-action game that involves stomping feet on a special dance mat controller, has a devoted fan base that will eagerly pay to play the same songs over and over again. After countless remixes, appends and spin-offs, the latest DDR game to hit home consoles is Dance Dance Revolution Extreme for PlayStation 2.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Lyrics, Suggestive Themes

Game Description: Show off your mad dancing skills with Dance Dance Revolution Extreme. But don't just use your feet; with eye toy support, DDR EXTREME will have you waving your arms too!

At the same time, DDR, even in North Americanized translations like Ultramix and the PlayStation 2's DDRMAX, still retains some of its foreign quirkiness that is far more intriguing than Britney's Dance Beat or American Idol, America's comparatively vapid offerings to the dance subgenre.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Mild Lyrics

Game Description:  Dance Dance Revolution Ultramix features online support and offers exclusive licensed music designed to appeal to American audiences. The first online version of the series, Ultramix allows you to download additional songs and dance steps as well as challenge contestants from around the world to receive an Internet ranking. Play involves pressing a series of directions to the beat of the music. The better your steps the more you score, it is as simple as that or is it?

The most amazing thing about all of the DDR games is the sense of accomplishment and growth that beating a tough song provides. With other games I've felt similar feelings after beating an especially tough boss or solving a taxing puzzle. But when I truly master a song in DDRMAX, the sweat on my face and the swift beating of my heart magnifies the feeling.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Mild Lyrics

Game Description:  The global smash-hit dancing sensation comes to the PlayStation2 with DDR Max: Dance Dance Revolution. The most robust DDR title ever, this is the definitive version of the game, and has gamers jumping to their feet with more than 65 songs, including licensed tracks and international dance hits. The power of the PlayStation2 enables full-motion music videos and high-resolution graphics. Game modes include an edit mode, which allows players to customize their dance routines, and a workout mode that tracks calories burned during play.