Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14549 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Konami
• Released on: 2005-08-23
• Platform: Xbox

Manufacturer's Description
Transform your Xbox into an interactive dance floor! For ultra-realistic dancing sensations: Thrustmaster's Dance Mat!PRODUCT FEATURES: 8 action zones for 100% compatibility with all Xbox dance games; Ergonomic design for an unrivaled dancing experience; Sturdy mat made of ultra-resistant materials for maximum stability and solidity (non-slip pads included); Xbox Live compatible (2 slots for memory cards or other peripherals).

Customer Reviews

Perfect toy for grown-ups
I am writing from the point of view of someone who has never played a dance-game before. So I won't be comparing this version to any of the previous incarnations of Dnace Stage.

So, however it compares to other platforms' versions, this one is pretty good on its own.

The concept is simple - get into the rhythm and touch the pads on the mat with your feet, according to the scrolling list of instructions. You'll not need a lot dancing expertise, just a willingness to get off your bum and sweat a little.

As well as hits by Blondie and the Inspiral Carpets, there is a large selection of dance tracks to play with.

Game mode allows you to try to get through a song without too many missed steps and there is a programmable workout mode which will put together a routine for you to burn off as many calories as you want.

The strength of this game has to be its use at parties. People might feel a little self-conscious at first, but this is a very persuasive game. Once a couple of your friends have had a go, they will all get into it.

For me, as a married man, another advantage of this title is it is something my wife can get into (instead of being reduced to spectator during a session of RBS3).

The game is fully functional with Xbox Live so you can compete with folks around the world. Downloadable content is available, but, at £5 for a pack of half a dozen songs, it may only really be for the fanatics.

Great fun for multiplayer games and a fun way to exercise at home.

Dancing Stage Bundle
I bought this product for my kids, 8 and 9 but have secretly been playing it myself while they are at school! This game is very enjoyable and has not lost its novelty value. The training mode lets you choose the speed of the music so you can build up your foot speed and accuracy gradually. The choice of music is a bit daunting at first as some of the songs are very fast, but there are some tracks with less manic footwork to get you started. Also on Xbox live there are more available.I recommend getting a second mat if there is going to be more than one player - otherwise there will be fights! I bought the Logic 3 mat at the same time. Both mats work well, the Thrustmaster mat that came in the bundle is more plasticy and cheap looking but just as good. I did have a problem with the down arrow square on the Thrustmaster not being as sensitive as the rest but Amazon sent a replacement out to me within two days - very impressive. The new mat works with no problems. One thing I have found with both mats is that they travel accross our thick pile carpet. The Thrustmaster mat comes with anti slip pads which are supposed to work on shiny floors, but we havent tried them on the carpet - its not a big deal anyway.

Put the 'Boogie' back into 'Boogie-ing'...
Everyone, knowadays, knows that kids are sitting down, infront of a T.V, with a joystick in their hands and playing the latest title from the lazy world that is the games market.

"Mum, can I have this?" ; "Dad, can I have that?" ; "Oh, come on. It's really good and will keep me hooked for hours!"

Sometimes there will be the time when you give in and say yes, when really, you want your child to go outside, socialise, play with his friends, keep FIT. Well, for a lot of parents, this could be your lucky...erm...game!

Konami have been producing the Dancing Stage games for quite some time now, and thank GOD they have. Every one of them have what kids, AND PARENTS, want in them:
(a) Your kids favourite songs which they can dance along to.
(b) The ability to play, and socialise, with thir friends on the fantastic multiplayer mode.
(c) Keeping fit whilst playing.

Now you might wonder how this game keeps you fit. Well it's all thanks to the brilliant invention that is the 'Dance Mat'. The prospect is extremely simple. You just stand on it, and on screen, arrows will appear. When the arrow reaches a certain point on the screen, you must touch the arrow on the dance mat (with your foot) at the same time it reaches the point on the screen. It will then either say things like: Perfect! (means you touched it spot on, and your reflexes are top nocth); Good (you touched it just before or after you were meant to, and your reflexes are decent); Boo! (put simply, your awful!).

Yes, it seems simple, but it requires practice. Especially in later songs, where you've got about 30 arrows on screen at once, where you'll have to press one almost every half-second or press two at once etc. It's things like this that make it challenging, but also keep you addicted as you want to improve, which, therefore, means you're getting fitter! And it doesn't just have to be for kids either...

Earlier on, I just briefly mentioned the 'fantastic multiplayer mode'. Well, I wasn't exagerating. It is truly superb. Up to 4 people can play at once, as you go head to head trying to get the most 'Perfects!' = most points, and at the end of the song, you're all graded (A,B,C...F). The person with the best grade wins. Simple. The only problem is you need 2 or more dance mats to do this, otherwise the other players have to use the joysticks, which is completely the opposite of what Konami is trying to acheive.

And finally, I hate to say, the complaints bit of the review. There only really are two:
(1) Dance Mats are quite expensive, so if you want another one you're gonna have to say goodbye to about £20
(2) Some of the songs, which will make the adults feel like it's the 70s again, are completely lost on today's generation and vice versa.

But, complaints aside, this is truly a fantastic game for just one, or up to four players, and when it goes Xbox live and you'll be able to download your own songs, it'll be a must-have. Truly great stuff Konami. Cheers.