Other Bemani Christmas

[DMB]ziggy4719 · Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2003 11:01 pm Post subject: Other Bemani Christmas

ok so im getting ddr extreme and a fliptop for chistmas...but my relatives give me a total of around 250 plus the money i have no so i have 300 some dollars and i was wondering..i love the other bemani's which should i buy?? IIDX..pop'n music...drummania...i've never tried guitar freaks and i dont plan 2 becuase im a drummer. so whixh should i buy? IIDX or pop or drum? im leaning toward pop becuz the only drumania game is in a package with guitar freaks but iidx is great 2. im soooo confzed which to buy...is it good enough 2 buy iidx and pop?
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Gwok Dash · Trick Member Joined: 05 Aug 2002 Location: Somewhere

(My opinion)

Guitar Freaks: Really fun, many get confused with this one, and I'm not sure why. Replay value: Low. While there are many good 'ol' songs, it's just not enough in the long run. The two PS2 CSs don't have too much to offer. The 2nd Remix has an Edit Mode which, if you're patient, can be really fun as you can practically make your own remixes. And hey, if there's an arcade nearby with an old GF with memory card slots, you can show off! ....But those chances are pretty low. Obtaining the CS Guitar is also a task. It's quite rare, and if you do find one, chances are you're not the only one who wants their mits on it. Overall: I consider this one kind of a 'cult' classic. If you're into GF, you'll enjoy it. As for me, I have it cuz I like to collect Bemani. That's not to say that I don't enjoy it... It's just that other Bemani take up most my time...

$300 can buy: Pretty much all associated with GF, provided you look around...

Drummania: One of my favorite Bemanis. You claim you're a drummer, so this might get you. While there have only been 3 releases (Original Drummania packaged with the official controller, 2nd Mix in GF3/DM2, and 3rd Mix in Guitadora!), there are many interesting songs to play and may keep you hooked for a while. However, like GF, replay goes so far as Endless Mode. There's not too many extras in the CS versions, other than unlockable Extra and Encore Stages. But I enjoyed it since we still (

) have a DM 3rd Mix machine and I can practice at home, though I really prefer to practice up at the machine. The [1st party] controller works nice, but the Yamaha DTX works even better, but I doubt you have about $3,000 to blow... Overall: Really fun Bemani, but make sure you have a controller (and not 'Bony'

). Dual Shock reeks.

$300 can buy: The Konami original Drumset with DM 1st as well as another Mix (GF3/DM2 or GF4/DM3). Again, a deal can be found...

Pop N' Music: I'm not the PNM collector of my house, but my bro has kept up with the series. My observation: Really really fun mixed with really really difficult. Often argued harder than IIDX, PNM is pretty challenging. I recommend it to seasoned IIDX or KBM players, but there is plenty of modes for newbies to get in on it right away. Replay value: HIGH. I've noticed that my brother keeps unlocking more stuff as the days go by. The interface is welcoming and there are plenty of really cool songs. Just...... make sure you have a controller. Like Drummania, PNM just blows with a standard PS controller, and like Guitar Freaks, obtaining one is tough. The controller is really rare, and even pales in comparison to the Arcade original, or even the ASC (Arcade Style Controller). Obtaining either one is a chore, but from word of mouth, it's worth it. Overall: Good Bemani when you tire from Extreme. Excellent challenge. Probably the toughest part is obtaining it...

$300 can buy: I'm not certain on this one, but if you look in places, you should be able to get a Konami controller as well as most of the PS2 releases. You might wanna ask a PNM collector. **Not me

**

Beatmania IIDX: My fave Bemani. This one is a recommended choice by many. The interface isn't childish, like PNM, rather, going for a more futuristic, kind of mood. The interface is very flashy and sometimes clever. The difficulty is up there with PNM, but that is all up to you, really. Songlists don't have much variety as PNM, but several of the songs are very catchy and end up being favorites. The original controller is fairly easy to obtain, provided you look in the right places. There will be ASCs available early next year, if you want that arcade feel (and you saved a lot of money, too, of course

). Replay value is moderately high with the famous Drill Mode testing your skills, and in the most recent version, the ability to unlock Result pictures of the IIDX DJs as well as a Tatsujin Movie Mode where you can really feel owned.

Overall: With 7th Style on the way, IIDX is another sure-fire. I recommend this one.

$300 can buy: I was able to get a controller and 6th Style for about $150. If you can score such a deal, you could get two Styles, and the ability to play doubles.
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[DMB]ziggy4719 · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2003 12:23 am Post subject: .

WOW!!! thanks for the GREAT reviews.. i think im gunna get drummana so i cna transfer the songs on the game to my set

that would be awseome..... but what else? i'm leaning towards iidx now oo but pop is so fun....iidx..pop!!! oh which 1!! ok i made my desicione im gonna save up for iidx pop and drummania haha! cool im gonna have a bemani room!
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Smbu |LÂ©| · Trick Member Joined: 26 Jan 2002 Location: California

just remember that the DM konami controller isnt that good. I played on it when my friend had it and it was really small(ish). Plus if you've played DM at the arcade then the layout is slightly different from the arcade setup.

I'd go with IIDX, but thats just because i'm a big iidx fan and the controller is pretty close to the arcade one. PNM is also good, but the regular controller is pretty small and is way different from the arcade setup.
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ver314 · Trick Member Joined: 24 Jan 2002 Location: Albuquerque Nm

i own iidx, para para, guitar freaks, drummania, and i've tried pop 'n a couple of times already.

my favorite still has to be IIDX
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SuPa |LÂ©| · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2003 10:19 am Post subject:

The home version of Drummania is not so nice. Even with the official Konami controller. I remember buying the official controller bundled with 1st mix for around $200, brand new, and being pretty dissappointed. It collected dust and eventually I sold it to an avid Bemani collecter. It is not even close to the arcade. Unless you own a Yamaha electric drum kit (and I can't remember the exact model) to use as the controller, I'd pretty much stay away from this one.

Pop'n Music rocks but as the others have said, controllers are hard to locate. The small official one is by no means even close to replicating the Pop'n Music experience you get in the arcade. It'll help you learn the basics of Pop'n Music but you'll eventually feel the call of purchasing the ASC. ASC's are also harder to locate and very expensive. A good thing about Pop'n Music though is it's timely home releases. Unlike IIDX, which may or may not see another style depending on amount of pre-orders, Pop'n Music will be getting a 9th mix no questions asked. It is the most popular Bemani in Japan at the moment currently at 10th mix.

IIDX is awesome as well and the easiest to get into money wise. The styles are fairly easy to locate and a controller shouldn't be too much of a problem finding either. Of all the official controllers that Konami has produced (ASC's aside) it is by far the closest to the arcade that the others. They keys are pretty much arcade size, just not spring loaded. The turntable is pretty responsive too, but it's a little go close to the keys. For $90-$120 though, it can't be beat. Good controller for a decent amount of money. Be wary though, as I mentioned earlier there is a possibility that no more styles will be released for IIDX meaning you would only be able to get 3rd-6th styles and no more after whereas a game like Pop'n Music is guraranteed at least on more mix.

Hope this helps. I couldn't really make a suggestion but I'd say it would have to be IIDX or Pop'n Music.
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Andy the happy mod-man · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2003 11:25 am Post subject:

Actually, I'd say Pop'n Music has the tendancy to be cheaper to get into than IIDX. Most Pop'n controllers online range from 60 - 90, and compared to the IIDX styles, the Pop'n mixes are also cheaper. The early IIDX styles - if you can find them - are now quite a pretty penny to import since they're becoming more rare by the day. Sure, the Pop'n midget controller does nothing for the arcade experience, but if you're looking for a cheap other Bemani, I'd say Pop'n is where it's at ~_^
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kami · Trick Member Joined: 24 Jan 2002

It also costs around $60 to make a cheap but effective arcade size controller for Pop'n Music.

However, one thing you have to ask yourself is do you like the music? The majority will say IIDX is great, while something like Pop'n Music sucks. Others say the opposite. If you don't like the music, there's a smaller chance that you'll like the game.

I'd say the safest bet would be Pop'n Music, due to its cost, incredible range of genres, large number of songs in the latest games, and being regarded as the most fun game.

EMAGDNIM · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2003 11:54 am Post subject:

Seeing that I own both Pop N Music and IIDX games I'd say get the PNM. they song list is Great and the games can be found a lot easier then IIDX. Also the controller is cheaper.

the Song list for PNM games are HUGE (PS2 versions anyways) and are a lot of fun...
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Geneity X · Trick Member Joined: 21 Nov 2002 Location: @_@

Ok while were on this topic of what Bemani to get for X-Mas I have some questions.

This is what I have/am getting

Beatmania IIDX 6th Style and 2 IIDX controllers
ParaPara Paradise game and one controller
GF4th&DM3rd, 1 Guitar Freaks controller and 1 Drummania controller
Karaoke Revolution
Dance Dance Revolution & 3 pads (everyone has this

)

SO what do I get now? (or when I get more money

)
Pop'n Music (I WILL NOT buy the Konami official if I get this, just the ASC (if it's still around)

)
Keyboardmania
OR get more controllers for one of my Bemani??

Help?

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Andy the happy mod-man · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2003 12:32 pm Post subject:

Also, it's good to add that PnM is generally considered to have the best songlists (in both size and quality) of all Bemani. Probably the reason it's the most popular in Japan - and I agree ^__^
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Geneity X · Trick Member Joined: 21 Nov 2002 Location: @_@

i guess that means ill start savin up for the ASC controller

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SuPa |LÂ©| · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2003 3:02 pm Post subject:

Sell the PPP and DDR crap and you have money for a Pop'n ASC right there.
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Geneity X · Trick Member Joined: 21 Nov 2002 Location: @_@

Hell no!

I love my Para

and DDR

I can save just the same without selling my other Bemani, I'm trying to collect Bemani

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Gwok Dash · Trick Member Joined: 05 Aug 2002 Location: Somewhere

Keyboardmania -- 2nd favorite Bemani, but don't take my word for it. I'm a pianist. Really not for anyone looking for endless playing. I use it for practice, really...
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