IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION: This review features the Gamestop.com brand dance pads compatible with Dance Dance Revolution Max2 Edition for the PlayStation 2 console. (I ended up posting my review in this slot because that's the closest approximate I could find through Epinions' search.)

Basic Information
The Gamestop.com brand dance pad for Dance Dance Revolution Max2 is a generic model readily available at Gamestop retailers. Dance pads are required for the DDR series of games, and prices greatly vary for the models currently out on the market. According to DDRGame.com, current bundles (2 pads and game) retail from $80 to a whopping $625 depending on the game pads sold.

To be fair, the Gamestop.com pad, much like comparable generics, is a good first choice for gamers who (1) want to save a good bit of money on peripherals and (2) are exploring the Dance Dance Revolution series for the first time.

As you'll soon figure out, however, you get what you pay for...

Appearance
This game pad features 10 response zones and features purple, blue, and neutral (black/white) color coordination. The Select and Start buttons (purple and blue, respectively) are distanced from the rest of the game pad. The buttons below are arranged as follows: forward row -- X button, up arrow (blue), Circle button; middle row -- left arrow (purple), center standing position (no sensors), right arrow (purple); rear row -- Triangle button, down arrow (blue), Square button. From center, the buttons' center (e.g. the center of each sensor) are spaced approximate one solid stepping pace, or one and a half to two times your foot span.

The pad includes four double-sided adhesives to place at the corners of the pad so that it doesn't slide during play.

Actually, it's pretty easy to maneuver around the pad, especially if you avoid keeping your feet in the center, as higher difficulty songs would force you to do. In my case, the buttons were close enough that I would accidentally overstep them and miss the sensors altogether.

Game Mechanics
One noticeable difference among existing game pads on the market is the level and quality of high-level inserts inside of the foam pad. These inserts serve two functions: (1) to provide maximal sensation when pressing on the game pads and (2) to differentiate the arrows from the rest of the buttons on the pad.

The Gamestop.com pad has poor quality inserts. If it's any indication, I started playing Dance Dance Revolution about a week ago and played through all the first level songs. I estimate approximately 30 hours of play on both pads on carpeted floor and now, a week later, the inserts are all but shot. Now that I'm playing on a hardwood floor, I notice a significant lack of differentiating support among the arrows and buttons, so poorly that I have to be really careful not to overstep or misstep during a song. Since I'm playing on Light mode (i.e. second level difficulty out of four), I need to be much more nimble and coordinated with my steps, but it's difficult to do that with this pad. I could get away with support by playing on a carpeted floor, but I've since lost that luxury.

Playing on carpet is double-sided. On the one hand, you get a more comfortable experience for your feet; on the other hand, your adhesives will quickly gunk up with stray lint, dog hair, dust, and other unwanted materials, which will render them useless.

Furthermore, new players might suffer calf, leg, and foot strains with extended periods of play, especially with a pad of little existing support like this one. To that I suggest that new players read the precautions provided in the game's instructions and to work your way up to more extended periods of play. No sense giving yourself a shin splint, right?

So, to summarize, the pad doesn't have very good support or stability, and it definitely shows.

Effects on Gameplay
Since the pad isn't very well constructed and has a low play life, it clearly takes its toll on your dance scores. It is my folly that I am a perfectionist when it comes to DDR. I do pretty well, but I play long enough to score at least "A" rankings in all the songs. It worked well for Beginner mode, but now that I'm in Light mode, the pad isn't sensitive or responsive enough to tolerate advanced step moves.

Another irritating effect is when the sensors stick. You'll notice this as you navigate through menus that, pressing it just right, will prevent you from selecting game modes or songs. Remedies include stepping hard on the sticking sensor or the opposite one (i.e. stepping hard on down if up is stuck) and unplugging then replugging the pad. This irritation is fairly mild and will occur during extended periods of play.

End Result
I'm not utterly dissatisfied with this game pad. Despite my experience, I think it's a good pad for beginners and for people who recreationally enjoy a round or two of DDR. I suppose, in the end, I underestimated my level of commitment to the title; in fact, I'm quite surprised. Of course, this speaks highly of the title, and so long as I want to continue performing at that "A" level, I'm going to have to save up for something better. It might be wise if you do the same.

UPDATE: 12.29.04 -- A Quick, Cheap Mod for Your Game Pad
Go to a bedding retailer and pick up some foam mattress padding -- a Twin size pad will be sufficient. Unfold the foam pad, lay your game pads on top of it, and trim off enough padding to cover the width of the pad. Use the remaining foam material for the other pad. Lay the foam padding down so that the "eggshell" side is up, and lay the game pad on top of it.

The padding will relieve some of the discomfort caused by extended play. I also noticed that raising the sensors up off the hardwood floor made them a little more sensitive. To be sure, practice on a few songs, then work your way up in difficulty.

UPDATE: 01.01.05 -- An Improved Mod for Your Game Pad
You will need a pair of scissors and some strong double-sided tape for this. A ruler might help, too.

Instead of laying the foam padding underneath the game pad, measure the sensor's surface area (or estimate it as best as you can) and cut out four matching pieces of foam material. Flip the game pad over and apply five pieces of double-sided tape on the reverse of each arrow. Adhere the foam padding to the tape; the tape should stick to the flat side of the padding, so that the eggshells are facing your floor. Repeat for remaining arrows.

This mod provides some differentiation between the center of the game pad and the arrows and better simulates the foam density inserts featured in high-end pads. It really helped me perform better on some of the faster Light mode songs (i.e. difficulty of 5 and 6).

Recommended: No