GAME:
What version were we playing at Mark's? It was the PS2 version, called DDR Extreme. It's more friendly to beginners in that, well, it has a "beginner" difficulty.

The other two that were released before that were DDR Max2 and DDR Max. I think DDR Ultramix for the Xbox came out after Max2 but before Extreme. Ultramix2 came out the most recently.
DDR Max - the original for PS2 does not have a "beginner" mode.
DDR Extreme2 - for PS2 will be released in September.
DDR Ultramix2 - for XBOX is XBox Live Enabled

According to the guys at EB Games, there is a difference between the PS2 and XBox versions. Supposedly they are made by two different people.

Another option is StepMania for your PC - that way you can have tons of songs for free, and all you pay for is the pads and the converter. PopTarts has around 1400 songs on the PC, whereas each console game has around 50-60.
The site for Stepmania, the free PC version, is at: http://stepmania.com

PADS:
Get a pad with the 1 inch foam insert. I'd recommend the BNS Pads http://www.buynshop.com/productinfo/44/VG-DDR-ULTDX/ - I've found they're just as reliable as the Red Octane Pads. http://www.redoctane.com/ignitionpadv3.html

There is a PS2 -> USB converter (for PC) from lik-sang at http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=...&likref=bemanix

Try to find them on ebay as they're a lot cheaper, but most of those are slightly lower quality and will last for a somewhat shorter time.

A conversation I had with PopTarts
[QUOTE][QUOTE]I was going to order one of these and one of the BNS pads to compare.
I'm returning the two madcatz pads.

 

lol, crystal looks so drunk in that pic

 

DDR reviews added.

 

I don't care about the game, who's the hottie on the floor?

 

:hottie:

Game?? What game??? All I see is some hot blonde chick....

 

enough... that's brerspeidur's wife

SO... the big question is... XBOX vs PS2 versions.

 

ok, well to quiet crystal, i just bought ultramix 2 for xbox, will have reviews tonight when she gets home and we get drunk enough to start playing

 

I'm sooooo tempted to do a photoshop of Crystal

 

do it.

 

I ended up buying the DDR Extreme (for PS2) and two Mad Catz dance pads. I can definitely tell the difference between the one PopTarts had and these. I'm going to probably order two of the BNS pads and return these Mad Catz ones. They slide all over the place and wrinkle up.