Dance Dance Revolution X3 VS 2ndMIX, commonly abbreviated as DDR X3 VS 2ndMIX, DDR X3, or simply X3, is the 13th installment of the main Dance Dance Revolution arcade series. The successor to Dance Dance Revolution X2, it is the third and last game in the X series. The game was officially released only for Japanese arcades on November 16, 2011, and Asian arcades on December 16, 2011.
Development[]
Development on Dance Dance Revolution X3 VS 2ndMIX began shortly after DDR X2 was released. A location test took place in Akihabara, Tokyo, from June 8, 2011, to June 10. Among the new features and changes for the game are:
- A new blue-colored UI. This is similar to the one used in DDR II for the Wii.
- Target Score (e-Amusement only).
- Ability to sort songs by the BEMANI game they appear in (e.g. Sacred Oath appears in REFLEC BEAT, so it appears in the REFLEC BEAT folder)
- DRILL COURSE has been removed.
- A 2ndMIX mode, where the player can play an HD remake of Dance Dance Revolution 2ndMIX.
The game was later released on November 16, 2011, with upgrade cabinets being released two weeks later. The rerelease of the Dance Dance Revolution 2ndMIX Original Soundtrack was released on December 2011. The OST of DDR X3 VS 2ndMIX, the DanceDanceRevolution X3 VS 2ndMIX ~X3 SIDE~ Original Soundtrack, was released on June 27, 2012.
General Information/New Features/Changes[]
- First BEMANI game to feature a modernized version of an older game as a game mode. 2ndMIX MODE is a high-definition remake of Dance Dance Revolution 2ndMIX with all the songs except STRICTLY BUSINESS and the STEP BATTLE songs featured.
- However, this is not the first time 2ndMIX has been remade; a previous remake was done in Dance Dance Revolution 3rdMIX, using the 3rdMIX interface.
- Characters in 2ndMIX MODE no longer have their original dance routines. They use the routines introduced in Dance Dance Revolution X and Dance Dance Revolution SuperNOVA instead.
- 2ndMIX MODE also uses the same camera angles as the main game. Because of this, the dancers appear very small in-game.
- Much like 2ndMIX, mechanics featured after 2ndMIX (such as Freeze Arrows or Shock Arrows) are absent.
- Interface theme is taken from Dance Dance Revolution II.
- The system background music is based on the default music select from Dance Dance Revolution II as well, which was composed by TAG.
- DRILL COURSE from X2 has been removed.
- Last Dance Dance Revolution game to feature courses until Dance Dance Revolution A20.
- All Dance Dance Revolution X2 licenses originally featured in Dance Dance Revolution HOTTEST PARTY3 and Dance Dance Revolution X2 CS have been removed.
- Subsequently, all licenses from A Different Drum records were also removed.
- The CLUB background dance stage introduced in Dance Dance Revolution X2 has been removed. It would later be restored in Dance Dance Revolution A, though.
- A Clear Marker system has been added, replacing the clear notes from Dance Dance Revolution X2 when a song was cleared. A diagonal "sticker" will appear on top of the song's cover jacket, which comes in the following colors:
- Blue: normal CLEAR;
- Green with a circle mark: cleared with a GREAT FULL COMBO; and
- Gold with a circle mark: cleared with either a PERFECT/MARVELOUS FULL COMBO.
- Target Score system added, allowing the player to select a rival or their own score to track between songs.
- BEMANI TITLE sort option added. This sorts songs according to which of the other five major BEMANI series they also appear in.
- First Dance Dance Revolution game to use the Star system to determine if player gets EXTRA STAGE.
- First Dance Dance Revolution game where song selections under a selected folder are shown and the other folders are not shown. This is also seen in Dance Dance Revolution (2013).
- An update on August 2nd, 2012 introduced QUICK PLAY mode, in which the player can pay to play on a per-song basis using PASELI, rather than pay for a set of songs.
- EXTRA STAGE-exclusive songs can be played in Quick Play Mode with a normal lifebar as long as the player has nine Result Stars.
- Last game in the X series. However, its interface and unlock systems would later be re-used in the subsequent game.
- Last Dance Dance Revolution game to feature accessories as wearable customization for characters.
- Last Dance Dance Revolution arcade game to use KONAMI's 2003-2013 logo.
- eAMUSEMENT support for Dance Dance Revolution X3 VS 2ndMIX ended on April 30th, 2013.
- New songs: 83
- Total songs: 527
Character Roster[]
Dance Dance Revolution X3 VS 2ndMIX features the same characters from Dance Dance Revolution X2, all in the same outfits (with the removal of the Rinon clones and Dark Rinon), as well as the 2ndMIX mode-exclusive return of 2ndMIX characters Dread Snake and Janet. Rena and PiX are now unlocked for players with eAMUSEMENT passes.
Returning Characters[]
- Rage
- Rena *
- Disco
- Emi
- Yuni
- Victory Concent
- Baby-Lon
- Ruby
- Alice
- Gus
- Geisha-Zukin
- PiX*
- Julio
- Zero
- Bonnie
- Jenny
- Dread Snake**
- Janet**
One asterisk: e-AMUSEMENT exclusive only.
Two asterisks: not playable in X3 mode.
Extra Stage / Encore Extra Stage[]
Extra Stage[]
DDR X3 VS 2ndMIX introduces a new system that will allow players to access the Extra Stage. Called the "star system," the star system gives the player a number of stars after clearing the song based on their performance:
- AAA = 3
- AA = 2
- A-D = 1
- Fail the song or course = 0
- Full Combo = One additional star, except for AAA (2+1 for AA, 1+1=2 for A-D)
A slot with 9 empty star slots will be displayed below the results screen. If all 9 slots are filled with stars, then the player is able to access the Extra Stage regardless of their grade. However, these stars reset after use and must be earned back. The default Extra Stage song is Amalgamation. Additionally, the Encore Extra Stage songs would eventually be available on Extra Stage after a specific date (usually 3 months) and if the player fulfilled a secret requirement with the star system. UNBELIEVABLE (Sparky remix) was downgraded to Extra Stage on January 25, 2012 and NEPHILIM DELTA on April 25, 2012. As of November 5, 2012, all Extra Stage and Encore Extra Stage songs are now available for regular play.
Encore Extra Stage[]
Accessing the Encore Extra Stage is exactly the same as DDR X2: just AA the Extra Stage song on Expert. Again, only a specific song can be played. The default Encore Extra Stage song is UNBELIEVABLE (Sparky remix). On January 25, 2012, a new song was introduced for Encore Extra Stage. This new song is NEPHILIM DELTA, which was later downgraded to Extra Stage on April 25, 2012. The new Encore Extra Stage song on April 25, 2012 is SILVER☆DREAM. As of November 5, 2012, all Extra Stage and Encore Extra Stage songs are now available for regular play.
Extra Tour[]
Main article: Extra Tour
Crossover DDR[]
On August 2, 2012, a new event was announced. Named Crossover DDR, this event allowed the player to unlock every 2ndMIX song for play on X3 mode (except for HERO, which already uses the DDR X2 cut, and PARANOiA MAX~DIRTY MIX~(in roulette), because the Roulette option is no longer available). There are three new boss songs that were added. A new gameplay mode, named Quick Play Mode, was also added. This is similar to X2's Marathon Mode, where players use their PASELI balance to play a pay-per-song session up to the number of times specified by the arcade administrator. New Challenge charts can also be played on Quick Play Mode. Three new boss songs were also added. TRIP MACHINE EVOLUTION and PARANOiA Revolution are accessible as Extra Stage songs on Pro Mode (they were previously accessible as Final Stage songs on Normal and Hard mode in 2ndMIX mode, respectively). AAing them will allow the player to play a special Encore Extra Stage song, LOVE IS THE POWER -Re:born-, a song very special among other Encore Extra Stage songs in that a Perfect Full Combo is required in order to pass the song.
As of November 5, 2012, all songs are fully unlocked.
2ndMIX MODE[]
A completely remade Dance Dance Revolution 2ndMIX is featured as a separate mode in Dance Dance Revolution X3 VS 2ndMIX. This revamped version features high definition graphics, 2ndMIX dancing characters, remastered banners (with the original typos), and background animations. Nearly all of the original gameplay found in the game was kept such as no Double MANIAC charts (therefore, the MANIAC code only works in Single Play), the modifiers requiring command codes in order to use them, COUPLE Play being available, and hidden songs with various requirements each to make them appear. Also, all the old terminology was kept such as CUT1 returning to its former name, LITTLE.
The notable differences between the original game and the HD remake are:
- The new widescreen ratio (16:9 instead of 4:3).
- The game runs at 60 FPS now, instead of the original 30.
- All the songs from the LINK VERSION, STRICTLY BUSINESS, and the three STEP BATTLE songs were not included.
- As a result, IF YOU WERE HERE is included in HARD mode, replacing STRICTLY BUSINESS.
- Dread and Janet are the only possible characters. It is not possible to change them with Afro and Lady.
- Some of the in-game sounds (particularly the crowd cheering and countdown) are borrowed from X3 rather than re-using the original sounds from 2ndMIX.
- 2ndMIX MODE difficulty is rated from 1 to 10, due to PARANOiA Revolution and TRIP MACHINE EVOLUTION having a 10 and 9 in their charts, respectively. Originally, all songs in the game were rated from 1 to 8.
- As of June 20th, 2012, the score display has been made wider to accommodate potential 10-digit scores from PARANOiA Revolution and TRIP MACHINE EVOLUTION, and has also been moved towards the centre of the screen.
As of June 20th, 2012, obtaining an SS rank (a FULL COMBO-only grade in 2ndMIX) on all stages before FINAL STAGE will unlock one of the following two new songs for the FINAL STAGE (both songs can also be played in ROULETTE):
- In NORMAL MODE (2ndMIX), TRIP MACHINE EVOLUTION will then be playable.
- In HARD MODE, PARANOiA Revolution will then be playable.
As of July 4th, 2012, the Revolution boss course was revealed in X3, giving access to the two songs' DIFFICULT and EXPERT charts in X3 MODE (the course also included the four regular EXTRA/ENCORE STAGE songs).
Unlock Events[]
APPEND TRAVEL[]
APPEND TRAVEL was an event involving seven BEMANI series to promote the release of jubeat copious APPEND. Each BEMANI game received at least a brand new song, and could buy songs and special items using APPEND ENERGY.
The event started on March 14, 2012 and ended on September 25, 2012. However, it was still possible to unlock the APPEND TRAVEL songs but not buy the event items after that.
Items[]
APPEND TRAVEL allowed players using e-AMUSEMENT to earn APPEND ENERGY (AE) by playing the 7 participating BEMANI games. It was the only way to buy the collaboration songs for play in jubeat. It was also possible to buy special items such as customization options and abilities for use in the other games during the duration of the event only. Once bought, a notification for the item will appear on the next login in the game.
The ENJOY LEVEL Boosters were enhanced (double effect) on August 2, 2012 to September 2, 2012 as part of the Summer Boost Campaign (サマーブーストキャンペーン).
| Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ENJOY FULL STAGE (エンジョイフルステージ) |
500AE | This support item makes it impossible to fail 1 song. It works in 2ndMIX MODE but can't be used in EXTRA STAGE, a course or when the modifier LIFE GAUGE is set to RISKY. |
| ENJOY LEVEL Booster 40 (エンジョイレベルブースター40) |
500AE | This support item speeds up the leveling process on ENJOY LEVEL 1 to 40 only. |
| ENJOY LEVEL Booster 80 (エンジョイレベルブースター80) |
500AE | This support item speeds up the leveling process on ENJOY LEVEL 41 to 80 only. |
| jubeat Mask (jubeat仮面) |
500AE | This is a character accessory. The jubeat cube is worn as a mask except for Zero, he wears it as a crown. |
Unlock Requirements[]
To unlock songs, the event required the players to get Daily Stars (★), an item also used to access the EXTRA STAGE. A Daily Star is obtained on the first new play session of the day when using e-AMUSEMENT.
By default, TWINKLE♡HEART was unlocked on the very first day of the event, except for its CHALLENGE charts. In order to unlock the CHALLENGE charts, the player had to play five days in a row four times. It was possible to take a break after each set of 5 days.
After September 25th, the requirements were reduced for the last four items to be unlocked by getting 4, 5, 6, and 7 consecutive Daily Stars respectively.
| Requirement | Song | Charts Unlocked |
|---|---|---|
| 1 consecutive day | 隅田川夏恋歌 | BEGINNER to EXPERT charts |
| 2 consecutive days | アルストロメリア (walk with you remix) | BEGINNER to EXPERT charts |
| 3 consecutive days | FLOWER | BEGINNER to EXPERT charts |
| 5 consecutive days (1st time) | TWINKLE♡HEART | CHALLENGE charts |
| 5 consecutive days (2nd time) | アルストロメリア (walk with you remix) | CHALLENGE charts |
| 5 consecutive days (3rd time) | 隅田川夏恋歌 | CHALLENGE charts |
| 5 consecutive days (4th time) | FLOWER | CHALLENGE charts |
Daily Special[]
At AOU 2012 on February 17th, 2012, KONAMI announced a new event called Daily Special (デイリースペシャル) for e-AMUSEMENT users only. It began on February 20th, 2012 and ended on May 28th, 2012. During the event, a different BEMANI crossover was unlocked each day of the week from Monday to Friday only. Each day began at 7:00 am following the daily maintenance. The cycle of the song unlocking had been shuffled three times, on March 19th, April 16th, and May 14th, 2012.
On May 5th, 2012, an additional event called Weekend Special (ウィークエンドスペシャル) was added. During Weekend Special, the songs cycled hourly instead. This event also ended on May 28th, 2012, when all songs were unlocked for regular play.
Daily Special Schedule[]
| Date / Day | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/20/2012 - 3/16/2012 | SigSig | message | 天上の星 ～黎明記～ | 繚乱ヒットチャート | 雫 |
| 3/19/2012 - 4/13/2012 | 天上の星 ～黎明記～ | SigSig | 繚乱ヒットチャート | 雫 | message |
| 4/16/2012 - 5/11/2012 | 繚乱ヒットチャート | 雫 | message | 天上の星 ～黎明記～ | SigSig |
| 5/14/2012 - 5/25/2012 | message | 天上の星～黎明記～ | 雫 | SigSig | 繚乱ヒットチャート |
Weekend Special Schedule[]
| Date / Hour | 7/12/17/22/3 | 8/13/18/23/4 | 9/14/19/0 | 10/15/20/1 | 11/16/21/2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/05/2012 - 5/13/2012 | SigSig | 雫 | 天上の星 ～黎明記～ | 繚乱ヒットチャート | message |
| 5/19/2012 - 5/20/2012 | 雫 | 天上の星 ～黎明記～ | SigSig | 繚乱ヒットチャート | message |
| 5/26/2012 - 5/27/2012 | 天上の星 ～黎明記～ | 繚乱ヒットチャート | message | SigSig | 雫 |
KAC 2012[]
The Entry Premium songs are remixes of Dance Dance Revolution and Dance Dance Revolution 2ndMIX KONAMI original songs, which appeared on the 2011 re-release of Dance Dance Revolution 2ndMIX ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK album.
Tsugidoka![]
BEMANI Linked Song Battle "Tsugidoka!" (BEMANI連動選曲バトル「つぎドカ！」) was a linked battle event between four BEMANI series.
Song List[]
- Main article: Dance Dance Revolution X3 VS 2ndMIX/Songs
Courses[]
- Main article: Dance Dance Revolution X3 VS 2ndMIX/Courses
Trivia[]
- Its original name was Dance Dance Revolution X3, but with the addition of the 2ndMIX mode, it is now called Dance Dance Revolution X3 VS 2ndMIX.
- The reason for the addition of the 2ndMIX mode is to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Dancemania, a series of dance music albums whose many songs have appeared on DDR ever since the first game.
- This is the first DDR game since DDR Extreme to not be released in Europe and North America. Unlike DDR Extreme though, the game is also available for Asian countries like Taiwan, Hong Kong, etc.
External Links[]
Sources[]
| Dance Dance Revolution Arcade Games | |
|---|---|
| Main Arcade Series | DDR (1998) • DDR 2ndMIX • DDR 2ndMIX CLUB VERSIONS • DDR 3rdMIX • DDR 4thMIX • DDR 5thMIX • DDRMAX • DDRMAX2 • DDR EXTREME • DDR SuperNOVA • DDR SuperNOVA2 • DDR X • DDR X2 • DDR X3 VS 2ndMIX • DDR (2013) • DDR (2014) • DDR A • DDR A20 • DDR A20 PLUS • DDR A3 • DDR WORLD |
| Spinoffs | DS TKD • DDR Solo BASS MIX • DDR Karaoke MIX • DDR Solo 2000 • DS DCT • DDR Karaoke MIX 2nd • DDR KIDS • DS Disney's RAVE |
| Foreign Releases | Dancing Stage • DS EuroMIX • DDR USA • DS EuroMIX2 • DS Fusion |