DDR V for PC!

Konami today released the alpha version of the upcoming DDR game for PC, DanceDanceRevolution V for a limited time. This will be the second time that Konami released a DDR game for PC, the first one was in 2000. To be able to play the game, the user must register or logged on to his/her Konami ID at the e-amusement website. This Alpha testing doesn't have gameplay mods in this version but it does have the controller and timing options available. The 25 percent dark filter (I think) is available by default. Difficulties in all songs are available. 

DDR V downloading screen

Directional buttons in your computer can be used. I also tried playing the game using PlayStation 2 controller with USB adapter connected, unfortunately only the directional buttons can be registered for this alpha version. I think using the conventional PlayStation dance pad with USB adapter will do the trick. The jump arrows on this version counts as two combos. Grading seems lax, you can get a grade of AAA for less than 999+ score. For specifications needed in order to boot the game please see link (Kindly use google translate).

There will be a lot changes and bugs during its testing stages. We look forward on the next alpha version.

Song list at Alpha version

My first play

Controller and Timing options are only available

Let's play DDR EXTREME at home!

During this Enhanced Community Quarantine in the Philippines, everybody is in their houses to prevent exposure from infection. Some people does the house chores, working from home, and some are slacking off. To avoid boredom inside the house, I play console games. I livestream my gameplays recently (sorry for video quality and sometime weak connections) during this lockdown period and this time I choose to play DDR [DanceDanceRevolution].

Cover art of DDR EXTREME.

I picked up my most fave DDR game, the DDR EXTREME (CS). The console counterpart of DDR EXTREME was released back in 2003. I bought this game thru a Japanese Ebay seller in 2012. DDR EXTREME was the largest number of songs in one disc (111 songs to be exact) in all DDR console releases. That's forty-six percent of it's Arcade counterpart (240 songs). Part of the campaign of the game, Konami also released a bonus gift Music CD, DanceDanceRevolution EXTREME PREMIUM CD for people who bought the game early. I already featured that special CD in this blog years ago. Another thing that I liked this game is the staff roll, they used an unplugged version of Remember You during the staff rolling and they also feature all the DDR mainline console games.

back cover art

By the way, the game can also unlock previous games starting from DDMAX~MAX2 by means of System Data Support. Data Support for EXTREME is only available if you own a DDR Party Collection game. For more information regarding DDR's Data Support please click here. Prices for the game differs, depending on the condition for a used game. And because the game was released 17 years ago, it is rare to find a sealed one and if there is, it will be expensive. 

Game manual and game disc

How I wish there's still an available DDR EXTREME arcade in the metro, to relive the moments when DDR EXTREME is the current game during DDR's hiatus in making an arcade version. The last time I stumbled a DDR EXTREME arcade is in Centris Mall, Quezon City a decade ago. If there's one, it will be nostalgic to all old DDR players!

The seller includes the unused warranty card

'GOLIALIZZE GOLI MATSUMOTO ARCHIVES' GOLI's BEMANI Artworks

While cleaning my containers, I unearthed a book that wasn't opened for years. Back in 2005, Goli Matsumoto an illustrator and designer for KONAMI released GOLIALIZZE GOLI MATSUMOTO ARCHIVES. An artbook for his artworks for beatmaniaIIDX. The artbook consist of most his artworks starting from beatmaniaIIDX Substream to IIDX HAPPY SKY. The art book also includes an DVD that contains a ALFARSHEAR music video and mini posters from Substream to HAPPY SKY. Up to this day, GOLI is still working for the company.

Front cover

The one I have doesn't have the mini posters nor the DVD, but I think the book is itself would suffice. As of writing, online sellers from Ebay sells it from $29.00 up to $180.00 depending on the completeness and condition of the item. I couldn't say that the book is a rare item yet, but I think as time goes by, the value would rise up and fewer sellers will sell the item. If you are in Japan, try looking for it in nearby BookOffs / HardOffs or Mandarake stores you might score one.

Book staff roll

Here are a few of his artworks inside GOLIALIZZE;

Online transaction is the new normal in managing your of daily needs amidst pandemic

Amidst the Corona virus pandemic, countries around the world are in lockdown, and the Philippines is one them. Many businesses are closed at this time, except for essential establishments such as supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, and banks. Although restaurants and banks are open, restaurants are open for take-out or delivery and banks are in limited workforces with shortened work hours.

Right now, banking institutions are encouraging their clients to download their mobile application to transact with their finances. I have been using my banks mobile banking services for years, but during this pandemic that I was able to maximize the features of my bank's online services. I was able to transfer my salary into my personal account and pay bills. For international payment transactions I always use PayPal, nothing else.

Aside from mobile applications in my financial accounts, I was able to order food online using the app ordering services. Most of the contact centers of the largest fastfood chains in the Philippines are closed or in limited workforce (this cause long queue on phone), this is an alternative way in getting your food to your doorstep.

Online transactions is a convenient way in getting your daily needs at the tips of your fingertips during this pandemic crisis and to prevent from being infected. Always bear in mind to be vigilant in using this services. Avoid responding to emails that asking for information from you. Hackers are taking advantage of the situation to steal money and information digitally.

Collector's perspective: Taking care of your collection

Overtime, we collect more and more video games, controllers, and consoles, thus, they pile up in our cabinets and containers. Taking care of them properly is one our responsibility to ensure preservation.

Cleaning BEMANI controllers during summer

Here are my basic helpful tips on how I take care of my collections;

1. Store your collection in a dry, and dust free place. Moisture absorbing desiccants can be used.

2. Avoid contact your collection with wet hands or any kind of liquid. In case of unexpected contact, immediately wipe and inspect for liquid intrusion. Liquids cause corrosion especially in consoles and may cause short-circuit. For games, it may cause box art discoloration and water stains in discs.

3. Avoid direct contact with sunlight. Prolonged exposure may cause console and box art yellowish discoloration especially in white console and controllers. Also, storing your game discs in dark places prevents data rotting.

4. After gameplay, always clean your controllers with damped cloth. Alcohol with cloth can be used to sanitize and remove grease. Keep it mind to apply in minimal amounts.

5. Avoid reaching it by children.

6. When cleaning discs, use microfiber cloth (used in cleaning eyeglasses). Make sure to wipe it vertically, not in circular direction. Check if there are signs of scratches especially in the reading side of the disc.

7. Wrap your large controllers in large plastics or bubble wraps if your controller doesn't have a box.

8. Avoid hitting your game cartridges. When we are young, when a console can't read game carts (i.e. Family Computer) we usually blow the connector thru our mouth or hitting the cart with great force. Frequent trauma to the cartridge can cause severe damage and malfunction. Cleaning the cartridge connector with microfiber will suffice.