beatmaniaIIDX ENTRY MODEL controller

Recently, I bought a beatmaniaIIDX ENTRY MODEL controller from the used game shop in Akihabara. I was suprised because BEMANI games and controller are significantly scarce and expensive.

This controller was intended for the beatmaniaIIDX ULTIMATE MOBILE for iOS and Android device which uses Bluetooth connection. Although, this is also compatible with the beatmaniaIIDX INFINITAS for PC connected through cable.

The ENTRY MODEL controller was the reborn PS2 version, omitting the PS2 port. The ENTRY MODEL uses membrane in the keys, therefore, it is susceptible in sticky keys. Because it is intended for mobile devices, the controller can be power up by 3 AAA batteries.

In comparison in the with the PS2 JKOC, ENTRY MODEL is visibly thicker. The turntable of the also smaller than the PS2 JKOC, and ENTRY MODEL is longer than the PS2 predecessor.

Right now, I don't know its availability in Konami esport store in Ginza as Konamistyle website has been blocked viewers from outside Japan.

Riyu Kosaka's single and SKY GIRLS Original Soundtrack

 A few months ago, I took a half-day leave at the office. I went to the outskirts of Manila, somewhere near Quiapo area. I stumbled a Japan Surplus which I used to visit years ago,

Front cover art

While I was looking at the CD's, I saw a very interested CD, I found a SKY GIRLS ~OPENING THEME "Baby's tears/Riyu Kosaka" & Original Soundtrack.

Compact Disc

This CD is quite expensive and hard to find back then and I bought it for an affordable price! This CD is the last single by Riyu Kosaka with KONAMI back then which she sang the Opening theme of the SKY GIRLS OVA in 2007. Two of her songs in her single is playable in DanceDanceRevolution SuperNOVA and SuperNOVA2.

Tracklists

Good thing I was able to snagged her single and good thing I took a half-day leave. :)

 

Retro: KONAMI TECH GEAR PS2 Station Rack!

 I just received from the mail was the Konami TECH GEAR PS2 Station Rack (RU027). This accessory was released in 2000 and serves as a vertical stand, one DualShock 2 controller holder, a DVD case holder and 3 plug electric outlet. 

box art

Fortunately, the accessory still works! However, it only accepts AC100V. You can still use it by using a transformer. When I installed it to the console, the plastic of the rack was stiff, I had a difficult time in retracting the rack base to the console. The only down side of this rack it doesn't have cable management for the DualShock controller. You have to curl the long cable of the controller.

PS2 Station Rack installed to the console

You can find a few of this at the second hand online shops in Japan but don't expect that is complete, like the one I got. This retro accessory serves as a reminder how booming the PlayStation 2 back then with lots of games and accessories from different third party makers and game publishers.   

DDR's only PlayStation 3 game!

A week before 2022 ends, I bought a used DanceDanceRevolution game for the PlayStation 3 from Facebook's Marketplace. The game I bought doesn't have a USB dance pad.  The game was released in 2010. Aside from the only DDR game for the PS3, this is also the only DDR game that has Downloadable content (DLC) as song packs. Unfortunately, my PS3 won't let me change PSN account. I notice from cover art, that this DDR game is not under Konami's BEMANI label. By the way, I bought this game for around 300.00PhP! 

DanceDanceRevolution (2010) cover art

The game has an initial 30 songs with 20 hidden songs. Unlocking songs is pretty straightforward, to unlock songs they must unlock it through the game's CLUB MODE. But filling up a bar in CLUB MODE, it unlocks a song. 

DDR 2010's Video manager

Another unique feature is to be able to record gameplays in game. The bad thing is, this is not available to license songs, only Konami Originals can record. 

It is sad that Konami didn't continue the game for the PS3 and this game was cancelled in Japan, although this was promoted prior to its cancellation. 

BeForU albums from 2003 ~ 2006. (Photos)

BeForU, KI-SE-KI, and BeForU

BeForU tracklists.

KI-SE-KI's tracklist and new members.

Part of the KI-SE-KI is a DVD disc.

BeForU II has a protective cover art.

BeForU II tracklists.

Inside the BeForU II album is a sticker sheet.

A BEMANI soundtrack with a game!

In November 27, 1998, is when Konami released the game soundtrack of the third installment of beatmania, the beatmania 3rdMIX complete. 

beatmania 3rdMIX complete front cover

This one disc soundtrack is not an ordinary because aside from the soundtrack, it includes a preview disc PlayStation version of beatmania 3rdMIX. The game only has 4 playable songs. Because it's an append game, users have to boot the key disc first. The game can be also used for DISC CHANGE to boot other APPEND beatmania games. The actual home version was released a month later. 

beatmania APPEND 3rd mini disc

Soundtrack songlist and playable songs.

beatmania 3rdMIX complete x beatmania APPEND 3rdMIX

DDR Japanese versions for Wii! (Photos)

Box art (HOTTEST PARTY ~ MUSIC FIT). For me, HOTTEST PARTY has good box design

Game front cover art (HOTTEST PARTY ~ MUSIC FIT)

Konami Official Controller dance pad for Nintendo Wii

DanceDanceRevolution titles written in katakana. BEMANI games are rated CERO A. On top of the FURUFURU PARTY box.

Wii LOVE  DANCE! Back box art from DDR HOTTEST PARTY

Music licenses featured in DDR MUSIC FIT

DDR HOTTEST PARTY coincides with BEMANI 10th Anniversary

An Old collaboration in BEMANI: Dreams Come True and True Kiss Destination

During the early years of BEMANI, Konami had a collaboration with J-POP bands DREAMS COME TRUE and True Kiss Destination. Konami made a spin off beatmania and Dancing Stage to showcase their songs in the arcades. A commercial of Dancing Stage feat. TKD for PlayStation here. Sadly, I haven't seen these in our local game centers years ago, but able to get the PlayStation port. 

PlayStation port games

Interestingly, the Dancing Stage brand is originally for European market of DanceDanceRevolution, but they used it just for this collaboration, another is the Dancing Stage DISNEY'S RAVE.

Another interesting feature in the PlayStation port of Dancing Stage feat. DREAMS COME TRUE, The Greatest Hits Mode, where you able to swap disc using the DREAMS COME TRUE GREATEST HITS "THE SOUL" album and play some songs available by swapping discs. 

Greatest Hits mode for Dancing Stage feat. DCT

Since then, they never had a collaboration with them or with other J-POP bands. Instead, they had a collaboration with Nintendo, DDR MARIOMIX for Nintendo's GameCube. Disney has started 

Konamistyle editions

 When PlayStation 2 console was launched back in 2000, Game developers started to develop new marketing strategies in gaining profit of their published games, aside from selling only the game itself. One of the marketing strategies is adding special merchandise bundled to the game. Special editions is still in practice in the console gaming industry up to this day. Well, Konami also have their fair share of these special edition. 

One of the Konamistyle edition I have

Konami's special editions are called Konamistyle, because most of the bundled products are usually sold online with the same name. The Konamistyle website sold different kinds of editions such as Metal Gear Solid, Zone Of The Enders, BEMANI line of the games and Arcade-Style Controllers (ASC). 

beatmaniaIIDX10th style Konamistyle edition (incomplete)

In BEMANI's Konamistyle editions, the stapled bundled in the game are V-RARE Soundtracks and/or exclusive mini-albums, Visual Emotions (for beatmaniaIIDX), and game posters. Normally, special editions are house in a special box with all goodies but bundles differ from game to game. From other Konami games such as Metal Gear, they bundled the game with a console on top of the goodies included.

Some beatmaniaIIDX Konamistyle edition in special canisters

As Konami is moving away from console (I think?) and the physical store in Midtown Roppongi was closed years ago. Right now, these old special edition from Konami is rare and expensive depending on the condition and completeness. Even in second market stores in Japan, special editions are placed in glass cabinet which defines as expensive and rare. 

DDR Hand Controller for PlayStation

A few months, I received the Dance Dance Revolution Hand Controller without a box that I ordered online. This controller was released around 2000 in Japan. 

DanceDanceRevolution Hand Controller for PlayStation 1 / 2

The controller design is like an arcade dance pad with SOLO buttons. The controller can be used as an alternative DualShock controller without the L and R buttons on the side. The controller is lightweight, because it doesn't have vibration. When I tried the controller for the first time, I felt an awkward feel, maybe because of the design but after a few songs, my palm and hand started to feel pain.

A few days after I bought the controller, posted it online. I realized that the design of the hand controller doesn't fit to my hand. Maybe if I will buy again, I would rather put it in display. Right now, it's a hard to find. I searched Ebay some listings and found seller that sells it for $85.00 without the box. 

How BEMANI gamers in the Philippines cope up with the pandemic

Almost a year since the Community Quarantine took place in the Philippines due to COVID-19 virus. Entertainment and Recreation establishments are still closed in most places especially in Metro Manila. How arcade goers cope up with pandemic? They bring the game at home, as simple as that! The first BEMANI game that ported to household consumers was first beatmania game in 1997. Since then, it evolved and ported to different consoles, created PC Simulators until KONAMI released an official PC and cloud game service, and mobile app game for Android and iOS. 

I have some friends who play their favorite arcade games thru simulator or console, so I asked my friends to share their game setup or current gameplay at home.

First, a friend from McYongers ordered a customized DDR setup at home thru local DDR pad maker (NUSHATV). He regularly shares his DDR gameplay in his Instagram and Facebook account. Aside from DDR, he has a Yamaha DTXplorer drum kit for drummania simulator. 

credit: McYongers

Also my friend from A Tokyo in Manila shares his way in coping up with the pandemic by playing his beatmania DJ STATION PRO in his PlayStation 2 console. He also have a pop'n music Arcade Style Controller which he loves to play! 

credit: A Tokyo in Manila

My friend with the initials GCOG took a photo of his beatmaniaIIDX controller (from DJDAO) during his downtime at home. He is currently working from home, so after struggle, he can instantly replace his WFH PC keyboard into a IIDX controller! By the way, he recently bought a DDR pad to his arsenal.

credit: GCOG

As for myself, I have different kinds of BEMANI controllers at home, I livestream my gameplay in Facebook page, but recently, I am digging in to pop'n music from PS2. The current pop'n music arcade cabinet (Fantasia?) we have is somewhere in Mindanao(I think?). 

pop'n music 11 with pop'n music ASC

The advantage of playing games at the comforts of your home is, you are safe while you enjoy the game, kills boredom, and cheap of course! 

Currently, only a handful of Game Centers are open nationwide, mostly from areas with lighter restrictions and some from Metro Manila with a green light from the City Government. As vaccination roll out is taking place around the world, I really hope that this pandemic ends soon. As everyone is really wanting to return to pre-pandemic lifestyle, with no mask and shields to wear, no curfews to consider, and go places without limitations.  

Official PlayStation accessories can be used in PS1/2 BEMANI games!

During the PlayStation 2 era, there are a lot of peripherals were made. Most games at that era were bundled with a dedicated controller because a standard PS2 controller will not fit for gameplay experience. However, there are some official PlayStation accessories can be used in BEMANI line of games. 

1. PlayStation 2 HDD and BroadBand (BB) navigator software

PS2 HDD logo at the cover art

Only two games supported this feature, GITADORA! GuitarFreaks 4thMIX & drummania 3rdMIX and beatmaniaIIDX 5th style. It installs game file into the HDD for fast loading. Accessing this feature will also unlock the special modes of both games. I wonder if it's possible to install the broadband navigator into the PS3 and unlock the special modes.

2. PlayStation 2 EyeToy Camera

EyeToy logo

The EyeToy camera was first introduced to BEMANI for FESTIVAL: DanceDanceRevolution in 2004 and became a mainstay feature until DDR X. The selling feature is to play DDR's mini games and of course as a camera while playing DDR.

EyeToy camera supported

3. PlayStation remote control

The only feature of the remote you can use is the direction buttons for DDR games. Because its a remote, you can play wirelessly.

4. PocketStation

Sony PocketStation

PocketStation was released in 1999 for the original PlayStation. DDR and pop'n music used this feature in PlayStation 1 version. Too bad that Sony never made a PS2 compatible PocketStation alike. I posted a blog about the PocketStation feature years ago.

5. PlayStation 2 USB Keyboard

Used in beatmania dadadadadada! for the PlayStation 2. A typing game with beatmania songs. The game is also bundled with a Konami brand USB keyboard but PS2 official keyboard is also supported. A PC game was released at the same time of the PS2 version.

The first BEMANI game for home console: beatmania

After the successful released of the first beatmania in the arcades back in 1997, Konami released its direct arcade port for the PlayStation, released in October 1, 1998. The first beatmania game consist of two disc, a direct arcade port from beatmania 2ndMIX (ARCADE DISC) and an append disc (YEBISU MIX). The game is also the KEY DISC to all APPEND DISC in the beatmania games, explanation here. 

The beatmania box art

Nowadays, getting a used copy at Ebay will cost you less $10.00 (depending on the condition). However, looking for a sealed copy is rare and expensive. I wasn't able to play the first beatmania game, the earliest beatmania version I played is a beatmania 3rdMIX mini located in Morayta, Manila. I know big Game Centers in the Philippines like Timezone and Quantum had their beatmania arcade machines but their whereabouts are unknown, most likely they are in storage or scrapped. It's good to reminisce on how beatmania looks like in its early years and how it evolved thru the years with beatmaniaIIDX. 

The Arcade and Yebisu disc

Inside the game, includes a leaflet for the beatmania controller created by ASCII and Konami

At launch, the game costs 5,800JPY, while the BEST edition retails for 2,800JPY

drummania official controller

Back in 2000, Konami released a home version of drummania in PlayStation 2 (PS2). It is the counterpart of the arcade game of the same name.The game is also one of the launch game titles of PS2. 

box art of drummania controller

The controller is smaller than its arcade counterpart. While playing, there are many times that I don't hit the pads, mostly the red casing of the controller (or I think I need to practice more often). The pedals are made in plastic and thick cushion as a base. The pedal connects the main controller thru 3.5mm port jack. The drummania pedal can be used in beatmaniaIIDX controller (both KOC and ASC) as a foot scratch, similar to the beatmaniaIII gameplay. An another variant of drummania controller is released sometime in 2005, but lacks the stand and bundled game. 

drummania controller

The classic drummania arcade cabinet was discontinued after GFDMV8 in 2011 and move forward to the revamped cabinet with two additional pads and added one bass underneath. In the Philippines, it is rare to find a complete controller set in Japanese Surplus shops and often expensive (around 1,500.00php or more).  Having one the this classic drummania controller is a thing of the past and expensive online nowadays. In recent pandemic, playing console games will definitely kill your boredom at home and those people who misses playing drummania at game centers.

UPDATE (07/30/20): 

Found out that the drummania stand is also compatible with the KEYBOARDMANIA controller. Realized that the controller manual of KEYBOARDMANIA has instruction in connecting in the stand. The KEYBOARDMANIA controller comes with a dedicated bracket in connecting the stand. 

KEYBOARDMANIA controller connected to the drummania stand

A dedicated bracket for KEYBOARDMANIA