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.

Passport Etiquette: The Do's and Don't's of your passport

Nowadays, travel is one of the bucket list of many people either domestic and international. Wanting to see, explore, and experience the best of their destination from scenic places to local cuisines. Some Filipinos wanted to travel internationally and having a passport is a vital prior to your dream destination. Whether you are frequent or occasional traveller we must always take care of our passport as it may ruined your trip.

Using a Muji EVA Clear Case for my Passport

Here are some of my do's and don't's in taking care of your passports;

DO's ✅✅✅:

1. Always keep your passport in a secure and dry place. Storing it with a liquid may cause unexpected leaks, cause distortion of your passport details. especially in biographical page. If cannot be avoided, secure your passport with a ziplock. I keep my passport secure by using a Muji's EVA Clear Case. Using a passport cover is fine, but make sure it can easily be removed. There will be instances that the border control officer may check the integrity of the presented passport. Avoid touching / holding your passports with wet / greasy hands as well.

2. Always check your passport if has an ample validity in your travel. As stipulated in the DFA website, each traveler must have more than six (6) months validity from the date of your departure (make it 1 year just to be sure). Less than that will not allow you to go out of the country. I think passport extension is no longer given to all holders unless DFA sees your reason is exceptionally valid. DFA allows holders to renew your passport a year ahead of your expiration to prevent travel inconvenience. Passports recently issued by DFA were given ten (10) years validity except for minors.

3. After your travel, make sure to remove tax refunds / travel information attached to your passports as it may turn your passport bulky and susceptible for page creases and worst, being torn.

4. While traveling abroad, always put your passport in your bag, not in your pockets. I would recommend using a small sling bag for your cash and passport. Don't forget to make photocopies of your passport and visas with you. In case of lost, make a police report and immediately report to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General to facilitate an emergency passport.

5. When your travel requires a visa and the visa is in your old passport, I think it's better to carry only the old passport with a valid visa of your destination. Because many travelers are bringing their old passports since when they are young. For me, It's too bulky to carry more than 5 passport every time you go out of the country. Philippine Immigration Officer already knew you are a frequent traveler once you presented your passport.

DON'T'S ❎❎❎:

1. Do not write any thing in your passport except in pages 3 (holder's signature) and 44 (Emergency details). Only Immigration officers are allowed to stamp and write into your passports. In some cases, merchants in your destination might put receipts in your passport for Tax-free purposes. Have you heard a news that a child deliberately turned his father's passport into a sketchbook and stuck in South Korea? If you haven't, click here.

2. Do not use stapler wires in combining your new and old passports. Newer passports has chip embedded to our passports (DFA will never disclose the location of chip within the passport). Once we accidentally hit the chip, border officer will be unable to read it and we might be suspected of falsified document regardless you are holding an authentic one. Use thin and elastic rubber band instead. Some people use "sanrio" rubber bands. They are thin, but not elastic.

3. Do not attempt to travel when your passport has major signs of mutilation. Immigration officers will not allow you to leave the country. You have to replace your passport first.

4. Avoid posting pictures of your passport details and visas in internet. Fraudulent acts is rampant in cyberspace and social media is one of them. They will use your details to hack bank accounts or use your details for identity fraud.

TAKE NOTE ⛔⛔⛔:

After your trip, make sure to properly dispose your print out tickets and boarding passes. Details on these documents can use to hack on your itinerary details and credit card (if purchased online) and avoid posting it on social media as well. 

Collector's perspective: What's an Obi?

Every collector who collects Japanese retro video games or CD albums knows obi. An obi or spine card to some, is a piece of paper attached to the outmost left of the CD case that contains information such as the CD they bought, price of the CD, and promotions of the publisher. Obi is not limited to Compact Disc (CD), it is also used in books and laser discs. Although Obis are mostly available for the Japanese market.

Obi of a video game (KONAMI 80's Arcade Gallery game).

In the view of collectors, an obi is an essential part of buying CD's especially in used goods stores because it has a feeling of completeness, aside from pristine condition of the manual and the disc. Used item sellers who sells with an obi can mark their items a bit higher, some were able sold their item higher than the original price.

Tokimeki Memorial Laser Disc Obi 

When I am buying used video games, specifically PlayStation games, I always looked if an obi is included. On sellers online, some sellers are unaware of an obi exist and some of them tried to thrown it out not knowing of its vitality on their items. Some of people who bought CDs in record stores, after removing the protective sleeve, they just throw it away. For my game collection, I bought a clear CD jewel sleeve in order to attach the obi inside, just like new. Collectors nowadays are not bother at the price, they always looked at the completeness and condition of the item.

Obi attached to the CD Jewel using a clear CD sleeve

Game opinion: pop'n music portable 1~2

After the released the last PlayStation 2 for pop'n music in 2007, Konami continued making consoles version of the pop'n music thru PSP (PlayStation Portable). The first pop'n music portable was released in 2009. In-house BEMANI artist promoted and demonstrated the game during its campaign period. The interface and song list is based on pop'n music 15 ADVENTURE and one CS original. Two players can play thru 3 button or thru PSP's multiplayer. Game retail is 4,800JPY at the time of release.

Physical copies / box art of pop'n music 1~2

In 2011, pop'n music portable 2 was released. The interface and song list is based on pop'n music 16 PARTY!. There are features that the first pop'n music portable don't have such as; purchasing Downloadable songs and games thru Sony's PlayStation Network (for Japanese PSN accounts only). The only pop'n music portable game has the "PSP Best Hits" discount variant. Total song list including DLC is 146 songs, largest of all pop'n music (CS) games to date.

Available DLC for pop'n music portable 2 for PSN (Japan)

pop'n music is a good game but porting it to a handheld console is inappropriate for its gameplay. Using PSP's buttons doesn't have the real gameplay feeling and it may cause the PSP to fell if someone is playing 9-buttons in EX difficulty. They had the same outcome when they released it to Nintendo Wii, using the Wii mote and nunchuck as controller. The Wii version of pop'n music is targeted for kids not for arcade players. Konami should have continued releasing the game for PlayStation 2, knowing that some BEMANI games such as DDR and IIDX released their CS games until 2009 killing the pop'n music CS counterpart for that console early. Succeeding it to PlayStation 3 console would also a good suggestion, although, Konami will have to create a new pop'n music controller either in thru USB or wireless to port it to PS3. Konami also tried making a music game to Nintendo DS under the BEMANI moniker. I had an entry in 2017 about the game.

pop'n music portable 2 as a digital download in my PS Vita

Konami might have a valid reason on why they port it to handhelds, or somewhat made a bad decision and buried it after pop'n portable 2. Only the game Director and top management knows the answer. Moving forward, Konami is in its new path by bringing their Consumer Software thru powerful personal computers (PC) and adding more games for mobile devices portfolio such as iOS. If you are into retro game and music game collector, bragging rights is the only consolation you can get.


Here are the demonstration video links hosted by In-house BEMANI Artist;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne7Dh1TMULk&t=4s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lDFsnk3TMI

Philippines’ music gaming scene for 2020 and beyond

More than a decade ago, music arcade gaming scene in the Philippines is different from we see today. Only three games were being updated (DDR and GITADORA), no internet connection, and few people were playing, too small that you know each other's names or they know your face. During those time that, Timezone is the only game center in the Philippines that updates those three music games regularly. In 2016, when Konami held their first  unofficial location test for MUSECA and SOUND VOLTEX in Quantum SM North, a lot of music gamers swarmed the place. The location test is also the first time we connected to the e-amusement server.

eAMUSEMENT logo in Quantum SM Megamall Branch

For me, the new decade will be exciting for Filipinos, as more and more locals are becoming incline in music gaming, as these games are being reintroduced to other parts of the country thus, music gaming community is getting bigger. Philippines became one of the competing countries for BEMANI e-sports Championship annually, as well as localized tournament by their communities, SEGA's AiME server was recently added for their Maimai DX. Unification of game data card for all game companies. Although, these cards are locally unavailable, local players were able get thru sellers online or asked someone to buy them in Japan Game centers.

An Amusement IC Card logo

As for Quantum, I think they are able flourish their business by adding servers to their games and market their company by participating in conventions and tournaments. I think rhythm games are one of Quantum's profitable assets.

I look forward that other gaming companies would join in the scene so that they can showcase their games here and locals would not focus only on music simulation but in other game genres as well. Every time I visit Japan for a vacation, I always try other games that are currently unavailable in the Philippines. Right now, I am no longer a frequently gamer at the arcades, as before, who goes to malls to play at the arcades in a weekly basis. Real life hits hard right? Regardless, I am delighted that new comers are joining the excitement that makes arcade gaming in the Philippines is here to stay.

Konami's KEY and APPEND DISC for PlayStation 1 and Dreamcast

During the 90's era, when Konami released their very first BEMANI game for the PlayStation 1, the beatmania in October 1998. The game consist of two disc, the Arcade disc and Yebisu Mix disc. The arcade disc is the direct version of beatmania in the arcade, while the Yebisu Mix act as APPEND disc. In order to play the Yebisu Mix, they must first load the arcade disc, select the DISC CHANGE option and swap disc. 

A Note in the cover art that the game requires a KEY DISC to play (cover art from pop'n music 4 APPEND)

The kind of concept was used up to APPEND ClubMIX, succeeding beatmania games were standalone game. If someone tries to load the APPEND DISC directly, a warning will appear in the screen and the game will not boot. pop'n music used this to their APPEND 3 and 4 (pop'n music 2, 5, and 6 as KEY DISC, GUITARFREAKS to their APPEND 2ndMIX (GUITARFREAKS 1st as KEY DISC). As for DanceDanceRevolution (DDR), they used this kind of setup to their CLUB VERSION's VOL. 1 and 2 (using the DDR 2ndReMIX and DDR 3rdMIX (CS) games). I previously blogged about CLUB VERSION DISC. They also implement the DISC CHANGE in its Dreamcast version of pop'n music.

DISC CHANGE schematics for beatmania 6thMIX + CORE REMIX (CS)

Interestingly, beatmania APPEND DISC can play the Bonus edit, more like an alter ego of the direct arcade port. They can play the Bonus edit if they DISC CHANGE in a certain order, for Example, in order to play the beatmania 5thMIX Bonus edit, they must load the beatmania Arcade disc, swapped disc to APPEND 3rdMIX, then, swap disc from APPEND 3rdMIX to APPEND 5thMIX. Another interesting feature by using the DDR 3rdMIX (CS) as KEY DISC for DDR 1st and 2ndReMIX the graphic interface of the latter will be used and not the original interface, although, background animations are disabled during gameplay.

FIlipino traveler must have: Travel insurance

I have been traveling outside the Philippines twice as a solo traveler. As solo traveler, I always prepare things before my trip and one them is obtaining a travel insurance. Nowadays, travel insurance is becoming an essential to-do list in preparing your trip. It protects the traveler from uneventful situations during your travel abroad. Depending on the issuer, claims, compensation, and reimbursements of your expenses can be made during or after the uneventful situation. Some visa required countries such as Schengen area, Schengen embassies requires visa applicants, a travel insurance included in their visa requirements and extends up to 2 weeks after the trip.

Philippine Passport with Airline loyalty card

Travel insurance need not to be expensive. There are many local insurance company that sells policies for a good price. Although, price range depends on the duration of stay and country of destination. I got my travel insurance for less than 1,000.00PhP for a week stay in Japan and they offer a wide coverage of hospitalization, travel inconveniences, and lost of property with a certain compensation while on a foreign country. Airline companies also sells travel insurance with their allied insurance companies and will be integrated in your booking with a small fee. Some credit card companies offers free travel insurance when you use your credit card to purchase an airline ticket.

Lastly, after obtaining the policy, always read the fine print as coverage and compensation of policy varies from company to company and some support in your country of destination. Some travelers neglect to read important details of their policy.

You can still travel abroad without a travel insurance but having one will give you a peace of mind in your travels.

PARA PARA FEVER! ParaParaParadise!!

While Metro Manila is in Enhanced Community Quarantine because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I did some cleaning of the video game collection I have. I stumbled my ParaParaParadise controller. The box was full of dirt together with the other controllers I have. After cleaning, I thought of playing the game if the controller still works.

ParaParaParadise (PS2) game soft with controller

ParaParaParadise is Konami's answer in the Para Para fad in 2000 and it has three versions and a Korean variant (ParaParaDancing), it only lasted up to 2001. Konami only released one version for the PlayStation 2 console. The song list caters from the 1st up to 1.5MIX considering the arcade counterpart exist up to 2ndMIX. 

UPDATE 26/05/2021: I figured out that the controller and game are sold separately back then. Because the box controller doesn't have the space for the game soft to fit in.

ParaParaParadise paper layout

Unlike DDR and DanceManiaX, ParaParaParadise gets its license music from Avex label. The controller must use a specifically designed paper plate to mimic the arcade counterpart and its sensors can be adjusted unlike the arcades. The controller is one of the two BEMANI game controllers (the other is KEYBOARDMANIA) to use USB port.

ParaParaParadise controller

I saw a few Para Para controllers sold in Japan Surpluses around the metro, unfortunately they don't have the paper, therefore, layout of each sensor will be different. I also see some controllers has signs of tear such as chipped cable wire or cracked sensors.

Playing ParaParaParadise 2ndMIX circa 2015

The arcade version is rarely seen in game centers recently, maybe located provinces otherwise stored.  The last time I played it in arcade was in 2015 somewhere in Taguig City. Para Para Paradise is a fun BEMANI game reliving the Para Para fever two decades ago.

Reducing my video game collection

Over the last decade, I have collected quite a number of video games from BEMANI titles, Silent Hill, Metal Gear series, Winning Eleven series to Gundam titles. Over time, I accumulated too many games, too many that the games reached over the top of our apartment shelf. And by the way, not just game softs, I also accumulated video game controllers, soundtracks, and BEMANI related merchandise. You can see it on previous blog post from 2012 on how my video game collecting progresses.

My first photo in video game collecting (circa 2009)

There's a time that my Mother asked me to remove all of them because I am to hoard games and she don't want to see them clutter. At first, I ignored her, although, they are many, I always find a way in organized them and in some way she was able to accept the fact that my passion for collecting video games is intense. When I was 28 years old, I had this realization, the feeling that I am starting to outgrew them and starting to feel uncomfortable owning too many games. On that same day, I started to declutter them. My first attempt was a bit lame because I only disregard a few games (I think around 10 games) all are Gundam titles. I gave all my Gundam titles to a friend. A few weeks after, I tried again to declutter. This time, I declutter a lot of games such as Winning Eleven and Proyakyu (Baseball) titles. I handed it over to a friend.
On the third time, I was able to declutter prominent titles, such as Metal Gear and Silent Hill. I was able to sell it in an event which I earned a few thousands pesos. On my fourth declutter, I was able to donate it to a fellow video game collector who is living nearby. As for BEMANI merchandise and controllers, I am selling it in a group at Facebook.

My video game collection (circa Jan 2012)

While I am decluttering games, I am starting pile a number of game soundtracks, good thing I was sell it some of it right away. Aside from video games, I also sold my Gunpla kits to a close friend in cheap deal.

I also started collecting action figures, most of them are no longer in my possession (circa June 2012)

Currently, All I have are BEMANI titles (mostly from PlayStation 1 ~ 2) Artist albums from BEMANI (Some of them are for sale though), BEMANI actions figures, and a two Gunpla kits with a Jehuty revoltech figure from ZONE OF THE ENDERS .

Games I have in 2020

From what I have learned from this, It's good to be a collector, but collect on things that you are really passionate of. Being impulsive in collecting has repercussions in terms of household space, emotional and monetary stress. If you think its time to let go of your things; give it to a friend or better sell it. Right now, I am being selective, if I buy some thing; either I replace it on existing item or its for sale.

My soundtracks left

By the way, as of posting, Metro Manila is currently in Enhanced Community Quarantine due to COVID-19 pandemic.