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Woah! Right! Left! Down! Both Right and Left! What? Boo?? Miss?? Wow, that’s harsh. These flying arrows are found in a game that requires feet or finger movements to the beat of a selected song. Many people have heard of DDR, or Dance Dance Revolution, which is playable using Playstation game systems. Those who possess such game system usually buy a dance pad, where they step on the corresponding arrows shown on the screen. But those less fortunate folks, like me, who don’t have such a system, can download a game on the computer called Stepmania. There is no need for a dance pad to play Stepmania. All you need is… FINGER POWER! There are many ways in which Stepmania rises above Dance Dance Revolution.

First of all, there are TWO games included in Stepmania. Cool huh? You can play SMMAX, which uses the arrow keys located on your keyboard or challenge yourself with Pump. Pump uses the 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 keys on the number pad. I consider Pump to be a little more challenging compared to SMMAX, with one more control to worry about. Although I would recommend Pump for more experienced players, some find it easier to control compared to SMMAX because the number pad is more similar to the dance pad than the arrow keys are. Either way, Stepmania contains more than just one game you can enjoy.

Stepmania can be a hassle, just because the songs need to be downloaded. But downloading the songs is worth your time. Unlike DDR, there are websites which contain songs of many categories of music that you can search for and download. And the best part is that you get to play to someone’s creation! The songs for Stepmania are custom made by everyday people who play the game. So hopefully the people who create the dance moves for your favorite song are moderate players who won’t go insane when they hear the beat to the song. And if you are ever unsatisfied by the songs you find online, you can create your own moves to any song of your choice. Be creative and discover what kind of imaginative mind lies within you!

Personally, I think eye-finger coordination is way more efficient than eye-feet coordination. I trip when it comes to using the dance pad. A song I usually score an A on in Stepmania would end up as a C or a D when I actually dance to it. Haha, sad. Maybe it’s because I’m not a great dancer. For those like me who have always wanted Dance Dance Revolution, here’s the alternative. This game is enjoyable and just as addicting. If you’re looking for more of a workout, DDR would suit you fine. But, remember, Stepmania will always be here to exercise your fingers! Marvelous!