Bemani (Konami's rhythm game series)

[Nemoide]

I used to play Dance Dance Revolution pretty religiously on a daily basis. I have a fancy-pants Cobalt Flux dance pad and used to be able to clear just about every song (I'm sure there were a few exceptions like Pluto Relinquish) on every difficulty.
Nowadays I'm playing Beatmania IIDX pretty much every day and am totally loving it. The difficulty curve is probably the steepest of all time, but when you stick with it, it's super-satisfying to clear songs that previously seemed like an impossible mess or to get scores that completely blow older ones away.
I also have a little experience with Pop'n Music from the handful of times I've run into arcade cabinets. It's fun and easier to first get into than DDR or IIDX, but I've never been proficient or anything.

But man I love Bemani music! So much electronic Japanese goodness, mixed with occasional classical-inspired or internationally-flavored songs... almost always with an electronic element. One of my favorite series of songs is the Epic of Zektbach, which is kind of a pseudo-Opera told in vignette.

Any other Bemani fans here?

[ZenErik]

I listen to BEMANI artists all the time. Kors k being one of my favorites.

[dunpeal2064]

I've actually just spent the last hour or so trying to figure out the best way to get into thier Beatmania series, as it looks top-notch. Played tons of DDR back in the day.

This thread should provide some useful information

[Nemoide]

IMO the American version with the controller bundled in is the best place to start. It's affordable compared to most import versions, the controller is generally considered to be (slightly) better than the official Japanese version, and you don't need to worry about modding your console or anything to get it to work.
The song list is smaller and most of the licensed songs aren't very good, but IMO it's a good way to taste-test the series and see if it's for you.

In terms of import versions, I only own two: 3rd Style and 16 Empress + Premium Best. Empress is definitely a solid title, especially with the "Premium Best disc" which includes songs from every other version of IIDX. Unfortunately it's become pretty expensive and hard to find.
I suggest avoiding 3rd Style (and probably 4th and maybe 5th for good measure) - the interface is awkward/primitive, there's no beginner mode, and it just irks me.

[MrPopo]

I was huge into DDR back in the day before my school got a Pump It Up machine (and now I've got one for my house). I have lots of fond memories of those songs.

[noiseredux]

I was huge into DDR back in the day

pics or GTFO.

[MrPopo]

I was huge into DDR back in the day

pics or GTFO.

[Erik_Twice]

I love music games so it goes without saying that I love Bemani.

I first discovered Beatmania by random chance, I found the terribly outdated BM98 with a couple of files and then moved towards BMS until a friend of mine gave me the chance to play a superior version of the game I'm not really supposed to talk about.

Meanwhile I discovered Dance Dance Revolution. It was love at first sight and I took two hours of non-stop play to beat my first song (Xepher Basic). I was so thrilled I dropped to the floor and started yelling because I was dumb. Soon a girl taught me to play, I brought my friends into it and a couple of months later we beat all the 10 footers at home. Eventually we discovered Pump it Up and abandoned Dance Dance Revolution. Sorry, pal.

I also dabbled a bit on Pop'n Music, which I like more than Beatmania but whose controller I do not own, and Beatmania double play.

That's pretty much it. I don't play these anymore, I don't even play PIU and it was one of my favourite games.

[ExedExes]

I got into DDR at the height of its popularity, and it didn't hurt that one could find any version from DDR 3rd to DDRMAX2 (7th) in any arcade near me, the machines were all Japanese imports. I even went to 8 On The Break (in NJ) because they were the first place I knew that had DDRMAX2. I've got the DC-J disc of DDR 2nd but the pad I bought for it to go along with it was utter junk. I would consider myself the "Tricky/Another" gametype, 4-6 feet rating.

As of right now, Stepmania is the easiest way to get back into it for the PC. The interface is just like DDRMAX2 and you can download user created song packs as well as all your DDR favorites.