beatmania

GamePro

Being the mother of rhythm games, Beatmania has been around before Dance Dance Revolution ever got popular. It took a long time, but it's finally here, and rhythm game fans everywhere should be rejoicing.

Gamer's Hell

Considering that there has never been a US release of beatmania even though Japan has seen at least ten releases by now, Konami managed to make up for the delay by delivering a solid title.

Worth Playing

It is far less physically exerting than DDR, In The Groove! or Taiko Drum Master, allowing an audience who can't necessarily get up and flail wildly about to get their groove on.

eToychest

It’s addictive, straightforward and unforgiving, and most rhythm gamers will be more than happy with that combination.

Game Informer

Whether alone or with a friend, Beatmania delivers where it counts. [Apr 2006, p.124]

Games Radar (in-house)

For those who loved the arcade hit, this is a long-awaited must-have. But even if you're a newcomer to the series, Beatmania is a fun, rhythmic button-masher that will turn you into a fan.

Yahoo! Games

Whether it's a licensed track by Moby or Timo Maas, or a Bemani original such as Genom Screams or the Shining Polaris, the selections vary in style, speed, and genre.

GameZone

Beatmania is a great rhythm game, but it’s not intended for a wide audience. I don’t think too many gamers will have the patience to get better and enjoy the harder songs.

Next Level Gaming

The arcade controller is really cool, and the tunes are jammin. The only big issue with the game I have is it's difficulty. You get a little into the game and it just gets too hard to play.

netjak

I'm hooked, however, and I'm willing to join in the mania with a motto of my own-- "Vive le difference."

Play Magazine

For people new to the game, or those only with arcade experience, this will be a great home version. [Apr 2006, p.62]

PSM Magazine

The game's a serious hand-eye workout with a lot of depth, but next time we'd like to see it become a little more accessible for the non-hardcore. [Apr 2006, p.85]

PSX Extreme

Beatmania US just isn't the game it should be, bottom line.

TotalPlayStation

Right now, all we're left with is a great controller and a set of lackluster songs.

Game Revolution

Though it isn’t the freshest rhythm game in the world, Beatmania hits the stage rocking thanks to a pretty large list of tunes, a groovy controller and tons of modes and options.

DailyGame

For fans of the genre (or the arcade game) only.

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

Doesn't really offer the same visceral thrill as something like "Guitar Hero" or even any of the "DDR" games. [Apr 2006, p.82]

BonusStage

Beatmania had the makings for a solid rhythm game with its sweet turntable peripheral, accessible-yet-challenging gameplay and plethora of game modes and options, however when the most important element to this type of game -- the music -- is so forgettable the entire gameplay experience is essentially ruined.

Digital Entertainment News

Get a better game such as "Guitar Hero" or "Taiko Drum Master."

DarkStation

Tired of dancing to the tunes? Konami lets you become the DJ, with the aid of a cool controller. Fun for a while, if not for the dated songlist.

Deeko

However, the song selection, which I'd normally talk about later in the review, is pretty ass-tastic.

GamerFeed

The only problem, though, is that this isn't the best edition to find a release, as the displays are above average at best, and the music selection is wayyy lacking.

Cheat Code Central

Beatmania is dated. It could have been released on the PSX and we could all be over with it by now.

GameSpy

The tunes vary widely in difficulty -- and while personal taste in music is something I can't debate in a review, I found the overall selection of music to range from good to, shall we say, "interesting."

IGN

Beatmania certainly had the potential to be a great rhythm game, as its controller and even ideal are great. However, its terrible track listing really hampers the experience, and its overly flashy UI doesn't help.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

If you're determined to don cans and rock the boards, you'd be better off just buying the real thing. [Apr 2006, p.102]

GameBrink

A very shoddy game.

GameSpot

Beatmania's long-overdue release outside of Japan shows off its many weaknesses, with the most egregious of which being its unimpressive song list.

Gamezilla!

With some small tweaks, this would’ve been a title worth playing, but then it would’ve just been another "Frequency" or "Amplitude." My verdict? Pass.

Gaming Age

The weak song choice and length of the songs kill the game for casual fans or those trying to find out what it’s all about.