__Hip Hop Mania 2 (or Beatmania 4th and 5th mixes, plus a bunch of other songs) FAQ v1.6__ This FAQ is copyright me, Tracy Smith, 2000. All songs copyright either their artists or Konami (because I suspect that someone who works for Konami made some of those songs). Feel free to copy this FAQ and read it on your own time. If you feel an urge to post this FAQ on your site, please let me know, so that I can let others know about it. This FAQ was not meant for anyone to profit off of it. This FAQ does not belong in a magazine or any other paper media. Thank you for reading through all this garbage, because this is a sample of my writing when I'm in a bad mood. This FAQ can be found at: My home computer (no, I'm not going to tell you where) Gamefaqs.com Gameadvice.com Gamesdomain.co.uk If you find this FAQ on any other site, that site ripped my FAQ. Laugh away, because they ripped an FAQ from someone who nearly flunked English. E-mail address: It's at the bottom. But don't just scroll down. Read this FAQ first, please. I. Introduction II. Version info III. Beginner's guide IV. So you don't want to read through this FAQ. . . V. Fast tips on how to please/annoy a crowd VI. A really quickie song list VII. Explanation of what is about to come VIII. Songs, complete with MY opinion (a.k.a. Strategy, sort of) IX. Just for fun (everything that just doesn't fit anywhere else). . . X. Credits ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I. Introduction My obsession with music games started with Dance Dance Revolution. I became so obsessed that I actually wrote an FAQ on it (find this on your own). One day, I tried out Hip Hop Mania (look, I could give a rat's tail as to how it's supposed to be spelled. I just spell it like this because no spaces looks really, really, really squished together). My first attempt got me all the way to the last stage (I'll explain later). Sometime in May 2000, the video arcade near my school (if you know me personally, you'll know which arcade I'm talking about) took forever to install Hip Hop Mania 2. I tried it, and vowed to be the best female who's ever touched that game. Have I been successful? Of course not (still can't pass Denim). Feel free to vent your disagreement IN YOUR HEAD!!! E-mail me if I've made a truly grievious error (like getting song titles and artists mixed up), if I mark somthing with (?), or if you think that I'm such a moron/genius that this FAQ should be banned/sent to the Library of Congress (for the former, make your own FAQ. For the latter, thank you). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ II. Version info 1.0-Very messy. Hey, I'm just getting started! (9/28/00) 1.01-Added a bit more info on some songs, and something I had forgotten earlier: the Low Score Awards. No, I'm not accepting e-mails for low score. 321 Stars on Another Mode can be passed? (9/29/00) 1.05-Deathlok the Demolisher decided to once again e-mail me and correct me on some lyrical problems (Luv to Me). Oh, well, so my ears aren't quite working. . .Did some more tweaking in the songs section. (9/30/00) 1.1-A slightly abnormal update (as I'll most likely release my updates on Mondays, HST). A few changes to the miscellaneous section, and not-so-few changes in the songs section. (10/6/00) 1.2-Updated on Monday, put in some additional info on Wednesday, and wondering what the heck is going on with my life. Not quite the overhaul I wanted, but it's close. . .Changed a few things in the miscellaneous section. (10/18/00) 1.21-OH, NO!!! For all of you who read the previous update on Gamesdomain.co.uk, IT'S LEGAL!!! I forgot to include them in my credits section. SORRY!!! (10/22/00) 1.3-I feel miserable. I think I can safely say that I am the first flu sufferer of the season (and it isn't even November. Sheesh). Used this time to update more songs and miscellaneous (gee, I'm beginning to sound repetitive). I hope I'm better by Halloween (because someone is going to pay dearly for asking me to dress up as a certain video game character). (10/30/00) 1.4-Long time no update. Sorry. Song tweaking, ratings tweaking. 'Nuff said. (12/8/00) 1.5-Got better, but not that much. Still muddling along. Song section updated, and what's popular has been changed around quite a bit. . . (1/21/01) 1.6-My arcade has been taken over by newbies. As a result, the popular songs aren't as hard. Sentences added all over the place in the song section. New story! (3/5/01) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ III. Beginner's guide This game can get quite confusing. For those of you who are confused. . . _Basic game mechanics_: On the screen, there will be a red line with scrolling bars in various places. While a song is playing (or the demo is running), watch the screen for scrolling bars that come from the top of the screen and slowly go down. The white bars correspond to the three white keys. The blue bars correspond to the two black keys. 2 4 2=leftmost black key. 4=rightmost black key. 1 3 5 1=leftmost white key. 3=middle white key. 5=rightmost white key. The red bar corresponds to the scratch (figure this one out on your own). Whenever you press a key or use the scratch, the black space/line that corresponds to the key you pressed will light up blue. Release the key to get rid of the blue. If you're REALLY not sure what each key does, wait until someone beats the game, make sure no one inserts their coins, and hold down each key individually. Then, persuade/bribe someone to play something relatively easy, like Popcorn, and look at the note placement in relation to the keys. If you're still confused, play along with someone who 1. knows what they're doing and 2. is willing ot play something like I Live Just 4 U on Couple. Or, find a Hip Hop Mania machine (you'll know the difference between the two machines because one will run Deep Clear Eyes as a demo, have a green and red meter, and comes with a Practice Mode. Really, it's much more beginner-friendly). If you go looking for the other machine, good luck! _How to Play_: Press the keys and use the scratch in time to the music and the bars, and your score and/or meter will go up. The flashing "Great" judgement are worth exactly the same as the "Great" judgement (but I think you get more of your meter back if you get the former), which is worth much more than a "Good" judgment. "Bad" judgements are simply damage control, and "Poor" judgments mean that more of your meter is taken away. It is possible to get a string of "Great" judgements, which will help improve your score (and help replenish your meter). If you somehow get all "Great" judgements (extremely hard to do), you'll receive 100,000 points for the stage, plus an extra 3110 for being so cool (Tracy tips her hat to BemaniOtaku). As for me, I've come close a few times (one "Good" judgement), on Paranoia Max, Release Your Mind, and 321 Stars (all on Basic Mode, of course), but was always short. Actual point values for songs vary greatly (from 1024 points for a "Great" judgement for I Live Just 4 U to 220 points for a "Great" judgement and 44 points for a "Good" judgement on Luv To Me Disco Mix). "Good" judgements are worth 1/5 of the "Great" judgements (both of them). _The meter_: This meter that keeps coming up is an indicator at the bottom of the screen (yes, that orange thing) that shows you whether or not you see the end of the song. If the screen slowly fades out in the middle of the song, that means that you failed the stage. Try again. You are allowed to advance if you complete a song. There are three modes of play. Basic is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for beginners, Hard is for those who want more of a challenge, and Expert is for those who think they're REALLY good (one of the courses starts off with a 7 song, and doesn't get any easier). _Rhythmic explanations_: I'll also be using a few musical terms. A measure is marked off by the horizontal lines that go all the way across each player's display. Each song has four beats in a measure. Each beat has two parts: the down beat (where the beat itself occurs. If this is confusing, tap your foot in time to any song. The down beat occurs when your foot hits the ground). Up beats (or other weird spellings I may have of this word) refer to the time between beats (when your foot is at its highest). Notes that come every down beat and up beat are called eighth notes. There are also notes between the down beat and the up beat (sixteenth notes). These notes are taken into account in the Note Bunching judgements later in this FAQ. Funky rhythms occur when the notes don't follow anything I outlined (two examples are Ska a Go Go and R3, which have the same funky rhythm, which I will not bother to explain, because it will take too long. If you really want to find out how to play this rhythm, please check my Dance Dance Revolution FAQ and look at the glossary there). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ IV. So you don't want to read through this FAQ. . . Okay, okay, I promise I will not chase you down and make you read through the rest of this FAQ. Just take a few tidbits of advice from one who took forever to master Genom Screams on Basic Mode. 1. WATCH OTHERS!!! I cannot stress how important this one is. Some songs are misrated, and watching others may save you quite a bit of humiliation. All the songs should be easier to play after you've heard them a few times (or in the case of Crymson, a few zillion times). 2. Count quietly to yourself. Count the beats off to yourself (every stage should be in 4/4 time, meaning that you should count off 4 beats per measure). If people look at you funny, then explain to them that you're trying to get better, and if they have a problem with that, they can start paying for your games. 3. Hi-Speed will make some songs easier, and some songs just plain hard. Generally, the slower the song, the easier it will be on Hi-Speed 1 (and no more, unless the tempo is a two-digit number). 4. Relax. Just breathe in and out. Everything will be all right. Don't panic, because panic accounts for 75% of all my missed notes. Think that relaxation techniques don't belong in stupid video games? Shut up and breathe. 5. There is a reason why notes are spaced the way they are. The rhythms will get funky. Trust yourself. 6. If you think you MIGHT have a chance of passing a song, don't be afraid to ask for someone to help you with the scratch. How do you think I pass Linn 1999? 7. Oh, yes, and if your cabinets are anything like the cabinets I use, insert your tokens slowly. One machine was broken because someone decided to insert all of his coins within 2 seconds. 8. Remember that you have two hands and ten fingers at your disposal. Don't be afraid to let your pinkie hit a key every now and then (very helpful in Attack the Music). For that matter, don't let your right hand just sit on the scratch (unless you are playing some insane song that requires lots of scratch). I use my left hand for the two leftmost white keys and the left black key, and my right hand for the right white key and the right black key. Use whatever works for you. It is possible to scratch and hit certain keys with the same hand (but my limit is the middle white key, because my hands are really small). 9. Add this one to Tracy's this-is-going-to-look-awful-weird list. Don't be afraid to get your body into it (I bounce along to Luv To Me). Yes, it does help. So people think you're weird. By now you should have figured out that I really don't care what others think of me, because life's just too short for such nonsense. 10. If for some odd reason your fingertips and/or wrists become black and blue and start hurting (like if you played Crymson 4 times in a row), STOP PLAYING!! Fingertips are very important in daily life (typing, bathing, brushing teeth, pushing buttons on remote control, etc.), and having bruised fingertips will make many tasks very painful. The machine isn't going anywhere (at least I don't think it's going anywhere). And if you stub your fingers against the sides of the keys/scratch, finish the song, check for damage, and stop if you managed to bruise/cut/burn yourself (I've done all of these before). 11. Drag a friend along. Most songs will be easier on Couple Mode (like Moment) and a few will retain their difficulty levels (Drunk Monky). Besides, some parts of the song are only accessible on Couple Mode (like the up beats on Turning the Motor Over and the background music on Prince On A Star). 12. Ask before you touch someone else's keys. Because someone decided to ram on my keys (1P) right after I inserted my coins, I ended up playing 1P-center (and subsequently lost on the first song). 13. If you know someone who is in a band (marching band, concert band, jazz band, rock band, etc.) and needs help with rhythm, get that troubled person addicted to this game. It helped me with syncopated rhythm (syncopated rhythm: the very, very beginning of TetraQ and Ska a Go Go). 14. I was hoping I could keep this out of my FAQ, but it looks like I can't. FOR GOODNESS GRACIOUS, STAND IN LINE, DON'T CUT, AND BE NICE TO EACH OTHER!!!! 15. Remember, there is more than just Hip Hop Mania 2. Please don't skip school/work/or anything like that. For those of you in school, don't forget to do your homework (me included). Thank you! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ V. Fast tips on how to please/annoy a crowd Maybe you show off just so that you can be noticed. Maybe you don't want people to see you play. In any case, here are some tips on how to please/annoy a crowd based on my observations and my personal feelings. Crowd pleasers: 1. So long as the audience is not requesting you to do something ridiculously hard, go ahead and play what they shout out. 2. Choose a variety of songs. Four versions of techno music can get boring. 3. Don't just stand there with a bored expression on your face. Get into the music (but not too much, or some may think you're nuts). 4. Play songs in the moderate to difficult range and/or songs that most people wouldn't think of touching with a ten-foot pole (like Take Control). 5. Look back and SMILE!!! Crowd annoyances (especially if I'm in that crowd) 1. Slap all five keys before the song begins/in the middle of the song/after the song ends. I have a really big problem with people who ram on the keys in the middle of the song because they're bored. Please don't do this. I start to lose respect for those who do this (which means you can be better than me, but I don't have to have any respect for your playing style). Trust me when I tell you this is the best possile way to make yourself look like a fool, especially when you miss the next note. There is ONE exception I make to this rule, and it will be explained a few sections later. 2. Play the same song four times in a row (I'll explain how to do this later). 3. Look like a zombie while playing a very fast piece. 4. Swear at the crowd (and don't be disappointed if you get kicked out of the arcade, and later beaten up by the crowd). 5. Sing along to your favorite song (if I wanted to, I'd sing along to Moment or Luv to Me as I was playing). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ VI. A really quickie song list This is just an alphabetical list of all the songs. If you want more details, read on, and on, and on, and. . . Random 20, November 22Dunk 321 Stars Attack the Music Boa Boa Lady Chain Come and Get It Crymson Cycle Deep Clear Eyes Deep In You Denim Destruction Do You Love Me? Drunk Monky Freakout Genom Screams Hell Scaper (this is the correct spelling) Higher Hunting for You I Live Just 4 U Jazz a Pump Up Kakattekontai (congratulate yourself if you can say this title correctly) Keep on Movin' La Bossanova de Febienne Linn 1999 Logical Dash Love So Groovy Luv to Me Manmachine plays Jazz Moment Nofia Paranoia Max Peace-out Popcorn Prince on a Star R3 Release Your Mind Rugged Ash Ska a Go Go Soda Spaced Out Sparker Super Highway System Take a Ride Take Control TetraQ The Fall Thrash Traxx Tokai Turning the Motor Over Watchingout Weighted Action Zanzibar ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ VII. Explanation on what is about to come What I'm about to write should be more complicated than anything that a slightly irritated girl should be able to put out. This will explain the system which I am going to use. All ratings take into account what skill level a player will be when the song is attempted (becasue those who can pass Super Highway in their sleep will find 20, November on Basic Mode really easy, and those who can barely pass The Fall on Basic Mode will view Logical Dash as a nightmare). You are probably going to have to refer back to this section often (unless your memory/copy command is good). The periods are simply there to separate everything. Rating (Basic/Hard/Another, if available). Title of song, Artist, Remix title, Artist (if available), stages available. Tempo: Slow (88-135), Medium (136-159), or Fast (160-240). Trust me. How a song compares to others of the same difficulty in: Scrolling Speed (_Speed_): 1-10, 1 meaning that the scrolling speed isn't too fast or too slow (for some songs, the slow speed is what kills everyone), 10 meaning that speed is the main reason why this song got this rating. _Technicality_ (how exact you need to hit a key to get either "Great" judgements): 1-10, 1 meaning that the note could be a mile away from the red line and you'd get the flashing "Great" message, 10 meaning that it's nearly impossible to get anything better than a "Good" judgement. _Rhythm_: 1-10, 1 meaning that I fell asleep because the rhythm was so simplistic, 10 meaning that the rhythm is the funkiest thing I've ever seen. _Note Bunching_ (how far apart the notes are): 1-10, 1 meaning that there is lots of black space between each note, 10 meaning that your reaction time had better be quick, because there's a lot of those things coming down at once. _Overall_: 1-10, 1 meaning that this song should have had a lower difficulty rating, 10 being that this song should have had a much higher difficulty rating. Comments by me. THERE WILL BE THREE SETS OF NUMBERS IN THE ABOVE FIVE CATEGORIES, AT MOST. I AM TRYING TO JUDGE THE BASIC, HARD AND ANOTHER MODES. THIS IS NOT A MISTAKE! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ VIII. Songs, complete with MY opinion (a.k.a. Strategy, sort of) This section will be long. Very long. I suggest you copy this section and read it on your own time. Some sections will be longer simply because some songs are played way more than others. In alphabetical order. . . ?/?/? Random Select If you choose this "song", the machine will choose a song at random (one person got I Live Just 4 U; the next person (who put it on Random Another) got Genom Screams Spiritual Mix). 2/5/6 20, November by n.a.r.d. 2nd stage. SLOW (sort of) _Speed_: 6.5, 4, 4.5 _Technicality_: 7, 6, 6 _Rhythm_: 9, 6, 8 _Note Bunching_: 9, 6.5, 8.5 _Overall_: 9, 5.5, 7 Comments: What was Konami thinking? It took me a long time to master this song. On the original Hip Hop Mania, it was a 5. For those of you who are true beginners, DON'T TOUCH THIS SONG!!! That blasted piano part got me. I don't know what it will do to you. Oh yes, and Basic and Hard modes have the same notes! As for most of the song (before the drumroll). . .THOSE ARE SIMPLE UP BEATS AND DOWN BEATS!!!! Another Mode (a.k.a. Drumroll Mix) WOULD have been quite similar to Hard Mode, except for a variation of the simple up beat/down beat pattern (it's similar to what happens in Ska A Go Go Perfect Mix, the beginning). Couple Mode looks like a remix, no matter what you play. Another Mode doesn't end where Basic and Hard Modes do. . .as for the special Nagureo mix. . .well, it's a really big surprise, and I don't want to give it away. . . 5/5/7 22Dunk by Slake. Last stage. SLOW (barely) _Speed_: 5, 5, 7 _Technicality_: 7, 8, 8.5 _Rhythm_: 7, 7, 7.5 _Note Bunching_: 7.5, 6.5, 8.5 _Overall_: 6.5, 6.5, 7.5 Comments: Well, it's a Slake song, and Slake songs, as you'll find out, are the most technical things around. Not to mention that Slake has this thing with note-bunching and eighth notes. . .Please note that the Basic and Hard modes are the same (I think). If you can somehow get past the beginning on Another Mode you just might have a chance of passing this song (which ain't easy!). On second thought, maybe not. Play Destruction on Hard Mode first, and then maybe you'll pass this song. 5/6/7 321 Stars by DJ Simon. 2nd and 3rd stages. FAST _Speed_: 8, 8, 8.5 _Technicality_: 4, 5, 4 _Rhythm_: 4, 7.5, 8.5 _Note Bunching_: 5.5, 8, 9 _Overall_: 6, 8, 8.5 (I know this isn't an average. It shouldn't be) Comments: Speed kills, and this song illustrates this nicely. Yes, I've played this song. No, I can't pass it on Hard. For that matter, I have yet to meet anyone who can pass it on Another (single player). I was playing Couple Mode with someone at the arcade near my school, and I suggested we play the last stage as Random Another. We got this song. I'm still trying to figure out how I got past this song, or who the guy on 2P was. This song is also great if you need to wake yourself up. Another requires major button-ramming. For those of you who play this song on Hard mode, I noticed that someone did that nice blue section (the one with the tricky timing and the scratching on the up beat) by using one hand for one note and the other hand for the other note and the scratch. Note that there are three versions of this song. 4/6/7 Attack the Music by DJ FX. 49 Music Mix by Deprogram Man. 3rd stage. MEDIUM _Speed_: 4, 4, 6 _Technicality_: 4, 6, 7.5 _Rhythm_: 4, 6.5, 9 _Note Bunching_: 4, 6, 8.5 _Overall_: 4, 5.5, 7.5 Comments: The Basic Mode is boring. Many think that the Hard Mode is boring. I just happen to like this song, but be warned, there are some strange things in this song (best viewed at any Hi-Speed setting). To get past the ending, leave your left pinkie on the leftmost white key, your left pointer on the rightmost white key, and your right hand on the scratch (this is in American terms. You may call your fingers different names). This song (Hard Mode version) is pretty forgiving; I can get 9 "Bad" judgements, 24 "Poor" judgements, a 70+ streak in the middle, and pass with at least half my meter. I think the reason why the remix is called 49 Music Mix is because the "Music" scratch appears 49 times. Speaking of the 49 Music Mix, one person's advice is to play it by ear. It didn't work very well for me. The leftmost white key keeps the beat, and the rightmost whtie key is sort of like the ending of Cycle. Whatever you do, don't screw around too much, or you'll regret it. Try to look for breaks in the continuing chain of pain-and ignore the scratches when they come once a beat (if you have enough meter to afford to do so). Play the scratches when they are accompanied by ONE note. I'm able to pass the 49 Music Mix--barely. Basic Mode is MUCH easier than Hard Mode, which is a good deal easier than the 49 Music Mix (I just love that name!). Some might be scared by the skulls or the strange "Miss" screen (the one with more than orange). Play at your own discretion, and don't miss too many notes. 4/4/4 Boa Boa Lady Jamming Mix by dj nagureo. Original by dj nagureo. 2nd stage. SLOW (don't fall asleep) _Speed_: 6, 6.5, 8 _Technicality_: 6, 6, 7.5 _Rhythm_: 7, 7, 8.5 _Note Bunching_: 7, 6, 9 _Overall_: 7, 6.5, 8 Comments: If you lose to this song, it's because you fell asleep at the controls (which I did). I'm not kidding when I tell you that note bunching is a problem. Don't believe me? Take off all speed settings, and see if you can keep awake. It seems that the original version of Boa Boa Lady can be played on Another Mode, and the Jamming Mix on the other two modes. Confusing, eh? Don't be thrown by the long break during Another Mode; there's more song! Speaking of Another Mode, the people who fail this fail because the scratching is a bit odd in the beginning. BTW, the scratches in the beginning are all up-beats. Good practice for Ska A Go Go, though. 3/4/7 Chain by RAM. Connection Mix by Doctor S. 1st stage. MEDIUM _Speed_: 6, 6, 7.5 _Technicality_: 7, 8, 8 _Rhythm_: 6, 7, 9.5 _Note Bunching_: 4, 6, 9 _Overall_: 6.5, 7, 8.5 Comments: This song is nothing but trouble for me. I can barely pass it in Basic and Hard modes (don't even think about Another). I'm not kidding about the Connection Mix ratings. This particular remix is something else, even if someone is helping you scratch (and make sure that someone knows what the original sound like, or you'll lose). If you are dying to play this song, listen first. I find it's easier for me when I play by ear. Basic Mode is easier. Much easier. 2/3/- Come and Get It by n.a.r.d. 2nd stage. SLOW. . . _Speed_: 5, 4 _Technicality_: 5.5, 5 _Rhythm_: 6.5, 4 _Note Bunching_: 6.5, 5.5 _Overall_: 6, 5 Comments: This sounds like a bad remix of Moment. The tempos are nearly identical, and the melodic line is the SAME! Verse throwing you? It's a zigzag with strange rhythm. If you've just hit a white key, move up to one of the blue keys. If you've just hit a blue key, move down to one of the white keys. Mostly for beginner players. Please note that these guys do swear at the end (and no amount of key ramming will censor it). Those who just started playing will probably find the beginning is hard. I suggest playing Moment on Couple Mode if this song just has too many notes. Whether Basic and Hard Modes are the same is a mystery to me. Both are boring. However, BemaniOtaku e-mailed me and said that Come and Get It was on Beatmania 5th Mix, and Moment is a Hip Hop Mania 2 exclusive. I still think Moment sounds better. 6/6/8 Crymson by RAM. Scarlet Mix by Doctor S. Last stage. FASTEST SONG IN THE GAME _Speed_: 9, 9, 9.5 _Technicality_: 6, 6.5, 7 _Rhythm_: 5, 6, 7 _Note Bunching_: 7.5, 7, 8.5 _Overall_: 7.5, 8, 8.5 Comments: Sheesh, this song goes FAST!!! Do the beginning with one hand (the beginning is from the very first note to the three white keys that need to be hit). It's easier for me. If the speed doesn't kill you, the bunches of notes that count for a theme will (which should be straight eighth notes). Along the way, some programmer decided to put in some very annoying scratches. If you're like me, you'll only hit certain keys once (which account for half my missed notes). I found that alternating hands worked-whenever the scratch was absent. Or, you'll screw up in the rhythmic part of the song. Ever seen the ending of the Scarlet Mix? It's a mess. Do not play this song unless you have wonderful reaction time. Speaking of Scarlet Mix, Doctor S decided to put in some sixteenth notes (Chain-style). Thank whatever that Basic and Hard Modes are the same. Have fun with the ending! Some might be scared by the "Miss" screen (the one that pops up during the rhythm part). Play at your own discretion, and don't miss too many notes in a row. 3/4/6 Cycle by Slake 2nd stage MEDIUM _Speed_: 5, 5, 6 _Technicality_: 6, 8, 9 _Rhythm_: 4, 7, 8 _Note Bunching_: 4, 5, 8 _Overall_: 5, 6, 8 Comments: Yep, it's good ol' Slake, complete with the impossible remix. The Hard Mode ending takes intelligence to figure out. Consider yourself complimented. As in all Slake songs, the timing must be no less than perfect. Thank goodness speed doesn't kill, in this case. That section that looks like simple up beats and down beats. . .think again! That one section (where the world map shows up) isn't quite as fast as it seems. Basic does not contain the nasty ending. Another contains no considerable rest-sort of like Paranoia Max Funky Bleep Mix, in that respect. Another is also close to impossible-I have never seen the ending to it. 5/5/7 Deep Clear Eyes by Quadra. 3rd stage. MEDIUM _Speed_: 6, 6, 7 _Technicality_: 8, 8.5, 9 _Rhythm_: 7, 8, 10 _Note Bunching_: 6, 7, 9 _Overall_: 7, 7, 8.5 Comments: Why does this song get a 10 on rhythm? Because this song is pretty much rhythm and technicality, with some minor note bunching problems. Don't ask how, but I can completely drain my bar when I get to the scratch part. Basic and Hard Modes are the same (not too sure, maybe less scratch), but that won't help much, as Hard is a good deal more technical. Speaking of that scratch part. . .there's a pattern, but you'll have to find out for yourself, because my memory is not cooperating with me. I know of one person who regularly plays this song-on Hi-Speed 2 (hmm. . .I wouldn't describe you as a punk, you like technical songs, and you definitely would not look good with red hair or a yard-long braid. . .so I'll just call you No. 4). 5/6/6 Deep in You by dj nagureo. 3rd stage. SLOW _Speed_: 6, 7, 7 _Technicality_: 7, 7.5, 7.5 _Rhythm_: 7.5, 7.5, 8 _Note Bunching_: 8, 8.5, 9 _Overall_: 7, 7.5, 8.5 Comments: Its slow speed is confounding, and its rhythm isn't much better. Notes are in little clumps of 5 or more, and they're usually pretty fast. But, it's a nice peppy song. The theme is quite catchy; listen to someone else play this song, and it should help you (rhythm-wise). Basic and Hard are the same (thank goodness), and Another is just plain scary (the only reason why the Another Overall is so high is because of a VERY long drumroll that resulted in the immediate failure of the player, who usually plays Thrash Traxx, not this nightmare of a song). Get past the drumrolls on Another and the rest should be cake (it's pretty much the same as the original). 5/7/7 Denim by Slake. Electro Mix by Deprogram Man. 3rd stage. MEDIUM _Speed_: 5, 6, 7 _Technicality_: 8, 8.5, 9 _Rhythm_: 7, 8, 9.5 _Note Bunching_: 6, 7, 9 _Overall_: 6.5, 8, 9 Comments: It's Slake. What were you expecting? Just to let you know that I made it about a third of the way into the song before my jaw went slack due to the extreme amount of notes there. But if I made it THAT far into the song without doing too badly, the note bunching can't be THAT bad (can it? I now make it halfway into the song before I fail). If anything, the scratch will throw you off (well, it did for me!). The first really hard scratch part is scratch, note, note, scratch, scratch, note (I hope). The ending reminds me of Freakout. Deprogam Man went and decided to have some fun with this song. At one point, you'll have to ram on an alternating sequence of all white keys and all black keys (really big hint: USE BOTH HANDS!!). Basic Mode is no fun. A warning for those who want to try the Another Couple: The alternating black-and-white keys part is split between the players. 5/5/- Destruction by MPM. 3rd stage. SLOW _Speed_: 3, 5 _Technicality_: 3, 6.5 _Rhythm_: 2, 7 _Note Bunching_: 2, 7.5 _Overall_: 2.5, 6.5 Comments: Someone misrated this song on Basic Mode big time. It should not be a 5. A 3, maybe, but not a 5. This song puzzles me. Listen to the other MPM song, and then listen to this song. What a contrast! As far as I know, I'm the only one who plays this song on Hard Mode regularly (until I get another song down pat-to find this song out, read on, and on, and on). Don't fool around too much on this song (espcially Hard Mode), because it's not that hard to fail. For Hard Mode. . .if your playing style is anything like mine, you'll either get a bunch of "Great" judgements in a row (on those clumps that pass for a theme), or you'll end up with a plethora of everything else (which does bad things to your meter). Remember to alternate hands, and don't start the clumps too early. Good luck on the note clumps on Hard Mode. BEAN SALUTE!!! (Hey, that's what the ending sounds like to me!) 1/2/7 Do You Love Me? (this is a song title, not a question to you, dear reader) by reo-nagumo. Soft Landing Mix by Doctor S. 1st stage. SLOW OR FAST, DEPENDING ON WHAT YOU'RE PLAYING _Speed_: 6.5, 6, 10 _Technicality_: 8, 8.5, 9 _Rhythm_: 7.5, 6, 9.5 _Note Bunching_: 8, 8, 9.5 _Overall_: 8, 8, 9.5 Comments: This song does not match its rating. A note to beginners: DON'T PLAY THIS SONG. PLAY I LIVE JUST 4 U. Otherwise, you'll go to the moon like a rocket. That bunched-up section in the middle wasn't meant for beginnners. Those notes after the bunched-up section are actually eighth notes (slow like you wouldn't believe, but still eighth notes). Oh, yes, and the Soft Landing Mix contains two drastic tempo changes (which is why it has the 10 rating). Although Basic and Hard Modes are the same, both are a good deal harder than their ratings let on. I'll leave Another Mode as a great big surprise (okay, I'll spill one little hint: think Super Subway Mix-type music). 5/6/9 Drunk Monky by DJ Oddball. Last stage. MEDIUM _Speed_: 5, 5, 7 _Technicality_: 8, 9.5, 9 _Rhythm_: 7, 8, 9.5 _Note Bunching_: 7, 8, 10 _Overall_: 7, 8, 9 Comments: Minimal songs are just SO technical. The remix ratings are from the ONE time I've seen this played (and something tells me that if it was me that played this remix, I would last the whole of one second before I flunked out). The only difference between Basic and Hard Modes is the technicality. If you and a friend are playing Couple, both of you will need to be able to switch from melody to background and back VERY fast (within 2 beats). Interesting observation. . .after the six-note measure in the middle (monkey scratching its head, looking puzzled), there is a pattern to all those scary notes. Notice the white key farthest from the scratch and the middle white key? That's right: it's an eighth note pattern, with some really weird stuff thrown in. Hope this helps ya! Another Couple is also extremely hard (at least on the 1P side). The reason why? The bass part is thrown in. In addition to all the notes you have to press, you'll have to press another pattern of notes (even through the drumroll). Study the leftmost white key for the pattern (or have someone else push that key for you while you play, and ask them later). Regardless of what mix you play, be prepared to use all your fingers! Hehehe, looks like one of my friends found a vodka bottle :P. . . My mom doesn't know about the old man in here. Please don't tell her. She wouldn't like him anyway. 4/5/6 Freakout by The Athletics. 3rd stage. SLOW _Speed_: 5, 6, 6 _Technicality_: 6, 7, 7 _Rhythm_: 7, 6, 8 _Note Bunching_: 4, 7.5, 8 _Overall_: 5.5, 7, 7.5 Comments: Remember the one exception I had to ramming on the keys in the middle of the song? This is it. In the middle of the song, there will be a three-beat break. At that time, the singer will say something about cutting something (and it's not cheese, hair, or talk). Go ahead and censor this if you want. I do. Censoring aside, this song requires some fast button-ramming at points. Have someone scratch for you if you can't quite pass this song (but make sure the person scratching for your knows what they're doing, especially on Another). This is a song that can be played by ear (and don't play me (the song) until you can hear the melody in your head). Basic cuts out a lot of the notes (including that ending that is reminiscent of the 20, November drumroll). For some odd reason, I find the Another version easier than the Hard version. Who knows? 4/6/9 Genom Screams by L.E.D. Light. Spiritual Mix by Doctor S. 3rd stage. MEDIUM _Speed_: 6, 5, 7 _Technicality_: 7, 8, 9 _Rhythm_: 8, 9, 9.5 _Note Bunching_: 8, 9, 10 _Overall_: 7.5, 8, 9 Comments: I just LOVE this song. Personal opinions aside, this song is one tough cookie. The theme requires that you be either on a caffeine high or very, very good at rhythm. The note bunching, however, is what makes this song so dang hard. Check out the Basic and Hard Mode endings (they're the same). I use the palm of my hand, Super Highway style, to get those notes (this is how I miss half my notes). On Basic Mode, it's possible to get a "Poor" judgement on 42 notes and still pass (I've done worse). Hard Mode? Forget it! It's truly impressive when you can beat the Spiritual Mix (which isn't too remixed, like what Deprogram Man did to Attack the Music). Don't count on Couple Mode to save you; both sides have the same ending (but those who play the Spiritual Mix will find that the 2P side is marginally harder). Stuck on the ending? The first major clump is a left white key, left blue key, middle white key, left blue key, middle white key, right blue key, right white key bunch. The second clump is a left white key, left blue key, middle white key, left blue key, middle white key, right white key, right blue key bunch. Almost the same, but not quite. Quickie history: This song debuted on the Playstation on the Beatmania Append Gottamix, along with a few other songs in the FAQ. Beatmania Append Gottamix appeared between Beatmania 3 and Beatmania 4 (thanks, BemaniOtaku). 6/7/8 Hell Scaper by L.E.D. Light-G. Slashing Mix by Deprogram Man. Last stage. FAST, FASTER, AND EVEN FASTER _Speed_: 8, 9, 9 _Technicality_: 5, 5, 5 _Rhythm_: 4, 5, 6 _Note Bunching_: 6, 5, 6 _Overall_: 7.5, 7, 5 (trust me on these ratings) Comments: This is the only song I know of where the remix is easier than the original. I've seen the remix passed more often than the original (and yes, I can pass the remix on Couple, either side). Basic and Hard Modes are the same, complete with the tempo changes. You didn't notice? Halfway through the song, the tempo will change by 5 bpm (beats per minute) twice. As a result, anyone who plays this will usually mess up right when the tempo changes the second time. The theme for the Slashing Mix is not straight eighth notes. It's something weird. Whoever playes 2P for either mix has an unfair advantage (because there are a lot less notes in that particular part). The one and only reason why I think some fail this song is because of the note clusters that appear (so if you miss 2 clusters, you could actually be missing up to six notes in a row, which is enough to really drop your meter). Oh, yes, and for those of you who actually follow the Ten Commandments, this song violates Commandment #2. BTW, I'm not talking about my other FAQ. The song's title is spelled correctly (it's not Hell Scraper, it's Hell Scaper. You're not scraping anything, but you are skimming over it. There is a difference, I tell you!). Quickie history: This song debuted on the Playstation on the Beatmania Append Gottamix, along with a few other songs in the FAQ. Beatmania Append Gottamix appeared between Beatmania 3 and Beatmania 4 (thanks, BemaniOtaku). 2/3/4 Higher by Slake. 1st stage. SLOW, EVEN BY SLAKE STANDARDS _Speed_: 5, 5, 6 _Technicality_: 6, 6.5, 6.5 _Rhythm_: 4.5, 7.5, 8 _Note Bunching_: 6, 8, 8.5 _Overall_: 6, 7, 7 Comments: Number of times I've seen the original and the remix played: once. It sure gave me a shock! There's a nice little surprise for you waiting in the middle of the song. The speed may help a little. Don't push the buttons too fast. Oh, yes, and don't panic. There's a pattern to the notes. Basic is ridiculously easy (it's only the fourth slowest song in the game!). 3/3/5 Hunting For You by Togo Project featuring Megu and Scotty D. 2nd stage. SLOW _Speed_: 6, 5, 6 _Technicality_: 5, 5, 6 _Rhythm_: 6, 6.5, 7.5 _Note Bunching_: 6.5, 6, 7 _Overall_: 6, 5.5, 6.5 Comments: This song sounds like something out of a fast food commercial. If someone is doing your scratch, make sure that they know what they're doing, or the results could be disasterous. Those measure of scary-looking notes are actually a fairly common rhythm-two notes on the beat followed by two sixteenth notes, with the second note of that set being the third beat, and notes right between the third and fourth beat and on the fourth beat (if I used ^ for the first sixteenth note, and * for up beats, the rhythm would be 1, 2, ^, 3, *, 4, maybe a *, repeat). If my memory serves me right, Basic is missing one very nasty scratch section. 1/2/3 I Live Just 4 U by MPM. 1st stage. ZZZZZZ. . .ERHM, SLOW _Speed_: 4, 4, 4 _Technicality_: 2, 3, 4 _Rhythm_: 1.5, 1.5, 6 _Note Bunching_: 7, 5, 8 _Overall_: 4, 3.5, 5.5 Comments: Whew, what a contrast between MPM songs! Anyway, this is the easier of the two Basic songs that are truly basic. Hope those eighth notes don't throw you. . .unless this is your first time playing. Don't worry, it's possible. If this song gives you problems, drag someone over for scratch and try Popcorn. Wonder why Another Mode got such a high rating for note bunching? Play it for yourself. Trust me when I tell you it's a HUGE surprise (and it's a bit longer than what I'd call short). I think this song is the same on Basic and Hard modes. 4/4/5 Jazz a Pump Up by Takumi. 3rd stage. SLOW _Speed_: (?), 7, 8 _Technicality_: (?), 7, 7.5 _Rhythm_: (?), 7.5, 7.5 _Note Bunching_: (?), 5, 7.5 _Overall_: (?), 6.5, 7.5 Comments: I've only seen one person play this song. I guess there aren't too many true jazz fans who play this game. From the ONE time I've seen and heard this song (on Hard and Another Modes), the notes come in clumps (but they're short) and it sounds something like a really bad radio broadcast. Those who can pass 5 songs easily have trouble with the remix. Maybe they start the bunched notes too early. 3/4/- Kakattekontai by Bebe. 1st stage. SLOW _Speed_: (?), 4.5 _Technicality_: (?), 6.5 _Rhythm_: (?), 8 _Note Bunching_: (?), 8.5 _Overall_: (?), 7 Comments: Why no ratings for Basic Mode? I guess people think cube beats are weird. Maybe the guy with the weird hair has an explanation. . .I'm pretty surprised that people flunk out on that section where we see aforementioned guy. For those of you who actually played the 1/2/whatever songs, that section goes slightly faster than the melody of Do You Love Me? or the little clumps at the end of the eighth-note strings of I Live Just 4 U. Oh, yes, and those five notes that appear pretty close to each other. . .start from the rightmost white key, and go in a zigzag pattern all the way down to the leftmost white key. Other than that, this slow song should be fairly easy. I sure hope Basic and Hard Modes differ! Someone has just decided to adopt this song. . .I'll think I'll call the pair of you the Tiger and the Dragonfly. 2/3/- Keep on Movin' by n.m.r. 1st stage. SURPRISINGLY SLOW _Speed_: 5, 5.5 _Technicality_: 6, 6 _Rhythm_: 6, 5.5 _Note Bunching_: 5.5, 6.5 _Overall_: 6, 6 Comments: Another good song that no one bothers to play. I don't remember much, except that there is virtually no note bunching (except that little one-measure thing that counts for a trumpet theme. Mess this up badly and you're in trouble). All this song's difficulty comes in technicality, I think. The trumpet theme is only found on Hard Mode. 3/4/6 La Bossanova de Febienne by staccato two-F. Bossa Bossa Groove by Doctor S (who else?). 2nd stage. MEDIUM. . . _Speed_: 5, 5, 7 _Technicality_: 6, 7, 7 _Rhythm_: 3, 4, 7.5 (you obviously haven't seen the ending yet) _Note Bunching_: 3, 6, 8 _Overall_: 4.5, 5.5, 7.5 Comments: At least I know enough about this song to evaluate it. Basic Mode is missing all the fun. However, it is really easy to miss notes on this song. The worst example of note bunching occurs at the end of the Hard mode. Even that isn't too bad (unless you're into remixes). Have someone else do your scratch if you have trouble with Another Mode. Congratulate yourself if you can say this title correctly. 4/6/- Linn 1999 by dj nagureo (he finally did something right). 3rd stage. MEDIUM. . .BARELY _Speed_: 4, 4 _Technicality_: 6, 7.5 _Rhythm_: 6.5, 7.5 (because someone is BOUND to mess up one vital section) _Note Bunching_: 4, 8 _Overall_: 4.5, 6.5 Comments: This is what video game music is SUPPOSED to sound like. The beginning is a mess. If you can get past that (to the nice little one-two-another key-scratch section, which will either make or break your chances of passing this song, 'cause it's really easy to get 20 "Bad" judgements in a row), you'll have some time to regain lost meter-but not much (well, maybe that left to right section. . .). Have someone help you with scratch if you can't quite pass this song (and if someone who knows what they're doing can help me with scratch, I can pass this song). Try not to play this song on Battle Mode-the machine doesn't like it, and you may end up flunking because the machine takes too long to register what key you've pressed (at least the on-screen registration does). This problem only occurs on Hard Mode. One of my friends will cross his hands so that he's scratching with his left hand (only during that part when the scratches come once every beat). Try counting aloud to yourself. Others may look at you as if you have a problem, but it just might help. One person plays this song regularly-I think you can figure out who it is (yes, RYU the Guitar Freak and soon-to-be-dead-meat-if-you-don't-turn-in-your-story, I'm talking about you). 6/6/7 Logical Dash by DJ Taka. Last stage MEDIUM _Speed_: 6.5, 5.5, 6 _Technicality_: 5, 6, 6.5 _Rhythm_: 7, 7, 7 _Note Bunching_: 6.5, 8, 8.5 _Overall_: 6.5, 7, 7 Comments: Okay, so this song doesn't look like a likely prospect for anything. I think it sounds like a two-minute party. You may want to consider having someone help you with scratch (especially for that one part where you'll have to use one hand for one of the keys and the scratch). The beginning sounds weird. On Basic, it's possible to get 35 "Poor" judgements and still have something halfway decent left in your meter. Basic and Hard modes are the same. Mess up ONE section in Hard Mode ("Ticket"), and you'll have to pass this song like how I normally do-with virtually nothing left in my meter. Another Couple? Reminiscent of the Basic and Hard modes (I didn't find it all too hard; my partner made it through with no "Bad" or "Poor" judgements the first time he played it). Another? Actually, not too bad (with two remixed sections, which you will know when you play it). In all modes, the scratching after the second drumroll is on the first beat and between beats two and three. Get used to either playing that section with one hand or using your thumb to hit the rightmost white key and scratching at the same time. The "Miss" screen (the one with the lady and the octopus) just looks wrong. 3/4/4 Love So Groovy by Lovemints. 1st stage. MEDIUM _Speed_: 4, 5, 5.5 _Technicality_: 5, 9.5, 10 _Rhythm_: 6, 8, 8.5 _Note Bunching_: 4.5, 6, 8 _Overall_: 5, 7, 8 Comments: I have trouble with this song (apparantly I'm not the only one. Someone who has a habit of playing Crymson failed Another Mode). I always get the "Bad" rating. Maybe I'm weird. On Expert Mode (Classic Remix), I managed to get 34 "Bad" judgements, 9 "Poor" judgements, and about 1/4-1/3 of my meter intact. This is THE most technical song I've encountered. All of a sudden, minimal songs don't seem so scary (because even I don't get 34 "Bad" judgements on Sparker Another, Expert Mode). Other than that, everything else shouldn't be too hard. Can't stand this song, or the fact that Basic mode is so easy. I still think Another Mode has too many of those 5-2-2 bunches. Someone is probably going to take offense at the unique "Miss" screen here (the one with the starburst in a strategic place). 3/6/6 Luv To Me by THIRD-MIX miryam reo-yoshinori. Disco Mix by Tiger Yamato. 3rd stage HARD TO BELIVE, BUT MEDIUM _Speed_: 7, 7.5, 7.5 _Technicality_: 5, 6, 6.5 _Rhythm_: 5.5, 7, 7.5 _Note Bunching_: 4, 6.5, 8.5 _Overall_: 6, 6.5, 7.5 Comments: BOING! This song goes fast, and if you're not paying attention, you'll fail. Just watch others for this song. It'll come. Sorry 'bout the lyrical error here. Deathlok the Demolisher got a hold of the lyrics, and corrected me (You say that you love me/Looked at me softly/You kissed me and held me. . .wait a minute, this is getting disgusting! I sure hope my mom doesn't read this!). To give you an idea on how hard it is to stay alive (laugh if you want), I managed to get a 26 streak in the middle (and if you don't know what a streak is, refer to the Beginner's guide), got a total of 24 "Poor" judgements, no "Bad" judgements, and passed by the skin of my nails (Hard Mode). I can now pass Another Mode (because it is played so often). If you're too impatient, suffice to say that Hard and Another modes require some ridiculous button-ramming. Some feel that the Disco Mix is better played on Hi-Speed 1. One of my (ahem!) friends (hey, I see them all the time, and they give me most of my song data) suggested that during the chorus of the Disco Mix, concentrate on the scratch part (those three fast scratches) and nothing else. I know of two people who play this song on a regular basis-one who will pass most of the time (hi Sakura, now quit looking at me like that), and another who will put it on Hi-Speed 3 and Hidden/Sudden. Basic is once again boring (unless you have it on Couple Mode, in which case things suddenly start to look like Hard Mode, except for them drumrolls). 
Don't ask me what the three-legged thing that appears in all mixes of this song
is.  I have no idea.

4/6/-  Manmachine Plays Jazz by Mikio Endo.  Last stage.
SLOW
_Speed_: 4, 5.5
_Technicality_: 6, 7.5
_Rhythm_: 7.5, 8.5
_Note Bunching_: 8, 8.5
_Overall_: 6.5, 7.5

Comments: Now THIS is what a jazz piece is supposed to sound like!  It's a
rhythmic nightmare (I'm having the darndest time trying to follow the rhythm). 
It's also quite technical, so be careful.  For those of you who are familiar
with Genom Screams, you may recognize one of the rhythms.  Off the top of my
head, I don't remember if Basic and Hard modes are alike.  This is one of those
pieces where you just have to listen to it before you can play it.  A hint on
the very end: Use one hand to get the two blue notes, and the other hand to get
the three white keys and the first hand for the scratch.

Quickie history: This song debuted on the Playstation on the Beatmania Append
Gottamix, along with a few other songs in the FAQ.  Beatmania Append Gottamix
appeared between Beatmania 3 and Beatmania 4 (thanks, BemaniOtaku).

3/4/5  Moment by dj nagureo.  1st and 2nd stages.
SLOW
_Speed_: 6, 7, 7.5
_Technicality_: 7, 8, 7
_Rhythm_: 5, 7.5, 8
_Note Bunching_: 5, 7, 8.5
_Overall_: 6, 7.5, 8

Comments: Good grief, this song is SLOW!  This song is so slow that its ideal
speed is Hi-Speed 2.  Those bunched-up notes are I-don't-know-what.  This is a
clump song-that is, the notes come in clumps.  The hardest clump (appears at
least twice) is a left white key, middle white key, right blue key, right white
key, right blue key, middle white key, left white key series.  Easy to pass,
hard to get anything over 85,000.  Practice this song on the side.  Basic mode
is a good deal easier.  Oh, yes, and if you decide to play Moment on Another
Mode with 2 people, please note that the 1P side is a good deal harder (towards
the end of the chorus).

4/5/6  Nofia by Delaware featuring Ike Nelson.  3rd and Last stages.
SLOW
_Speed_: 5.5, 6, 7
_Technicality_: 6, 7, 7.5
_Rhythm_: 6, 7, 7
_Note Bunching_: 5, 7.5, 8.5
_Overall_: 5.5, 7, 7.5

Comments: This song will not be that much easier on Couple.  Why?  There's at
least one nasty scratch-notes-scratch part in that song.  Don't be intimidated
by the huge lump of notes that count for a theme.  It's quite simple, once you
get to know the game better.  The secret to this song is to remember that the
scratch-notes-scratch part is actually sixteenth notes with a rest in the third
part.  Use your eyes, use your hands, use your feet, use another friend to get
past this song.  Basic takes out a lot of the garbage.  Another is downright
hard (but passable).

3/3/5  Paranoia Max Dirty Mix by 190.  Funky Bleep Mix by Deprogram Man.  1st
stage.
_Speed_: 5.5, 5, 7
_Technicality_: 6.5, 7, 8
_Rhythm_: 5, 5, 7
_Note Bunching_: 6, 5, 8
_Overall_: 6, 5.5, 7.5

Comments: Not too bad.  Be cautious of the up-beats and the strings that come
attached to this song.  Whoever thought straight eighth notes would be such a
pain in the rear?  DEPROGRAM MAN, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO THIS SONG?  It's a mess
(only those with a delicate touch will get past the Funky *BLEEP* mix).  The
last little melody consists of one extra note and a string of notes going from
left to right (not too hard).  The hardest part about the Funky version is that
the notes are nonstop.  The originals are popular.  One of my nutcase friends
mentioned earlier memorized this song.  Why didn't Konami use Clean Mix?  Oh
well.  At least there are only two versions of this song.

The really young kids may be traumatized by the skulls (I would be if I were
six years old).  Be careful.

4/5/-  Peace-out by dj nagureo.  3rd stage.
SLOW
_Speed_: (?), 5.5
_Technicality_: (?), 6.5
_Rhythm_: (?), 6.5
_Note Bunching_: (?), 7
_Overall_: (?), 6.5

Comments: When I first played this song, it seemed to be impossible by my
standards (back then, I also had trouble with The Fall on Hard Mode).  But then
I got better, and I found out that this song is pretty cool.  The beat is nice
and slow, but some of those strings are up-beats.  Don't think on the ending. 
Just do.  Yes, some parts will look weird, but don't worry too much (that is,
unless you have major rhythm problems).  Don't be too scared of the end; it's
just a pattern of the same few eighth notes (just peace-out, as the song title
suggests).

2/2/3  Popcorn by DJ Watarai.  1st stage.
SLOW
_Speed_: 2, 2, 3
_Technicality_: 3.5, 3, 4
_Rhythm_: 3.5, 4, 5
_Note Bunching_: 4, 4, 5.5
_Overall_: 3.5, 3.5, 4.5

Comments: As you can see, this song is fairly easy.  It's nice and slow.  Those
who can still remember how many times they've played this game may find the
ending a bit fast for them.  Don't worry; this is a fairly forgiving song (this
is one of the few songs in which I can say I passed Another all by myself). 
Basic and Hard Modes are the same, and Another isn't too remixed.  Ignore the
joke in the middle of the song.  It's really not your fault that the person in
the song is itchy.

Don't tell my mom about the old man in the middle.

4/6/7  Prince on a Star by Spiritual Ride.  Last stage.
MEDIUM
_Speed_: 6, 6.5, 6
_Technicality_: 4, 6, 7
_Rhythm_: 6, 7, 8
_Note Bunching_: 6.5, 8.5, 8.5
_Overall_: 6, 7.5, 8

Comments: This is one of the few songs that is actually just as hard on Couple
Mode as it is on Battle Mode.  I struggled on the 2P side, and my friend on the
1P side wasn't doing that much better, either.  Other than that, Basic Mode is
still pretty difficult, because of the beginning.  If you can somehow get the
beginning consistently, the string of eighth notes in the middle shouldn't be
too tough.  On Hard Mode, watch out for that string-it now looks like a Linn
1999 reject.  On Another Mode, more scratch has been added, and that string is
about half as long, with more garbage to fill it.  Don't take this song too
lightly.

Another Couple switches off in the middle-so the nice little 1P part will
become the 2P part when the singer starts off on (hey, quit wincing, I think I
got it this time!), "He gets lost. . ."  For some really odd reason, I can pass
Another Couple on either side, and Hard Couple on only the 2P side.  Go figure.
 During the beginning of Another Mode (1P only), the theme stays the same-but
the scratches turn to triplets at the end of said theme.  And if you hear
anything about a mental young boy. . .well, let's just say that I don't
recommend the guy I first heard this from to go into comedy, because he will
most likely get himself beaten up.

4/6/7  R3 by Tiger Yamato.  Last stage.
MEDIUM
_Speed_: 6, 5.5, 7
_Technicality_: 6.5, 7, 7.5
_Rhythm_: 7.5, 7.5, 8.5
_Note Bunching_: 6.5, 7, 9
_Overall_: 6.5, 6.5, 8

Comments: This song has been played over, and over, and over, and over, and
over, and. . .you get the point.  The only reason why I can pass this song is
because it's been played so many times.  Why does this song seem so hard?  The
beginning is something to rival Ska a Go Go in terms of weird rhythm.  There
are up-beats galore in the middle of the song.  And that middle section in Hard
and Another Modes. . .how could I forget that?  The ending requires some good
rhythm and common sense (hint: The whole thing is either up beat or down beat,
until the last few notes).  But, enough watching should get you through this
song.

Basic is easier, but most of the changes are cosmetic (except for the second
repetition of the theme, which is exactly the same as the beginning.  EXACTLY
THE SAME!!!  There are a startling number of people who mess up there).  Couple
Mode. . .the hard part in the middle is split between the theme in the
beginning and a bass drum (I think) keeping the beat.  Hard Mode (1 player or
Battle) is just a combination of the two.  Watch Couple Mode!  Another Couple
is pretty good fun (those who will find this tough are those who just can't
quite get the melody of Genom Screams (no, I'm not insulting you)).  I just
LOVE the four beats of silence!

My mom doesn't like the old man.  She says. . .well, I can't put it in here,
but it sure sounded funny coming from someone that old.  Sheesh, I didn't know
she knew such terminology!

4/4/6  Release Your Mind by TaQ.  2nd and 3rd stages.
MEDIUM
_Speed_: 3.5, 3, 6
_Technicality_: 4, 4.5, 7
_Rhythm_: 6.5, 7, 8.5
_Note Bunching_: 5.5, 6.5, 9
_Overall_: 4, 5, 8

Comments: Let's just say I could pass this song way before I could pass Sparker
(on either mode).  It sounds cool, and it's not too hard to figure out, except
for that middle section (one key, nasty rhythm, very good idea to listen to
this and play it by ear).  Listen for yourself.  Many people play this song. 
If you want, you can play Mary Had a Little Lamb at the end (figure out which
keys on your own).  Fairly easy for a 4 (despite the fact that Basic Mode is
missing half the beginning), but Another Mode makes up for the lack of
difficulty in the other modes.

Hint that someone may not make it past Hard Mode: when they can't get past the
beginning (which is straight eighth notes).  Couple Another Mode is fun (if you
can figure out the siren-sounding part).  Stuck on the eighth note part?  Drop
me a line, and I should be able to recite most of it by memory.  However,
Battle Another Mode may mess up your machine (the machine has trouble trying to
process all the key strokes in the beginning).  For that matter, the beginning
may not be audible for a few beats (it's not your fault).  Thanks to some minor
miracle, I've passed this song.  Once.

If on the off chance you've made it past Another Mode's (doesn't matter how
many players) Super Highway wannabe part with a FULL meter (or anything withing
5 bars of it), you have a chance to unlock a bug.  Press as many keys as you
can during the siren part WITHOUT FAILING!!!!!  If you can survive to the
ending, another song will play at the same time (as this song ended, I heard
the beginning of Genom Screams).  It's strange but cool.

3/3/-  Rugged Ash by Symphonic Defoggers (don't ask).  2nd stage.
FAST!!
_Speed_: 6.5, 6.5
_Technicality_: 7, 7.5
_Rhythm_: 5, 5
_Note Bunching_: 7, 6
_Overall_: 6.5, 6

Comments: This was the first song I played, and the first song I passed (I
accidentally put it on Random).  The theme will seem scary to beginners-but
it's possible.  It's all eighth notes, but these eighth notes will be whizzing
by at the speed of 168 bpm.  Since jazz pieces usually have really weird
rhythms, listen to this song first for best results.  Basic and Hard Modes are
the same.

4/6/8  Ska a Go Go by The Bald Heads.  Perfect Mix by Dr. S.  Last stage.
FAST
_Speed_: 6, 7, 7.5
_Technicality_: 4, 5.5, 7
_Rhythm_: 6.5, 8, 9
_Note Bunching_: 5, 8, 9.5
_Overall_: 6, 7, 8.5

Comments: Basic Mode is fun, I can't quite pass Hard Mode, and the Perfect Mix
is a nightmare.  You think that the rhythm and note bunching ratings are
skewed?  There are up-beats left and right, and parts where the rhythm is just
plain awful (yeah, those six notes where you get nothing but Poors).  And if
that wasn't enough, some programmer decided to put in some gray pillar at the
end.  If you really want to see the ending of this song, play this with two
players, and have the better player play 2P.

The measure of trumpet "melody" (in the beginning) goes faster than you think
(and the timing's also a bit tricky).  Oh, yeah, and the Overdoser wannabe part
is straight eighth notes (lots of people have trouble with this concept).  One
way to get past that part: Use both middle fingers for the notes on the left
and right, and BOTH index fingers for the note in the middle.  Or, you can use
two fingers on one hand for the two notes, and another finger on the other hand
for the single note (ignore the dirty jokes).

Basic Couple and Another Couple are very different.  No fair!

3/4/-  Soda by Slake.  2nd stage.
FAST
_Speed_: 6.5, 7
_Technicality_: 6, 7.5
_Rhythm_: 5.5, 6.5
_Note Bunching_: 6, 7
_Overall_: 6, 7

Comments: BURP!  I must wonder what Slake was thinking before this song was
made.  Quite a few people I know of think this song is lame (my apologies for
those of you who love this song).  If anything will give you problems, it will
will be the speed (for once).  The one time I flunked this song was because I
was caught off guard by its speed (okay, okay, and maybe just a bit by the
rhythm).  Too bad Basic and Hard aren't the same.  If the rhythm is giving you
trouble, play Cycle.  It's slower.

2/3/-  Spaced Out by Enola Quintet.  1st stage.
SLOWEST SONG IN THE GAME

_Speed_: (?), 6.5
_Technicality_: (?), 6.5
_Rhythm_: (?), 7.5
_Note Bunching_: (?), 8
_Overall_: (?), 7

Comments: It's a timing song.  Notes will appear in weird places.  If you lose,
it's because you fell asleep in the middle of the song.  A little bit of note
bunching here and there.  Unfortunately, one player was caught off guard by the
beginning.  Sounds sort of like a certain cartoon theme (not anime).

3/5/6  Sparker by Slake.  3rd and Last stages.
MEDIUM
_Speed_: 5, 5, 5.5
_Technicality_: 8, 8.5, 9.5
_Rhythm_: 7.5, 8, 9
_Note Bunching_: 7, 8, 9
_Overall_: 7, 8, 8.5

Comments: The song you'll know me by, when I get it up to speed.  This is one
of the most technical songs I know of.  Combine that with the fact that the
ending is hard to keep consistant, and the break in Another Mode, AND the mess
in the beginning, and this song becomes quite hard.  This song isn't exactly
easy; I managed to squeak by with 15 "Bad" judgements, 6 "Poor" judgements, a
38 streak in the middle (record for me) (Hard Mode).  If Basic and Hard had the
same notes, there'd be NO WAY that Basic Mode would be rated a 3.  Speaking of
the ending, it's actually eighth notes with the left white key.  The middle
white key is put in some odd places in Hard Mode.

Another Mode starts off like the original, but changes.  This is true for all
the themes (beginning drum beats, theme, bridge, final drumroll).  These
changes can be anything from an extra note here or there to a huge break in the
middle that I've named the Black Hole.  If someone would be kind enough to help
me with scratch, I have a chance of passing this song.

4/6/8  Super Highway by nouvo nude.  Super Subway Mix by Dr. S.  Last stage.
FAST
_Speed_: 6, 7, 8.5
_Technicality_: 3.5, 4, 5
_Rhythm_: 6, 6.5, 8
_Note Bunching_: 8.5, 9, 9.5
_Overall_: 6, 7, 8.5

Comments: WHAT DO YOU MEAN, WHY DID THIS SONG GET SUCH A HIGH NOTE BUNCHING
JUDGEMENT?  If you've ever seen this song, you'll know why.  It's a royal mess!
 Those two notes in the middle of each blurp (that's what it sounds like to me)
throw me off.  I've seen people get past the middle part by using the palm of
their hand on the keys in a zig-zag motion.  Others (like me) will risk bruised
fingertips to pound out the middle section.  The song's speed doesn't help,
either.

I finally managed to pass this song on Hard Mode!!  So you think that isn't too
impressive?  Blah to you!  The Super Subway Mix?  Think background noise.  As
for the lack of technicality. . .I can get past the beginning with a few "Good"
judgements (I can't say the same for any other songs).  Some practical joker
from Konami decided to make Basic and Hard Modes the same.  Side note: Another
Couple isn't very hard at all (the messy section is split Release Your Mind
Another Couple style).

My mom doesn't like the old man here, either.  Has to do with what that
brain-thingy is doing.  She also said it looked sort of like the R3 guy-with
another participant (DON'T ASK!).  If you don't know what I mean, you're
probably too young to know what I mean.  Oh, yes, and the lady with the octopus
is here, too.

3/4/4  System by RAM (very funny).  2nd stage.
SLOW. . .
_Speed_: 6, 6.5, 7
_Technicality_: (?), 7, 7.5
_Rhythm_: (?), 7, 7.5
_Note Bunching_: (?), 6.5, 7
_Overall_: (?), 7, 7.5

Comments: Why is there only a speed judgement for Basic Mode?  Because I played
Basic Mode exactly once, and its slow speed was all that stuck in my mind.  I
can't stand this song.  Too computerish.  Its ridiculously slow speed makes
this song pretty hard.  But, I was able to pass it on my first try.  The ending
is somewhat reminiscent of a certain part of Chain.

3/4/-  Take a Ride by Larry and Luisa Dunn.  2nd stage.
SLOW
_Speed_: (?), 5.5
_Technicality_: (?), 6
_Rhythm_: (?), 6.5
_Note Bunching_: (?), 6.5
_Overall_: (?), 6

Comments: It's obvious that few people play this song.  I find it. . .um, not
to my tastes.  Therefore, this particular set of data may be slightly
inaccurate.  I hope Basic and Hard Modes are different. . .

4/5/-  Take Control by Larry and Luisa Dunn.  Last stage.
WHAT'S UP WITH ALL THE SLOW SONGS?
_Speed_: (?), 5.5
_Technicality_: (?), 6.5
_Rhythm_: (?), 6.5
_Note Bunching_: (?), 7
_Overall_: (?), 6.5

Comments: Another song that no one plays.  All data is from my own experiences.
 Probably inaccurate.  Basic and Hard Modes are probably the same.

4/5/5  TetraQ by TaQ.  3rd and Last stages.
FAST. . .FINALLY!
_Speed_: 6, 5.5, 7
_Technicality_: 6, 6, 8.5
_Rhythm_: 7, 7, 8.5
_Note Bunching_: 6, 5.5, 8
_Overall_: 6.5, 6, 8

Comments: Although this song is fairly easy, there are a few parts that may
throw the inexperienced player for a loop.  For example, the part right before
the "melody" nearly got someone.  Remember that for some odd reason, this is a
rhythm song.  Watch someone else play this first.  Basic and Hard Modes are the
same, and Another is just a pain in the rear (those kinds of bunches belong in
Genom Screams, not TetraQ).  I can now pass this song on Another Mode (complete
with 187 Good judgements.  Total note: 308).  Wait!!  Basic Couple should NOT
look like a bad rendition of Another Couple!  Both sides have it hard (so play
this song LAST, if you're not too familiar with it!).

3/4/7  The Fall by Aki (hahahahaha).  2nd and 3rd stages.
MEDIUM
_Speed_: 6, 7.5, 8
_Technicality_: 5.5, 7, 7.5
_Rhythm_: 6, 6.5, 9
_Note Bunching_: 5, 7, 8
_Overall_: 5.5, 7, 8

Comments: This may appear to be a nice, docile song, but wait until you hit the
middle.  I had to copy down the notes in the middle and memorize them on my own
time before I passed Hard Mode (if you're REALLY stuck on this part, drop me a
line.  I'll try to write it down again).  Another Mode should have been called
the Overdose of Caffeine Mix :P.  Nice-sounding song, but not recommended for
those who still can't quite figure out which key goes where.  Another Mode
features something that I feel is a royal pain in the rear: the ending.  Miss
one note, and you'll have to either make a hasty recovery, or somehow stay
alive with half a full meter (probably less).  Couple Mode is recommended for
those who can't quite make it to the end of any mode.  Approximately half the
melody is cut out of Basic Mode (but if you REALLY want to see the whole
melody, watch Basic Couple, and switch between players).

4/6/-  Thrash Traxx by Aki.  Last stage
SLOW AND ANNOYING
_Speed_: 4, 6.5
_Technicality_: 5, 7
_Rhythm_: 7, 9
_Note Bunching_: 7.5, 8.5
_Overall_: 6.5, 8

Comments: As you can see, Hard Mode is a good deal harder than Basic Mode. 
Maybe it has to do with the fact that the impossible beginning was cut.  For
those of you who remember the original Hip Hop Mania, this song is reminiscent
of Tribal Groove (does the beginning of Thrash Traxx remind you of the middle
of Tribal Groove?).  Both players will need to know what they're doing on
Couple, because the beginning is cut in half and played by both players (and if
you're confused, drag a friend along and play this song).  DON'T TRY THIS SONG
ON BASIC COUPLE IF YOU'RE NEW TO THIS GAME!!!  It looks just like Hard Couple!!
 Bad notes!!

4/4/6  Tokai by Co-key.  3rd stage.
SLOW
_Speed_: 6, 6, 7
_Technicality_: 6.5, 7, 8
_Rhythm_: 5, 6.5, 8.5
_Note Bunching_: 6, 7.5, 8.5
_Overall_: 6, 6.5, 8

Comments: What a song!  Most of the note bunching is consisted of clumps of
notes and scratch mixed together.  Another Mode is quite remixed.  I'm
surprised that there is no name for that remix.  The rapping is in Japanese,
and there is a nice saxophone/flute duet in the middle.  I CAN PASS THIS SONG
ON ANOTHER MODE!!!  Basic Mode is a good deal easier, and all modes are easiest
on Couple.

Another couple features drumrolls.  Count the beats quietly to yourself.  If
you're really good, count off sixteenth notes while the opening scenes go by. 
It really helps!  The scratching will probably throw you.  If someone asks you
to scratch for this song, say yes!!

3/3/4  Turning the Motor Over by Delaware featuring Jeff Coote.  2nd stage.
FAST
_Speed_: 7, 7, 8
_Technicality_: 5, 5, 6
_Rhythm_: 5, 6, 6.5
_Note Bunching_: 4.5, 5.5, 7.5
_Overall_: 5, 5.5, 7

Comments: Whew, this song goes fast.  Don't bother censoring this song; it
comes pre-censored (sort of).  If the speed doesn't kill you, the beginning
will.  The rest shouldn't be too bad.  The only real concern is eighth notes. 
In Couple Mode, some strange notes appear out of nowhere, one measure of said
notes up beats.  Basic is really basic.

3/3/4  Watchingout by dj nagureo.  1st stage.
MEDIUM, BUT NOT QUITE FAST
_Speed_: (?), 4, 5
_Technicality_: (?), 6.5, 8
_Rhythm_: (?), 6.5, 7.5
_Note Bunching_: (?), 6, 8
_Overall_: (?), 5.5, 7.5

Comments: It's a nice, light, fluffy, my-friends-find-this-especially-annoying
song.  Note bunching is in the form of clumps.  Another Mode sounds like Doctor
S got to it.  Watch the demo if you really want to see the first half of this
song (the rest is more or less the same).

6/6/-  Weighted Action by Deep Emotion.  Last stage.
SLOW
_Speed_: 6.5, 6
_Technicality_: 7.5, 8
_Rhythm_: 7, 8
_Note Bunching_: 6.5, 8
_Overall_: 7, 8

Comments: I kept getting this song mixed up with Peace-Out, until I got to the
force section in physics.  Now I can't get it out of my head.  This is a very
technical song (as least it seems so to Yours Truly).  Few people play this
song.  Don't slip on those Denim-like sections where you have to make a quick
transition between all the white keys and all the black keys.  There is one and
only one purpose of the scratch in Hard Mode: to utterly confuse you (well, it
*almost* worked, but by some odd miracle, I made it out with something in my
meter).  If you can somehow get past the drum/clap section, you'll be all right
(I hope).  Basic and Hard Modes are different.

3/4/5  Zanzibar by Delaware.  1st stage.
THIS SECTION STARTS AND ENDS WITH A SLOW SONG
_Speed_: (?), (?), 5.5
_Technicality_: (?), (?), 6.5
_Rhythm_: (?), (?), 8
_Note Bunching_: (?), (?), 8.5
_Overall_: (?), (?), 7.5

Comments: No one really likes to play this song.  Therefore, I only have the
ratings for Another Mode.  I WILL tell you one thing about Another Mode: After
the "melody" of the song, the rhythm gets really tricky.  Even with help, I
BARELY passed Another Mode.  Whew, this is THE last song that I'll type about.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

XI. Just for fun (everything that just doesn't fit anywhere else). . .

What did that screen say again?

Most of the "Bad" or "Poor" screens will simply say, "Miss", "Poor", or "Failed
Play".  During parts of Linn 1999 and Kakattenkonkai, there will be a "Miss"
screen with a lot of words.  These words say, "No kidding?  We doubt that you
could play seriously!" (or something to that effect).  During parts of The Fall
and Love So Groovy (and maybe a few other songs, like I Live Just 4 U), there
will be a "Miss" screen with words.  These words say, "You miss one, that's
your only chance." (or something to that effect).  The car that will appear if
you mess up on Thrash Traxx or Super Highway reads, "More speed, more
techni(que)."  I still need to see if there's anything interesting to report
about the Popcorn, Boa Boa Lady and Tokai post card or the Ska a Go Go sign. 
I'm trying to figure out what that unique Love So Groovy screen says.


-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

But I don't want the original settings. . .

If you want to speed songs up/play the same song more than once/play in the
center/and some other neat stuff, press the Effector button after you insert
ALL of your coins.  The menu that will pop up will have five options.  In case
you lost that little info card on the cabinet, here's what it basically says:

Battle/1P-Center: If you only have enough for one player, this option (seen as
"Battle") will switch to 1P-Center.  In the latter mode, you'll be using the 1P
scratch and the 2P keys (which may royally mess someone like the *ahem* author
up).  In Battle mode, you and your friend (I hope) will have the same notes for
most of the songs.  Certain songs do not have Battle Mode, and a little message
somewhere will alert you to these songs (anything above 7 is Couple only).

Double Modes: I'm not quite sure what the difference is between the Double
Modes, but I do know that it requires enough for two players, and you'll get
two stages, regardless whether or not you pass the first stage.

Hi-Speed: For those of you who think that Spaced Out is simply TOO slow, use
this option to speed it up.  The speed that the notes comes down will speed up,
but the song itself will still be the same speed (if you close your eyes and
listen, the song should sound exactly the same).  For thsoe of you who play
nothing but Hi-Speed, try playing a round WITHOUT this option.  You'll be
surprised at the difficulty of some of the songs (my teacher always said, "It's
hardest to do things slow").

Random/Mirror: Genom Screams and Super Highway getting boring?  With this
option, you'll always have a scrambled set of notes to bang away on.  Random
scrambles the notes, and Mirror will transpose the notes (so that the zigzag in
Kakattenkontai will go from left to right).

Hidden/Sudden: The option that is the hardest to pull off.  Hidden will make
the notes disappear two beats before they are to be played, Sudden will reveal
the notes two beats before they are to be played, and Hidden/Sudden will make
all the notes disappear.  Confusing, eh?

All Music On: WHAT?  This option isn't enabled?  After you insert your coins,
press the 2P leftmost key 9 times, the 2P middle key 9 times, and the 2P
rightmost key 8 or 9 times.  The screen will flash, and you'll be able to
choose all songs.

All Another Songs: On the Mode Select screen, hold down the Effector key.  Now
select Hard Mode.  Happy hunting!

Alphabetical listings: This really helps when all songs are listed.  On the
Song Select screen, hold down the Effector key and press the 1P start button. 
The songs should switch to alphabetical order.

Option cancel: If you feel like removing any Hi-Speed, Hidden/Sudden, or
Random/Mirror settings, press the Effector key 3 or 4 times on the Song Select
screen.  A mini-menu will pop up on the lower left corner of the screen.  Press
the keys that you pressed earlier to enable these options to cancel.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Expert Modes:

(songs listed in order they appear.  Those with * are played in Another Mode).

_Soft Groove Mix_: Watchingout, Rugged Ash, Moment, Love So Groovy, La
Bossanova de Febienne.

_Assorted Box Mix_: Do You Love Me?, Keep on Movin', The Fall, Tokai,
Manmachine Plays Jazz.

_Techno Course_: TetraQ*, Paranoia Max*, Sparker*, Release Your Mind*, Genom
Screams.

_Scratch Course_: Nofia*, Tokai*, Freakout* (?), La Bossanova de Febienne* (?),
Prince on a Star* (?) (My friend and I failed on Tokai*).

_Dance Course_: Turning the Motor Over*, Watchingout*, Zanzibar*, Deep in You,
Luv To Me*.

_Upper Beat Mix_: Linn 1999, Logical Dash, R3, 321 Stars, Chain*.

_Final Stage Mix_: 20, November*, Ska a Go Go, Super Highway, Drunk Monky, Hell
Scaper.

_Classic Remix_: Love So Groovy*, Deep Clear Eyes*, Attack the Music*, Ska a Go
Go*, Super Highway*.

_Nagureo Course_: Moment*, Boa Boa Lady*, Linn 1999, Do You Love Me?*, 20,
November* (?) (it's some remix of a remix).

_Final Stage Remix_: 22Dunk*, Denim*, Crymson*, Hell Scaper* (?), Genom
Screams* (?) (my friend and I failed Crymson*.  That song sure wasn't easy!).

If you REALLY want to get as far into Expert Mode as you can, drag a friend
along and play Couple Mode.  It's a lot easier.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Author's opinion

Top Ten Most Popular Songs (as seen by me):
1. Release Your Mind (any mode)
2. Moment (any mode)
3. TetraQ (any mode)
4. The Fall (any mode)
5. Hell Scaper (either mode)
6. R3 (any mode)
7. Genom Screams (any mode)
8. Luv To Me (any mode)
9. Crymson (any mode)
10. Thrash Traxx (Basic Mode)  (how did this song get in?)

Three Songs That SHOULD Be Played More Often:
1. Ska a Go Go
2. Drunk Monky
3. Any Slake song

Top three songs that others want from the original Hip Hop Mania:
1. Overdoser (and you would not believe how many people want this one back)
2. Area Code (seriously)
3. Jam Jam Reggae (oh, well, I would rather have e-motion)

LOW SCORE AWARDS
It's easy to get a high score.  But how low can you go without failing?

WINNER: Do You Love Me? (Hard Mode): 36,774

Honorable Mention (no e-mails, please):
Watchingout (Another Mode) (someone else played this): 39,500.
Paranoia Max (Funky Bleep Mix): 47,000-49,000 (can't quite remember)
TetraQ (Another Mode): 48,000
La Bossanova de Febienne: 48,000, most of it with one hand

THE TWO SETS OF SONGS THAT I'D REALLY LIKE TO SEE:

Um. . .okay (because you'll probably say um. . .okay):
Rugged Ash
Jazz a Pump Up (favorite mode)
La Bossanova de Febienne (favorite mode)
Manmachine Plays Jazz

I DARE you to play this with one hand:
Destruction
321 Stars (favorite mode)
Ska a Go Go (Perfect Mix) (why is this song always worming its way here?)
Drunk Monky (pick your favorite mode) OR Deep in You (favorite mode)

Web sites to check out if you're really stumped (Warning: They're in Chinese):
www.kimi.com and www.yuhi.nu (Tracy heartily thanks Shawn Kuek).

Four hardest songs I can play (just so that you know how *cough* *cough* good
the author of this FAQ is): Attack the Music (49 Music Mix), Crymson, Tokai
(Another) and Weighted Action (I can usually pass these).

I'm currently working on: Denim, Drunk Monky, and Sparker (first two on Hard
Mode, last one on Another Mode).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

X. Credits

This FAQ was supposed to be much more boring than it really is.  You can thank
these people for making it not so boring.

Gamefaqs.com, Gameadvice.com and Gamesdomain.co.uk
--------------------------------------------------
For posting this FAQ.  Have you taken the Poll of the Day at Gamefaqs.com yet?


My (ahem) friends (RYU, Mattxima, Sakura, No. 4, the Tiger and the Dragonfly,
and anyone who I may have forgotten)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For giving me lots of song data and for playing my requests.  I love you all. 
No wait, that would make me a cheating girl!


Those who were nice enough to attempt Couple Mode with me
---------------------------------------------------------
For more song data, and (sorry 'bout the insult) some data on what gives the
average person trouble in a song.


Whoever else I watched
----------------------
For giving me song data and for putting up with me (especially you guys at
Jungle Fun).


Deathlok the Demolisher (deathlok@thefiresauce.com)
---------------------------------------------------
For giving me constant reprimands on my interpretation of lyrics (check out my
DDR FAQ for more reprimands).


BemaniOtaku@aol.com
-------------------
For some Beatmania history.  I hear rumors of a 4th Mix in The Middle of
Nowhere. . .


Shawn Kuek (djwombat200@hotmail.com)
------------------------------------
For those really neat web sites!


Konami
------
For making another great game!


You
---
For reading all the way to the credits.


ABSOLUTELY NO THANKS TO THE LUNKHEADS WHO ASKED, "ARE YOU ADDICTED TO THIS
GAME?"

Do you have any questions, comments, or CLEAN jokes?  Send them to
cherriebomber@yahoo.com.  Please note that I may not answer your e-mails right
away.  My life calls.

So you really want to know who I am?  Look for a girl who plays Sparker or
Manmachine Plays Jazz or Crymson on Hard Mode, or plays any course with three
stars or more on Expert Mode with someone else.  And I talk really, really
fast.  As Skywalker keeps telling me, "Speak half as fast, and maybe we'd
understand you."  Right.





















Do you guys actually read this stuff?  If you do, feel free to e-mail me.  It's
just for fun (and it's a test, in a sense).

*What would happen if the world was addicted to this game?  That's a scary
thought.  I don't think I want to hear my teachers singing to Destruction,
Moment, Nofia, Luv To Me, R3, and Prince on a Star, thank you very much.  All
the elevator music would somehow relate to Come on and Get It.  Ugh.  And
hypnotists playing Release Your Mind. . .yuck!  So let's just let the demon
with the red face and the long white hair take over this world and get off the
subject.  Wait, why do I want some demon to take over this world?  For that
matter, why is that demon trying to take over this FAQ?  No!  You can't have
it!  I'll start singing I Live Just 4 U. . .good, the demon went away.  Okay,
I'll shut up. . .*