Beatmania IIDX 6th Style

The beat is back! Konami returns with Beatmania IIDX 6th Style which adds to the five key/turntable setup by adding an extra white and black key to the keyboard. Also of note is the bass-pounding subwoofer under the players feet. Now you can 'feel the music' ... literally! As usual with any bemani update, this version adds new music to play!

Start by selecting the desired options, then a song, and attempt to match the notes by pressing the keys and scratching the turntable in time to the music. Perform well enough, and you can continue to the next stage!

Multiple options can be selected before your game begins, which will affect gameplay in various ways. Fortunately, in this latest edition of beatmania IIDX, this process has been made extremely painless. First, select the game mode:

• Free: you get two songs.
• 5 Key: disables the last black and white key, so you only have to worry about the first five.
• Light 7: an easier version of 7 Key.
• 7 Key: the standard mode.
• Hard: a more difficult mode.
• Internet Ranking: compete against other players in a battle for the highest score, with a variety of 'courses' a preset selection of songs to choose from.

Next, select the song and then the game options:

• Speed Select HS1-3: determines how fast the notes come down sometimes faster is better because the notes are farther apart.
• Hidden/Sudden: hides/reveals the notes 1/3 of the way down, respectively.
• Battle: players share the same notes.
• Double Play: one player using both sides of the control panel two turntables and 14 keys!

Extra Stage - Meet any of the following requirements on your last song, and you can play an additional song:

• Get all Greats on a four star song.
• Full-combo no 'Poor's on a five star song.
• Finish a six star song with a full 'Groove Gauge'.
• Clear any seven star song.

This is an update to what has been called the most popular arcade DJ game by the "Guinness Book of World Records."

If you wish to play a freeware PC version of the game, go to http://members.tripod.com/prjb/entr.htm which has a section for the simulator.

The title appears on the marquee as 'beatmania IIDX 6th Style.' Additionally, a large subwoofer under the players' feet sends the game's music vibrating throughout your whole body!

The monitor is a BL-LCD TV manufactured by Toshiba. Occasionally, the screen will appear INCREDIBLY dim, as in not visible, and in these instances a new lamp is required for the backlight. Newer versions supposedly have resolved this issue, perhaps by using a different TV.

Another bemani series game.

Sometimes, in worst-case scenarios, the DVD or the drive itself that provides the in-game video becomes so worn out or scratched that it needs replacement.