There are two kinds of gamers in this world: those who have tried Dance Dance Revolution and those who haven't. "It's too hard!" is the only thing people can say when they've tried it but don't continue playing. What else could they possibly come up with? "Well, uhh... I don't like the gameplay because it's too much fun." "This game is a danger to my health. If I play it I won't want to do anything else."

I was once one of those dancing fools. I tried the game and, upon learning how challenging a game that uses your feet can be, stopped playing. I gave up like some weak, insignificant fool who can't do anything but sit on his butt and tap buttons all day.

Oh the insanity!

But alas a time came when I tried it again. I saw dozens of people hop on the machine and play like it was nothing, dancing to songs with hundreds of steps. Then they'd sit down, breathing heavily, and die a miserable death in Tekken or Soul Calibur. "I can crush those guys!" I said to myself, examining at their Tekken performance. "If gamers with skills that low can play DDR, then why am I just standing here with a stupid look on my face?"

There was just one thing to do: I reached into my pocket and pulled out a bottle of "Dumb Look" remover. Then I grabbed a few quarters and let myself be taken away by the dancing revolution.

Eighteen months have passed since that day. Konami has brought the best DDR home: Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME 2, allowing me to continue to perfect my skills (or lack thereof) without having to spend $0.75 each time I want to play. It also allows me to practice without making a fool out of myself. (I nearly fell off the dance pad once. In front of a beautiful woman no less.)

No more dumb looks or foolishness from me!

Louis reached into his back pocket and discovered that his container of Foolishness Repellent was empty. He then added it to his shopping list, right under Victory Speech Enhancement pills, 200mg. "I won! You lose! I beat you! Ha-ha-ha!")

DDR EXTREME 2 is the arcade port of the classic game that, even after several months, people are still willing to leave the house to play. It's a rare game, a cherished game, and for better and for worse, it isn't exactly the same as its arcade counterpart.

Let's start by going over track listing. More than 70 songs have been included with this edition, some of which haven't been heard in the arcade before. Consequently that means that not all of the arcade's songs are present. Heartbreaking I know, but that's life. Japanese arcade games aren't usually left untouched before coming to our shores. Deal with it and return when you're all cried out.

Back so soon? I knew you couldn't stay away for too long. I couldn't either. DDR EXTREME 2's soundtrack may not be arcade-perfect but it is very good for this kind of a game. "Captain Jack" is back, as are most of the beloved arcade and home edition songs. Their dance pattern is the same as it is in the arcade – a wise move on Konami's behalf. They've included a dance editor that lets you change the formation to make songs harder, easier, or just to add new dance moves to a song you've already mastered.

Newbies will have a much easier time getting the hang of DDR's tricky gameplay with the Lesson and Training modes. Lesson mode gives you a straightforward guide to mastering the basics; Training mode lets you go over the most challenging moves as much as you like. Both are integral to anyone learning the game for the first time, but as always you'll have to play the standard game mode to advance your skills and become a feared competitor.

Advanced and Dance Master modes are additional variations of the DDR gameplay. Basically it's another way of experiencing DDR, a game that hasn't changed much since its conception in the late 90s.

Searching for a greater challenge? DDR EXTREME 2 is the first PS2 version that includes online multiplayer. Expect there to be a lot of competition in the online universe, as well as a few newbies that the hardcore players will stomp on whenever they get the chance.

Workout mode is for those eccentric people who don't think the other modes burn enough calories. This mode is tailored to burning fat and shows you how many calories you've burned. I'm not a fitness expert so I couldn't tell you how it works, but if you're sweaty and your legs are tired by the time you stop playing, chances are the game is doing its job.

(Important Note: Don't wear yourself out. I have a few friends that have put their hearts at risk by playing too vigorously. It's not safe or worth it. Video games are meant to be fun. DDR is a good workout but do not play it to the point where you feel sick or feel pain.)

Put all the new and returning game modes aside and I'd still tell you to put DDR Extreme 2 at the top of your Christmas list. Most DDR players already have a dance pad or two lying around the house, and you can purchase this game alone for $40. That's cheap considering how much fun there is to be had.

I guess the act of playing games with your feet is a lot less repetitive than playing 'em with your thumbs. I've been dancing to the same group of songs for months and I've yet to get sick of 'em.

Gameplay: 9.0
When you think about it, Dance Dance Revolution is a fun game. All you do is press a button to hit an arrow as it scrolls up from the bottom of the screen. That kind of thing isn’t fun with a controller, but add a dance pad, several eerily addictive tracks and make the arrow formations fun to follow and you’ve got a classic game that only Konami could have made.

Graphics: 7.0
Two- and three-dimensional background animation, or the image of yourself looking like a dancing fool using the EyeToy camera. I think I’ll stick with staring at the arrows.

Sound: 8.0
There are better soundtracks and better sound effects out there. In a strange, unexplained series of fortunate events, when you mix the unconventional sounds of Irresistiblement and Captain Jack with the best dance game on the planet, you create an addictive experience unlike anything else. I don’t like pop music! Yet I dance to it and hear it in my head all too frequently after playing this game. Isn’t it scary what good games can do to us?

Difficulty: Medium/Hard
Mostly hard. It’s surprising how fast this game goes from simplistic to “Oh my gosh, look at all the arrows!” Few stages were designed for newbies – this game was meant for hardcore players.

Concept: 7.0
It’s Dance Dance Revolution. That about sums it up. The new songs and other new modes are grand additions, but in terms of innovation this series does not have anywhere to go. That might explain why they’ve stopped developing new sequels for the arcade.

Multiplayer: 9.0
DDR is DDR whether you play it with a friend in person, against a stranger online, or just by yourself. No dance game is as fun or as addictive as this masterpiece.

Overall: 8.9
DDR squared. Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME 2 is the best console version released in North America. It's got everything that you love plus more challenges, a dance editor and a number of extras that DDR enthusiasts will go crazy for. Unlockables are plentiful and are not easily opened.

Not every song is included. I'll never stop wondering why they didn't make this the ultimate collection by including every song from every DDR released in every region. They've already been designed, all Konami has to do is cram 'em into one game.

That's a complaint, but it's my only complaint. I can't find fault with the gameplay, nor can I find fault with more than one or two of the songs they have included. Konami’s latest is an extreme package that satisfies your addiction while fueling your desire to play it.