If you've been thinking about working out, you may want to take a look into this offer for Xbox 360: Amazon now has the Dance Dance Revolution Universe Bundle up for grabs, which has a Dance pad for the 360 bundled with the DDR Universe video game. Konami's DDR Universe has more than 65 songs which include tunes exclusive to Xbox 360 as well as licensed songs.

Don't let lack of experience discourage you from picking up the game: as with other DDR incarnations, there's a How to Play mode, as well as Trial and Super Easy to guide you in how to enjoy DDR.

Once you've gotten the hang of all that jumping and twisting, you may want to share the fun with your friends in the Relay mode, where you and your friends can play as opposing teams. If other people aren't around, you can always turn to Xbox Live online competitions.

Other modes of play are also available:

• Workout Mode
• Edit Mode
• Quest Mode
• Party Mode

Now, there aren't any reasons left for you to be slacking off from your exercise routine.

 

We have great news for those who have been itching to bust out the moves they've been practicing for so long. Konami announced today that Dance Dance Revolution Universe has shipped to stores nationwide and is just waiting for your dancy shmancy pants to go out and grab a copy!

Featuring a rockin' soundtrack that includes tunes from Chris Brown, Kylie Minogue, Jamiroquai, New Order, and tons more, you'll surely be shaking your butts in no time in the various gameplay modes that the game features (Relay mode, How To Play, Lesson Mode, Game Mode Lite, Power Courses, etc.). And not only that, you'll also be able to download songs on Xbox Live that were made exclusively for DDR.

Rated E10+ by the ESRB, Dance Dance Revolution Universe is now available at retail stores and sells for an SRP of US$ 79.99 for the game and dance mat bundle. However, if you're not interested in getting the mat and would like to get the game alone, you're gonna have to wait 'til March 27 when the software-only version hits shelves for an SRP of US$ 49.99.

 

If you're in the mood for dancin', then Microsoft's in the mood for romancing. Specifically, they want to romance you out of a couple more MS Points with the introduction of some new DDR Universe downloadable content packs.

First off, they have the DDR Universe Picture pack, which gives you twelve different gamer pics to use. They also have a brand new DDR Universe Theme which is also brand new, and the two are up for download for 150 MS Points.

They're also offering songs for download, though it's not specified if it's for the game or not. You can buy each one for 100 MS Points, or pick up all 10 songs for only 800 MS Points. Here's the list of song downloads:

• Broken My Heart (Cusimo & Co. Starlite Remix) by NAOKI Feat. PAULA TERRY
• Me and My Friends by THE DANDY WARHOLS
• Audiophilosophy by Neverakka
• AM-3P by KTz
• ECSTASY by d-complex
• ON THE JAZZ (Smooth House Mix) by Jonny Dynamite
• Beside You by Intuition
• White Hot by R.A.S.T.
• CANDY STAR by Luv UNLIMITED
• KISS ME ALL NIGHT LONG by NAOKI J-STYLE feat. MIU

Ah, Dance Dance Revolution. No other game can elicit as much fear in me as this one can. Why? I was stuck on a cheap cruise a few years ago and the only playable game (they also had King of Fighters '98 but both joysticks were busted) that the damn ship had in their arcade was the original DDR. I spent a week on that ship and had gone from a 31 waistline to a 29 due to this game. It eats your soul, I say!

Yeah, obviously I can't dance and am just being bitter. Anyway, DDR is getting all ready to make its next-gen debut on the Xbox 360 with Konami's Dance Dance Revolution Universe. This title promises to take the whole dancing game genre to a new level with high-def graphics, a massive song list, support for up to four players, and all new game modes. Exclusive Downloadable Content">downloadable content such as song and dance steps for the game are also in the works, and players can dance with their friends in the new relay mode.

Check out the new screenshots below, as well as the single piece of character art to your right. Dance Dance Revolution Universe is slated for a February 27 release in the U.S.

  

More screens after the jump!

Song time! This week, it's Smile.dk's "Butterfly," most commonly heard on numerous versions of the Dance Dance Revolution franchise.

I've been searching for a game
Which brings me lots of shame
Gonna find my, find my DDR!
One game I won't regret
Buying to play I bet
Yes I need my, need my DDR!

If you've ever heard of the Dance Dance Revolution games, then you know that DDR Universe, the Xbox 360 version of the game, is supposed to be coming out by the end of the year. It's even pegged as the most robust and easily-accessible version of the series due to the addition of a super-easy mode, as well as relay modes for marathon dance sessions of groups and the capability to use Xbox Live to challenge others to dance battles. Some bad news, however, if you'll keep singing below.

Aiyaiyai! "Butterfly" won't reach the sky
Konami's delaying the game; so I cry!
Aiyaiyai! "Butterfly" won't reach the sky
Early 2K7's the next big chance to buy.

If you're hoping to grab the game, you'll have to wait a little longer. Of course, you could always just practice by playing Guitar Hero with your feet.

We've been watching YouTube for a long time. We've sourced a lot of good gaming videos there, some cool, others bad. But nonetheless, there's got to be a Top 3 of the best, right? Well, here they are!

#3: Cute Korean Girls DDR Backwards!

Dance Dance Revolution has been a staple in a freelance dancer's repertoire since it was released. Players have been leaping and tumbling their way into the annals of DDR history. But these two girls will be there to remind others that sometimes, cuteness beats acrobatics.

#2: Surviving the Most Insane Shoot 'em Ups! DoDonPachi Dai Ou Jou

This has got to be one of the hardest, if not the hardest shoot-'em-up games we've ever seen. And one player goes through it like a hot knife through butter. See how he does it.

#1: Professional Gaming's Most Inspiring Moment So Far

Never count a good player down. Ever. In a semi-finals match at the 1998 Capcom Street Fighter Alpha 3 global tournament, the world-famous Daigo Umehara, using Ken, performs a miracle by blocking all 16 of his opponent's special moves and then making his own in order to produce the most breath-taking comeback you'll ever see. All the more since Daigo's health bar was nearly empty - and since he was squaring off against no less than Justin Wong. You have to see this one to believe it.

DDR Universe will be the first of Konami's Dance Dance Revolution series to hit the Xbox 360 and we have screens to give you DDR freaks just what the doctor ordered. To bring the DDR dance party to the next generation of gaming, DDR Universe will have plenty of Xbox Live features, support for up to four players, and deliver a gaming experience that is friendly for people of all skill levels. The final game will include exclusive Xbox 360 songs along with plenty of other game modes. If the leaked release dates are correct then this game should be hitting shelves on October 11th of this year. So until then go ahead and check out these thumbnails of DDR in action.

   
   
   
 

After Konami's recent low-key announcement about upcoming DDR titles for the Xbox 360, PS2, and even the coin-op arcade, they've gone ahead and released a trailer for the upcoming 360 title DDR UNIVERSE at E3 today. To bring the DDR dance party to the next generation of gaming, DDR UNIVERSE will have plenty of Xbox Live online features, support for up to four players, and deliver a gaming experience that is friendly for people of all skill levels. The final game will include exclusive Xbox 360 songs along with plenty of other game modes. Look for this title to hit store shelves later this year.

Download: [DDR Universe 360 Trailer]