Stepmania Songpack Reviews

DWI Extreme - Glistening To Infinity 2

About

For over two years, Terrence of dwiextreme.com has been churning out song packs. In the Glistening To Infinity series, he aims to parody the style of the dancing game, In The Groove. Let's see how this one plays:

Songs 8/10

If you are tired of the japanese dribble of DDR, then you are in for a treat with GTI2. It features upbeat R&B/disco and trance remixes and campy self-mocking jingles, all done in the jazziest fashion. I kept looking for the parachute pants and platform shoes, because I felt like I was in the '70s. You'll be serenaded to unusual themes, like the riverdance of Reel Around the Sun and the techno-infused lickin's of Banjo Thing. And for the long song, where DDR usually entirely loses any inklings of a melody, GTI2 diverges slightly, offering a freeform jazz piano solo in Piano Mania. The only complaint about the music in this pack is that it is so unmemorable. I did not find myself singing any of the tracks at random times of the day, like I might Tsugaru. Overall, the songs feel as if they were made specifically for the game and the accompanying steps, which is fine, but they do not stand well as songs in there own right. The lyrics are also muffled and hard to understand in most cases.

Steps 9.5/10

I was delighted to find an unprecedented amount of effort put into the step files for GTI2. Almost all of the songs come in difficulties of 3, 6, 9, and 12, so people of all skill levels, with the keyboard or the pad, can be properly challenged. The steps are in sync with the music and are chock full of syncopated 12th and 16th notes, that fit perfectly with the funky songs. These are steps that will keep you coming back to this pack well after you A or AA its songs. My only qualm is the overuse of syncopation, which does get tiring.

Graphics 10/10

Gorgeous landscapes and sharp, electrifying CG effects make up the banner and background graphics of the pack. As a bonus, Freak On and Lose Control come with 9.5Mb background music videos, that although can lower your frame rate and distract you during the song, are enjoyable nonetheless.

Conclusion 90%

I enjoyed this pack far more than an official DDR mix, and it held its own against ITG. The steps and graphics truly shine, while the music is upbeat and refreshing, without straying too far from the norm. Just don't load it on your MP3 player.

Songs 8/10
Steps 9/10
Graphics 10/10
Total 90%