DANCE! Online
Dance! Online, ran by Acclaim in North America, is a free-to-download PC title that largely resembles the Dance Dance Revolution videogame series, although taking place entirely in an online space. It is based on the Chinese game SUPER Dancer Online created by Nineyou. Open Beta was launched in March 2007.
Game Mechanics
Control Methods
Players must tap along to the game's various songs by pressing each of the four available directional buttons when prompted on-screen. By default, players use either the Directional Arrows or WASD keys (or a combination of both) to do this, but dance mats are also supported as an input device. There is currently no set list of compatible dance mats, although Acclaim are asking dance mat owners to supply photographs and manufacturer information so that as many dance mats as possible will be compatible with the final release.
Avatar Customization
Players may customize their in-game avatars with various items of clothing purchased with either game points earned through playing, or Acclaim coins bought with real money.
Controversy
DANCE! Online requires the player to unlock a black character skin via micro-transactions. An employee from Acclaim rebutted the racist allegations, "As an optional character upgrade, we must put this in the item shop for players to acquire. This is the only way to offer the African-American heads. However, it should be EASILY accessible to all, so we made it just 1 POINT in the shop (which is basically for FREE). You don’t have to spend any money to get it, just play the game and earn points. Thanks!" Also, the heads have a quite stereotypical appearance, and "fit best" with the urban/hip-hop style clothes.1
See also
- Acclaim Games
- Audition Online