Where to Start with imports?

Chonny · 12-30-2006, 12:42 AM

Hey all, I'm new to this community and Beatmania in general. To give a quick rundown; I've been into DDR for 2 years now. I've seen other Konami games and one that stuck out was Beatmania, due to the the US version release. I'm disappointed that this is the only US mix out there. Thus, I want to know more about imports.

I don't know where to start. I havea slim PS2. What do you guys use to convert slim PS2's? I read about something called Swap magic 3.6, and that it's the most common way to convert your PS2, but is it trustworthy? Where could I buy it?

Any suggestions for good sites to buy import games from?

Say I buy some converting tool for my PS2 and one import IIDX game; what's the price range that I'm looking at?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Oh, one more thing, will my US controller that came with BM US work with imports?

Shigekix · 12-30-2006, 12:52 AM

Quote:

1) I don't know where to start. I have a slim PS2. What do you guys use to convert slim PS2's? I read about something called Swap magic 3.6, and that it's the most common way to convert your PS2, but is it trustworthy? Where could I buy it?
2) Any suggestions for good sites to buy import games from?
3) Say I buy some converting tool for my PS2 and one import IIDX game; what's the price range that I'm looking at?
4) Oh, one more thing, will my US controller that came with BM US work with imports?

1) I got mine from NCSX, and if you follow the instructions correctly, it'll be fine.

2) http://www.play-asia.com/ I think you'll be satisfied with the lightning fast shipping

3) Play-asia import games go from about $60-70 NCSX sells SwapMagic for $30, but there's probably someone who can offer a better site.

4) Everything except the PS2 itself is region-free. You can save, too.

BTW, if you haven't progressed too far into IIDX, I'd say go with RED, but other than that, I recommend HAPPY SKY.

Dakuan · 12-30-2006, 01:37 AM

It sounds like you have experience with Beatmania US, so if you can do at least Normal mode songs, I wouldnt worry too much about picking styles based on the details. Most any of the Japanese IIDXs work well as 'starters', with a word of warning for 3rd and 4th, due to the poor framerate, harder timing window, and horrible graphics. I can't speak for HAPPY SKY, but IIDX RED should serve your purposes as an intro to the Japan versions of IIDX.

Play-Asia is a good site, but I'd like to know if there are other reputable sites selling Bemani games. Wasn't there a sticky on this on 6.0 titled "Places to buy your fun Bemani things?" I looked over the FAQ and didnt find much.

PICASIO PICASIO · 12-30-2006, 04:36 AM

Only import after you've beaten Normal difficult on IIDX US. Import is possible, but in my training experience, people had a HARD time with it.

I'd say RED or HAPPY SKY. HAPPY SKY because it's the latest but I got started on Beatmania US > RED > 9th and simultaneously HAPPY SKY.

GOOD LUCK

PolarisIIDX · 12-30-2006, 07:01 AM

First off, I'd like to welcome you to the community!

Now on to your question: In order to play an import game (assuming you will use the slim PS2 you have now) you're going to need Swap Magic discs AND you'll need to mod your PS2 in some fashion to allow you to swap the discs. The method I used was the "tape and tissue" method, which is free but voids the PSTwo warranty (which is useless anyway, as anyone can tell you). Detailed instructions can be found here.

I purchased my Swap Magic discs from modmonster.com for around $30 and took a week to arrive. All Import Beatmania IIDX styles I own have been ordered from http://www.play-asia.com/. They cost around $65 for RED and HAPPY SKY but if you buy them together I guess you can save $4. I've never had a problem with them and I've chosen every shipping method available. The BM US controller DOES work with the Japanese imports and I prefer it over the Japanese KOC (sticky keys used to be the worst), but you might want to mod the turntable as it is rather stiff.

As other people have already said, it doesn't matter so much the style you start with but I would definitely go with RED or HAPPY SKY. The interface on HAPPY SKY is beautiful and you can even customize it to previous styles. I wouldn't worry too much about waiting to import until you can pass normal as you can always go back and play the US version if you need some more practice with easier songs, but that's only my opinion.

Anyway, you might be looking around $100-$120 to start playing imports. Sounds expensive, but it used to MUCH more expensive a few years ago.

And of course, good luck with IIDX.

The legend of ZAKU 0079 · 12-30-2006, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chonny

I havea slim PS2. What do you guys use to convert slim PS2's? I read about something called Swap magic 3.6, and that it's the most common way to convert your PS2, but is it trustworthy? Where could I buy it?

Any suggestions for good sites to buy import games from?

Say I buy some converting tool for my PS2 and one import IIDX game; what's the price range that I'm looking at?

Oh, one more thing, will my US controller that came with BM US work with imports?

1) Yes, I use that all the time, in conjuntion with the tools that I have in my disc tray to keep the disc spinning when the lid is open. It pretty much works on every IIDX mix to date, and various other import games as well. I think you are looking for this and this (you might wanna check on the last link to see if they still offer that price in US Dollars since I bought it from them at 30 US Dollars and not in Euros).

2) Play-Asia.com is your best bet.

3) From the links that I provided, you're looking to pay $25-50, depending on solution.

4) Yes, I happen to have a US controller in addition to a Japanese one, and it works just fine.

DKW · 12-30-2006, 06:04 PM

Always glad 'ta be of assistance. I've been playing well on over four years, and I still remember those incredibly awkward early sessions vividly (not to mention the endless waiting game over 7th CS which I'll take to my grave). More than anything, I want you to have a good time, and I want you to spread the word about the unparalleled awesomeness of this game. I'm serious; if you haven't experienced IIDX, you haven't experienced Bemani.

> Any suggestions for good sites to buy import games from?

Been using Play-asia.com for a long time now, and it's never let me down. Every order from Play-asia gets you a $5 off coupon ($50 purchase or more), and they occasionally hand out special deals as well. I've heard good things about Himeya.com too, though it's been a while since I've ordered from there.

> Say I buy some converting tool for my PS2 and one import IIDX game; what's the price range that I'm looking at?

Dunno about a converting tool (never would take that kind of risk); if you're talking a modchip, that runs about $80. A new game is about $60; used games are up to the whims of the free market. Play-asia occasionally has deals for $50 or $40 new games, but you have to get on those quickly.

> Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

No problem!

- Start at the very easiet song. Not something that looks pretty easy, not the third easiest, the easiest. And work your way up one song at a time. Starting with Light 7, of course.
- Work in High Speed gradually. Start with HS1 and see if it helps. If you need more spacing, go to HS2, and so on.
- Start with 3rd or 4th Style if at all possible, and not anything beyond 6th. Believe me, when you're just starting out, things like graphic quality and interface are not the priority. You have to get comfortable, you have to find a hand placement that works, and you have to be able to clear songs without an incredible amount of frustration. That's all there is to it.

One more thing...I've railed on how difficult 7 Key has gotten more than a few times. I should explain myself a bit. It's actually very mangable from 3rd to 5th. 6th introduces some painful charts, but overall it's not murderously difficult. 7th is where it gets really hard, and 10th is just a nightmare. (Red is pretty brutal as well, but not nearly as much as 10th.) The reason I have an issue with this is that 7 Key is supposed to be the standard difficulty, and I never understood why it had to be so top-heavy. Of course, it's going to be a while before you reach that point, so don't let it bother you. Light 7 is always friendly and hasn't ever really shot up, and Another...well, that one's supposed to repeatedly clobber you. (And it will.)

That's about it. Now pick something up and start jammin'!

桜の色 · 12-30-2006, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKW

Start with 3rd or 4th Style if at all possible, and not anything beyond 6th. Believe me, when you're just starting out, things like graphic quality and interface are not the priority.

I disagree. I jumped into IIDX with 10th Style and was fine. 3rd and 4th are both great for beginner style songs, but when someone has already been introduced to IIDX through a higher frame rated game, going to a much lower frame rate will be a hinderance, not a help, no matter what the songs are. Granted, once he moves into 7Key and beyond, then yes, getting the older styles will help there (And it'll be easier to move back to the older games) but when you're starting out and you've played on a post 8th Style interface (like BM US has), it will be confusing and difficult to play the older games.

Avoid getting 9th Style. It is nowhere near beginner friendly. The timing is strict (and kinda weird) and the songs are not easy. I've been playing IIDX for quite a while and I was having some major difficulties with songs on it.
The same goes for Happy Sky. While it is a great game and does have a lot of easier songs, the timing is strict and the learning curve is much higher than on some of the other games.

Honestly, 10th would probably be the best choice here. The songs are generally easy, with a few exceptions. The timing window is also a lot better than that of 9th or Happy Sky. It doesn't have much unlockable extra content outside the gallery, so if you're looking for that, you're SOL there.

RED is also a really good choice. It also has a lot of easier songs and quite a bit of unlockable content. Also, RED's timing window is probably the best of all the games for beginners. It's very on and a bit larger than the other games.

Compass · 12-30-2006, 08:01 PM

Do you guys have any actual proof as to the different sized timing windows in 9th, RED, HS, etc., or are you just going by feel? I personally don't notice any difference. I also don't see why the window would change from style to style (at least not after the interface change in 9th), and am thinking it might just be your imaginations...

Chonny · 12-30-2006, 08:55 PM

Wow, I recieved much more information than I expected. Thank you very much everyone. Really, I mean it.

DKW, I know what you mean about "spreading the word." I feel that way too around my area, since no one even knows what Beatmania is. Everyone's just into guitar hero and DDR, and most of my peers aren't into either of these games much. I feel like I'm the only one having fun with such awesome games.

But anyway, I have a good idea on what to get now. Thanks again everyone. I can't order anything until Tuesday anyway, so I'm just gonna spend my time practicing on BM US I guess. Hey, maybe in a couple months, I'll be posting videos of myself and highscores here.

桜の色 · 12-30-2006, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Compass

Do you guys have any actual proof as to the different sized timing windows in 9th, RED, HS, etc., or are you just going by feel? I personally don't notice any difference. I also don't see why the window would change from style to style (at least not after the interface change in 9th), and am thinking it might just be your imaginations...

No, there is a small, albeit definite difference between each of the styles. If I play 10th, then RED and then go back to 10th, my scores are noticibly varying between the two times I played 10th (i.e. the second time, my scores are slightly worse).

PGwojowski · 01-01-2007, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Everyone's just into guitar hero and DDR, and most of my peers aren't into either of these games much. I feel like I'm the only one having fun with such awesome games.

I tried getting my friends into Beatmania. lol. It didn't work. Then I played Guitar Hero and realized why they weren't playing Beatmania. Guitar Hero is so much more fun to play with friends.

Although you look retarded playing Guitar Hero. Then again, what music genre game do you not look retarded playing? I went to Best Buy and this guy covered in chains and makeup was head banging and jumping up and down while playing by himself, and I just thought "Oh Dear...You need a better therapist..."

I do love Beatmania, but casual gamers probably will not like it anytime soon. Guitar Hero is a much more interactive game that is very beginner friendly. You can't do anything special with your turntable to get extra points like you can with Guitar Hero. It doesn't surprise me at all that Beatmania failed in the US.

And it won't surprise me if "Guitar Revolution" fails because it is going to be a "rip-off" Guitar Hero to Americans.

If Konami wants to succed they can make "Porn Porn Revolution", "PornMania", or "PornFreaks". That would probably sell pretty well.

Arkaaito · 01-01-2007, 10:29 PM

I can't believe I haven't posted in this thread yet.

In no particular order:

Places to buy things - play-asia.com, yesasia.com, ncsx.com, toysnjoys.com (not recommended), himeyashop.com. RIP lik-sang.com. I personally use Play-Asia. Their customer service is great for answering questions about your order. Their shipping is very, very fast. And overall, they're much less expensive than any of the other places I mentioned. They also have a better overall selection, though if you can't find a particular thing on PlayAsia you may be able to find it on the other sites.

Of course, you can always buy things used through eBay or through the forums on Bemanistyle.com, VJArmy.com, AaronInJapan.com, and one other place that I'm forgetting at the present time.

Other people have answered your other questions correctly. I think the only thing I would add is that there's a nice comparison of the different IIDXes in the FAQ thread (though it's a bit outdated). Probably not useful to you now since you've already made your initial purchasing decision... but perhaps useful in picking your next mix.

Creed Bratton · 01-02-2007, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKW

7th is where it gets really hard, and 10th is just a nightmare. (Red is pretty brutal as well, but not nearly as much as 10th.)

wait, do you think songs like Innocent Walls, No. 13, Setsugekka, and Narcissus at Oasis are worse than Fake Time, gigadelic, GENOCIDE and Go Berzerk? because most people would say it's the other way around. admittedly, Innocent Walls is definitely one of the hardest 7k charts, and you're right in that 7k charts aren't "standard difficulty," since IIDX doesn't work exactly like DDR or PNM. fake time and gigadelic are much harder to pass than 95% of 10th style though (I'm including another charts too.)

Shigekix · 01-02-2007, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PGwojowski

And it won't surprise me if "Guitar Revolution" fails because it is going to be a "rip-off" Guitar Hero to Americans.

You may be surprised if it's bundled with a 'Drum Revolution'.