The revolution has been televised. The revolution does feature cheesy techno and rave music. The revolution does utilize the largest video game controller since the original Nintendo's Powerpad. Viva Dance Dance Revolution!

Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) is by far the most popular video game in a genre known as Bemani, which is native to Japan. Bemani, a title derived from the pioneering game Beatmania, refers to any music-based video game by the company Konami. All of these games feature unique controllers, such as guitars, turntables and drum kits, which are used by the player to match a musical pattern displayed on the screen.

In DDR, arrows represent the musical rhythm and the controller takes the form of a large square "dancepad" with arrows pointing in the four cardinal directions. Players choose a song from a long list of options, then "dance" by stepping on the correct arrows as they are prompted to do so by the game.

To an inexperienced observer, the game play can seem a bit complex.

"It's unique and a little bit crazy," Matthew Gartland (junior-information sciences and technology) said. "It's the modern day Twister, with people falling all over themselves."

After a couple of games, however, many people seem to find that the game is not quite as difficult or potentially embarrassing as it first seems.

Erica Vera (junior-supply chain and information systems) said the game should be treated lightly and enjoyed without fear of looking bad.

"I did suck at DDR at first, but never worried about it," she said. "If you keep playing, you get good really quickly."

Many college students are finding this to be true, as DDR has become a bit of an underground sensation, being played in dorms and college apartments across the nation.

Penn State is no exception. DDR is a popular activity on campus with DDR-themed parties and tournaments becoming a relatively frequent occurrence. The Penn State Anime/Manga Organization has sponsored DDR activities as recently as last Wednesday, and, according to its Web site, "is currently working on having DDR officially added to [its] club purpose."

Brian Ghigiarelli (freshman-computer engineering) took first place in a DDR tournament in Redifer Commons last semester and said he has attended many DDR-themed parties in the past.

"I've been to parties based around DDR," he said. "Everyone was very good about cheering each other on and laughing at themselves when they chose a song that was much too difficult for them. Everyone seems to have a good time with it."

As much fun as DDR can be, the fast-paced movement it requires can double as a good aerobic workout.

Chris Chandler (senior-business) played DDR for an hour every day last semester and said that it served as an excellent source of exercise.

"Playing DDR can keep your heart rate at a really high level," he said. "It burns fat and builds up endurance."

DDR fans often enjoy not just the game play but also the music itself. Vera said she feels the newest edition of DDR has the best music yet.

"DDRMax2 has really good music," she said. "It has actual music videos in the background with bands I've heard of and a lot of other good stuff too."

With catchy music, potential aerobic benefits and fun innovative game play, Dance Dance Revolution has proven that it's more than a passing fad.