Flash Flash Revolution
|
|
Flash Flash Revolution is a web-based simulator of Dance Dance Revolution, a video game made by Konami.
| Contents |
Flash Flash Revolution R1
The original version of the game, discussed in this section, is now known as R1; see R2 below for information about the new version.
Flash Flash Revolution (or FFR) is similar to Dance Dance Revolution (or DDR) in its basic gameplay mechanics, yet there are many differences in functionality and control, most notably the fact that DDR is played with a large, stage-like dance pad, while FFR is played with a keyboard.Ffr.jpg
FFR derives its name from the fact that it is coded entirely in Macromedia Flash. It is coded almost entirely by a man who calls himself Synthlight.
The goal of FFR is to attain the highest score possible by tapping out a rhythm using the arrow keys on the keyboard. The player begins by selecting a song - each song has its own unique pattern of arrows. At the top of the game screen is a bar of 4 arrows: left, down, up, and right. A pattern of arrows moves from the bottom of the screen to the top. When a moving arrow hits one of the static arrows at the top, the player is to hit the corresponding arrow on the keyboard.
Usually, the moving arrows reach the top of the screen with the beat (music) of the song being played. However, older songs in the game often do not have synchronized arrows and music. This is a flaw that will eventually be corrected; however, most development focus is now on R2.
The player receives a rating on each arrow he hits, based on how close to the beat he hit it: PERFECT!, GOOD, or AVERAGE. Each arrow he hits increases a combo count by one. If the player hits an arrow that they do not need to, they receive a BOO! and a score penalty. If they fail to hit an arrow that he should, they receives a MISS and their combo is reset to zero. Maintaining a high combo is essential to receiving a high score.
New music is constantly being added to the game. As FFR is a completely free and non-profit game, it is difficult for the staff to attain royalties for copyrighted and commercial music - meaning much of FFR's music is created by independent musicians, or FFR's in-house artists. However, the game has secured some song rights from commercial artists, such as hip-hop artist Azim and Pump It Up musician Banya.
R1 has been through many versions, and is currently in its beta .68 state. Because FFR is extremely full-featured for a Flash game, it has attracted a small Internet community on its chat room, forums, and IRC channel (#flashflashrevolution @ irc.eggheads.org).
R1 Features
FFR R1 has some unique features that off-line DDR simulators such as Dance With Intensity and Stepmania do not. For example, R1 allows users to win credits by scoring very well in the game. Users can use the credits to unlock new songs in the "Secret" section of the game. R1 also allows users to challenge each other to win opponents' credits. The newest build (.68) allows users to complete their challenges in realtime, via a newly-instated in-game chat. In addition, FFR has an online high score list, making it a very competitive game in the community. R1 also features a shop, where users may exchange credits in exchange for new, more difficult songs. R1 has 100+ songs and nine genres. There is also a fullscreen version.
Flash Flash Revolution R2
FFR_R2_A.jpg
The game is very resource-intensive, especially for a Flash game, and requires quite a bit of processing power to run correctly. At least 1.5 GHz is needed to run it effectively, and 2 GHz is optimal. However, the game engine will be revised for Beta 2, and the revised engine will feature improved performance. Additionally, R2 should be played in Internet Explorer for best results, due to the fact that Flash's plugin for IE runs much faster than the plugin does in any other browser.
FFR_R2_B.jpg
The current version of FFR R2 is .12
R2 Features
- Online highscore list
- 4 difficulty levels for almost every song
- 20 songs
- Accurately synchronized steps
- DDR simulation
- Customizable controls
- New versus mode for two players
- Frame rate display on all songs
R2 Mechanics and Gameplay
Visually and stylistically, R2 is very similar to DDR. The main difference is that DDR is played on a pad and R2 is played on a keyboard. Due to this fact, the average song on R2 is much more difficult on "Heavy", the highest difficulty, than the average song on DDR. Other than this fact, R2 is almost exactly the same as DDR and is played in the exact same manner.
R2 vs. R1
R2 lacks many of the features of R1, such as challenges, online multiplayer support, and unlocking new songs. R2 is and never was intended to be a replacement for R1, and both are in concurrent development. However, as of this writing, development of R2 is far more active than development of R1.
External links
- Flash Flash Revolution Game Site (http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/)
- FFR R2 Public Beta 1 (Version .12) (http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/modules.php?op=modlad&name=PostWrap&file=index&page=R2/R2.php)
- FFR R1 V .68 (http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/modules.php?op=modoad&name=PostWrap&file=index&page=indexwrap.php)
- FFR R1 low res (http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/modules.php?op=moload&name=PostWrap&file=index&page=indexwrap2.php)
- FFR R1 full screen (http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/modules.php?op=mdload&name=PostWrap&file=index&page=ffrfull.html)
- FFR Forums (http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/modules.php?op=mdload&name=PNphpBB2&file=index)
- FFR Chat (http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/modules.php?op=moload&name=PNukeCommDemo&file=index)