Flash Flash Revolution
From Free net encyclopedia
Flash Flash Revolution is a web-based simulator of Dance Dance Revolution, a video game made by Konami.
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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. Image: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 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.
The player receives a rating on each arrow they hit, based on how close to the beat they hit it: PERFECT!, GOOD, or AVERAGE. Each arrow they hit 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. FFR also has the rights for the song Delirium by Smiley (Kyle Ward, a.k.a. KaW, Inspector K, Banzai, K-Bit) which was made popular by its inclusion in the game In The Groove.
R1 has been through many versions, and is currently in its beta .69 state. Because FFR is extremely full-featured for a Flash game, it has attracted a large Internet community on its chat room and forums. Currently, there are over 850,000 registered users in FFR, and it continues to expand.
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. As a user accumulates credits, more levels in the "Secret" section are unlocked. R1 also allows users to challenge each other to win opponents' credits. The newest build (.69) 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 131 songs and nine genres, with almost 7 million gameplays each month. There is also a fullscreen version. While Stepmania and Dance With Intensity may have a more complex layout, FFR is entirely online, requiring no downloads. Mp3's to some of the songs can be downloaded, however.
Multiplayer
FFR R1 features a new Multiplayer mode, where players from all over the world can face each other head to head, for experience points. More experience points are gained from beating a player with a higher level. A player's level is based on the amount of experience points. Since it's creation, FFR Multiplayer has had 1,783,799 (1/11/06) games played, with roughly 5,000 games per day.
3rd Style
On August 28, 2005, Synthlight announced the upcoming release of a new version of Flash Flash Revolution R1, called "FFR R1 3rd Style." The name is likely a reference to the beatmaniaIIDX series of games.
A brief list of 3rd Style planned features:[1]
- New interface
- Speed Mods
- Skin Changes
- BPM change support
Unlike R2, the game is an update to the current version of FFR R1, and thus will completely replace it once released. The current release date is April 31, 2006, although Synthlight said it might be sooner.
Flash Flash Revolution R2
Image:FFR R2 A.jpgFFR's new version, entitled R2, was released on November 25th, 2004, and brought an entirely new engine to FFR gameplay. R2 simulates Dance Dance Revolution much better than the older version (now known as R1) did. R2 is a completely non-profit project concept created by Synthetic Light Studios. Soccr743 was chosen to lead the coding on this particular version. All of the songs are synchronized to the beat correctly and have backgrounds, and the overall quality of steps is much better. Due to the fact it is only in Beta 1 (as of this writing), there are some glitches.
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.
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 than the average song on DDR. Other than these factors, R2 is played in the same manner as DDR.
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, after a spurt of development for R2, R1 has become more active.