What's the secret behind scoring well?

#Infinity · Trick Member Joined: 22 Jan 2006 Location: San Diego, CA

So, I've been playing DDR since November of 2004 and have started playing ITG quite recently. I'm noticing a huge concern in terms of skill. I suck at scoring. Seriously, I can consistently pass Euphoria Expert, my high score being about 78 percent, but I have yet to receive even one **, and it's pretty rare that I end up with a *. I've been trying to work on my FA, but I just can't seem to ward off all these stupid Excellents that I get even when I don't seem to notice what I'm doing wrong. Thus, I must ask, "What is it that I lack in terms of scoring? Why am I constantly ending up in the low 90's on 9 footers and still being able to pass 12's? What's the secret behind getting better at accuracy in ITG"?
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VivaLaMoochicken · Trick Member Joined: 02 Mar 2006 Location: Florida

I'd say you have to get the rythm completely down and step on it exactly like the song goes, but I'm not that good at scoring, so I don't think I'm right at all...
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noles602 · Trick Member Joined: 17 May 2005 Location: chicago burbs

actually moochicken you're right, rhythm is a huge part of it
over the past year my FA has gotten a lot better (going from having around 180 exc. to about 90 per song)

it also helps to know the song and what kind of steps are coming next (16th runs, 24ths, etc.)

but again, your rhythm is huge, hope it helps

n00000000000000000000000b · Trick Member Joined: 17 May 2006 Location: n0000b

ju$ go wit the beat

al$o, playing an individual $ong con$tantly will help get better $cores
like $ay...play only that $ong for the whole day..maybe $ixty times a day

'nuff $aid (i think)
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Thomas Hobbes · Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 7:47 pm Post subject:

The bar -- I just won the thread.

Hahaha.
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Tyrgannus · Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 8:01 pm Post subject:

Sure, I have better stamina with the bar, but worse FA. Some people just don't click with the bar....
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AA Bob wrote:

Summer is as much of a 12 as PSMO is a 9.

AA Bob · Trick Member Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Location: Alllll right!

Try playing flatfooted and hitting the arrows firmly. If you do it right, it makes a distinct sound which you can line up with the beat. (I hope that makes sense. I don't know how else to describe it.)
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Emptyeye wrote:

So um, is it bad that awhile ago I was watching Family Guy, and when Quagmire came on, I thought something to the effect of "Whoa, It's AA Bob!" (I don't remember if the exact thought was "It's AA Bob" or "It's AA Bob's avatar", but I don't think it matters in this case)?

Tyrgannus · Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 8:13 pm Post subject:

Are you taking to me Bob, or #Infinity?

If you're talking to me, thanks but no thanks. I flatfoot just fine and was beating 12's before you started playing ITG (though you are already beating my scores)

My problem is not rhythm or stamina really, it is control. I know EXACTLY when to hit arrows and I don't get so tired that I can't keep up, I just seem to not be able to make my motions quite as rigid as a perfect FA requires....even though the metronome in my head is spot on. Kind of get what I'm saying?
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AA Bob wrote:

Summer is as much of a 12 as PSMO is a 9.

IHYD.Blake

DAF · Trick Member Joined: 20 Feb 2005 Location: In CP

That's what my one friend did to build up rhythm. He went after easy quadruple stars. I personally would rather work on rhythm by doing nine's, and getting triple stars, but that's just me.
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#Infinity · Trick Member Joined: 22 Jan 2006 Location: San Diego, CA

I've also noticed that ITG songs in general are synced earlier than DDR ones. Basically, DDR stepcharts try to 'sink' into the beat, while ITG ones try to strike it immediately. While I've noticed this difference, I still seem to have trouble detecting the beat perfectly, often ending up stepping too early. If I try to be more careful, my feet end up dragging and leaving me with more Excellents. Ugh. Then again, these useful tips hopefully will help me out. I've tried many things, but still haven't got the feel for perfect timing.
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AA Bob · Trick Member Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Location: Alllll right!

Hands R' Us · Trick Member Joined: 15 Aug 2005 Location: Mars

Using the bar on songs with crossover streams, such as Soapy Bubble, Bloodrush, and Robotix, are useless. You're better off playing without the bar so that you don't have to shuffle your feet around as much. That's how you could score better on such songs. Also, using a fast speed mod, such as 4x, can increase your scores if you have enough hand-eye coordination in video games.
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ITG home version expert difficulty progress report: All songs beaten except Pandemonium

cheesecake · Trick Member Joined: 19 Nov 2004 Location: Michigan

Boochypa · Trick Member Joined: 26 Nov 2003 Location: VA Tech

GotACoolName · Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 10:24 pm Post subject:

Aren't home version timing windows bigger?
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Tyrgannus · Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 10:33 pm Post subject:

Yes, and no. This has been discussed before.

The home version timing windows are 2 milliseconds biger (which is fairly small if you're wondering), but those 2 milliseconds wereen't randomly issued. They are there to make arcade play and home play the same in terms of your FA because arcades hardware processes more accurately than your home system......or something like that. In the end, the timing windows for arcade and home are the same...or at least very close.
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AA Bob wrote:

Summer is as much of a 12 as PSMO is a 9.

GotACoolName · Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 10:49 pm Post subject:

I've noticed a huge difference in timing between arcade and home mixes.
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Thomas Hobbes · Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 11:38 pm Post subject:

CHUCK BASS · Trick Member Joined: 26 Jul 2004

Theres a few things you can do...

-Put it on higher speeds. This limits your brains time to think about your next move, so you just do it.

-Use timing tricks.

-Bar. When doing crossovers with it, don't be afraid to take one hand off to turn.

-Just be able to keep a beat amazingly. Kinda start tapping to it at the beginning of the song.