Bemani Games and Their Controllers

Kakumei77 · Trick Member Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Location: Emi's Hat

I've recently purchased a Japanese PS2 for the sake of playing some of the shoot-em-ups, fighting and Bemani games that haven't made their way to the US. Concerning the music-based games, I've a few questions that I'd appreciate having answered:

1. At one time, I had the US version of Beatmania, but traded it off because I was convinced that there wasn't going to be anymore support for the series here in the States. If I were to get ahold of another US Beatmania controller (at least), would it be compatible with the Japanese versions of the game? I see that there are several releases for the series in Japan and I've considered collecting and playing them.

2. I'm a fan of Keyboardmania and it's a shame that it can be so tough finding an official controller for sale. I've tried eBay and some dedicated import stores on the web, but no luck yet. Anyone happen to know a good place to begin looking first when considering buying the Japanese PS2 Keyboardmania controller? I'm aware that certain USB keyboards can work, but I'm interested in having the original.

3. Is the original Pop'n Music controller the best choice for home use? I've checked around the web for answers and it appears the "best" choice is to craft a homemade one. They look great and I'm sure they feel as close to arcade-quality as possible, but their prices are hefty and I'm not comfortable with risking a shot at making my own. Finding the "quietest" one would certainly be a perk!

3.5. Along with (3), I'm wondering if the seven-button Beatmania controller would work with Pop'n Music. I've read that some of the older releases support a 7-key layout, but I'm interested in the PS2 versions of the game and if anyone out there can confirm that any (or all) of the games support this style of play, I'd appreciate it!

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Thanks a LOT for any and all help!

-K77

Flameboat · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 11:42 am Post subject:

The US IIDX controller is totally compatible with the Japanese versions of IIDX.

As for the Keyboardmania... this was the first thing I found. I don't know if $140 is a good price or not; I'm not really familiar with KBM.
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Kakumei77 · Trick Member Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Location: Emi's Hat

Thanks, Flamebait.

Should I decide to focus more on IIDX, I can find a US controller pretty easily here in town. (Could probably find the same set I originally parted with...)

I checked out your link and that's probably my best bet right now. I'm a little weary of the price as the game alone is priced higher than those I've found on eBay. I assume their combo is also a little high as well. I've been checking the auctions for a KBM controller sold by itself and I haven't come up with anything yet. Judging by what others have said elsewhere, it may take a while.

Kakumei77 · Trick Member Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Location: Emi's Hat

Per your link, Flame, I decided to go with them. Thanks again. Hope to have my stuff here sometime next week.

Kakumei77 · Trick Member Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Location: Emi's Hat

Discoman · Maniac Member Joined: 23 Nov 2002

I swear I posted in this thread...

Also, I own two GF controllers, two KBM controllers, two drummania controllers (one konami one topway? [the off-brand one but it's the same except for the pedal]), and two IIDX controllers (those two are going nowhere).

If you are still interested in some sort of bemani, let me know.

Tenchi50 · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 6:56 pm Post subject:

everyone I've seen that plays pop'n says that you pretty much need to get an ASC. Konami makes "mini controllers" but they are much, much smaller than arcade size. so if you get into pop'n spend the $200 for the ASC so get the real experience
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