Dance Factory

The most eclectic soundtrack known to man.

The game's not perfect by any means, but this is an idea that is long overdue, and I, for one, think it deserves some props. [Jun 2006, p.113]

This is a game that’s all about innovation, and this is the only way in which Konami’s dancing games could be bettered. Dance Factory is a superb product that deserves to be noticed, and as such Codemasters should be commended. [Oct 2006, p.115]

The visuals are a bit spartan. [Oct 2006, p.79]

Though this game may not appeal as much to dance game veterans who prefer the more complicated step patterns and higher challenge level offered by the DDR games, other players might greatly enjoy Dance Factory’s straightforward steps, customizability, and playability.

A nice departure from the default dancing game format. The only track limit is your CD collection, although it does not work properly with every type of dance music. The way step arrows are shown is more annoying than the music problems. [Dec 2006]

Dance Factory is a clever concept, though it doesn't quite hit the bullseye. Its feature set would really do better on a machine with a built-in hard drive, so you could burn tracks to it instead of endlessly swapping out CDs. That said, it's still impressive what the game does with the PS2's memory and technology -- poor graphics notwithstanding.

A reasonably well executed dancing game package, and the idea behind it is a no-brainer.

A gem and a sour apple simultaneously. It tries to do so much, but it just doesn’t respectively deliver what it promised.

The presentation feels cheap compared to the "Dancing Stage" games, hard mode is ridiculously difficult at times and it's just nowhere near as fun as "Guitar Hero." [Oct 2006, p.78]

A clever idea that's a laugh with the right kind of music, but is too random to be anything other than an occasional curiosity. [Oct 2006, p.95]

Dance Factory has some great ideas that could lead to some really great gameplay... eventually.

Despite Dance Factory's innovative concept, Codies' flawed execution and iffy beat recognition make this somewhat of a missed opportunity to knock Konami's "Dancing Stage" from the top spot.

Despite the fact that Konami’s series has a static playlist, you’re better off buying another version of DDR than dealing with this piece of crap called Dance Factory. Or better yet, just pop in a CD and groove your own way.

Dance Factory's main feature is the ability to generate dance steps to your own music CDs. There's just one problem: It doesn't really work.

Fun dance patterns, not great music, make dance games worth playing. It's an interesting idea that doesn't quite work. [Sept. 2006, p.106]

The ability to make your own dance patterns is not a dumb idea per se. Dance Factory would be an interesting gimmick if it was attached to an otherwise good DDR clone.

The songs are theoretically unlimited here in Dance Factory, but you'll quickly find yourself getting bored with the random feeling in the gameplay.

I still think a music-customizable rhythm game could be amazing, but Dance Factory falls short of the ideal. [Jun 2006, p.94]

The sum of these flaws is a total disconnect between what's occurring on the TV screen and what's occurring on your dance pad.