Konami two-steps out two DDRs

LOS ANGELES--Don't take off those dancing shoes yet. Konami is waltzing out two more Dance Dance Revolution titles, Dance Dance Revolution Extreme 2 for the PlayStation 2 and Dance Dance Revolution Ultramix 3 for the Xbox. Both games are set to go online and will be available later this year.

The Dance Dance Revolution games have reached cult status with gamers with their active participation. Players actually dance on a control pad, timing their steps with signals on the screen. Competitions draw thousands of international competitors a year, and several devoted fans even credit the games with helping them shed pounds and stay in shape.

DDR Extreme 2 is the sequel to last year's rhythm game, and the series goes online for the PS2 for the first time. Featuring more than 100 minutes of energetic dance music, DDR Extreme 2 includes hits from today's popular artists. This edition also includes some new modes--the aerobic workout mode and the choreography-fueled edit mode. Gamers can really get into the game with the all-new EyeToy support, allowing them to see themselves dance to high scores. Look for DDR Extreme 2 to hit shelves in September.

In addition to more than 65 new songs, DDR Ultramix 3 is fully compatible with all the downloadable songs featured in the other Ultramix games. There will be three different modes, including freestyle mode, quest mode, and jukebox mode. Gamers can jump online and download new content or have a dance-off with other players. Ultramix 3 is scheduled for a November release.

Konami isn't leaving the GameCube out. The publisher also announced that Dance Dance Revolution Mario Mix would be coming to the United States.