Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced it has shipped Dance Dance Revolution Universe™ (DDR UNIVERSE) for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft to retail stores nationwide. Taking full advantage of the next-generation capabilities of the Xbox 360, DDR Universe contains an extensive set of features, allowing both newcomers and fans of the series to experience the game like never before.

DDR Universe takes dancing to a whole new level with crisp, high-definition graphics, more than 70 hit songs, all-new non-stop megamixes, new Relay Mode, exclusive downloadable songs and online head-to-head competitions via Xbox Live. In addition, newcomers to the franchise will love the game modes – How To Play, Lesson Mode and Game Mode Lite – which make learning DDR more fun than ever.

“DDR Universe is the first game in the DDR series for the Xbox 360 and the first next-generation music game from Konami. It is the most complete and customizable DDR to date, giving players the ability to create their own dance steps and video backgrounds,” said Jason Enos, Senior Product Manager at Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. “With the added ability to download individual songs from Xbox Live, DDR Universe provides an amazing environment for players to tailor their gameplay experience.”

The song list includes tracks from top pop artists such as Depeche Mode, Chris Brown, Kylie Minogue, Jamiroqui and New Order as well as exclusive tracks from electronic music luminaries Steve Porter, Chris Fortier, Jondi & Spesh, skylab2000, GRIDLOK and Audio Magnetics (Bill Hamel). Further expanding the game’s music library is the ability to download songs to be released by Konami exclusively for DDR Universe. Additionally, the game’s online mode will allow DDR players to compete head-to-head against other players as well as the ability to upload new dance routines for others to try out via Xbox Live.

New modes of play include the Power Courses that offer even more opportunities for fun and fitness with non-stop megamixes, emulating the experience of listening to a continuous dj mix in a real dance club. Also new is the Relay Mode that allows more players than ever to get involved in DDR competitions, as they take turns competing on various songs. Both new modes are perfect for parties and family get-togethers. Rounding out the complete package is the popular Workout Mode, where players can track calories lost and other vital fitness stats as they play the game.

Dance Dance Revolution UNIVERSE is rated “E10+” by the ESRB and is available for an SRP of $79.99 for the video game and dance mat bundle. The software-only version will launch on March 27 for an SRP of $49.99. For more information, please visit www.konami.com.