What is Stepmania?

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  • lxDestinyxl
    FFR Player
    • Mar 2006
    • 3247

    #1

    What is Stepmania?


    What is Stepmania?

    Stepmania is a free rhythm based game. It was originally developed as a simulator for Konami's popular arcade game series Dance Dance Revolution.
    It involves gameplay similarly portrayed here on FFR.
    ____________________________________________________________________________________________________


    What are the differences between Stepmania and FFR?

    The differences are mainly depicted by the features of each game, rather than the gameplay.

    * Stepmania can allow an upward scroll or reverse scroll. This option will make all arrows scroll from the bottom of the screen vertically to the top [upward scroll], or from the top of the screen vertically to the bottom [reverse scroll]. FFR is compatible with the following scrolling methods:

    1. Left scroll:
    Selecting this option will make all arrows scroll from the right side of the screen horizontally toward the left.

    2. Right scroll:
    Selecting this option will make all arrows scroll from the left side of the screen horizontally toward the right.

    3. Reverse scroll:
    Selecting this option will make all arrows scroll from the top of the screen vertically toward the bottom.

    4. Standard scroll [Default]:
    This scrolling option is used automatically if a different scroll method is not selected.
    This option will make all arrows scroll from the bottom of the screen vertically to the top.

    5. Diagonal scroll:
    A unique scroll method that has the arrows scrolling from the top corners of the screen to the opposite bottom corners in a diagonal pattern.


    * A comprehensive stepchart editor is available on Stepmania, where users are able to customise and create their own stepfile or simfile. Songs must be in .ogg or .mp3 format. Whilst users on FFR have the ability to produce songs from Stepmania, the song must be pended through judges specially allocated to analyse their material before making it into FFR. Songs on FFR have been checked for copyright issues and material, while Stepmania is prone to their copyright concerns. For this reason, Stepmania has no limit in its song keep.

    Related links:

    "How do I make a simfile (for FFR)?" - A guide
    Copyright, Permission, Public Domain and You


    * Modifiers are utilised in order to increase or decrease the rate of difficulty. Although the difference in the number of modifiers is very apparent, many are not frequently used.

    Flash Flash Revolution



    Stepmania



    Other modifiers in Stepmania include judge difficulty, life bar and progressive bar difficulty, rate and battery life changes.


    * Stepmania has noticeable timing differences. The default setting of Stepmania is a Perfect time frame, but this can be switched to enable Marvelous timing through the Machine options. The highest achievement you are able to attain on FFR is an AAA, where all perfect windows have been submitted by the player. However, the difference comes into Stepmania when the marvelous frame has been enabled.

    The marvelous frame allows a user to attain a maximum grade of AAAA, the most outstanding result. Technically, an AAAAA (Quintuple A) is possible, only when a user has downloaded the Ridiculous Timing frame window.

    This implementation will take precision to its finest.


    * Stepmania has the ability to function multiple game types, such as solo and double. It is also able to function partial simulations of other dance games such as Pump it Up. Stepmania version 3.9 is restricted to the partial simulation, Pump it Up, while version 4.0 CVS is capable of supporting Pump it up, EZ 2 Dancer and Para Para Paradise simulations.


    Where can I download Stepmania?

    Currently out are versions 3.9, 3.95 and 4.0 CVS. Although 4.0 is the latest release from Stepmania, it is in its Beta stage and has its pros and cons. Many tend to choose version 3.9, for it is easier to edit songs and utilise the program. For online capabilities, refer to Stepmania 3.95 (SMO).

    3.9 - Windows, Macintosh and Linux friendly



    Stepmania 3.9 [Windows]
    Stepmania 3.9 [Macintosh]
    Stepmania 3.9 [Linux binary]
    Stepmania 3.9 [Linux source]

    3.95 - Windows, Macintosh and Linux friendly



    Stepmania 3.95 [Windows]
    Stepmania 3.95 [Macintosh]
    Stepmania 3.95 [Linux]

    4.0 - Windows, Macintosh and Linux friendly



    Stepmania 4.0 [Windows]
    Stepmania 4.0 [Macintosh]
    Stepmania 4.0 [Linux]


    How to add songs into Stepmania:

    Note: The following images are of folders contained in Stepmania 3.9, however, the same principles may be adapted to install songs into Stepmania 4.0.

    1. Download stepmania.

    2. Open the Stepmania folder. You will be displayed with these folders:



    3. Open the song folder. Create a new group, by creating a folder. Create a folder within the group for your songs. Copy all your files into your selected folder.

    Example:



    4. When downloading songs, you may be approached with .zip or .rar files. To extract the files from these sources, you must have the compatible program.

    Download WinZip®
    Download WinRAR®

    5. Once extracted from another source, make sure that the folders approach the same guideline, otherwise you may expect to see an error message occur such as this:



    Note: Make sure to visit the FFR Simfile Database for works submitted by users of FFR. Feel free to create your own and submit them here!


    How do I edit, add or remove speedmods?

    Extended, risk free method:

    A detailed list of instructions regarding speedmod changes can be found here. Follow the instructions carefully and thoroughly to decrease risk of bugs and issues.

    Simplified method:

    You can refer to the simplified method instead, however the link is recommended for your benefit.

    [Method coming soon]


    Where can I get Stepmania song packs?

    The following thread consists of a list of links for major released simfile packs:

    http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/...ad.php?t=85955


    Other sites include:







    itg, forum, post, page, news, games, forums, GSforum, GS_Forum, groovestats, groove stats, stats, groove, in the groove, in the groove 2, itg2, dance, dance game, dance games, dancegame, dancegames, pump it up, piu, pro, ranking, tracking, score, score tracking







    Where can I download Stepmania themes

    There are assorted themes in which you can download for Stepmania.

    Here are some examples: [Click the picture to find more themes!]



    Things to note:

    * It may be obvious, but various themes are labelled as or .
    * Check the compatibility of the themes.


    Where can I download Stepmania noteskins?

    There are assorted noteskins in which you can download for Stepmania.

    Here are some examples: [Click the picture to find more noteskins!]







    Have fun, explore and keep in touch with other Stepmania updates.
    Questions or queries, contact me through MSN, email, AIM, PM or my FFR Profile.

    Destiny
    Last edited by lxDestinyxl; 03-21-2009, 05:26 PM.
  • L0NEvvolf
    FFR Veteran
    • Nov 2006
    • 2068

    #2
    Re: What is Stepmania?

    fishing for a sticky?

    Comment

    • silvercomet1525
      FFR Player
      • Sep 2005
      • 601

      #3
      Re: What is Stepmania?

      It seems to already have been stickied with... 2 thread views?
      Originally posted by Phynx
      BEDTIME FOR ME YAY!!! PILLOW SO SOFT!


      Tier Points: 537 (519 + 18 for 664 AAAs)
      (7/29/09)

      Comment

      • TheNamesH
        FFR Player
        • Feb 2008
        • 155

        #4
        Re: What is Stepmania?

        Yes he probably is... but your missing one of the best versions of SM and that is (3).95
        Best FC: Electro Rush x8 v2, Holy Orders
        Best AAA: That annoying Polka song.
        Best non AAA: 2 Goods on Summer time perfume.. sucks because i had autofail on.. 1300 perfects... GAH



        First Place Beginner division
        Phynx unofficial tourney

        Originally posted by Synthlight
        Play with it, touch it, feel it and talk to me about it in the morning.

        Cheers,

        Synthlight

        Comment

        • Gundam-Dude
          `~`
          FFR Simfile Author
          • Oct 2005
          • 7327

          #5
          Re: What is Stepmania?

          You forgot to cover Stepmania 3.95 and it's Online capabilities (SMO) as well as the ITG Roll support (3.9 does not support them).

          Also, should've mentioned that you can modify your Stepmania speedmods to suit your liking through metrics.ini so you don't need to stick with the defaulted ones. Oh and there's different theme and noteskin support.

          Overall, pretty nice job.


          (Download My Magnum Opus, Solo Kpop Pack!)

          My Simfiles (4key & 6key)

          Comment

          • kommisar[os]
            Banned
            • Apr 2006
            • 4097

            #6
            Re: What is Stepmania?

            the trick is to move your fingers really fast. the more manias you step, the better you'll become. one day you can perhaps become a step man. but that's for another thread.

            Comment

            • Gundam-Dude
              `~`
              FFR Simfile Author
              • Oct 2005
              • 7327

              #7
              Re: What is Stepmania?

              I'll add on some additional info then. Feel free to add these to the OP if you want.

              You can get Stepmania 3.95 from here.

              You can get Stepmania themes from here.

              You can get Noteskins from here.

              How do I edit, add or remove speed mods?
              Detailed instructions on how to do this can be found here. Follow the instructions carefully and thoroughly.

              How do I use Stepmania Online?
              Once you've downloaded Stepmania 3.95, you'll need to go here to create a SMO account. Once your account has been activated via email, go to Options Menu -> Networks Options -> Connect to Server.

              You'll want to enter the main server address which is:
              Code:
              smonline.us
              Once it notifies that your connection is successful, go back to Game Start and it'll eventually lead you to a login screen. Log into the account you created over at the SMO forums and you'll be on the server.

              Note: When selecting rooms and/or songs on SMO, hold CTRL+Enter to select. Simply pressing Enter will not work as it does playing offline. To change difficulties in a song, press your Down key. To change your speed mods and any additional mods, press your Up key.

              Where do I get Stepmania song packs?

              http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/...ad.php?t=85955

              This thread has links to all the major released megapacks.

              Other links:






              itg, forum, post, page, news, games, forums, GSforum, GS_Forum, groovestats, groove stats, stats, groove, in the groove, in the groove 2, itg2, dance, dance game, dance games, dancegame, dancegames, pump it up, piu, pro, ranking, tracking, score, score tracking
              Last edited by Gundam-Dude; 02-22-2009, 07:35 PM.


              (Download My Magnum Opus, Solo Kpop Pack!)

              My Simfiles (4key & 6key)

              Comment

              • pishtako
                FFR Veteran
                • Jan 2009
                • 13

                #8
                Re: What is Stepmania?

                is either difficult to install, and add songs, but the reward at the end when you can play all the songs ...

                Comment

                • lxDestinyxl
                  FFR Player
                  • Mar 2006
                  • 3247

                  #9
                  Re: What is Stepmania?

                  Originally posted by Gundam-Dude
                  You forgot to cover Stepmania 3.95 and it's Online capabilities (SMO) as well as the ITG Roll support (3.9 does not support them).

                  Also, should've mentioned that you can modify your Stepmania speedmods to suit your liking through metrics.ini so you don't need to stick with the defaulted ones. Oh and there's different theme and noteskin support.
                  I've added the noteskins and themes into the post with a linked picture. Could you clarify what the ITG Roll Support is?

                  Originally posted by Gundam-Dude
                  Information:
                  SM download, themes download, noteskins download, speedmods, how to use Stepmania Online.
                  Added an SMO download link, themes and noteskins downloads, and the speedmod link.

                  I'll be adding a short and simple method of changing speedmods soon. I don't think the 'how to use stepmania online' information is needed at the moment, however, I will put it in if it deems necessary.

                  Thank you for using your time to provide me with useful information
                  Last edited by lxDestinyxl; 03-21-2009, 02:32 AM.

                  Comment

                  • EnR
                    Massive flaming dildos.
                    FFR Simfile Author
                    • Jul 2007
                    • 8431

                    #10
                    Re: What is Stepmania?

                    The stepmania 4.0 link is for Mac :P

                    Comment

                    • Oubliette
                      FFR Player
                      • Dec 2008
                      • 171

                      #11
                      Re: What is Stepmania?

                      Very informative, good job.

                      Some other sites to download StepMania Megapacks:


                      Comment

                      • lxDestinyxl
                        FFR Player
                        • Mar 2006
                        • 3247

                        #12
                        Re: What is Stepmania?

                        Originally posted by Oubliette
                        Very informative, good job.

                        Some other sites to download StepMania Megapacks:


                        http://www.w0mb13.com/sm-index.html
                        Added both links. Thanks

                        Originally posted by EnR
                        The stepmania 4.0 link is for Mac :P
                        Thanks for picking that up. Hopefully everyone likes the new layout:

                        Comment

                        • Xx{Hunter}xX
                          FFR Player
                          • Jan 2008
                          • 114

                          #13
                          Re: What is Stepmania?

                          Uhh...What IS Stepmania, dood?
                          A homebody with nothing better to do than lurk on the Internet.

                          Comment

                          • lxDestinyxl
                            FFR Player
                            • Mar 2006
                            • 3247

                            #14
                            Re: What is Stepmania?

                            Originally posted by Xx{Hunter}xX
                            Uhh...What IS Stepmania, dood?
                            The game involves tapping out the beat and/or rhythm of a song or music, using your computer keyboard or dance pad/mat. The beat and/or rhythm can be 'read' by the arrows which scroll in the direction of your choosing (explained in the first asterisk), upon which meet at a set of stationary arrows. When these arrows meet within the frame of the stationary arrows, the player then taps the key corresponding to the arrow. This is similarly portrayed in FFR.

                            Stepmania has the same DDR simulation gameplay, but with different features and characteristics in which you can relate to under the heading 'What are the differences between Stepmania and FFR'.
                            Last edited by lxDestinyxl; 03-22-2009, 12:52 AM.

                            Comment

                            • CrunkaMOFUKKalicious
                              FFR Player
                              • Feb 2009
                              • 68

                              #15
                              Re: What is Stepmania?

                              Originally posted by lxDestinyxl
                              The game involves tapping out the beat and/or rhythm of a song or music, using your computer keyboard or dance pad. The beat and/or rhythm can be 'read' by the arrows which scroll in the direction of your choosing (explained in the first asterisk), upon which meet at a set of stationary arrows. When these arrows meet within the frame of the stationary arrows, the player then taps the key corresponding to the arrow. This is similarly portrayed in FFR.

                              Stepmania has the same DDR simulation gameplay, but with different features and characters in which you can relate to under the heading 'What are the differences between Stepmania and FFR'.
                              FIXED! :]
                              Originally posted by Onilink
                              Negative bpm is for retards.

                              Comment

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