The Double A-Team: Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix was the crossover we never knew we wanted Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. The Double A-Team: Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix was the crossover we never knew we wanted No Boogie Booster needed here. Feature by Henry Stockdale Contributor Published on 12 Nov 2021 2 comments Mario's more obscure entries are always entertaining. We've all seen him saving Princess Peach from Bowser's latest scheme, but across the decades, Mario's numerous spin-offs have kept life varied. Our favourite plumber worked on a construction site, stopped a Rabbid invasion, pretended to be a medical expert and even ran a hotel. In terms of sheer absurdity, though, few could top him saving the Mushroom Kingdom through the power of dance. Developed between Hudson Soft, Konami and Nintendo in 2005, Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix is DDR's only appearance on GameCube and, thanks to a wild Story Mode, I still remember it vividly. Marking Waluigi's most prominent role as an antagonist, we find him breaking into Truffle Towers, scattering three Music Keys across the Mushroom Kingdom but keeping one for himself. Realising trouble's afoot, Toad alerts Mario to this situation and we're off once again. The good news? Everyone's in a rhythmic mood, which is pleasantly cheery and suitably cheesy. Bad news? Failure risks turmoil and discord across the Mushroom Kingdom, but what else is new? Recovering these Music Keys involves completing tasks for other characters, travelling across different locations via the SS Brass. Facing Waluigi, Wario, Hammer Bros, Bowser and more, there's no majestic boss battles like Mario often brings, just a good old-fashioned dance-off. Providing you hit those arrows as they appear, the Music Keys are ours once again. Mario Mix remains true to DDR's roots - though songs are comparatively easy - but adds a unique twist through Mush Mode. Replacing arrows with common enemies, items, and other obstacles, Konami's attempt to "Mariofy" DDR keeps your feet busy. It isn't just dancing through, as story mode breaks up the action with several minigames, making use of the dance mat's admittedly limited options. There isn't much to them, sure, but playing Whack-A-Goomba or performing flagpole leaps with your feet has a novel charm. Now, a rhythm game's nothing without a good soundtrack and for better or worse, this selection is memorable. Konami draws from Mario's many different adventures, factoring in spin-offs and some questionable remixes, but no one could've anticipated the public domain picks. Pomp and Circumstance by Edward Elgar, Mozart's Turkish March, Bizet's Carmen, all unusual. But a jazzed-up rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star? That one stuck with me. I understand these songs are free but it's one hell of a tonal clash. Honestly, looking back at this crossover feels strange. There are undeniable flaws, unusual soundtrack picks and Mario Mix is admittedly basic by DDR's standards, but I'll never forget it. It's ridiculously silly, completely off the wall and most importantly, fun. After all, where else can I defeat Waluigi in a 1v1 dance off? It became my gateway for the rhythm genre, and I can only apologise to my parents for the dance mat pile that quickly ensued. DDR's not been on home consoles for nearly a decade now and Mario or not, I'd say it's time for an encore. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More Features Digital Foundry Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090: a new level in graphics performance The Digital Foundry video review - and how the new GPU champion delivers for 4K 120fps gaming. Feature Evercore Heroes wants to wind people up the right way "There's less rage at them, because they didn't end your fun." Feature What games get wrong about horses And what they could do about it. 28 Feature Shout out to all the Overwatch supports - where would we be without you? Merci. 55 Latest Articles Digital Foundry Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090: a new level in graphics performance The Digital Foundry video review - and how the new GPU champion delivers for 4K 120fps gaming. Feature Evercore Heroes wants to wind people up the right way "There's less rage at them, because they didn't end your fun." Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 4 Genshin Impact Path of Gleaming Jade dates, login event rewards Including other anniversary rewards and how to claim them. Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store