How does a series that’s produced nearly 100 games — in under a decade, no less — manage to stay fresh? Dance Dance Revolution’s answer has always been “more songs” and “more modes.” We forgive the lack of true innovation in exchange for a bunch of cool new beats and at least a handful of fun new ways to play.

Universe 2, however, doesn’t entirely hold up its end of the bargain. Though the latest tracks (including remixes of OutKast, Franz Ferdinand, Keane, and, best of all, the Contra theme) are a blast, the only added features are Freestyle Mode and a revised Quest Mode. The former is a beginner’s dream — with no rigid arrows to follow, you succeed by simply stepping the rhythm and mixing up your moves. The latter, a chain of story-based challenges, now enables you to customize your dancer’s appearance as you unlock costumes and hairstyles.

Everything else is pretty much the same. Multiplayer is still very versatile, with online and single-screen competitions in speed, endurance, score, or synchronization. Workout Mode still counts calories instead of points, justifying this as legitimate exercise. Editing options still give players the power to create their own unique dance sequences and background videos. The new, bundled-in dance mat (bringing the price to $70) is still responsive and reliable.

For DDR newcomers, then, Universe 2 is the complete and definitive package. Longtime fans, on the other hand, will be left wondering how so little extra content can justify so full a price tag.

ON XBOX 360

+ Music that’s modern, diverse, <i>and</i> surprising.

+ Same proven formula of addictive rhythm challenges and endless customization.

- Um, literally the exact same proven formula. We deserve more.

? Couldn’t this whole thing have been downloadable content?

6.5