May 17^th, 2005 (10:52pm) - Konami has it will be bringing their beatmania DJ simulation to the PlayStation 2. beatmania continues Konami’s tradition of innovation, expanding upon the company’s groundbreaking library of music video game franchises that include the award-winning Karaoke Revolution and the hugely popular Dance Dance Revolution. Providing an unparalleled interactive audio and visual experience, beatmania actually lets gamers create and perform their own tracks as it brings the pulsing energy of the club into the home.

"Just like DDR and Karaoke Revolution, we expect that beatmania will develop a strong core following and take off as another ’must-have’ party game for people of all ages," said Jason Enos, product manager, Konami Digital Entertainment – America. "Never before has there been a game that combines so many different and distinct music elements into a completely interactive DJ style experience."

Already a sensation in the arcades, beatmania combines high-energy pulsating music with cutting-edge videos, allowing wannabee DJ’s the ability to create and perform music. Unlike complicated sequencers or software that allows users to drop in samples and play them back, beatmania is completely designed as a videogame – with an emphasis on having fun and feeling the music. Utilizing a specially designed controller that features a turntable, players must mix and perform music in real-time by hitting notes that appear on screen and scratching the turntable at the right time. beatmania features more than 50 club tracks, including pop, techno, drum ’n bass, trance and house, and includes exclusive songs from some of the hottest DJs and remixers in the scene. Gamers will have numerous options, including two player modes that allow players to perform cooperatively or competitively and multiple difficulty settings.

Konami will be showcasing beatmania for the PS2 at their Electronic Entertainment Expo booth.