It really is the next generation of machine dance
In The Groove is more than just a Dance Dance Revolution clone. While the format is the same, ITG takes things to the next level with a much sleeker interface, a more intelligent design, less \"distraction\" (like dancing characters), and a more coherent scoring system that take away almost any obstacle between you and the game itself.
The dancing itself is different too, in that extra moves are added - \"hands\" are bad enough, forcing you to use your hands (or some other appendage) to hit three pads at once, but \"mines\" (that lower your score when hit) are terrible trouble. These two features are used extensively on more difficult stages, probably to present new challenges to seasoned DDR players.
The game is also good for new machine dance players, because the Beginner mode gives all the help new players require by telling them precisely what to step with. In fact, all of the difficulty levels are perfectly matched to players of various skill levels - \"Easy\" on DDR could mean almost anything, but on ITG, it will always mean that a song presents a challenge to new players, but not much to more experienced players.
The combination of challenging machine dance veterans and having a very nice introduction for new players makes In The Groove the best choice, at least as far as PC dance games go. It\'s very well made, and obviously loved and understood by the people that made it (who were machine dance fans, after all). If you want to play a dancing game in front of your PC, play this - you won\'t regret it, and you won\'t beat it easily, either.
