Konami has decided to test out their latest bemani title UBeat in the US and thanks to one of our readers and forum members, Phil Arrington, we have a look at this interesting new game that takes the genre a bit further thanks to it’s change in focus from the feet to the hands. As Phil puts it: “UBeat Beta,[is] basically the best thing to hit U.S. (Arcade music wise) in a long time.” In addition to being a new idea it is simple enough that allows a larger number of people to comfortably approach the game and have fun than say DDR. Of course 
the different nature of the game and it’s cabinet can work both ways of both attracting or repelling people depending on their tastes but Phil says that once you try it out, it is rather addicting and you could possibly spend hours plaiyng on this one. Phil predicts that UBeat will be a hit – I’ll agree with him along as Konami USA can get this out at a reasonable price so enough operators can pick it up. Plenty of people are interested in something different and I have always felt that this is where arcades can shine in creating games that are so unique that they just won’t translate well at all to a console.
For the full rundown on the UBeat test, check out Phil’s post in our forums.
We agree Phil, this will be HUGE, and KDE are right to take baby steps with the release. I think this will also mark a new departure for international sales:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-EIQUKQbWpM
A little OT, but Kotaku is giving you guys some props…
http://kotaku.com/5049744/arcana-heart-2-bound-for-usa
Yeah I saw that, it’s always good when they do. 🙂
I just got back from a year in Japan and i can tell you that this game will more then likely be a hit in america. All the american students that started playing it got addicted and we would be at the arcade for a goof 4hours before we released how much time had passed. It is very addicting and very fun. I hope that america will also put in the memory cards so that you can save your points and get more songs as u advance in points. its a great game and i would love to have one in my own house.