Drum Mania 9th Mix was the first Drum Mania game to include e-AMUSEMENT support, which brought added features to the series, including internet ranking, the use of avatars and access to hidden songs.
A major feature that emerged due to e-AMUSEMENT support was the internet ranking system, which allows players to have their results posted on the internet. The e-AMUSEMENT pass also stores the results of the songs played. This system allows regional player championships to be conducted easier than ever before.
The use of the e-AMUSEMENT pass also opens up access to hidden songs which are not available otherwise. In total Drum Mania features 30 new hit songs. Drum Mania 9th Mix can be linked up to Guitar Freaks 10th Mix to simulate a jam session, with up to three players able to take part. The drum set consists of two cymbals, three drum pads and a foot pedal. The cabinet also has three buttons located next to the pads which are used to select and decide in the selection screens.
Symbols fall from the top of the screen which match up with the drum pads, and the player must hit the correct drum, symbol or pedal at the correct time. The players accuracy is judged for each note, and at the end of the song players are awarded a letter rank for their performance. Combos are also awarded when a player scores a number of hits in a row without any misses. The player must reach a certain amount of points to advance to the next level.
Similar versions of the Drum Mania series have been released throughout Asia under the title Percussion Freaks.
|