It's odd to think that the first successful rhythm game was a DJ simulator. Not even a DJ simulator really, more like a turntable bolted onto a tiny keyboard/sequencer type of deal. I'm not sure it's even meant to emulate a real musical instrument. While we're used to playing games at the arcade with drums, guitars, and dance mats; the controller for Beatmania is its own beast. A mass of buttons and a turntable: this is what started it all.



Link: Ars Technica