Activision is trying really hard to expand their audience and it looks like DJ Hero will be a game changer f the video gaming scene. A ton of artists like DJ Shadow, Daft Punk, Eminem, The Scratch Perverts and J-Hova were involved in making the game, and some of the above and more like DJ Jazzy Jeff and Grand Master Flash are unlockable.
The button system is simple enough. Three coloured ones on the turntable, outer buttons are used for hitting beats, or scratching, while the middle one is also used to drop samples from a list of six different styles, like Rave, or Flavor Flav (Yeah Boyiiii!) who has two sets even. The cross-fader comes in to heavy use on more advanced settings where you are required to make ‘stream’changes, or suffer a loss of points. Also, you can’t forget about the effects dial which is used to choose samples and apply filter effects when the timing is right. The classic Guitar Hero ‘Star Power’ has been replaced with the club culture friendly ‘Euphoria’ button.
In terms of difficulty, Beginner setting is overkill. It’s like riding a trike, with training wheels attached. Most players will move up to Medium fairly quickly but the real interactive experience starts at Hard or Expert level where you really get in to what could be called an immersive dj experience. With directional scratching, cross fader stabs, and beat juggling, you could describe it as DDR for your fingers. While beats fly past you at 50 MpH, you will be holding your breath and gasping for air when you are done your track.
DJ Hero gets bonus points for creating a rewarding gamer experience where you will never be booed off stage, (unlike Guitar Hero) and you are constantly unlocking new content. Game play will almost always count towards new stars which open up new levels, headphones, tables, skins, outfits and more, more, more.
On the downside, the 2-player co-op mode adds little to no value to the game as a whole, since you are both punching out the same beats, unlike in Guitar hero where 2-player mode could allow one of you to play bass rhythms. That being said, it is still a nice gesture, and will no doubt be expanded upon in the next edition. Other drawbacks include a lack of user-generated content, like creating your own mixes, which will also, most likely, be improved upon in future editions.
The music covers a wide range of tunes from hip-hop, house, soul, rare groove and pop music. Over 100 songs are playable with a total of 93 mixes. Whoever thought Beck’s ‘Loser’ mixed with Eminem’s ‘My Name Is’ could sound so good? Other standout mixes include Dizzee Rascal’s ‘Fix Up, Look Sharp’ vs. DJ Shadow’s epic ‘Organ Donor.’ On the other hand, nobody should ever, ever, have to play through Rihanna’s ‘Disturbia’ with The Killers ‘Somebody Told Me.’
Over all, the game is addictive as hell. You’re not really ‘mixing’ music per se, and it wont teach you to be a bedroom dj, but the look and feel of the unit are pretty solid, complete with beveled and textured platter. The only heat DJ Hero takes is the lack of a direct drive or belt loop, which could be upgraded in future games. The game is selling like hot cakes, so GO GET YOURS!
