DJ Hero Review

October 27th, 2009

 

There was a time when having an opinion on a certain game had very little to do with HD graphics or advanced controls.  The only question that mattered was, “is the game fun or not?”  For years now, instrument based games have been near the top of the list when you’re talking about fun factor.  The Guitar Hero and Rock Band series’ have been an overwhelming success throughout the world, especially when it comes to party play.   Well, another one has been hit out of the park.  With DJ Hero from FreeStyleGames and Activision, all you need to know is that the game is flat out addictive and has a replay value that is off the charts.  It will keep you coming back for more and will make you want to get better and gradually progress through the difficulties.  The game truly has the formula for success on all levels in the gaming community.

Unless you’ve been completely out of the loop, you probably already know that DJ Hero is meant to simulate the experience of being a DJ.  Players will mix songs from a track list which features over 100 songs and 93 original mixes.  The list features an eclectic mix of tracks that ranges from acts like 2pac and 50 Cent, to David Bowie and Vanilla Ice.  So good are the mixes that if DJ Hero made a retail CD I’d be willing to wager that they’d have some decent sales.  In fact, one of the main reasons this game is so good is because of the fantastic selection in mixes.  You can’t help but move a little as you’re playing this game.  Hopefully there won’t be anyone with a video camera and a YouTube account around. 

The main piece of hardware in DJ Hero is the rotatable turntable.  Firstly, it feels pretty good.  It won’t take too much time at all to get comfortable with the controller as it’s It is built with three stream buttons, a cross fader, an effects dial, and the Euphoria button.  The scoring system is be similar to the Guitar Hero system and the gameplay will be completely centered around the three buttons and the rotation of the table, which will allow you to scratch, cross fade, and beat match.  You can also rewind a track by building up your meter and spinning the turntable in a full circle.  This will also give you multipliers.  Everything works together beautifully. 

It’s going to take some time to adjust to a brand new game like this.  However, never has an adjustment period been so enjoyable. The best part?  The game does a great job to prepare you for what’s ahead with a really solid tutorial system hosted by none other than Grandmaster Flash himself.  You almost feel giddy the first time you perform a successful mix or fade.  Successfully completing a song on Expert might make you believe that you are the greatest thing walking this planet, bar none.   And hey, if you’re not a quick learner, don’t stress.  You wont have a bunch of polygons booing you off the stage and making you feel like a failure as a DJ.  DJ Hero is a no-fail game, which means you can do absolutely horribly and will still be able to finish your song.  The worst-case scenario for any player is a low score.

A cool little feature is the integration of the guitar into DJ Hero.  Multiplayer is a vital part of any games life these days and DJ Hero wasn’t left behind as they feature up to three players at a time (two turntables and a guitar, or a turntable, a microphone, and a guitar).  It’s a really cool add-on and gives DJ Hero that fantastically familiar feeling of party play that Guitar Hero and Rock Band have done so well with.

The online aspect of the game is pretty satisfactory as well.   My favorite part, Online Matchmaking, is done very well.  It’s a very simple system that allows you to not only compete against someone, but will actually pair you with an opponent who wants to play the same set list you do.  No random songs you don’t want to play.  No crappy set lists that you wish you never agreed to play in the first place.

For me, it’s simple.  DJ Hero is one of the most fun games I’ve gotten my hands on this year.  It is very difficult to pull away from and keeps you entertained every second its on.  The execution of the turntable is nearly flawless and the game itself boasts a very clever system.  This may very well be a surprise candidate for Game of the Year when it’s all said and done.  What can possibly be next?  Keyboard Hero?  Violin Hero?  Tambourine Hero?  Regardless, I do know one thing.  It’ll sure as hell be fun.

 



 

Submitted by: theprofessor29