PS3 Review – DJ Hero
DJ Hero is Activision’s latest entry into their long-running “Hero” line of rhythm video games. Similar to Guitar Hero, DJ Hero has players tap buttons in time with music notes. But DJ Hero takes things to a different place–that of club/dance music. Does the popular franchise make a strong case for the DJ scene? Find out in this review.
DJ Hero has a completely different feel to it compared to Guitar Hero or Rock Band. Initially there are no menus–just a list of the sets available to play. The game starts out with a nicely-paced tutorial, and it is clear from the get-go that this game is far more complex than any of those other band games.
The controller has a turntable on the right side with three colored buttons on top of it. On the left is a directional pad, face buttons, Start, Select and the PS button, all of which are neatly tucked away in a compartment that can be hidden from view, perhaps in an attempt to keep the controller looking clean. Below that is a “Euphoria” button (think Star Power), an effects dial, and a cross-fader. The controller is well-built, though after only a few days’ use, some of the silver circles around the turntable were already worn off. The turntable itself glides effortlessly, and it is a very responsive controller.
Gameplay is similar to Guitar Hero in that various shapes come down the in-game “highway,” which this time is a curved road because it rests on a record. Tapping the buttons in time with the song will begin the music. However, this is where the similarities end. There are only three circles to hit at any difficulty level, but the two outside tracks will move to the left or right, and when they do, the player must move the cross-fader with his or her left hand to hit the notes. Notes may also come at the same time, so players must pay full attention.
What would normally be “long” notes in Guitar Hero are scratching sections in DJ Hero, in which players must hold a note as well as scratch the turntable by rapidly moving it back and forth. The Hard and Extreme difficulty settings also force players to time the scratch direction based on arrows on the screen.
To score more points, there are special highlighted notes sections which, if all notes are hit, earn Euphoria. This works much the same way as Star Power from Guitar Hero, and doubles the score multiplier for a brief amount of time. It also automatically crossfades the song, which allows players to simply focus on hitting the notes/scratches for a little while.
There are also some sections of the songs which have a meter over them. When this is active, the effects dial can be moved left or right to affect the song’s bass and treble levels and double the score muliplier. However, the real strategy comes into play with Rewind. Players must hit a number of notes in a row to be granted one of these power-ups. By physically moving the turntable a full rotation backwards, the player can rewind and replay a section of the song with double the score multiplier. Using this right after a long crossfade section ends can lead to some big scores.
The game is very rewarding to players who enjoy a challenge–even Medium difficulty in DJ Hero is more involved than expert difficulty in Guitar Hero. The music is also great throughout, though obviously players who are not into Pop, Rap, Techno or House music may not enjoy the selection. The audio is in Dolby 5.1, but the game defaults to stereo for some reason. The graphics are simply on-par with other rhythm games, though the camera work and visual effects synced to the beat of the songs is impressive.
Multiplayer is available and works without a hitch online. There is also local multiplayer, but it requires the use of two DJ Hero controllers. A small selection of songs also have guitar notes which can be played with a Guitar Hero controller. This is a nice feature, but it almost feels like an afterthought, since such a small number of songs have this mode. A game like this practically begs to have some sort of a creation mode, but sadly there is nothing like that to be found here.
DJ Hero is fun to play and challenging. It is a breath of fresh air after numerous recycled iterations of guitar and band games. The music is the real star here–there are some amazing mixes in this game. Though DJ Hero is not as easy to play as Guitar Hero or Rock Band, and thus perhaps not as suitable for parties, it is pretty fun to watch and a treat to listen to.
PlayStation LifeStyle’s Final Score
Some truly amazing music mashups Game is challenging yet rewarding Graphics are lackluster (though camera work is nice); characters are mostly forgettable |
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18 Responses to “PS3 Review – DJ Hero”
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November 3rd, 2009 at 12:25 PM
im still debating on wether i want to get this or not lol
11/03/2009 at 6:20 PM
If you like this kind of music, I’d say get it! Seriously, I have played this every night since I got the game, because the music is great to listen to.
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:12 PM
I am still tempted to get this
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:49 PM
good review but no interest in getting the game
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:12 PM
Not sure if the Wii is to blame but it’s interesting to see how this generation has turned into an “accessory generation”. From guitars and full band instruments to turntables and even skateboards (hello “new” Tony H. game) every game seems to need a new add-on to make it work instead of using the controller. Most of these add-ons are cheap to make but raise a games price significantly.
I was amazed to see games like Beatles Rock Band packages selling for close to $300. It’s interesting to see the industry get it’s higher pricing on gaming by including a few “needed” cracker jack toys with their games. It now just seems like the thing to buy so people buy it.
If only Capcom waited one generation they would have made a fortune off of Steel Battalion.
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:48 PM
@Robotron
“every game seems to need a new add-on to make it work instead of using the controller.”
I know it’s starting to get a bit rediculous, but there’s like 4 games besides GH and RB sequels isn’t there?
Also, what about the NES, I myself have the light gun for duck hunt, and a mat for track and field. In fact, they could have come together, the games were on the same cartridge. Those are just the ones I owned personally, I know there were a bunch more.
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:57 PM
this game is amazing for music lovers, its all i have to say.
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:22 PM
I’ll rent it or borrow it off a buddy. No chance of me picking up another plastic peripheral for my living room. Not too mention I’ll need a fold-up table (more clutter) or something to put it on.
11/03/2009 at 6:14 PM
The Renegade Edition comes with a stand that doubles as a case, but it is $200…
November 3rd, 2009 at 6:08 PM
Just another in a soon to be long line of music games who will try to capture a peice of the GH pie. I am sure the mashhups are great but I’m not really into rythm games. I like making real music too much.
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:23 PM
I agree with DGR8Mc187 to a certain extent, which is…Why pretend to DJ along with someone elses mixes instead of just going out and making your own?? You can probably buy a cheap used turntable for the same price as this game. I enjoy playing Rock Band with other people pretty much to show off because really retarded people seem to think that’s cooler than being able to play a real instrument (I know, I don’t get it either). Also, I don’t have a band together right now so it’s as close as I can get to playing in a band setup for an audience which I really miss. DJ Hero, on the other hand, I don’t understand at all…does anyone really dream about becoming a DJ??? And I’m pretty sure everyone who has dreamed about it has gone out to buy a turntable and learned how to do it for real. I understand that the music may be awesome, but then buy a mixed tape not a $150 game.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:25 PM
It’s a game, just meant to kill some time. I have actual equipment as well, but this gives you a fun way to do some hot mixes without the time requirements of actually being a DJ.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:14 PM
Ive been on the fence on buying this.. ill pick it up around Dec. The DLC in full swing. im surprised theres an online mode. is it Lagless?
great review Paul.
11/03/2009 at 9:42 PM
Thanks! Yeah they’ve already released some DLC for it. The online mode is lagless except for the beginning of each song when it takes a second or two to synchronize everything. But actually competing is indeed lagless.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:24 PM
@shadowjin
I heared it is lagless since theres only 2 people playing button taps..The game is actually really fun if your into that sorta thing.
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:56 PM
@ giese095 and DGRCR2D2
I agree with DGR8Mc187 to a certain extent, which is…Why pretend to DJ along with someone elses mixes instead of just going out and making your own?
while i agree to an extent its a fantasy game, setting, club list, crowds etc. you know how long it takes to even remotely get that big? Its a fake game scenario. take it for what its worth. If that was the case than anyone playing war games should enlist and sport fanatics be your favorite teams league . The reason i dont like sports games or surfing games its because i do those things in real life .. I dont find it fun indoors using a controller. once in awhile its nice to imagine you really are those people in that scenario. The whole thing about people thinking there “cool” id suggest getting new friends.. if they act that way over a game thats make believe, it might be time to trash them and meet new people. Those who use the excuse of ” i love to make real music etc” need to get over themselves and not judge those who find games like these fun..
its a good review.
@ Paulmichael Contreras
i might move this up on my list to buy this month.. since im running an expensive surround sound system ill get an instant gratification. haha
11/04/2009 at 2:31 AM
It’s true, to get anywhere DJing it has to be your life. Not just a weekend or spare time thing.
Oh and thanks, glad you liked the review! If you do end up buying the game, just be sure to enable Dolby output, otherwise it’ll be in boring stereo, and that nice expensive surround sound system will go to waste.
November 4th, 2009 at 12:48 AM
lol, Why play Call of Duty when you can join the army? Why play Katamari Damacy when you can roll up things with a giant ball whenever you want? Why play street fighter when you can go punch a girl named chun li in china town? Why play Pokemon Snap when you can head off to pokemon island and take pictures yourself? Why play Fat Princess for more than 5 minutes(No really I am stumped)? Unrelated fat princess bashing aside, you see where i’m going with this right?
If not this should help.
Why play Star Wars when YOU can actually be R2D2?
November 4th, 2009 at 6:26 AM
I saw 2 people playing this in Youtube… it seams to eat up alot of space.
11/04/2009 at 5:08 PM
What, physical space? I have the controller on a small stool next to my television. Storing it might be an issue though, but at least it breaks up into two separate components if need be.
November 11th, 2009 at 1:37 PM
@DGR8Mc187 It’s not that people dream of being a DJ, it’s just that it’s easier to justify 120 dollars in trying to appreciate great music and get an idea of what it’s like. For me these games are music appreciation. I don’t have the ability to make music. I’ve tried with keyboards, and guitars, and still trying to learn the drums, but I don’t have the ear the talent for making music. It doesn’t mean I can’ t appreciate music and these kinds of games give me appreciation for songs I never liked until I played them in these forms.
@giese095 It’s not about dreaming of becoming a DJ, it’s more about just love of the music. When people hear a drum solo it sounds cool and everything. Then when you sit down with a fake drum set and get your ass kicked because your body can’t move correctly you gain an entirely new appreciation for it. A true artist makes something difficult look very easy. Rather than spend 300 dollars on every instrument available we learn a bit here and there from just enjoying the music.
I can think of amazing concepts that would look wonderful in a video game or a comic book. If I touch a pen though even drawings I worked the hardest on and kept practicing again and again were looking worse and worse which sucks. When you put in so much time and effort to make something look good, it should look better over time.
I have been trying for years to find some way that I can take the music I’m making in my head and transfer it to an instrument, a piece of sheet music, or some other medium. I can’t even in tune despite being in choir for years and trying to sound better. I can not for the life of me make anything that looks or sounds good to even myself. My creativity is stuck solely in my own head. nothing I do allows me to express my own creativity. Surely you’re not going to say that it’s wrong to at least enjoy the creativity of others to the best extent I can. Right?
November 19th, 2009 at 11:36 PM
[...] and Clank should come in tomorrow, so I’ll be enjoying that too. Oh and the obligatory DJ Hero, I am addicted to it! I just got a new surround sound system and upgraded to 7.0 (No powered sub at [...]
December 7th, 2009 at 5:15 AM
[...] 2 Bundle – $99.99 Band Hero Bundle – $149.99 DJ Hero w/ Turntable Controller- $99.99 [Review] Wet – $39.99 [Review] Tekken 6 – $49.99 [Review] Dragon Age: Origins – $49.99 [...]