1st Impression Review: DJ Hero
Ever since I’ve read a preview of this game, I’ve been looking forward to it’s release. I’ve finally recent got my hands on this game and I must say it has been worth the wait. Anyone else who enjoys other rhythm games and hip-hop, pop, electronica mixes will most likely enjoy this game as well.
To provide a slight background of previous rhythm game experiences: I’ve been playing guitar/instrument based games since Guitar Hero 3. My instrument of preference is the guitar. Although I can play most songs on hard difficulty, my comfort level for these games is on normal mode (where I coast through songs at 98-100% accuracy). So my primary concern with DJ hero before I played it was the potential for simplicity and lack of difficulty (considering there are only 3 color coded buttons). I was pleased to discover that this is not the case with this game.
DJ Hero does have a similar system where you have to hit the appropriate color coded buttons at the right time as they stream down the highway, like the guitar system on games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero. Instead of this being the primary method of game play, it is only a portion of what you have to do when playing the game. DJ Hero employs a scratching system where you have to hold the appropriately colored button down while moving the turntable. For me it was very fun getting crazy with extended scratch sequences, but the game isn’t very forgiving about accuracy; pull your last scratch off just tad too late and you’ll find your point multiplier gone.
Every song that you play in DJ hero is actually a customized mix between two tracks (many of which are very well done btw). On medium difficulty and above, the crossfader is used to move between each track. In my opinion, this element of the game is where the learning curve comes into play for players who are very good with other rhythm games. Depending on the song, the crossfader sequences can be brutal, forcing you to move the crossfader back and forth quickly and accurately, while hitting notes and scratching at the same time. I personally had issues keeping track of crossfader positioning while playing at times. There are other elements of game that are more or less bells and whistles. There are times where you can activate your own set of sound effects, using the effects dial. There are also times where you can turn the effects dial to change the tone of a note (like the whammy bar in guitar games).
Unfortunately, I was so caught up on the Quicklist when I first started playing this game, that I don’t have much info on how the game progression works (I must have played the Boom Boom Pow mix like 10 times lol). From what I’ve gathered, you play gigs, and unlock other gigs with stars that you have earned. On the multiplayer side, there is separate song list where another player can use a GH/Rockband guitar to play along with the DJ.
My initial experience with this game has been a very enjoyable one. I’ll admit, I totally suck at this game. But the experience is enjoyable enough for me to want to continue to practice and master the new systems that DJ hero has brought to the rhythm game scene. What I admire most about this game is that instead of just adding a new instrument and using the same formula, DJ Hero has re-invented the genre and has provided true innovation. In a world where most other new rhythm based games are providing new song lists and little innovation, this is a breath of fresh air.
Story: N/A
Gameplay: 9.5
Graphics: 7
Overall: 9