DJ Hero

DJ Hero is something entirely new, that actually feels similar to what it would be like to be a DJ. Unlike Guitar Hero, you really have to separate your hand movements and learn to do two completely different things at once (kind of like rubbing your stomach and patting your head). The game uses a turntable controller, with a vinyl record with three buttons on the right, and a crossfader, effects dial, and Euphoria (like Star Power) button on the left.

The game fundamentally plays the same as Guitar Hero, except now you use a crossfader to isolate one of the two tracks in the mix you are playing. You also have to scratch notes when a certain icon appears, and on harder difficulties you are told what direction to scratch in. During the mix you will have to switch the track, while also pressing the buttons. This combination provides a challenging experience that is also very rewarding.

Instead of single songs, you’ll primarily play a mix of two songs (all impeccably well done). There are 93 mixes in total, which provide hours upon hours of playtime. It took me about 25 hours to go through every setlist in the game. Some of the game’s best mixes are the Beastie Boys’ Intergalactic vs. Rapture by Blondie, the Black Eyed Peas’ Boom Boom Pow vs. Satisfaction by Benny Benasi, Gwen Stefani's Hollaback Girl vs. Feel Good Inc. by Gorillaz, and 50 Cent’s Disco Inferno vs. Let’s Dance by David Bowie. Some of these mixes might sound as if they would be terrible, but the developers really did a bang up job with each track. If you don’t believe me, take a listen here by clicking any of the bolded titles.

However like I mentioned before, some of DJ Hero’s best mixes are at the beginning of the game, while later on, some of the mixes become just a single song, and sometimes even repetitive. In fact, one of the final setlists, entitled “Scratch Perverts Presents” is probably one of the worst parts of the game. Instead of including a variety of beats, you simply have to scratch for long periods of time, which might sound easy, but it actually reveals one of the game’s flaws. After extended periods of scratching, your arm really begins to hurt, and thus it hinders your performance.

Unlike other entries in the Hero franchise, the entire mixlist is not unlocked at the beginning. Since this is a primarily single-player game you must work your way through each of the setlists (which aren’t even classified under a “Career” menu). DJ Hero does however still include one of the series’ newer modes, Party Play, which is accessed by holding down the Euphoria button. While you don’t score any points in Party Play, it’s the perfect way to let everyone have a chance to try out the game without feeling nervous about failing.

All in all, DJ Hero is one of the most fun games I have ever played. It is takes everything people love about Guitar Hero and adds a whole new vibe, breathing new life into the music game genre. Although the game might come with a hefty price tag, there is enough here to warrant the purchase; not to mention you'll be playing some of those mixes over and over again.

Likes:

• Refreshing challenge that is easy to learn and difficult but rewarding to master
• Most mixes are a blast to play
• Plenty of content (plus a great DLC pack featuring some of David Guetta's tunes, should you feel so inclined)

Dislikes:

• Primarily single player experience
• Scratching for long periods of time really tires your arm
• Must work your way through to unlock all the mixes

Review Score

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The review scale at LevelFortyTwo is between 1 and 5. A score of 5 is considered an amazing game, 4 is a well-done game with only minor issues, 3 is in the middle; not great, but not bad, 2 is a very problematic game, and 1 is absolutely terrible.