Title: DJ Hero
Platform: 360 (Also PS3, PS2, Wii)
ESRB: T
Publisher: Activision
Developer: FreeStyleGames
Rating: 
Review by: Bill Jones
DJ Hero may not have been the best music rhythm game of 2009, but it was definitely the most innovative. Following the tracked prompt system of its Guitar Hero predecessor, players tap three buttons along with 93 original mash-ups, some from notable mix-masters like Grandmaster Flash, DJ Am and Daft Punk. Using a respectable turntable peripheral, players not only hit the prompts, but simulate scratching vinyl, sliding a crossfader, customizing the mixes by sampling sound effects and even rewinding certain phrases. While it’s hard to condone any more plastic peripherals around the house, DJ Hero’s is solid; and the presentation is a fantastic representation of a different type of culture, separating itself from the lackluster Guitar Hero releases of the last few years.
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Pros: A new kind of music game. Respectable peripheral gets the job done. New way to play the rhythm game. Great background presentations. Guitar and mic support for friends to join the mix, as well as online and local multiplayer. Feeling of accomplishment getting good at the new system. Generous track list.
Cons: Great peripheral could still use a few changes – better buttons and slider. 93 mixes out of 102 hit songs means there’s a lot of repetition in the mixes. The music won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.
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For more info, www.djhero.com
Pads & Panels received a copy of the game courtesy of the publisher for review purposes.
February 9th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
The first time I played a demo of this I was a little overwhelmed and turned off by not knowing how to use the controller. I gave it another go at an in-store yesterday and was pleasantly surprised to see that it’s a bit of a grower. While it seems a little too pricey right now, I might pick it up in the future.
February 9th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
@Staredownthesky Yeah. Same here as far as it being a grower. It’s a lot at once, but I heard it best described as that “Aha! moment” when everything falls into place and it makes sense and it’s fun. That was something I could have included in Cons, but I guess that price comes with any of these nowadays, just no chance that you’d already own the turntable cause it’s the first in the series.