DJ Hero puts spin on popular franchise

Aspiring DJs of the world unite: Salvation has finally arrived. Hype up virtual crowds, compete with friends or entertain at parties all while mixing, cutting and scratching to your heart’s content with DJ Hero.

The game, which comes with its own turntable peripheral complete with a spinning “platter” and crossfader, takes players through the rise to fame of one of many fictional DJs. With amusing names like Cool Papa G, DJ Mixtress and DJ Kawstic, the characters appeal to a wide audience.

In addition to the fictional DJs, several big-name mixers appear as well. Players will recognize DJ AM, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Daft Punk and Grandmaster Flash, who also narrates the tutorial. Most of the playable DJs, as well as some that do not appear in the game, also provided their own custom set lists that become available throughout the course of the game.

The most unique part of the game is the controller. At this point, players are used to guitars, drums and microphones from other music games. DJ Hero’s turntable controller is just about as far from other musical peripherals as it can possibly get. Still, there are some similarities that players will find familiar from Activision’s other titles.

For example, on top of the spinning “vinyl” are three buttons colored green, red and blue. The green button, on the left side of the scrolling “highway,” controls the first song while the blue button on the right controls the second. The red button in between controls sound effects and freestyle sections.

Some songs require players to press the buttons individually or in a combination of the three. Additionally, some parts have players hold down one button while moving the platter to imitate “scratching.”

DJ Hero does not have a central storyline, but instead relies on a system of unlockable extras. Much like in other music games like Rock Band or Guitar Hero, players get up to five stars on each song depending on how well they do. These stars go toward unlocking new venues, like Madison Square Garden and the fictional Logic nightclub, as well as new DJs, set lists, turntables, outfits and other goodies.

The music in the game is extremely diverse and the mixes are unique and catchy. Hip-hop inspired mixes, like 2Pac’s “All Eyez on Me” versus The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony,” contrast well with more electronic ones like Benny Benassi’s “Satisfaction” versus Tiesto’s “Elements of Life.”

The game also includes a unique multiplayer mode: Either two DJs can mix together, or one can mix w h i l e the other plays a guitar accompaniment. While there are far more mixes that only use the turntable than those that include guitar, there are still at least 15 songs that you can strum along to.

The guitar mixes include Rihanna’s “Disturbia,” The Killers’ “Somebody Told Me,” The Foo Fighters’ “Monkey Wrench” and The Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage.”

Additionally, the game includes a “party play” feature that allows players to customize an eight-song setlist and have it play on its own, creating a great way to get into the groove at social gatherings.

One of the problems with the game is its lack of a central story. While other music games have at least s o m e sort of storyline, DJ Hero does not. The only visible progression in the game is when players unlock a new venue, DJ or setlist.

Additionally, the game’s multiplayer mode is surprisingly disappointing. Activision’s other games, like Guitar Hero: World Tour and the new Band Hero, include up to four-player gaming with a variety of instruments. Instead of continuing this trend, DJ Hero goes back to the two-player system of the first few Guitar Hero installments.

The most significant problem, however, is the game’s hefty price tag. At $120, only a die-hard DJ fan is likely to buy the game. Especially considering its other problems , like the disappointing multiplayer and the lack of a story, most people would rather pay half as much for a game with much more depth and multiplayer capability.
Despite its price, however, DJ Hero provides a truly unique experience to the music lover or aspiring DJ. The turntable controller is very fun to play with, even if it is a little tough to get used to. Combining good music and wacky characters, DJ Hero gives the average person a chance to become the life of the party.