DJ Hero

DJ Hero
XBOX 360 (version tested) / Playstation 3
Activision

The Good - insanely creative use of a fantastic controller – satisfaction unparalleled when the mix works – some really, really enjoyable blends.
The Bad - Black Eyed Peas – The Killers – Eric Prydz

Ever wanted to mix 50 Cent with David Bowie? Or Cameo wit Bell Biv Devoe? Probably not. The choice of mixes will probably not be the thing that sells DJ Hero this Christmas. The game's ability to make you enjoy and desire the sound those mixes make, probably will be. Veterans of the Guitar Hero and Rock Band series will know the explosion of relief and satisfaction hitting a '50 Note Streak' can generate across every fibre of your person and DJ Hero has that electrifying sense of accomplishment in every button pressed.



The game breaks down into three simple instructions tap, scratch and fade. The tap is a simple trigger, playing samples, sound effects or starting/restarting one of the two mixing records. The scratch requires you to hold a significant button and pull the control plate back and forth in a relevant motion (obviously) and the fade asks you to switch the cross fader on your controller to the left, right or middle, depending on the purpose of your mix. All three take a degree of mastering and as the game progresses and as you move up the difficulty rankings all three combine to twist your fingers inside and out.

Legendary DJs Grandmaster Flash, Jazzy Jeff, DJ Yoda and more, help you along with specially designed skill mixes that improve your scratching and fading abilities drastically, making the initial learning curve quite a smooth one. The lack of a real career mode makes the game completely self-motivated, striving for 'Euphoria' (a flashing button to be used when you hit a nice vein of form), improving your previous scores and unlocking new characters, outfits, turntables, venues and mixes.



If a better Christmas is spent than with a few family members sitting around the new HD TV, drunk off your tits mixing Daft Punk's 'Around The World' and Young MC's 'Bust A Move' I want to know about it.
8.5/10