DJ Hero

DJ Hero manages to mix fantastic gameplay and some of the best music ever put into a rhythm game, and is a great start for the series.
 
Just like any other rhythm game you've played, DJ Hero lets you do what you probably couldn't ever do; make music. "Scratch and Mix the Hottest Hits." It sounds so simple, but that idea is put to such clever use in DJ Hero. Sure you aren't really making it; it's already been premixed. But like all other rhythm games you've played, it is so much fun, and DJ Hero looks to do that in a different way. Although the price is that of two full games, it is still amazingly entertaining. It will keep you coming back for more, even after a sequel.
 
For two full priced games, you're obviously getting something other than a game too. That would be the turntable. It's an entirely new peripheral developed by FreeStyleGames. Chances are it's nothing like you've ever seen in a game before. Half of it is a big wheel that spins and has three buttons on it. The other half is a slider, knob, and a button. As unusual as it might sound, it looks brilliant when you get a look at it. But not even that shows what the turntable is all about. To really see the beauty of it, you have to either play it or watch someone else use it while playing.
 
All of the buttons are placed on lines of the same color. Green and blue represent two different mixes, and the red button represents samples that are triggered during gameplay. Sometimes you'll be pressing these buttons. But more often

than not, you'll be scratching the green and blue notes. You can bring in and trigger 5 different samples during long red notes. Whether you go crazy with it or actually try to keep in time with the mix, it can add a lot. On the other slide, the slider is used to switch between the two mixes, or have them both play at the same time. Whichever the game tells you to have. The knob is used to switch between different samples, and occasionally make your mix, well, interesting. You'd have to use it to understand. The button is used to trigger Euporia, which doubles your multiplier if you collect enough of it by playing different sections flawlessly.
 
As simple as it sounds, it can become hectic when you play those harder mixes on expert. Sometimes, you have to scratch a certain way as opposed to freely scratching everywhere. Other times, you'll have to move the slider left or right, and then back as quick as possible. Luckily, this isn't so present in medium, so you have the chance to work your way up. 
 

Some mixes also have guitar parts, where you can plug in a Guitar Hero guitar and play. It doesn't at all add to the experience for the DJ, and the mix might easily distract the guitarist from what exactly they should be playing. It's a nice feature, but not something that should encourage you buying a whole new peripheral.
 
You'll really want to practice too. The tutorials at the beginning really help show you what to do, and I strongly recommend you play through both tutorials before attempting to get into the more intense mixes.
 
The game has an advancement system similar to the first Guitar Hero. You are rewarded stars for playing well, and then unlock additional mixes, characters, decks and more to play. There isn't any story of any kind present here; not even

world tour. But it is very rewarding. The venues are pretty awesome. Once you earn enough stars, you unlock venues. There aren't an extreme amount for you to play on, but all of them look great. If you ever get a chance, try Party Play, which has the game play the mix itself, but you don't get points, and get a good look at the venues.
 
The music is top notch and will keep you coming back for more. Unless you listen exclusively to Country music, you should be able to recognize most of it, especially Queen's We Will Rock You. Yeah, that's here too and sounds awesome! Some mixes fall short and sound a little awkward, such as any song that mentions "DJ Hero." But it's catchy. There are 93 mixes in the game that will keep you busy, so you have plenty to do before you actually "finish it."
 
There is also a Music Store to download additional songs. The problem is it costs $3 a mix, and even after two months of being in the market, there are only 5 mixes currently available, and after contacting Activision, they currently have no additional DLC planned. If you are hoping to mix more songs that aren't currently on the game, you're out of luck.
 
Now you probably want to play with strangers online, or just friends. The online works great, but it's not competitive, so it's no more fun than just playing by yourself. Both of you are playing the same exact thing, as opposed to each person contributing different parts of the mix.
 
DJ Hero is tons of fun, and will keep you coming back for more even after playing after countless hours of play. With a diverse setlist that can't be match by any other rhythm game currently on the market and stellar gameplay that has yet to be matched, DJ Hero is a must have for anybody who truly enjoys their music, and wants it in another dimension that they can mix.