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DJ Hero 2
By Jay Williams
The follow up to last years DJ Hero is here, with
new tracks, new DJs and a microphone.
For those who have been living under a rock for
the last few years (I'm kidding) DJ Hero 2 is a rhythm based game, much
like Guitar Hero. Players press buttons to activate accented beats,
adjust their crossfader between the two songs, and "scratch" the
special turntable-controller.
DJ Hero 2 follows the winning formula of its
predecessor, mixing one or two songs using the special turntable
controller. This time around the track list appeals to a wider audience
using current Top 40 club and hip-hop hits from artists like
Kanye West, Rihanna, and world renowned DJ Tiesto.
Game play remains the same (The Euphoria meter and rewind feature have been carried across) with the exception of a
few minor changes.
New additions include a freestyle effects sample,
previously based on game-wide preselected “effect packs”, which is now
mix-specific. Specially-marked freestyle sections, previously limited
to only added sample effects over the track, now allow the player to
freely mix between the two tracks using the cross fader and freestyle
scratch over a track.
In addition to using a turntable, players have the
option to sing or rap to the mixes' lyrics, using a compatible
microphone controller. Vocals are scored based on the matching of
pitch, beat and rhythm.
DJ Hero 2 features an improved career mode called
"Empire". Empire provides more structure for the player to proceed
through the game than the simple set lists used in DJ Hero.
Empire mode sees players work though a number of
setlists and boss battles against some hot DJs like DeadMau5 and DJ
Qbert across six different venues, earning stars that unlock additional
venues to play at.
When you complete certain setlists or battles you
unlock new characters, outfits for those characters, virtual turntable
decks and headphones for the players.
Two-player battles have been improved too. Previously
each player simply tried to reach the highest score on the same song,
this time around each player takes a turn in out-doing the other much
like boss battles seen in Empire mode. Player one spins the track for a
few phrases, then it's player two's turn to respond, all the while
trying to out-do one another until one has completed all checkpoints.
Another cool aspect of these battles is that they
can be played either locally or online.
Online adds a social element to the game with Hero
Feed, players can challenge and track friends' accomplishments.
Party Mode is a pretty sweet addition to DJ Hero
2, it allows you to play songs like a jukebox, so you can sit back and
just listen to the games great track list - perfect for parties.
Unfortunately, Party Mode only plays songs
randomly, so you can't pick your favorite tracks, but there is enough
variety to keep things rolling.
Overall DJ Hero 2 sticks to the same wining script
of DJ Hero which is good. Activision haven't tried to over complicate
things and in doing so have kept the game fun.
With over 70 unique tracks DJ Hero 2 offers up
something for all players. Definitely worth a look for any self
respecting beat chemist, so grab your turntable and get scratching!
Game: DJ Hero 2
System: Xbox 360
Developer: Activision
Distributor: FreeStyleGames
Rating: 80%
(Ratings Key/Explanation)
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