DJ Hero 2 review

Formats: PS3, Wii, XBox 360
Format reviewed: PS3
Publisher: Activision
Developer: FreeStyle Games
Made2Game DJ Hero 2 review score: 8/10

You've got to hand it to Activision, no matter what you say about them they sure know when they are onto a good thing with games like Guitar Hero and Call of Duty under their wings.  DJ Hero was a bit of a gamble that has turned into yet another must have franchise (if you can afford it) and now, unsurprisingly, the sequel has arrived.

Thankfully with this new version you don't need any new equipment other than the original decks that you can pick up quite cheap now. The in-game presentation is relatively unchanged from last year’s release, you have a part of the record shown on screen with three tracks running through it, the one that is highlighted corresponds to the track you need to tap. Depending on the icon on the screen you can tap, hold the tap or scratch all mixed in with the occasional cross fade to keep your mind and hands working hard.

Though essentially only three tracks to tap to, the game is a lot harder than Activision’s Guitar Hero as you need to be able to operate different functions with each hand, on occasion causing you to get tied up in knots during some of the harder mixes.

With the basic gameplay being relatively unchanged the game has pushed on freestyle mode a lot more this time around, with sections in the game giving you complete control for some freestyle scratching, throwing in some effects or even crossfading the tracks to whatever you want. This is a great touch that offers unprecedented freedom which is just shy of allowing you to mix your own tracks.

The special powers return again, by completing set segments you build up your Euphoria power, once charged, with a quick tap you can turn it on and earn extra points. There is also the Rewind power, when unlocked; a quick 360 spin on the deck will rewind the track, allowing you to play a segment again for even more scores. An additional area this time around is the singing, allowing for a second or third player to join in; using bars similar to SingStar games with the lyrics below, you have to keep in time with the forever changing tracks. Though fun its will end up being forgotten, the main reason is that the nature of the mash up creates all sorts of headaches trying to sing the constantly changing songs.

This time around rather than just playing through there is a more solid career mode available called Empire. Here you start by selecting your character; you then take to Ibiza, playing a few clubs before taking on the local talent in a scratch off. Here you will have small combo segments to score higher than the opponent, score enough and you win and move to the next club. Very similar to previous games you also have a star system, the better you perform, the more you earn, and the more you earn the more you unlock, be it new venues across the globe to play in , headphones, decks and even new characters.

When you start in a new country you are introduced by one of the stars, characters like RZA and David Guetta turn up to show you their skills and also what to expect in music wise in the selected country. The tracks available are a real solid mix, with pop, rock, rap and of course some great club tunes all pre mixed for you. Whilst some are what you would expect there are a few mash ups that surprise and to which you will no doubt be humming whilst doing you shopping for days to come.

 With the Empire mode offering plenty of play time you also have the quick pick up and play options to just play a few tracks from the list of songs available, plus also create playlists of your favourites. Online has seen the biggest overhaul, with you being able to take your characters or even your Xbox Avatar onto the world stage to show your skills. After playing your selected tune you earn XP points that rank up your character, allowing for new tags and even power decks that boost you in different ways depending on what you have selected.

DJ Hero 2 is a solid follow up to last year’s release with enough positive changes over the previous to make this a worth while purchase for fans and newcomers.

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