DJ Hero 2

I enjoyed the first DJ Hero game, but not enough to really consider buying the sequel. My main complaint was that I struggled to relate to my role in the experience, and there were some questionable decisions on the track list. The idea of including the freestyle scratches, and crossfade sections really brought me back around when I tried the demo for DJ Hero 2.

The freestyle scratches and especially the crossfades definitely helped to connect me to the experience, in a way that I felt was missing from DJ Hero, they’re fun, and they really give you an opportunity in small doses to make the mix your own, and gives a chance to relate the actions you’re taking to what is happening in the music. It is definitely rewarding when you throw something together that sounds pretty good.

My other complaint from the first being the soundtrack, is also resolved here, or at least it seems like it is (so far). There are definitely songs on there that I don’t like, Lady Gaga for instance, but, it makes perfect sense in this context and it’s definitely playable (especially when paired with DeadMau5 who I do like quite a bit). And for the most part (at least what I’ve heard so far), the mixes are really really good, and don’t feel like they were made for the game at all. Kudos here…

I’m not a fan of the DJ Battles in ‘Empire Mode’ (the game’s story mode effectively), to me they’re not all that fun, and on top of that they cut the screen in half to show the other DJ even if it’s the CPU, I guess I get why they put it in there just to add some variety, and some interaction with the celebrities they acquired for the game.

This is easily the best DJ Hero game yet, there are a couple DLC packs coming but they might have a real winner here if they support it the way harmonix is supporting Rock Band, but I find that pretty unlikely. I think the changes are significant enough that you owe it to yourself to at least find a way to give it a try if you didn’t like the first one, it’s honestly a good time.