Deejays and Emcees Together at Last
DJ Hero 2 is on the way with some cool new features.
Published: June 8, 2010
DJ Hero 2 is coming this fall with a host of improvements over last year's model. The most important factor in a music game is the music itself, and DJ Hero 2 will feature "Dr. Dre, The Chemical Brothers, Kanye West, Metallica, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and over 85 others," a lineup that seems to be in keeping with the bizarrely eclectic variety of styles found in the first. In spite of the strangeness of it, the DJs who assembled the mash-ups last time did an amazing job, so hopefully they'll pull it off again.
You may be thinking, "New music isn't a good reason for a whole new game when that could have been delivered via downloadable content." That's a good point, you. How about some new modes? Singleplayer is now arranged into a career that should be slightly less abstract than the quest for stars of the past. Multiplayer is receiving a needed overhaul, with modes featuring more involved battling and casual party play to appeal to both ends of the skill spectrum.
Perhaps the most exciting new feature is support for microphones, allowing players to rap and sing. Being able to reenact the classic duo of DJ and MC should be especially fun for fans of hip-hop. Hip-hop is underrepresented in games in general, and more opportunities for rapping can only be a good thing.
With the new emphasis on multiplayer and singing, it makes sense to have a new type of bundle, and so the Party Bundle will debut, including the game, two turntable controllers and a microphone for $149.99. The other options will be the Turntable Bundle, with one turntable controller and the game ($99.99); finally, the software will be available alone for $59.99.
Owners of the original DJ Hero can get a taste of the new soundtrack by downloading a free mix from PSN, starting today. The mix features "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga, and "Ghosts 'n' Stuff" by Deadmau5 (who will be featured as a playable character in DJ Hero 2). Don't wait too long, because this little preview will only be available until June 14.
You may be thinking, "New music isn't a good reason for a whole new game when that could have been delivered via downloadable content." That's a good point, you. How about some new modes? Singleplayer is now arranged into a career that should be slightly less abstract than the quest for stars of the past. Multiplayer is receiving a needed overhaul, with modes featuring more involved battling and casual party play to appeal to both ends of the skill spectrum.
Perhaps the most exciting new feature is support for microphones, allowing players to rap and sing. Being able to reenact the classic duo of DJ and MC should be especially fun for fans of hip-hop. Hip-hop is underrepresented in games in general, and more opportunities for rapping can only be a good thing.
With the new emphasis on multiplayer and singing, it makes sense to have a new type of bundle, and so the Party Bundle will debut, including the game, two turntable controllers and a microphone for $149.99. The other options will be the Turntable Bundle, with one turntable controller and the game ($99.99); finally, the software will be available alone for $59.99.
Owners of the original DJ Hero can get a taste of the new soundtrack by downloading a free mix from PSN, starting today. The mix features "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga, and "Ghosts 'n' Stuff" by Deadmau5 (who will be featured as a playable character in DJ Hero 2). Don't wait too long, because this little preview will only be available until June 14.
