By Pauly
The Video Game Gods must be smiling down on us! Why you ask? I’ll tell you why. Activision Publishing, makers of the world famous video-gaming-juggernaut “Guitar Hero”, has announced that their fall lineup will include the heavily rumored DJ Hero. Good news huh? Well… as for me, all I can say is: IT’S ABOUT DAMN TIME!
(Warning: If you’re interested in the game specifics, you might want to skip pass the upcoming rant.)
After sifting through what seemed to be a never-ending slew of shitty Guitar Hero spin-offs, I was beginning to think we had a better chance of seeing Guitar Hero Barney & friends, before seeing something new and original wiggle its way out of Activision’s sphincter!
This alone drives me crazy, but there is actually a larger issue that’s been bugging me lately. Namely, why has it taken so long for DJs to get this level of recognition? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I tip my hat to Activision for stepping up to the plate, but why now, and why so late? Also, let me clarify, there have been attempts at making playable DJ games, but nothing on this scale, and nothing with the amount of exposure this game will/has received.
Now break dancing, DJs distant cousin, got its nod in the 2006 PSP title B-Boy. Yet here we are 3 ½ years, a boat load of Hanna Montana and Jonas Brother games later, and still no DJ love. Sorry, wrong answer. Let’s face it, DJs have been rocking the spot for a long time now, and not just in clubs. Movies, daytime television, and more. You name it and DJs have made some contribution to it. Convinced now? No? What, don’t tell me you’re still not buying it?
Well then, allow me to express my point with this little anecdotal poem:
What would Def Comedy Jam be without Kid Capri making it def, or summer time without the Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff. Without Bilal, who would rock the house parties for Kid & Play, and could we “walk this way” without Aerosmith, Run DMC, and Jam Master Jay? Would Ellen’s daytime ratings be so high without a DJ to cue the music as she dances her best, and tell me, what would the first Carter be like without the great DJ Manny Fresh? (Fin)
Need I mention the mix tape industry? DJ Drama, Green Lantern, Who Kid, and DJ Giggles the list goes on. Oh, and ladies don’t forget, some of you couldn’t “Push it” without the greatest female DJ of all time: Spinderella.
Be it clubs, music, movies or TV, DJs have had a major influence in our lives. So really, this is just the tip of the iceberg. I believe it’s time that we “the general public” realize that DJs are truly artists, and recognition is long overdue. Okay, enough of my soapbox, I think you get the point. Though, this really should have been thought of sooner, say like before “Shaq-Fu”?
Well Activision says “Pauly, better late than never”. DJ Hero is slated to be released October 2009 along with other Activision titles, Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero, just in time for Christmas.
DJ Hero provides an amazing twist on classic Guitar Hero game play. Instead of a guitar, your weapon of choice is a special turntable controller, and the club scene is your battle ground. As the mix master, you will be spinning hip-hop, R&B, electronica, Motown and dance music.
Also noteworthy, is Activision’s ability to take the fundamental features that made Guitar Hero an exciting pick-up-and-play game, and create an entirely new concept that offers a completely different experience.
Another major plus for DJ Hero is the diversity of the music catalog. With over 80+ songs at your disposal, you’ll be able to mix songs from the likes of KRS-1, Black Eyed Peas, Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers, and Tears for Fears (As seen on the official DJ Hero website) just to name a few.
Activision continues to cash in on the widely successful socialite gaming era (and why shouldn’t they, it’s where the money is), but this time they’ll be entering the homes of an entirely new demographic. Guitar Hero already proved that you don’t have to be a fan of rock & roll to enjoy the game. Now Activision is banking on DJ Hero doing much of the FICKY-FICKY-same. Pauly ~
Click the link to see the official site and trailer (http://www.djhero.com/).
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