Scratch: The Ultimate DJ hands-on
By Tim Stevens 
posted Jun 4th 2009 2:59AM
posted Jun 4th 2009 2:59AM
First impressions of Scratch are, to be honest, not good. But, considering the game actually doesn't have a developer at the moment, it's in solid shape. How can a game exist without a developer, you ask? The details are long and sordid, but suffice it to say a certainly company hired a certain game developer to create a certain DJ game featuring its hardware. When another certain game company saw that certain DJ game it liked it so much it bought that little game developer and, more or less, pulled the plug on the first company's turntable. That's why Scratch has slipped from its initial Spring 2009 release to one that's, well, rather more indeterminate.
That's also why it looks more or less exactly like those first screenshots, and why it's running at a frame rate so bad that timing beats is near-impossible. All this combines to create that poor initial impression, but within a few finger taps you'll get to feel what's different -- and great -- about this game. The biggest thing is that it actually plays samples when you start drumming on those Akai Pro MPC-style buttons with your fingertips. Even if you're not playing when you're supposed to it'll still play the sample associated with that button, meaning when you're playing here you're actually making music, and the game doesn't punish you for getting creative.
Those buttons definitely take a little time to become familiar -- that is of course unless you're a big-shot music producer. They feel nothing like the nearly zero-resistance inputs found on most faux instruments, instead a having heavy, rubberized rebound. Most peoples' first impression will be to push harder to compensate, but the real way to play is a light tap. Figure that out and you're on your way to blistering combos.
The simple tap and scratch gameplay mechanic works and works well, and a chance for actual creativity gives this game a huge edge over the competition in our eyes. Being able to add your own tracks and samples doesn't hurt, either, but gamers will find plenty of built-in tunes from performers like Kanye West and Gorillaz. Exactly how many tracks, however, remains to be seen.
Despite having a huge head start we'd be lying if we said this game wasn't playing the role of the underdog at this point. It doesn't have the visual flash or a heroic moniker to blaze across packaging. But, there's no question the hardware here sets the standard, and gameplay that allows for some real creativity should be worth the wait. It's just a shame that gamers aren't typically the patient type.
Scratch: The ultimate Beatmania IIDX ripoff
looks better than the theDJ Hero shown on E3 imo
Seriously.. wow. IIDX with a brand name stuck on it.
Worst video hands on ever. They showed him pushing buttons...at least show the scratching
He did touch the scratchdisk there at the very start and 11 secs into the vid, although I can't make out much scratch sound either, but that might be drowned out?
I love Beatmania and I'm sad like everyone else about it sometimes, BUT.. I think I could love this too.
Armin and Tiesto uncle would be proud
That looked boring and not fun at all. I am more excite about the Numark NS7 prototype in the gallery. When is that coming out and for how much? Screw scratch show us some Digital DJ hardware. Does it mix Videos as well? *Shoves the Scratch DJ peripheral aside and starts playing with the NS7*
The NS7 is out now and costs $1300/£1300
Bad Video
called scratch but shows no scratching.
That said, looks logically closer to djing then dj hero. And when you got Gang star's Royalty in it's already got better music. Unless you're a hollaback ho.
yo props for having Gangstarr. If anything is backed by Primo, then it's gotta be decent?
"instead a having heavy, rubberized rebound."
Someone should do a little transposing.
Unless it comes with a little yellow man beside you calling 'Break, come on, hurh, Scratch-O, HEY!', then I won't be getting it :D Same for DJ Hero! ('And stop... Scratch-O, HEY!')
Hah! That minigame is AWESOME. Best so far (I haven't got that much further, mind..)
I would much rather have this game that DJH. 3 Buttons come on! and who hits buttons on the turntable not to the side like this controller.
Wow. Beatmania IIDX Ripoff. Seriously, no one is original now-a-days.
Duuuuude, that looks sooooooooo boring. The gameplay in this video doesn't even compare to the most boring times I have seen played on DJ Hero.
just had to be an asian cat
After playing IIDX for a few years this is a little frustrating. Beatmania is such a solid game. The US release may have been lacking, but he last 7 Japanese releases have been fantastic. Konami needs to step up to the plate here.
Wow, this looks like it could be an onion article. This thing looks so dumb and un-fun it's ridiculous.
And to think, if Konami hadn't completely screwed up their US version of Beatmania/IIDX, there wouldn't even be room for other DJ games.
I was able to actually play the game last night at the "Scratch: The Ultimate DJ E3 Party" in LA last night and let me tell you I am impressed!!! I could't put the game down. My first thought after having the controller in my hand, was "Wow...this feels durable!". It didn't seem to feel like it was made out of cheap plastic. Also, your able to throw your own flare in between the actually beats so each person who plays can have their own style. The other thing that was cool was after choosing your song to play, you choose the style of beats that your going to mix with. Watching other people play, it seemed that there were two types of ways you'd hold the controller. Some were just using one hand on the beats and the other on the disc while others used a two-hand combo on the beats and moved over to the disc when ready. Not to mention the deck is wireless so there are no chords in the way. All in all, i was very impressed and can't wait to play it again!!!
so glad that its wireless....im gonna rip on it!
the controller set up of scratch is more realistic than dj hero cause the turntable actually spins all the way around
The turntable spins all the way around on DJ Hero too, but I do agree this one looks better overall.
Well it just needs work on the timing and the difficulty.They will get there..and change that stupid fucking name to something less $5 dollar bin. But the hardware is there.they just need the software. don't hurt getting Q-bert playing your game though
ahh this controller is what the dj world of video games needs. simple but real
numark really hit it good with scratch. this is a unreal combo
this is what i say..scratch>dj hero