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FCC exposes, dissects DJ Hero turntable peripheral
This has been a big week for pieces of gaming hardware getting explodified -- this time around, the subject of dissection is the turntable peripheral for Activision's upcoming Mix Master Mike sim, DJ Hero. However, the disassembly wasn't committed by a tech-savvy hacker, or even a DIY site. Instead, the operation was performed by the Federal Communications Commission. Yes, your tax dollars are being applied to the destruction of video game peripherals.Though most of the depictions of the turntable controller have been glamorous but somewhat non-revealing, the FCC completely exposes the controller in it's most vulnerable state. We'd say the FCC is kind of like the Hustler of gaming hardware snapshots -- but we would never actually say that because that would be an awfully creepy thing to say on a video game blog.[Thanks, Caleb]
EEDAR: Guitar Hero 5 will outsell The Beatles: Rock Band by nearly 2-to-1
EEDAR analyst Jessie Divnich has been quoted in a newly-published Bloomberg article, stating that the research group sees The Beatles: Rock Band facing a tough fight against the latest Guitar Hero in a genre that has, as he believes, "peaked." We got in touch with Divnich to talk about his assertion in the same article that Guitar Hero 5 will likely outsell Harmonix's Beatles game this year by a ratio of nearly two-to-one.Divnich says he expects Activison to ring up sales in the order of 3 million GH5 units across all platforms, compared to a projected 1.7 million for The Beatles: Rock Band. "I believe that at the end of the day, it comes down to marketing muscle, and Activision has proven in numerous showdowns that they can out advertise and out promote their competitor," he tells Joystiq. "If Activision relaxes on the marketing spend, while MTV Games kicks it up a notch, there's certainly a chance that I could be wrong."There's another scenario in which this year's Rock Band could prove more of a contender. "The only concern I have with my Guitar Hero vs. Rock Band analysis is that Activision may focus less on marketing Guitar Hero 5 and divert funding to DJ Hero, a new brand in their Guitar Hero line-up," EEDAR's chief number man admits. "That would certainly change the game."No matter what, Divnich doesn't see a very-worst-case scenario playing out for MTV Games and Harmonix, assuring us that "[The Beatles: Rock Band] will outsell Rock Band 2 this holiday season."
Video interview: Freestyle Games' Jamie Jackson
Freestyle Games' upcoming DJ Hero is quite possibly the most refreshing addition to the music genre in quite some time. We chatted with Jamie Jackson, Creative Director of the game, to talk about introducing gamers to the world of scratch. Below is a small text excerpt of the entire video interview.How did the DJ Hero concept come about?About three years ago, we were looking into a concept for a hip-hop game that took into account all four pillars of hip-hop. But really quickly, we decided the DJ element was much more inspiring, and had more to do with it. It actually allowed us to branch out ... It wasn't just hip-hop, it was dance, it was electronica, it was drum and bass. And we could still bring in things like rock, and motown, and bring in all these old classic songs as well.So how do you translate the process of DJ'ing to a videogame?What we wanted to do was give something to the consumer that wasn't too intimidating, so we kind of took the core elements, which is scratching and cross-fading, and then we made the game based on those two things.%Gallery-70460%
DJ Hero coming Oct. 27 in US, 'late October' worldwide
Speaking to Joystiq at GamesCom, Activision has officially confirmed what retailer listings have indicated for quite some time: DJ Hero will wind up on shelves starting October 27th in the US and "late October" elsewhere -- likely the week of the 27th. However, the retailer-derived price of $120 (and $200 for the pictured "Renegade Edition") has yet to be confirmed.DJ Hero will come with 93 mixes, comprised of 100 individual tracks. The game's guitar mode will be compatible with Rock Band axes and microphones. Yes, microphones. Though plugging in a microphone offers no major gameplay additions, the peripheral can be handed to the drunkest person in the room for random shoutouts and other foolish remarks. USB mics are a go, but we're following up to see if wireless mics will also be accepted.
DJ Hero: The Scratch Perverts and DJ Yoda contributing songs, ridiculous names
Activision today announced a number of DJs who will be contributing mash-ups to its upcoming game, DJ Hero. As if to play right into our expectations of a DJ-themed game, M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes" has finally made it into the track list (it took so long!) by way of The Scratch Perverts mixing Eric B. and Rakim's "Eric B. is President" with it. Also revealed was DJ Yoda, who will be mashing up two tracks for the game. In case that news wasn't exciting enough for you, we've got six (!!) more gameplay videos of the game, five of which can be found after the break. That brings our grand total of gameplay videos of DJ Hero in the month of August to 13. Clearly, the marketing push leading up to October's tentative release date has begun in earnest. Maybe we can have a solid, official release date now?%Gallery-64592%
GameStop prices DJ Hero: Renegade Edition at $200
If you're looking to drop a few extra presidential flash cards in order to ensure that your DJ Hero experience is as fulfilling as possible, GameStop's got you covered -- the retailer recently priced the rhythm title's limited "Renegade Edition" at $199.99. That's a bit of a markup from the standard version's $119.99 price tag, but big enough fans of Jay-Z, Eminem, high quality turntable peripherals and collapsible stands for said controllers may be willing to part with the extra bones. %Gallery-68978%
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ's development turned to new studio
With most of its legal issues over, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ is ready for a comeback next year under developer Commotion Interactive. The game was previously being created by Activision's 7 Studios, but after a very messy legal entanglement, Scratch DJ Game, LLC -- a joint venture between Numark Industries and Genius Products -- was given the Scratch source code and tools under court order to proceed with development.Commotion's job now is to get the game out for Xbox 360 and PS3 by "early 2010." A representative for Numark informed us that the Scratch Deck peripheral will remain the same, but couldn't confirm whether it would be compatible with DJ Hero. We've also been told the game has taken a slightly different (visual) artistic direction and that new screenshots should be available in the coming weeks.We were also curious about the music selection and licensing in Scratch. MTV Games is the licensing muscle for Harmonix's Rock Band, while Activision has gotten good at licensing with Guitar Hero. Who is Scratch adding to its roster? "Our team is doing a great job of handling the music licensing," the representative said. "We already have agreements with; Kanye West, Run DMC, Outkast and others, with more announcements to come."With DJ Hero set for this year under the mighty marketing banner of Activision, Scratch will definitely need that special magic to make a commotion upon release.
Screen Grabs: DJ Hero makes cameo in Kid Cudi video, comes back full circle
Screen Grabs chronicles the uses (and misuses) of real-world gadgets in today's movies and TV. Send in your sightings (with screen grab!) to screengrabs at engadget dt com. Something very peculiar popped up while we were watching Kid Cudi's "Make Her Say" music video. Just as the song is winding down, Mr. Cudi (also known as Scott Mescudi) can be seen "air scratching" while someone in the above frame takes the pantomime one step further with DJ Hero's turntable peripheral. The connection runs much deeper, though: the song was produced by Kanye West, whose rise to fame arguably came when he produced Jay-Z's critically acclaimed album The Blueprint... and Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, in turn, happens to be one of the two artists (along with Eminem) promoting DJ Hero. Funny how that works out. Video after the break, and jump to the 3:03 mark if all you really want is another glimpse of the controller. [Thanks, Laxuo and AG Beast]
Enough DJ Hero media for you to make your own mashup song
We hope you budgeted some time today to devote to watching DJ Hero clips. Despite the brevity of each individual clip -- something we're lamenting, given our burning desire to hear the rest of this "Poison"/"Intergalactic" mix -- there are seven overall clips, which certainly adds up. You should probably get started!Above, we've embedded the aforementioned (and tantalizing) mix of Bell Biv Devoe's "Poison" and the Beastie Boys' "Intergalactic." After the break, there's more from DJ AM (including a little video about how awesome being a DJ is), along with mixes from DJ Z-Trip and DJ Shadow.
DJ Hero Renegade Edition now accepting callers, lists for $199.99
So how badly do you want that metallic DJ Hero turntable? The game's official website is now directing your attention to GameStop and Amazon, both of which are now accepting pre-orders for the Renegade Edition (due to launch October 27th alongside the standard bundle) for just one copper Lincoln under $200. That's a $80 premium over the regular bundle but does also include a stand / carrying case hybrid and a two-CD collection. Then again, it's also well over the cost of the entire instrument bundle for Rock Band 2 or Guitar Hero World Tour. Anyone gonna bite? [Thanks, HArry]
DJ Hero goes renegade with premium edition turntable, DJ stand
If your virtual disc-scratching needs something a little less silver and little more dark, brooding, and bronze, Activison today announced the DJ Hero Renegade Edition bundle, which includes just such a peripheral with promised premium metal controls and finish. The full package also comes with a hardshell carrying case that doubles as a stand, and less impacting on the gameplay itself, a Jay-Z / Eminem two-CD collection with unreleased tracks and a collectible case designed by Shepard Fairey. No word on price, but if that rumored $120 tag for the standard edition pans out, you can expect to be paying a prettier penny here. Browse the new gear, including the Wii version of the standard turntable, in the gallery below.
DJ Hero Renegade Edition packs Jay-Z/Eminem CDs, fancy case/stand
click for Renegade Edition gallery If you have the urge to spend even more than $120 for DJ Hero, we've got great news. When the game launches, you'll have the option of picking up the "Renegade Edition" of the game, which includes a special turntable, a hardshell case that converts into a stand and a two-disc CD set of Jay-Z and Eminem music that features some previously unreleased tracks. Not that this comes as a complete surprise. Now, we could take or leave the CDs (Music that you don't pretend to play? What, is it for babies?) but the case/stand actually sounds pretty slick. Here's hoping the price (which we have no clue on, naturally) is right. %Gallery-68978%
DJ Jazzy Jeff: He's the DJ, You're the DJ Hero
You may know DJ Jazzy Jeff as Will Smith's musical partner from back when he performed as the Fresh Prince. You may also know him as the guy who Uncle Phil threw out of the house all the time on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Now, younger people (who, ironically, just won't understand Jazzy Jeff's catalog) will know him as that one guy in DJ Hero. Activision announced that DJ Jazzy Jeff will be joining DJ Shadow, Grandmaster Flash, and the rest as a playable character in the turntablism game. He has also contributed two song mash-ups: Tears for Fears' "Shout" vs. Eric B. & Rakim's "Eric B. Is President" and LL Cool J's "Rock the Bells" vs. The Aranbee Pop Symphony Orchestra's "Bittersweet Symphony" (the original instrumental track to which The Verve added vocals). Gameplay video of both mixes is available after the break.
Activision explains DJ Hero pricing, says game offers 'tremendous value'
(click to Afrika Bambaataa-size) The retailer pricing of DJ Hero found recently -- $120 bucks! -- has some folks wondering why Activision may have upped the price for its usual game-plus-peripheral combo. The company has offered an explanation answer to Eurogamer, saying, "We believe that DJ Hero will provide tremendous value for our consumers by delivering an all-new interactive music experience with over 100 individual songs that are highlighted in over 80 unique mixes, a wide variety of ..."...Sorry, we nodded off there for a minute. Between the $250 for The Beatles: Rock Band and another $120 for Tony Hawk: Ride, we're up late a lot, worrying about affording all these plastic game controllers -- and a bigger house to put them all in.%Gallery-64592%
Grandmaster Flash is a DJ Hero, plays DJ Hero
If anyone belongs in a game called DJ Hero, it's Grandmaster Flash. The legendary musician has been at the forefront of hip-hop for basically forever, and is credited with inventing the art of messing with records to create noise, upon which the entire game is based. In addition to appearing in-game, Flash contributed his own mixes to the soundtrack. In the video above, you can hear a segment of his mashup of Herbie Hancock's "Rockit" and N.E.R.D.'s "Lapdance." After the break, we've embedded a clip of the game featuring a mashup of his own "Here Comes My DJ" and Gary Numan's new wave anthem to isolation, "Cars."MTV recorded footage of Flash trying the game for the first time, and let's just say his performance in the game is much more impressive than his performance of the game. For a more thorough writeup of Mr. Flash's thoughts on the game, check out GameDaily's writeup here.%Gallery-67290%
And you thought DJ Hero was expensive in America
Europeans will be paying through the nose -- but pay they will, if past Hero franchise figures are anything to go by -- for the next rhythm game from Activision. ShopTo has told Eurogamer that DJ Hero will retail for a ridiculous £108 in the UK. That's about $178 -- a $50 markup from the already silly US price.Retailers are doing their best to bring the price down to something a little more reasonable, with ShopTo offering the game for £94.85 and HMV listing a £99.99 price point. Still a bit steep, but we suspect the game will still sell pretty decently. Although, that depends on how much Scratch will be selling for ...
DJ Hero 'more mainstream' than Guitar Hero, Activision CEO says
DJ Hero might be the cliquish kid sister in Activision's branching "Hero" family, but it belongs to a really big clique, according to CEO Mike Griffith. "It's certainly hitting a more mainstream and expanded audience from Guitar Hero," Griffith said of the spin-off in an interview with GI.biz. As expansive as the Guitar Hero catalog has grown over the years (enough to re-release a disc of "greatest hits"), there's potential for DJ Hero to reach far beyond, literally mixing in, well, anything.While Griffith has his sights set on some 300 million Hero-less households, developer FreeStyleGames must be a bit more narrow-minded, lest DJ Hero come out as a cacophonous mashup. As mainstream as turntablists have become, they're still spinning for a variety of crowds. There's a difference between a game for everyone and a game with something for everyone. So it's simple then? All DJ Hero has to be is the greatest mixtape of all time. %Gallery-64592%
DJ Hero spinning a $120 price tag, October 27th ship date?
While far from being a confirmation, major online retailers Gamestop and Amazon have independently of one another put up listings for the DJ Hero / turntable bundle with the same October 27th ship date and $119.99 price tag for Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 owners -- the PS2 version is either the same price or $20 cheaper, depending on which site you trust. That's a good $70 less than the two-instrument Guitar Hero World Tour package, but of course you're paying for a more single-player setup. Again, we haven't heard word one from Activision, and with over four months until this supposed date, things are likely subject to change (assuming these even came from the publisher in the first place, and weren't just magically pulled out of a large, black cap with frilly edges). We wouldn't be surprised to see this being the final price, though, and either way, it serves as a nagging reminder that the life of a fake plastic musician doesn't come cheap.[Via Joystiq]Read - Gamestop listingRead - Amazon listing
Retailers list DJ Hero for $120, handful of other Activision titles detailed
Pegging the release date of DJ Hero as October 27, GameStop is listing the game with a $120 price tag across all consoles -- turntable peripheral in-tow. While we are, at very best, suspicious of any release dates or price tags attached to retailer listings, both GameStop and Amazon have details on not just DJ Hero, but also Guitar Hero 5, Band Hero and, strangely, Modern Warfare 2 (in Collector's Edition form, priced at $80). Those with a keen eye and a nose for all things "exploitable" will note that these titles all come from mega-publisher Activision, making us wonder if the company has simply released the information to retail before anyone else.Considering the price for Tony Hawk Ride (and its living room-destroying peripheral of $120), a precedent for unproven peripheral pricing has certainly been set. We've asked for comment from Activision regarding the release dates and pricing, though had yet to hear back as of publishing.
Neversoft interested in bringing turntables to Guitar Hero, making large amounts of money
We've already seen a bit of guitar in DJ Hero, but apparently it might not just be a one way street: Neversoft (developer of the Guitar Hero franchise for Activision) hinted to Eurogamer at E3 that they're interested in bringing the DJ Hero turntable to future versions of Guitar Hero. They also aren't ruling out the possibility of bringing drums to DJ Hero -- which seems to us an even more exciting prospect -- and we're sure in a few years time you'll be able to direct wire Activision to your bank account and fill you living room to the brim with more-or-less interoperable pretend instruments.[Via Joystiq]
