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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%
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.
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%
Neversoft would like to add turntable support to Guitar Hero
During E3, we got to check out the folks from FreeStyleGames playing DJ Hero -- Activision's upcoming rhythm/music game -- using blasphemous guitar controllers in-tandem with the ubiquitous plastic turntable (seen above). While Activision is still keeping mum on whether or not the ability to use guitars in all tracks of the game (none the less vocals) will be shipping with DJ Hero, apparently the folks working on the game think including their turntable in Guitar Hero titles "Sounds like a great idea!"In fact, both the DJ Hero team and Neversoft (developers of the Guitar Hero franchise) seem open to the idea of cross-game instrument implementation (say that three times fast). GH director Brian Bright told Eurogamer, "We would love to integrate in the future," speaking to the cross-franchise possibilities with each game's respective peripheral. So if we can use a turntable, have a group of folks on various instruments, and get someone spitting hot fire into a mic, what's the point of Def Jam Rapstar again?
Video: DJ Hero turntable and guitar gameplay
You might not believe it, but the Beastie Boys and the Foo Fighters go pretty well together. During a quick behind-closed-doors session with DJ Hero, we got to see the folks at FreeStyleGames rock out to a mix of "Sabotage" vs "Monkey Wrench." This particular two-player mode allows players to use both a guitar and the turntable peripheral, which is sure to make the pain of adopting yet another plastic instrument a little more bearable. Also, you can check out how the turntable actually controls. Watch and learn, kids, these guys are the pros.
DJ Hero info-splosion: Gameplay footage, platforms, additional instrument support revealed
Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers "Bustin' Loose" vs The Zombies "Time of the Season" (DJ Shadow Mix) The official DJ Hero website is now online and, lo and behold, contains actual gameplay videos. The videos confirm that, yes, the setup is very similar to the music games we've come to know and love. The first video, above, shows off a song played at medium difficulty. A video of easy difficulty can be found after the break. Unfortunately, the videos still don't quite make it clear exactly what players will be doing with the controller. Don't worry too much though -- we're sure everything will be cleared up at E3 next week.Also revealed by the website are details surrounding some of the game modes. Three modes are mentioned: DJ vs. DJ, DJ + DJ and DJ + Guitar. In addition to guitar controllers, the game is also said to support microphones. Exactly how all this will work is anybody's guess.Finally, the site finally lists platforms for the game via the pre-order page. Unsurprisingly, DJ Hero will be available on PS3, PS2, Xbox 360 and Wii.[Thanks, Ian]
DJ Shadow lending DJ talents to DJ Hero
If your earholes have ever been graced by the presence of music created by DJ Shadow, we've got positively thrilling news for you -- the popular turntablist has been lending his encyclopedic knowledge of record mixology to Activision for months now as the developer works on DJ Hero. Not only that, he's also apparently lent his likeness and a few of his mashed-up tracks as well, according to his recent interview with Game Informer.If you're not a fan of Mr. Shadow's music, there's still some stuff in that interview that might interest you. For instance, he lays out the basic gameplay structure of the game, explaining, "you have two records playing, and you have a sample track, and you have to basically simulate what you're hearing." Ah, yes. Given our history as professional Bar Mitzvah disc jockeys (certainly you've heard of DJ Rabbinical and the Mohels), we feel confident in saying that sounds spot on.
Activision buys studio to make GH tracks, work on new rhythm IP
Activision Publishing has purchased UK-based FreeStyleGames, developers of B-Boy, to support its Guitar Hero franchise and work on a new IP. The studio is currently working on localized DLC for Guitar Hero games, with no word yet on what the new rhythm game will be.The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed and the company will remain in Leamington Spa. We would too -- that sounds like such a relaxing place.
FreeStyleGames joins Red Bull for new next-gen games
We love being caffeine-riddled enough to stay up and game all night. We're certainly intrigued to hear that the makers of the immensely popular Red Bull energy drink have signed a collaboration deal with UK developer FreeStyleGames. FreeStyle's Chris Lee says the deal, "goes way beyond in-game advertising deals seen in video games to date" and that they are, "working hand-in-hand to co-develop and design compelling, triple A titles that will be a true reflection of the Red Bull Energy Drink brand." Anyone else conjuring up nostalgic images of Cool Spot, featuring 7 UP's mascot? We'll have to wait and see if FreeStyle's collaboration will bear any similar surprises.[Via Eurogamer]
B-Boy poppin-n-locking on your PSP
Sony Europe has announced B-Boy, the urban breakdancing sim on the go. Is this freedom, you ask? Indeed. No longer must your feeble attempts to pull off air flares, jackhammers, and elbow spins be confined to the privacy of your home. Now, you can execute over 800 motion captured moves anywhere — and all in the palm of your hand. Powerful stuff.B-Boy, due in September, features dynamically controlled face offs, as you vie for respect in the streets and on stage. To help keep it real, Sony has enlisted legendary b-boy Crazy Legs, who will be working closely with developer FreeStyleGames and will also be featured in the game alongside a slew of other real world b-boy all-stars.
