Also, if you’re a fan of DJ Hero, Vibe also comes with a headset to again, make you feel like a real fake DJ.  The headset was uncomfortable and the sound quality was just, ok.

So, just like the Vibe platform, both products were not great and not bad.  It was just ok.  I just really feel that the accessories market is heavily saturated with unneeded hardware.

The video above doesn’t show much gameplay or gives you any hints as to the tracks that are on the game but gives you the history of the company that is making the game.  Most DJs know the name Numark and Akai, but to us regular geek folk that might be buying the game, those two names mean nothing to us.  Names like Activision and Harmonix mean more.

After playing DJ Hero a lot, I think scratch will have decent sales with their game.  It looks just like DJ Hero but with a few more buttons that aren’t on the turntable.  I foresee it being a competitor just like Guitar Hero and Rock Band. But it’ll all come down to music tracks.  DJ Hero has a lot of tracks I’m in love with, but Numark defintely has connections to more of the hip-hop community.

What do you guys think? Will this new game live up to the standards DJ Hero has laid down?

Full press release after the break.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Nov. 3, 2009 – Scratch DJ, LLC today released a new video showcasing various features of the Scratch Deck by Numark for the highly anticipated music rhythm game, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ. The video compares various similarities between the Scratch Deck, and two pieces of real DJ equipment, the Numark NS7 and the Akai Pro MPC. Also weighing in on the Scratch Deck, legendary Scratch DJ Mix Master Mike talks about his time with the deck and its degree of authenticity.

Featuring top hip-hop and R&B songs from mainstream and underground artists, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ will combine real DJ turntable tricks with great rhythm game play, distinctive urban environments and an array of customizable DJ characters.

New Scratch Deck trailer and additional assets can be downloaded here:
http://bhimpact.gamespress.com/client_page.asp?i=164

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ will be available on the Xbox 360® video game system and PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system in early 2010. For the latest news and updates please visit the official game website at: http://www.scratchvideogame.com/.

If you haven’t got it by now, our podcast titles usually have nothing to do with the episode. But, what we actually talked about was:

• 4 games that most people are on the fence on buying
• Censorship in Australia on Left 4 Dead 2
• Kojima likes Twilight
• Spain on track to opening a space hotel on 2012
• JoeThePeacock’s 2nd book, Still Mentally Incontinent, is on sale. 2 for 1!

Subscribe to our podcast via iTunes

For the past six days, I’ve been playing DJ Hero a lot.  Not non-stop, but a lot.  Anytime I’ve had a chance between my busy work schedule and the two Halloween parties, I would be playing DJ Hero.  For the people that are still on the fence on this new music rhythm game, go past the break for my review.

Gameplay

If you’ve played with the toy “Bop It”, you’ll instantly love this game. because it’s just like it.  “Bop It” is a spin off of Simon.  But instead of repeating a pattern of colored lights, you would need to follow the instructions of what the announcer says. You either bop it, flick it, spin it, pull it, or twist it.  For DJ Hero, you’re either tapping a color button, “scratching” the turntable, flicking the crossfader, or twisting the effects knob. So, just imagine the toy Bop It, but with a beat and with 93 mash-ups.

Unlike Rock Band, where your hands are just pushing buttons and strumming and are essentially in one position, you’re hands on the DJ Hero controller are everywhere. The big learning curve for this game is the crossfader.  It’s easy to forget what position your crossfader is in at the time.  But, just like any game, with practice it’ll come naturally.

One thing I found rather odd is that there isn’t a full list of songs you can scroll up and down on like Guitar Hero or Rock Band.  To find songs you need to go through several “set lists”.  Each set list has it’s own genre and number of mashed-up songs. And even worse, you need to unlock every set list in order to play the songs in them.

When playing, you’ll notice that there is no such thing as failing. There isn’t a meter that tells you how good or bad you are doing. The crowd never boos at you and the only point of the game is to play for points and stars.  Gaining stars will help you unlock more songs, characters, DJ decks, locations, and outfits.

Also, one last thing about the gameplay isn’t really gameplay at all.  The awesome feature that you can let the game music play on its own like a party jukebox without having to play it is really awesome.

Graphics

With any rhythm game, graphics aren’t really the point of the game and isn’t really focused on during development.  As long as the player can easily see what he/she has to do to “play” the song, graphics are not really a factor. But of course, something flashy will always make the game more pleasing. From the dancers, DJs, stages, and crowds, everything looked very basic to today’s standards in life-like looking graphics.

Sound

Click here to view the embedded video.

93 mashed-up songs is what pulled me into the game.  10 original Daft Punk remixes is what led me to my local GameStop and pre-order my first toy turntable.  If you’re a fan of old school hip hop, real rap, techno beats, and some rock and roll mashed-up, then you’ll definitely love the sounds from this game. If you’re into only country music, keep waiting for that country hero game. There hasn’t been a song I didn’t want to play.  Usually, when I play Rock Band, I always have a set number of songs that I like to play mainly because I know and like those songs. The rest, I couldn’t care less about. But, with DJ Hero, each song was unique.  A mash-up of 2 different genres or songs just makes one awesome song.

Overall

If you liked Bop It, the toy, then get this game.  It’ll keep you busy and entertained with it’s 93 songs. There is somewhat of a learning curve with the crossfader, but keep at it. DJ Hero is out in stores now and is $119.

I’m big fan of Daft Punk and after hearing that they are putting in 10 mixes into DJ Hero, I knew I had to preorder it.  More and more I’m getting excited about this game.  Now, after seeing the above TV commercial, I’m going crazy.  I feel like DJ Hero is going to be even bigger than Guitar Hero and Rock Band.

“But Nelson, why would I say such a thing?!”

Because, after taking another glance at the full track list, there doesn’t seem to be any one song that anyone would not want to play.  For instance, how many of you go through your list of songs in Guitar Hero or Rock Band and go, “meh.” Exactly my point.  Also, if you’re still on the fence about DJ Hero, let me remind you about one track that will be in the game.

Vanilla Ice – “Ice Ice Baby” vs. MC Hammer – “U Can’t Touch This”

Yea. I know. Awesome. Go to your local Best Buy, GameStop, or wherever you pre-order games now.  I have a feeling this game will be selling out everywhere.

I got to play DJ Hero over the past weekend at my local GameStop.  After just playing 2 songs, I immediately knew that this game would be an instant hit.  This game hit my musical heart and made me very happy.  It’s a bit like the iPhone’s Tap Tap Revenge, but with “scratching” and use of a crossfader.  The game is extremly easy to pick up.  The only learning curve is the crossfader.  I could see a lot of people getting hung up on that aspect of the game, but just like any other rythem game out in the market, all it takes is a little practice.

I really can’t wait for this game to come out.  I’m most excited about the track list of the game.  You see, I’m a huge fan of mash-ups and rhythm games.  If you’re like me, you’ll definitely be getting this game. But, there are some people that are already giving it a thumbs down, like monkeymanD from reddit:

If I could sum it up in one thought, it would be this. Playing DJ Hero felt like playing some new fancy digital form of Bop It. It felt too much like you were just juggling a few different odd actions rather than actually coordinating your actions to accomplish an end. A toy, good for a short burst of amusement, but it will never even get close to the success of that good ol’ plastic guitar.

I could see his point of it being another “digital form of Bop It.” But I think the huge difference, to me, is the track list.  I doubt Bop It will ever have a Daft Punk track on it. So, readers, did you get a chance to play it over the weekend? If so, will you be pre-ordering or buying it?

I’m a big fan of Mash-Ups.  I acted like a gitty little schoolgirl when I saw and heard Jay-Z perform live with Linkin Park.  I still love it when I find great mash-ups on YouTube.  Then I heard about a game called DJ Hero that will let me act like I know how to mash-up songs and I just went nuts.  After seeing the demo played on stage at E3, I knew that I was going to get the game.  This was even before I saw any tracks revealed from the game.  Now, the full list has surfaced on the internets and I cannot wait for this to get into my living room already.  To see all 95 mashed-up tracks, go past the break.

• 2Pac – “All Eyez On Me” vs. The Aranbee Pop Orchestra – “Bittersweet Symphony (Instrumental)”
• 50 Cent – “Disco Inferno” vs. David Bowie – “Let’s Dance”
• 50 Cent – “Disco Inferno” vs. InDeep – “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life”
• Afrika Bambaataa – “Zulu Nation Throwdown” vs. Freedom Express – “Get Down”
• Beastie Boys – “Here’s A Little Somethin’ For Ya” vs. DJ Shadow – “The Number Song (2009 Version)” (Produced and mixed by DJ Shadow)
• Beastie Boys – “Intergalactic” vs. Blondie – “Rapture”
• Beastie Boys – “Lee Majors Come Again” vs. Daft Punk – “Da Funk” (Produced and mixed by Cut Chemist)
• Beck – “Where It’s At” vs. DJ Shadow – “Six Days (Remix ft. Mos Def)”
• Bell Biv DeVoe – “Poison” Beat Juggle
• Bell Biv DeVoe – “Poison” vs. Beastie Boys – “Intergalactic” (Produced and mixed by DJ AM)
• Bell Biv DeVoe – “Poison” vs. Cameo – “Word Up!”
• Benny Benassi – “Satisfaction” vs. Tiësto – “Elements Of Life”
• Billy Squier – “The Big Beat” vs. N.E.R.D. – “Lapdance” (DJ-Guitar mix)
• Black Eyed Peas – “Boom Boom Pow” vs. Benny Benassi – “Satisfaction”
• Bobby “Blue” Bland – “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City” vs. 2Pac – “How Do You Want It”
• Bobby “Blue” Bland – “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City” vs. Connie Price & The Keystones – “Fuzz And Them”
• Boogie Down Productions – “Jack Of Spades” vs. David Bowie – “Let’s Dance” (Produced and mixed by DJ Shadow)
• Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers – “Bustin’ Loose” vs. The Zombies – “Time Of The Season” (Produced and mixed by DJ Shadow)
• Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers – “Bustin’ Loose” vs. Young MC – “Bust A Move”
• Common – “Universal Mind Control (U.M.C.)” vs. Masta Ace – “Jeep A** Gutter (Aaron LaCrate & Debonair Samir ” (Produced and mixed by The Scratch Perverts)
• Cypress Hill – “Insane In The Brain” vs. Classics IV – “Spooky”
• Cypress Hill – “Insane In The Brain” vs. David Axelrod – “The Edge”
• Daft Punk – “Around The World” vs. Young MC – “Bust A Move”
• Daft Punk – “Da Funk” vs. N.A.S.A. – “Strange Enough ft. Karen O, ODB & Fatlip”
• Daft Punk – “Megamix 1″
• Daft Punk – “Megamix 2″
• Daft Punk – “Robot Rock” vs. Hashim – “Al Naafyish (The Soul)” (Produced and mixed by The Scratch Perverts)
• Daft Punk – “Robot Rock” vs. Queen – “We Will Rock You”
• Daft Punk – “Short Circuit” vs. Boogie Down Productions – “Jack Of Spades”
• Daft Punk – “Technologic” vs. Gary Numan – “Cars”
• Daft Punk – “Television Rules the Nation” vs. No Doubt – “Hella Good”
• David Axelrod – “The Edge” vs. Eric B. & Rakim – “Eric B. Is President”
• Dizzee Rascal – “Fix Up, Look Sharp” vs. DJ Shadow – “Organ Donor (Extended Overhaul)”
• Dizzee Rascal – “Fix Up, Look Sharp” vs. Justice – “Genesis”
• DJ Shadow – “Six Days (Remix ft. Mos Def)” vs. D-Code – “Annie’s Horn”
• Eminem – “My Name Is” vs. Beck – “Loser”
• Fedde Le Grand – “Put Your Hands Up For Detroit” vs. Sandy Rivera and David Penn – “I Can’t Stop (David Penn Remix)”
• Foo Fighters – “Monkey Wrench” vs. Beastie Boys – “Sabotage” (DJ-Guitar mix)
• Foreigner – “Juke Box Hero” vs. DJ Z-Trip ft. Murs – “DJ Hero” (Produced and mixed by DJ Z-Trip)
• Foreigner – “Juke Box Hero” vs. DJ Z-Trip ft. Murs – “DJ Hero” (DJ-Guitar mix, produced and mixed by DJ Z-Trip)
• Gang Starr – “Just To Get A Rep” vs. Mobb Deep – “Shook Ones, Pt 2″ (Produced and mixed by J. Period)
• Gorillaz – “Feel Good Inc.” vs. Blondie – “Atomic”
• Grandmaster Flash’s – “Boom” vs. “Tap” (Produced and mixed by Grandmaster Flash)
• Grandmaster Flash, DJ Kool, DJ Demo – “Here Comes My DJ” vs. Gary Numan – “Cars” (Produced and mixed by Grandmaster Flash)
• Gwen Stefani – “Hollaback Girl” vs. Gorillaz – “Feel Good Inc.”
• Gwen Stefani – “Hollaback Girl” vs. InDeep “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life” (Produced and mixed by DJ AM)
• Gwen Stefani – “Hollaback Girl” vs. Rick James – “Give It To Me”
• Herbie Hancock – “Rockit” Beat Juggle
• Herbie Hancock – “Rockit” vs. N.E.R.D. – “Lapdance” (Produced and mixed by Grandmaster Flash)
• InDeep – “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life” vs. Cameo – “Word Up!”
• Jackson 5 – “I Want You Back” vs. Gang Starr – “Just To Get A Rep” (Produced and mixed by DJ Yoda)
• Jackson 5 – “I Want You Back” vs. Third Eye Blind – “Semi-Charmed Life” (DJ-Guitar mix)
• Jackson 5 – “I Want You Back” vs. Third Eye Blind – “Semi-Charmed Life”
• JAY-Z feat. Pharrell – “Change Clothes” vs. 2Pac – “All Eyez on Me”
• JAY-Z – “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” vs. Eminem – “My Name Is”
• JAY-Z – “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” vs. Jackson 5 – “I Want You Back”
• JAY-Z – “Excuse Me Miss” vs. Rick James – “Give It To Me”
• Jean Knight – “Mr. Big Stuff” vs. Masta Ace – “Born To Roll”
• Jurassic 5 – “Jayou” vs. Billy Squier – “The Big Beat”
• Jurassic 5 – “Jayou” vs. Herbie Hancock – “Rockit”
• Kid Cudi – “Day ‘N’ Nite” vs. Black Eyed Peas – “Boom Boom Pow”
• Kool Moe Dee – “How Ya Like Me Now” vs. Reel 2 Real featuring The Mad Stuntman – “I Like To Move It”
• Little Richard – “Tutti Frutti” vs. Shlomo – “Beats” (Produced and mixed by DJ Yoda)
• M.I.A. – “Paper Planes” vs. Eric B. & Rakim – “Eric B. Is President” (Produced and mixed by The Scratch Perverts)
• M.I.A. – “Paper Planes” vs. Wale – “Lookin’ At Me”
• Marvin Gaye – “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” vs. David Bowie – “Let’s Dance”
• Marvin Gaye – “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” vs. Gorillaz – “Feel Good Inc.”
• Motörhead – “Ace Of Spades” vs. Noisia – “Groundhog” (DJ-Guitar mix)
• N.A.S.A. – “Strange Enough ft. Karen O, ODB & Fatlip” vs. Isaac Hayes – “Theme From Shaft”
• Noisia – “Groundhog” Beat Juggle (Produced and mixed by The Scratch Perverts)
• Paul van Dyk – “Nothing But You” vs. Sandy Rivera and David Penn – “I Can’t Stop (David Penn Remix)”
• Public Enemy – “Shut ‘Em Down” vs. Beck – “Where It’s At”
• Public Enemy ft. Zakk Wylde – “Bring The Noise 20XX” vs. Justice – “Genesis” (Produced and mixed by DJ Z-Trip)
• Public Enemy featuring Zakk Wylde – “Bring The Noise 20XX” (DJ-Guitar mix)
• Q-Tip – “Good Thang” vs. Billy Squier – “The Big Beat” (Produced and mixed by J. Period)
• Queen – “Another One Bites The Dust” vs. Beastie Boys – “Brass Monkey” (Produced and mixed by DJ Z-Trip)
• Queen – “Another One Bites The Dust” vs. Daft Punk – “Da Funk”
• Rihanna – “Disturbia” vs. Kid Sister – “Control”
• Rihanna – “Disturbia” vs. The Killers – “Somebody Told Me” (DJ-Guitar mix)
• Rihanna – “Disturbia” vs. The Trammps – “Disco Inferno”
• Shlomo – “Beats” vs. Billy Squier – “The Big Beat”
• Street Sweeper Social Club – “Fight! Smash! Win!” vs. Beastie Boys – “Intergalactic” (DJ-Guitar mix)
• Tears For Fears – “Shout” vs. DJ Shadow – “Six Days (Remix ft. Mos Def)”
• Tears For Fears – “Shout” vs. Eric B. & Rakim – “Eric B. Is President” (Produced and mixed by DJ Jazzy Jeff)
• Tears For Fears – “Shout” vs. Eric Prydz – “Pjanoo”
• The Aranbee Pop Orchestra – “Bittersweet Symphony (Instrumental)” vs. LL Cool J – “Rock The Bells” (Produced and mixed by DJ Jazzy Jeff)
• The Scratch Perverts Beats and Pieces (Produced and mixed by The Scratch Perverts)
• The Killers – “Somebody Told Me” vs. Eric Prydz – “Pjanoo”
• Vanilla Ice – “Ice Ice Baby” vs. MC Hammer – “U Can’t Touch This”
• Vanilla Ice – “Ice Ice Baby” vs. Paula Abdul – “Straight Up”
• Wale – “Lookin’ At Me” vs. Black Eyed Peas ft. Tippa Irie – “Hey Mama”
• Weezer – “Beverly Hills” vs. Evidence, The Alchemist, Aceyalone, Rakaa & 88 Keys – “Fresh Rhymes And Videotape” (DJ-Guitar mix)
• Wild Cherry – “Play That Funky Music” vs. Gang Starr – “Just To Get A Rep” (DJ-Guitar mix)

DJ Hero has posted a new clip to show you a new song produced and mixed by J. Period. Just by looking at the clip and imagining that I had the controller with me at my desk, I started pretending I was playing the game. You know, kind of like when you’re waiting for your turn on the DDR machine, so you start playing right next to it. After some pretending, the game seems kinda complicated. But, I guess I won’t know how complicated it really is until I get my hands on it. Oh holiday season. You’re really going to burn a hole through my wallet this year.

If you haven’t heard yet, the technologic men from outer space (or France), Daft Punk, will be featured in DJ Hero.  Not only will their likeness and songs be in the game, but also some special remixes by Daft Punk.

Daft Punk “Around the World” vs. Young MC “Bust A Move”
Daft Punk “Da Funk” vs. NASA “Strange Enough ft. Karen O, ODB and Fatlip”
Daft Punk “Da Funk” vs. Queen “Another One Bites the Dust”
Daft Punk “Robot Rock” vs. Hashim “Al-Naafiysh (The Soul)” – Produced and mixed by The Scratch Perverts
Daft Punk “Robot Rock” vs. Queen “We Will Rock You”
Daft Punk “Short Circuit” vs. Boogie Down Productions “Jack Of Spades”
Daft Punk “Technologic” vs. Gary Numan “Cars”
Daft Punk “Television Rules The Nation” vs. No Doubt “Hella Good”

DJ Hero comes out October 27, 2009.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Now, going against DJ Hero, both games have their pros and cons.

DJ Hero:

• 3 buttons on the turntable
• An effects dial
• Activision/Blizzard name to back it up
• Has 10 special songs to play with a friend with a Guitar Hero Guitar
• Crossfader
• Can only scratch when the game tells you to
• Available October 27th

Numark’s Scratch

• 5 buttons not on the turntable that act like a drum machine (think Beatmania)
• Crossfader
• Numark is recognized by DJs around the world, but not recognized in the gaming industry
• Ability to scratch the turntable whenever you feel like it for more points
• Numark might have a better song selection due to their reputation in the Hip-Hop music scene
• No way to play with a guitarist for “mash-up” type play
• Available September 15th