DJ Hero, Up Close

Guitar games make sense for rockers--air-guitarists have bold new worlds to explore with such titles. Now would-be DJs can have their moment on stage. Though years ago a crummy game (Beatmania by Konami) tried and failed, the upcoming DJ Hero looks and feels great by comparison. Just how hard is it to scribble scratch versus strumming a couple of power chords? Well, for starters, it's a new set of controls to learn.

The controller itself feels substantial, like a sturdy (but plastic) turntable. The full-rotation, 360-degree platter has three buttons on it: two for scratching and a big one in the middle that you bop for samples. On the side is a cross-fader that switches between the two songs that you'll mash up on screen. That's all gaming rookies need to become a DJ.

While Activision seems to have done a good job with the feel of the controller, the game's songs--and how you control them on screen--are obviously just as important. The on-screen elements here resemble the streams of notes that you see in guitar games. As a colored gem comes down, you hit a button--think of the turntable as your strum. It seems a little daunting at first, because DJ Hero allows you to freestyle a lot more easily. Check out the DJ Hero site for sample clips so that you can see what I'm talking about. Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers' "Bustin' Loose" vs. The Zombies' "Time of the Season" (DJ Shadow Mix) is a good one.

Official word of the long-rumored game came out earlier this month, but let me catch you up to speed quick-like on some of the key things to know.

--Over 100 songs, encompassing electronica, hip-hop, rock, funk, and Motown, will come with the game. The mashups range from the Foo Fighters' "Monkey Wrench" vs. the Beastie Boys' "Sabotage" to KRS-1's "Jack of Spades" (DJ Shadow Mix) vs. David Bowie's "Let's Dance."

--Of course, Activision wants to tie this title in with its other "Hero" games, so it supports a guitar and mic for a three-piece set. Or, you can take the deck with you for a DJ battle.

--The game sells for US$120, and ships on October 27.

It's not bad at all, but I still have to note one little gripe--and one observation--after spending some time with DJ Hero. The gripe: I really wish that you could save the mixes and freestylish music that you create as you play. I mean, didn't they have that sort of feature in Guitar Hero World Tour? Maybe they're going to save that for the sequel.

The observation: As much as I personally love this genre of music, and as eager as I am to play the final game, is this market too niche compared with the sheer number of people who want to play guitar? We'll find out this fall.

For more PC news, visit PC World. Story copyright PC World Communications, Inc.