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Activision Unveils DJ Hero 2
While only hinted at earlier this year, Activision has officially announced the sequel to 2009’s most innovative music game – DJ Hero.
“DJ Hero was the best music game of 2009 and with DJ Hero 2 we’re delivering a new easy to pick-up, challenging-to-master experience that all players can enjoy together,” said David Haddad, Chief Operating Officer of the Guitar Hero franchise. “With new social game modes, the inclusion of full microphone support, all-new levels of creative freedom and an amazing soundtrack, DJ Hero 2 is the ultimate mixer of music and friends.”
As mentioned, features include compatibility with a second turntable, microphone integration, freestyle gameplay, and a slew of new mixes. Social-centric multiplayer modes have also been added, with DJ battles pitting friend against friend on specially designed tracks. Drop-in, drop-out party play allows for more flexibility, and career-inspired Empire Mode will provide you the chance to grow from a green DJ to the head of a major entertainment empire.
“We’re improving upon all the gameplay elements from DJ Hero that gamers loved with the all-new freestyle gameplay and a host of new multiplayer game modes,” said Jamie Jackson, Creative Director, FreeStyleGames. “But we’re not stopping there either as the award-winning soundtrack is getting bigger songs from hotter artists that our talented crew of DJ’s is spinning into hits that fit the gameplay flawlessly.”
Featured artists include Dr. Dre, The Chemical Brothers, Kanye West, Metallica, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and “over 85 others.” Also joining the roster as a playable character is producer Deadmau5.
To celebrate the reveal of DJ Hero 2, fans can download a free mix of Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” and Deadmau5’s “Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff” from XBL and the PSN Store June 8-14.
DJ Hero 2 will launch this fall via several different retail packages. The Party Bundle will include the game, two turntables, and a microphone. The Turntable bundle will ship with the game and a single deck. Standalone software will also be available to purchase.
In an interview we conducted earlier this year, Activision CEO Bobby Kotick revealed his plans to maintain the budding DJ Hero franchise. Speaking on the merit of committing to an IP for the long-term, Kotick stated “…If you’re going to make a commitment to doing something original, the odds are that you’re not going to get it right the first chance.” He also maintained that “less games, better games,” is Activision's strategy in relation to the DJ Hero brand.
Our editors were smitten with DJ Hero, as evidenced by their high review scores. So why another iteration so soon? Is DJ Hero veering toward the path of the Guitar Hero franchise? Or is this simply a timely opportunity for Activision to add and improve upon functionality? Weigh in below.
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