DJ Hero - a Review from a Non-Gamer

I can't boast expansive knowledge when it comes to the gaming world. Although I can boast a short stint in the World of Warcraft and a few clocked hours playing Rock Band, I have nothing profound to say about any gaming company-well-known or otherwise. However, I can certainly tell you I played a game. I can also tell you I had a great time doing so.

DJ Hero, for those who have never played the counterparts (Guitar Hero, Rock Band), is a game focused entirely around music. The object of the game is to manipulate different pieces of the controller-in this case the controller is a mock turntable. You follow the beat of the music to perform certain functions. Sometimes you hit a button, sometimes you scratch a record, others you fiddle with knobs. It certainly takes a bit of getting used to, but once you get comfortable, it proves to be a lot of fun.

I can only say good things about the music selection in the game. A variety of mash-ups offer such combinations as Rhianna and the Killers, Eminem and Beck, and a mix of the Gorillaz with Marvin Gaye. I have to say I was very impressed with the scope of diversity. One would expect mostly techno and pop music, but they integrated some incredible indie music and quite a bit of electronica. Daft Punk not only makes the scene within the music selection, but is also a possible character to play. I found that both entertaining and exciting.

As you do well on the earlier songs, it opens up more for you to play. The game has quite a number of songs, and hopefully (like Guitar Hero) the option to purchase more will come shortly. I think with the range of difficulty levels it will take a while for the songs to get old. With each added level, the manipulation of the controller becomes much more complex, and much more involved.

Overall, I think DJ Hero is a fabulous game. It most certainly is a bit pricey ($119 at Best Buy is no small purchase). However, if you're going to put the game play in, it's absolutely worth it. Especially considering the coming colder months, when more people are going to be staying indoors to hide from the cold, it will provide hours of entertainment.

This Non-Gamer is giving a thumbs-up.