Something feels innately wrong about DJ Hero: While rattling on a plastic axe in Guitar Hero makes perfect sense as the best rock bands never take themselves too seriously, the ice-cool clubbing scene doesnt lend itself so naturally to the geeky world of gaming. But once you get over the embarrassment of spinning wheels of steel that look like something from a Barbie playset, this is a game clubbers with a sense of humour will find hard to resist.
While simplicity was the cornerstone of Guitar Hero, DJ Hero is a tougher challenge; using the cute controller, players must spin the turntable and press buttons to rewind and scratch records, activate samples, fade between records and add effects. Yet while Guitar Hero could make novice players look like rock gods almost instantly, it takes hours of practice to work through the games difficultly levels, unlock all the functions, and truly feel like a superstar DJ.
Great music, famous scenesters to control and slick presentation make DJ Hero a compelling clubbing companion but as it lacks the warmth and simplicity of its hard rockin predecessor, many casual gamers wont have the patience to master its virtual mixing.