Hey boy,
Hey girl,
Superstar DJs,
Here we go!




Two weeks ago, I attended the Rhythm Heaven promo event at the Scratch DJ Academy in Manhattan. For some reasons I still don't quite understand, a press packet, drink tickets for the bar and this tee were entrusted into my hands:



After the mandatory dash to get a free Corona, I and Power Glove joined the rest of the media/music/gamer "students" in watching DJay spin. For no good reason, we thought that the sounds from our Technics would sound just as sexy. Sadly, the results resembled the sounds the stray cats make in my fire escape but the event did end with a spin competition where the audience was somewhat redeemed. The winners were showered with:

-A new Nintendo DS
-Copy of Rhythm Heaven
-BOSE headphones
-A certificate to take DJ classes at the school.
-Glory, heavenly, rhythmic glory.



There were DS systems set up to test out the game afterward, thankfully at individual stations and with headphones for those that failed the previous spin lessons. The gameplay is simple: tap the screen with the stylus in time w/ music to make monkeys dances, move your little DJ's hips, swing paddles etc. As you get better the game rewards you with harder songs and challenges. If you meet with disappointment, you can always blame the game for your pending carpal tunnel syndrome later.

It seems based on the handy press releases provided that Nintendo expects the game to appeal to "Casual" gamers and hardcore veterans alike. Nintendo also borrows some tips from the infamous book, The Art of Mackin' as a description of the game claims it's "all about tapping, flicking, sliding and holding". I don't think that it's an accident that the objectives of Rhythm Heaven match Mr. Nasheed's.

Since I don't own a DS I won't be picking this up anytime soon, but I'd recommend it if you're looking for something to finally give your ass a rest from Wii Fit or if you're just looking for something fun to play. I would also look into taking classes at the DJ Academy if you're interested in learning how to spin for serious -- they're well equipped with Technics and staffed by seasoned professionals to help you become a true superstar. They have offices/classrooms in NYC, Miami and LA so you're outta luck if you wanna be the next Tiesto from Ohio.

(Sorry for the quality, I used a point and shoot and it was dark!)




DJay