Default Site Weblog

Thursday, May 28, 2009

SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ CONTROLLER DETAILS

on Games On Net
Submitted: May 28, 2009
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ(Xbox 360)

Now that publisher Genius Products seem to have sorted out their legal feud with original developer 7 Studios and rival music game publisher Activision, progress on their battered title Scratch: The Ultimate DJ can continue.

To prove it, they’ve sent along some photos of the controller - now that they have it back. The controller, called the Scratch Deck, was designed in conjunction with leading turntable manufacturers Numark so ought to be reasonably realistic feeling (and hopefully quite robust). Adam Cohen, Numark’s Director of Business Development, enthused:

“For decades, Numark has been developing turntables, DJ mixers and digital DJ controllers. We know what professional DJs demand, and we used that knowledge to produce SCRATCH DECK, ... It was critical that we deliver an authentic DJ experience to gamers, whether they be experienced DJs or players who have never put a needle to vinyl.”

Officially, the Scratch Deck features a free-spinning, touch sensitive turntable with a crossfader and five Akai Pro MPC-style drum pads, which apparently makes it pretty good, as these are professional level devices. If that means as much to you as it does to me, look at the pictures and note the turntable, with its row of buttons in the apparently universal music game colours, and the switchy thing.

While the simple set up might suggest gameplay that hardly deviates from the guitar games, apparently the five drum pads are used to trigger samples, possibly in response to in-game cues, but the turntable can actually be used to tinker with tracks in real time, allowing for a freedom of creative expression not often found in competing titles. Sampling leaves a little more room for originality, since players can choose a selection of audio from the game’s library, or if they so choose, even record their own samples using a USB microphone.

Apparently also blessed with a quality vinyl finish that feels near identical to the genuine article, the Scratch Deck is reversible for those who prefer to spin with their left hands, and will be shown off at E3. Scratch: The Ultimate DJ will probably turn up (ha!) in June, barring further complications arising from the custody battle (and possibly one of those endless licensing-issues waits which seem to plague music games). It will be available on the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360. .. » Full Story on Games On Net

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

THREE REASONS SCRATCH WILL BE BETTER THAN DJ HERO

on PS3 Informer
By Kris Erickson
Submitted: May 27, 2009
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ(Xbox 360)

“Three Reasons Scratch will be Better than DJ Hero”… Kris Erickson had fantastic things to say about Scratch when compared to DJ Hero claiming that “While both games will allow pasty white nerds everywhere the chance to vicariously live out their fantasies of laying down ill beats, only one is deserving of their time and money. That game is Scratch: The Ultimate DJ.”  He breaks down three reasons why Scratch will do better than DJ Hero -

“Any music-rhythm game purporting to represent DJ culture is going to need a lot of street cred, and Scratch seems to Activision beat here as well.”

“the designers of Scratch have really done their homework and secured deals with artists who really define the DJ culture.”

“While the DJ Hero controller is certainly functional, the Numark-inspired deck included with Scratch: The Ultimate DJ is the bomb.”

This winter, two competing music rhythm games will each vie for your attention - and money. Both games will ditch the tired rock-and-roll theme that has been so tremendously successful in favor of sampled beats and a turntable. While both games will allow pasty white nerds everywhere the chance to vicariously live out their fantasies of laying down ill beats, only one is deserving of their time and money. That game is Scratch: The Ultimate DJ. Here are three reasons why we think the innovative new title from Genius Products will trounce Activision’s competing game, DJ Hero, when both land side-by-side in shops this winter.

Scratch did it first
You know that episode of Sienfeld where Kramer comes up with this great idea for a cologne that smells like the beach, and then Calvin Klein totally steals it? That’s pretty much what Activision has done here. Scratch: The Ultimate DJ has been in production since 2007, with 7 Studios developing and publisher Genius Products behind the title. However, after having acquired the developers at 7 Studios, Activision quickly announced its own music rhythm game in 2008 that is eerily similar to the one already in production by Genius. Genius has sued Activision and 7 Studios, alleging that the latter basically stole their idea. While the court case is unlikely to be settled in time to prevent either game’s release, we recommend settling this score the old fashioned way: with a DJ battle.

Facin’ a collaboration
Any music-rhythm game purporting to represent DJ culture is going to need a lot of street cred, and Scratch seems to Activision beat here as well. Genius Products has collaborated closely with Beastie Boy and scratch maestro Mix Master Mike on Ultimate DJ. We can’t think of anybody whose input would be as knowledgeable when it comes to the history of sampled music. Activision has tons of money to license music tracks for its game, so we have no doubt that their final setlist will be impressive in scope. However, the designers of Scratch have really done their homework and secured deals with artists who really define the DJ culture. It has been confirmed that the Scratch setlist will include music by DJ Shadow, the Gorillaz, and Run DMC, for starters.

The Controller
Every fan of Rock Band knows that the controller can make or break the game. That is why the design of the turntable for both of these DJ games was so important, and why each side has kept their design a secret until the very last minute. It’s hard to fault the choice made by Activision to put the finger buttons right on the turntable to emulate the feel of scratching a record, but the overall design looks uninspired. While the DJ Hero controller is certainly functional, the Numark-inspired deck included with Scratch: The Ultimate DJ is the bomb. The Numark deck features a free-spinning, touch sensitive turntable and a crossfader. Players can even record and upload their own samples using a compatible USB microphone. Word to your mom.

Scratch, bottom-right and DJ Hero, top-left. The turntable designed for Scratch: The Ultimate DJ features a crossfader and can be flipped for left-handed beatmakers... » Full Story on PS3 Informer

ONE TURNTABLE TO RULE THEM ALL DJ HERO VS SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ

on Joystiq
by David Hinkle
Submitted: May 27, 2009
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ(Xbox 360)

With two high profile DJ-‘em-up games coming out in DJ Hero and Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, many are likely scratching their heads at which turntable and promised experience is going to be superior. Well, we can’t comment on the latter (until E3, anyway), but we can take a look at the two competing controllers. We stacked them side-by-side for your viewing pleasure and compared all the known details in our gallery below. Enjoy!.

Turntables

First up, we look at the turntables. DJ Hero’s controller goes for the standard size, with a much larger turntable that incorporates buttons directly onto the face of it. Also, it appears to have a bit more texture to it, and is overall a bit more basic through the use of only three buttons to Scratch’s five. As for Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, its turntable is a lot smaller (think 45s vs regular records) and touch-sensitive, and even spins on its own, like a real turntable. Also, the turntable for Scratch moves any buttons off the face of the turntable itself and places them on the side, allowing players to navigate menus through a d-pad, as well as the other standard buttons. For the authentic DJ experience, it looks like Scratch wins in the turntable department.

Lefty-Compatible

Both controllers will be able to fit left-handed players in its own way. DJ Hero’s turntable controller supports left-handed players through a detachable crossfader, uh, attachment, as we’ve only seen in this sneaky shot of the entire peripheral in action. It can attach to either side, allowing rightys and leftys to drop the block-rockin’ beats with ease.

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ also allows left-handed players to get into the action by simply turning the controller 180 degrees, as it was designed symmetrically.

Off to the side

There aren’t any good images of the DJ Hero turntable’s attachable crossfader (though a Spike promo did get us a grainy look at the entire thing here). The side attachment features a crossfader, as well as some other buttons, the use for which is unconfirmed right now. As for Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, its turntable controller features a fixed side area with 5 Akai Pro MPC-style drum pads and a crossfader.

The business of buttons

We briefly touched on the number of buttons (Hero’s 3 compared to Scratch’s 5), but we can go a bit more in depth. The buttons on the DJ Hero turntable are a lot longer and skinnier, forgoing the chunky, squared style of Scratch’s controller. Each turntable’s buttons are also color-codes, as is the norm, and stack side-by-side for easy tapping. It should be noted that Scratch’s peripheral actually maps controller buttons, whereas there clearly isn’t enough on the DJ Hero controller to do so. Looks like DJ Hero’s controller is for DJ Hero alone.

For the Casual, for the hardcore

Until we start to see track lists and prices, there isn’t going to be much else to compare these two games than with their respective controllers. At first glance, DJ Hero appears to be something aimed at casual players who enjoy the DJ experience, but aren’t moonlighting at da club on Saturday nights. Scratch: The Ultimate DJ’s turntable controller appears to be the opposite, inviting the hardcore DJ fans who DO moonlight on Saturday nights through its smaller, touch-sensitive turntable and traditional DJ layout. So, will you be the Ultimate DJ, or a DJ Hero?

A FIRST-LOOK PREVIEW OF SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ WAS FEATURED IN THE MAY ISSUE OF PLAY MAGAZINE

PLAY Magazine May 2009 By Heather Anne Campbell first-look preview of Scratch: The Ultimate DJ was featured in the May issue of Play Magazine Heather Campbell details Scratch for readers by pointing out many of the game’s unique features, including the various gameplay modes, sampling, USB microphone feature, voice recording, customization, mixing and the turntable-style controller. Note the key differentiators from competitive titles in that Scratch actually allows for players to create their own music and record their best jam sessions. “Sure, you can always pick up a copy of Dance Dance Revolution, but hopping on arrows isn’t the same as pressing them with your thumbs. Some people want to feel like they’re responsible for the music, not just dancing along with it.” “In fact, unlike Band or Hero, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ lets you record your best sessions…because a great play through is going to sound unique, tailored to your own sensibilities.”  “Scratching the table doesn’t just load up a pre-existing set of scratch samples; instead, the feedback is actually based on the action of the record.”

MORE PICS OF THE SCRATCH DJ CONTROLLER

Originally posted on Kotaku.com
By Mike Fahey, 9:20 AM on Wed May 27 2009.

We’ve received some new shots of the official Scratch: The Ultimate DJ turntable controller, now in delicious PlayStation 3 flavor.

Crafted by real turntable manufacturers Numark, the Scratch controller for the PlayStation 3 is very much like its Xbox 360 counterpart, though slightly more attractive thanks to the darker coloration. The official name for the controller is Scratch Deck, as it is a deck on which one scratches.

“For decades, Numark has been developing turntables, DJ mixers and digital DJ controllers. We know what professional DJs demand, and we used that knowledge to produce SCRATCH DECK,” said Adam Cohen, Director of Business Development, Numark. “It was critical that we deliver an authentic DJ experience to gamers, whether they be experienced DJs or players who have never put a needle to vinyl.”

SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ, RHYTHM GENRE SOON TO BECOME A HIP-HOPCARCY

Playstation: The Official Magazine May 2009 By Scott Butterworth Scratch: The Ultimate DJ’s preview is featured in the May issues of Playstation: The Official Magazine (c. 301,151).  As an added bonus, a screenshot is also featured on the Playstation magazine’s poly bag.  From Playstation: The Official Magazine, Scott Butterworth, goes in-depth on Scratch’s peripheral, gameplay manipulation, improvisation and scratching, bonus points and tutorials.  A “Rap Sheet” is also featured in the sidebar listing Scratch’s setlist.  Here are some highlights: “Sticking to the scrolling pattern will produce an unaltered version of the original song, but adding extra notes introduces new sound and rhythmic variations that essentially let you create a unique real-time remix.” “Thanks to some click pattern recognition, the game will recognize any of the hundreds of standard scratching tricks that you happen to perform, and aware you accordingly.”

SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ, A NEW SPIN ON THE RHYTHM GENRE

XBOX, Official XBOX Magazine May 2009 By Ryan McCaffrey From Official Xbox Magazine (c. 403,869), Ryan McCaffrey (a fan of Counting Crows) begins the preview by saying he’s “probably the last person that should be excited about a DJ videogame!” However, after sitting in on the demo of the game, Ryan quickly changed his tone and refers to himself as “converted.” The preview details the peripheral, improvisation, turntable tricks, bonus points and setlist.  Here are additional highlights: “Lehrich accurately likened it to the trick system in a snowboarding game, and with around 60 tracks to groove to, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to flex your budding deejay muscles.” “After seeing it in action, I can’t wait to get my hands on Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, a fascinating addition to the rhythm/music genre.”  “Scratch’s open-ended, freestyle nature has me itching to see what I can create, even if I likely won’t be scratching over “Mr. Jones” anytime soon.”

DJ DECK FOR SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ

on PS3 Maven
Submitted: May 27, 2009
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ(Xbox 360)

While we wait for Scratch the Ultimate DJ to be released for the Playstation 3, an image of the new DJ deck was revealed…and it is awesome. This new DJ Deck for PS3 looks great and makes me dream of all the mixing that will be going on in the game.

The new PS3 DJ Deck has the 5 colorful buttons we are highly acquainted with from the previous Guitar Hero franchise, but teh major touch is the scratch table. I can only think of what the game will include and how much of your own style and music ability could actually be implemented. If you remember Dance Dance Revolution, as long as you get your own style and actual dancing going on, you could raise the bar and make some amazing score. I hope Scratch DJ will allow some of that.

Until the game actually released, we get one amazing glimpse to our DJ controller and only heightens anticipation. .. » Full Story on PS3 Maven

NUMARK REVEALS SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ CONTROLLER

on Planet Xbox360
Submitted: May 27, 2009
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ(Xbox 360)

Numark Industries, the world’s leading manufacturer of DJ technology, and Genius, Inc., released today the first images of the videogame controller for Scratch: The Ultimate DJ for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. SCRATCH DECK will be showcased for hands-on play at a special event in Los Angeles on June 3, during the week of the videogame industry’s most high profile trade show, the 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo.

“For decades, Numark has been developing turntables, DJ mixers and digital DJ controllers. We know what professional DJs demand, and we used that knowledge to produce SCRATCH DECK,” said Adam Cohen, Director of Business Development, Numark. “It was critical that we deliver an authentic DJ experience to gamers, whether they be experienced DJs or players who have never put a needle to vinyl.” ….

» Full Story on Planet Xbox360

UNVEILED-SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ CONTROLLER

on Gamer Blips
Submitted: May 27, 2009
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ(Xbox 360)

Fricky fricky fresh! Ahead of E3, turntable connoisseurs Numark in collaboration with publisher Genius have revealed the controller for Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, the forthcoming record scratching DJ (self-explanatory this) game for Wii, Xbox 360 and PS3. Sporting five chunky coloured buttons, a turntable and a cross-fade switch, the controller looks well constructed and should give Activision’s DJ Hero deck peripheral a run for its money. Release dates for both DJ games remain unconfirmed, but it wouldn’t be too foolhardy to predict a launch in the run up to Christmas. We’ll be making room amongst our guitars, drum kits and other plastic tat in the lead up to extra coverage at E3 next week…. » Full Story on Gamer Blips

ULTIMATE DJ CONTROLLER REVEALED

on MaxConsole
Submitted: May 27, 2009
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ(Xbox 360)

Designed by Leading DJ Technology Manufacturer, SCRATCH DECK Gives Players an Authentic DJ Experience Like No Other
Cumberland, R.I. (May 27, 2009) – Numark Industries, the world’s leading manufacturer of DJ technology, and Genius, Inc., released today the first images of the videogame controller for Scratch: The Ultimate DJ for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. SCRATCH DECK will be showcased for hands-on play at a special event in Los Angeles on June 3, during the week of the videogame industry’s most high profile trade show, the 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo.

“For decades, Numark has been developing turntables, DJ mixers and digital DJ controllers. We know what professional DJs demand, and we used that knowledge to produce SCRATCH DECK,” said Adam Cohen, Director of Business Development, Numark. “It was critical that we deliver an authentic DJ experience to gamers, whether they be experienced DJs or players who have never put a needle to vinyl.”

SCRATCH DECK combines two essential elements of the DJ and hip-hop experience - a free-spinning, touch sensitive turntable with a crossfader and 5 Akai Pro MPC-style drum pads. The turntable allows players to add their own style and manipulate the songs in real time, while the MPC-style drum pads give players the opportunity to perform and customize tracks by triggering samples using the very same pads that are the cornerstone of professional hip-hop beat production. Samples can either be pre-loaded into the game using 60 unique battle records that will ship with the software, or players can record and upload their own samples using a compatible USB microphone.

In addition to the features created by Numark, SCRATCH DECK also contains standard game controls found in music rhythm games. The turntable features a realistic surface that feels remarkably similar to a vinyl record. The drum pads and the crossfader also deliver an authentic and realistic music production experience. Left-handed DJs will appreciate that SCRATCH DECK is designed for use in right or left-handed configurations.

“Being involved with Hip-Hop for so long, Numark has consistently been the standard for innovation and leadership in computer DJ controllers, their quality is second to none,” said Quincy Jones III of QD3 Entertainment. “We are very excited to partner with them to deliver the most authentic DJ experience for gamers and look forward to letting gamers and Hip Hop enthusiasts get their hands on the controller for the first time at E3.”

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ combines free-form DJ tricks with great rhythm game play similar to top-selling rhythm games. Scratch: The Ultimate DJ is set in distinctive urban environments and will feature songs from the biggest names in Hip-Hop. Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, featuring the Numark SCRATCH DECK, will be available in Fall 2009. .. » Full Story on MaxConsole

NUMARK REVEALS SCRATCH CONTROLLERS

on Inc Gamers
Submitted: May 27, 2009
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ(Xbox 360)

Numark and Genius, the companies behind the upcoming ‘Scratch: The Ultimate DJ’, have released images of the turntable controller for the game.

Attendees of E3 next week will be the first to get their hands on the controller, which features a free-spinning touch sensitive turntable complete with a crossfader, and five drum pads. The turntable allows left or right-handed players to add the music when they wish, and the drum pads allow the addition of samples. The game comes with 60 pre-loaded samples, but players can also create their own.

“For decades, Numark has been developing turntables, DJ mixers and digital DJ controllers.  We know what professional DJs demand, and we used that knowledge to produce SCRATCH DECK,” said Adam Cohen, the director of business development at Numark. “It was critical that we deliver an authentic DJ experience to gamers, whether they be experienced DJs or players who have never put a needle to vinyl.” .. » Full Story on Inc Gamers

SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ CONTROLLER REVEALED

on Gamer Tag Radio
Submitted: May 27, 2009
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ(Xbox 360)

Numark Industries, the world’s leading manufacturer of DJ technology, and Genius, Inc., released today the first images of the videogame controller for Scratch: The Ultimate DJ for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. SCRATCH DECK will be showcased for hands-on play at a special event in Los Angeles on June 3, during the week of the videogame industry’s most high profile trade show, the 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo.

“For decades, Numark has been developing turntables, DJ mixers and digital DJ controllers. We know what professional DJs demand, and we used that knowledge to produce SCRATCH DECK,” said Adam Cohen, Director of Business Development, Numark. “It was critical that we deliver an authentic DJ experience to gamers, whether they be experienced DJs or players who have never put a needle to vinyl.”

SCRATCH DECK combines two essential elements of the DJ and hip-hop experience - a free-spinning, touch sensitive turntable with a crossfader and 5 Akai Pro MPC-style drum pads. The turntable allows players to add their own style and manipulate the songs in real time, while the MPC-style drum pads give players the opportunity to perform and customize tracks by triggering samples using the very same pads that are the cornerstone of professional hip-hop beat production. Samples can either be pre-loaded into the game using 60 unique battle records that will ship with the software, or players can record and upload their own samples using a compatible USB microphone.

In addition to the features created by Numark, SCRATCH DECK also contains standard game controls found in music rhythm games. The turntable features a realistic surface that feels remarkably similar to a vinyl record. The drum pads and the crossfader also deliver an authentic and realistic music production experience. Left-handed DJs will appreciate that SCRATCH DECK is designed for use in right or left-handed configurations.

“Being involved with Hip-Hop for so long, Numark has consistently been the standard for innovation and leadership in computer DJ controllers, their quality is second to none,” said Quincy Jones III of QD3 Entertainment. “We are very excited to partner with them to deliver the most authentic DJ experience for gamers and look forward to letting gamers and Hip Hop enthusiasts get their hands on the controller for the first time at E3.”

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ combines free-form DJ tricks with great rhythm game play similar to top-selling rhythm games. Scratch: The Ultimate DJ is set in distinctive urban environments and will feature songs from the biggest names in Hip-Hop. Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, featuring the Numark SCRATCH DECK, will be available in Fall 2009... » Full Story on Gamer Tag Radio

TURNTABLE CONTROLLER REVEALED FOR SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ

on 1UP
Submitted: May 27, 2009
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ(Xbox 360)

The producers of Scratch: The Ultimate DJ revealed the first images of their turntable-based controller today in preparation for its showing at E3. The game is due out for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and the press will get hands-on experience with the “Scratch Deck” controller next week. The game hopes to challenge Activision’s name brand recognition for DJ Hero, which recently revealed its own turntable controller.

Numark, a manufacturer of real turntables, co-developed the controller to replicate the DJ experience. Players will be able to customize their tracks by loading samples or uploading their own. “For decades, Numark has been developing turntables, DJ mixers, and digital DJ controllers,” said director of Business Development Adam Cohen. “We know what professional DJs demand, and we used that knowledge to produce Scratch Deck.”

Scratch and DJ Hero are bound to go head-to-head with such similar products, so the real test for consumers will be how the games function and feel. We’ll get our hands on both next week and let you know what we think. ...» Full Story on 1UP

SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ BUSTED OUT

on Shack News
Submitted: May 27, 2009
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ(Xbox 360)

Genius Products, Inc. has today unveiled the fully-featured turntable controller for its hip-hop rhythm game Scratch: The Ultimate DJ.

The controller is designed by turntable manufacturer Numark, and boasts a rotating touch-sensitive turntable with vinyl-y surface, crossfader and 5 Akai Pro MPC-style drum pads. Southpaws need not fear as the controller can be played both lefty and righty.

Genius explains how the controller allows players to add their own ‘flava’ and samples:

“The turntable allows players to add their own style and manipulate the songs in real time, while the MPC-style drum pads give players the opportunity to perform and customize tracks by triggering samples using the very same pads that are the cornerstone of professional hip-hop beat production. Samples can either be pre-loaded into the game using 60 unique battle records that will ship with the software, or players can record and upload their own samples using a compatible USB microphone.”

The announcement makes no mention of who is actually developing Scratch following Genius’s legal battles with original developer 7 Studios and Activision over alleged sabotage, though rumours have suggested BottleRocket is at work on the title.

Scratch: the Ultimate DJ is scheduled for release on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 this fall.  .. » Full Story on Shack News