Default Site Weblog

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

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

NUMARK & GENIUS PRODUCTS REVEAL SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ VIDEOGAME CONTROLLER FOR XBOX 360® AND PS

on TeamXbox
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 TeamXbox

IGN: PRE-E3 2009: SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ SCRATCH DECK REVEALED

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

May 27, 2009 - If last year was the year of the guitar, drum, and microphone gaming peripherals with the release of Rock Band 2 and Guitar Hero: World Tour, then this year will be the year of the turntable. We’ve already gotten a glimpse at a new turntable peripheral for the forthcoming DJ game, DJ Hero, but now publisher Genius Products has released the first batch of images and details for the bundled controller for their new game Scratch: The Ultimate DJ on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Produced, in part, by real life turntable manufacturers, Numark, the Scratch: The Ultimate DJ peripheral combines traditional turntable design and hip-hop drum pads.

The Scratch Deck controller utilizes a touch sensitive turntable with an authentic vinyl textured surface, along with a crossfader slider and five Akai Pro MPC-style drum pads, which will be used for triggering in-game audio samples. Users will also be able to link custom audio samples recorded and uploaded to the game using a compatible USB microphone to the drum pad buttons for a custom DJ experience. Additionally, the Scratch Deck design can be reversed in both the left or right-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.”

... » Full Story on IGN

THE REAL ‘SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ’ CONROLLER VS MY POOR DRAWING SKILLS

on G4TV
Submitted: May 27, 2008
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ(Xbox 360)

I saw, but did not play, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ earlier this year, while still reporting for MTV Multiplayer (Leahy saw a similar demo). The controller at my eyes-only demo wasn’t finished, so they didn’t let me take any pictures. The public relations handlers couldn’t stop me from scribbling awful drawings in my notepad, however! As a result, I was able to provide the world exclusive…drawing of the Scratch: The Ultimate DJ controller prototype. See, it’s this kind of hard-hitting journalism that got me hired at TheFeed.

The drawing had left my mind until this morning, when the finalized design was unveiled. How did what I put together stack up? Well, find out for yourself…

The Real Controller

My Terrible Drawing

... » Full Story on G4TV

SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ CONTROLLER REVEALED

on GamesRadar
Submitted: May 27, 2008
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.. .. » Full Story on GamesRadar

NUMARK, GENIUS REVEAL SCRATCH DECK CONTROLLER

on Destructoid
Submitted: May 27, 2008
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ(Xbox 360)

With E3 just around the corner, the Turntable-based Game Wars are coming to a head. In one corner, we have Activision’s much-talked-about DJ Hero; in the other, Genius Inc.’s Scratch. Both set for release later this year, and both of which we’ll see at next week’s E3.

Today, we present to you the controller for Scratch. The controller features a free-spinning, touch sensitive turntable with a crossfader, along with “5 Akai Pro MPC-style drum pads” (this means “buttons,” to us gamers). The turntable will be used to manipulate music in real time, with the drum pads used to trigger game samples. The game will ship with pre-loaded samples, but you’ll also be able to record your own, using a compatible USB microphone (which, from how it sounds, won’t be shipping with the game).

So what do you think of the look of the Scratch deck versus what you’ve already seen from Activision’s offering? Next week, we’ll have a chance to (literally) go for a spin with the deck. I think it’s ultimately all about the gameplay; let’s hope it holds up that end of the bargain. .. » Full Story on Destructoid

SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ SHOWS OFF ITS ULTIMATE DECK

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

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ is ready to reveal the plastic peripheral that’ll take up your precious living room real estate. The Numark-designed deck will certainly keep wannabe game DJs quibbling whether it’s better than DJ Hero’s deck.

The Numark deck features a free-spinning, touch sensitive turntable (uh, the thing on the left in the photo) and a crossfader with 5 Akai Pro MPC-style drum pads, allowing players to trigger samples—you know, just like real DJs. Players can use one of the 60 samples shipping with the game or “record and upload their own ... using a compatible USB microphone.” Oh, and don’t worry, lefties, the deck is flippable.

We’ll be certain to give our hands-on scratch impressions next week at E3, where the unit will be available.. » Full Story on Joystiq

Thursday, May 21, 2009

MORE SCRTACH SONGS REVEALED

on Console Hero
Submitted: May 21, 2009
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ(Xbox 360)

I know you may find this hard to believe, but The Royalty Network website has given us yet another heads up on some songs we can expect to see in some upcoming DJ based games.

For Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, we can expect to see;

  * Outkast - “The Way You Move”
  * 2Pac - “Niggaz Nature”
  * Dr. Dre - “The Next Episode”
  * Outkast - “Flip Flop Rock”
  * Dilated Peoples ft Kanye West - “This Way”
.. » Full Story on Console Hero

Monday, May 18, 2009

SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ

on OXM Online
Submitted: May 18, 2009
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ(Xbox 360)

I’ll admit it: I’m probably the last person that should be excited about a deejay videogame. I listen to Counting Crows, for crying out loud. If I went to a club, I probably wouldn’t even be able to recognize Kanye West’s latest hit if it was playing over the loudspeakers. But you know what? 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…... » Full Story on OXM Online

Thursday, May 14, 2009

EVOLVED GAMING: SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ PODCAST

on Evolved Gaming
Submitted: May 14, 2009
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ(Xbox 360)

The News:

  * 3D Realms shuts its doors
  * Advent Children gets release date, includes peek at new FF game
  * Motorstorm update to include free DLC
  * Street Fighter 4 PC includes controller
  * Civilization IV Complete Series for $40
  * the Beatles: Rock Band Hofner bass photos released
  * Scratch: the Ultimate DJ may include working turntable… » Full Story on Evolved Gaming

Friday, May 08, 2009

SCRATCH TURNTABLE

on Kotaku
Submitted: May 8, 2009
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ(Xbox 360)

From what we’ve seen of DJ Hero’s turntable - and, granted, it’s probably not all of it - it’s got three buttons and a turntable. But what about rival DJ game Scratch’s turntable?

As you can see here, in a marketing shot from earlier in the year that we’ve managed to get hold of (so things may have changed slightly since then), Scratch is not kidding around. Its got a “free-spinning, touch-sensitive turntable wheel”, five coloured buttons and a small crossfader, all on a functional, if somewhat drab, hunk of grey plastic put together by (or at least licensed by) real turntable manufacturers Numark.

Also contained in the same document is a taste of the game’s tracklist, which unlike Activision’s messy attempts at covering every genre’s bases (at the risk of spreading itself too thin), is targeting a more specific audience: hip-hop and RnB fans. Eight songs were mentioned, and they are:

Flashing Lights Kanye West
Let’s Get It Started The Black Eyed Peas
Peter Piper Run DMC
Hot in Herre - Nelly
Milkshake Kelis
Friends Whodini
Party Like A Rockstar Shop Boyz
Don’t Sweat the Technique Eric B. and Rakim…..
» Full Story on Kotaku

FIRST LOOK AT SCRATCH! CONTROLLER REVEALED

First look at Scratch! Controller Revealed
on Kotaku
Submitted: May 8, 2009
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ(Xbox 360)

From what we’ve seen of DJ Hero’s turntable - and, granted, it’s probably not all of it - it’s got three buttons and a turntable. But what about rival DJ game Scratch’s turntable? As you can see here, in a marketing shot from earlier in the year that we’ve managed to get hold of (so things may have changed slightly since then), Scratch is not kidding around. Its got a “free-spinning, touch-sensitive turntable wheel”, five coloured buttons and a small crossfader, all on a functional, if somewhat drab, hunk of grey plastic put together by (or at least licensed by) real turntable manufacturers Numark… » Full Story on Kotaku .

FIRST LOOK AT SCRATCH! CONTROLLER REVEALED

on Arstechnica
Submitted: May 8, 2009
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ(Xbox 360)

This year could be the battle of the DJ titles with both Scratch! and DJ Hero hoping to steal some money away from the plastic guitar movement. We’ve already seen DJ Hero’s controller, today it’s time to see what Scratch! has for us….. » Full Story on Arstechnica

PHOTO: SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ CONTROLLER

on Digg
Broken Cool - Submitted: May 8, 2009
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ(Xbox 360)

Let me first say that DJ Hero lost BIG TIME. You’ll notice the “Scratch…” controller is way more advanced, has a crossfader and carries the Numark name. The game will also reportedley feature a bunch of Hip-Hop tracks including…. » Full Story on Digg .

SCRATCH TURNTABLE VS DJ HERO TURNTABLE

on Tech Blips
Submitted: May 8, 2009
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ(Xbox 360)

From what we’ve seen of DJ Hero’s turntable - and, granted, it’s probably not all of it - it’s got three buttons and a turntable. But what about rival DJ game Scratch’s turntable?

As you can see here, in a marketing shot from earlier in the year that we’ve managed to get hold of (so things may have changed slightly since then), Scratch is not kidding around. Its got a “free-spinning, touch-sensitive turntable wheel”, five coloured buttons and a small crossfader, all on a functional, if somewhat drab, hunk of grey plastic put together by (or at least licensed by) real turntable manufacturers Numark… » Full Story on Tech Blips