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DJ MAX TECHNIKA 2 Released in Korea With New 2-Disc Soundtrack

April 30, 2010 | Jayson Napolitano | 1 Comment Share this

It’s entirely possible that this is not breaking news, but I’m certainly just finding out about it. I absolutely adored the original DJ MAX TECHNIKA soundtrack, and a new posting on VGMdb indicates that not only is there a sequel to the amazing touch-based rhythm arcade title in Korea, but also a fancy Limited Edition box containing the game’s 2-disc soundtrack and other assorted goodies.

One thing that was interesting about DJ MAX TECHNIKA was the variety of artists who contributed to the game, mainly from Korea, but also the inclusion of Japanese composer Shinji Hosoe. If this artist list on VGMdb is correct, it looks like Hosoe is contributing once more, which is definitely a plus as his “SON OF SUN” was one of the best (and most difficult) tracks on the set list. Unfortunately it appears as though ESTi is not included, but we will be hearing music from La Tale lead composer, DINY. I hope PM Studios is able to bring this one to the United States like they did for the first game!

Have you had the opportunity to experience DJ MAX TECHNIKA yet? Are you surprised by the announcement of a second game in the series despite the struggling global arcade market?

[via VGMdb]
Game Music, Reviews

The Weakest Link: DJMAX Trilogy Original Soundtrack (Review)

October 3, 2009 | Jayson Napolitano | Comments Off on The Weakest Link: DJMAX Trilogy Original Soundtrack (Review) Share this

You’ve probably gathered that I’m a huge fan of Korean music, and with that, a huge fan of the DJMAX series. We’ve written extensively about the games and the music, and here we are again with another release to tell you about. This time it’s the DJMAX Trilogy, which is a PC version of the amazing rhythm game series.

Similar to other releases we’ve covered in the series, you’re going to find a blend of electronic and pop music, although Trilogy is heavy on the pop side, and a lot of it isn’t as catchy as I had expected. While I admit I am a bit disappointed with this one, many of the tracks came to grow on me, and the 2-disc release is worth checking out if you happen to pick up the PC release of DJMAX Trilogy.

Find out what you’ll hear in our review of the DJMAX Trilogy soundtrack after the jump. (more…)
Game Music

DJ Max Fever Review: Or, “I Used To Think I Was Good At Rhythm Games”

April 29, 2009 | Patrick Gann | 2 Comments Share this

PM Studios brought DJ Max Fever to North America, and it marks the first time a console-based DJ Max game is officially released here in the US (the other games have “International Versions” that work on American PSPs, but were technically import products). Korean developer “Pentavision” created a sleeper-hit of a rhythm game that has really started to catch on in East Asia. And Americans who want to jump in on the latest rhythm game have the opportunity with one fantastic collection.

You see, in East Asia (Korea and Japan), multiple DJ Max games were released on PSP. DJ Max Portable and DJ Max Portable 2 each had over 50 songs. The “best” tracks from each of those two games were merged to create the North American DJ Max Fever. The soundtrack features music from a group of fantastic composers, most of whom are Korean. Among the many great composers on here, I have to give props to ESTi and Nauts, the prolific composers whom I (and many other fans) first encountered through Ragnarok Online nearly a decade ago.

In this review, we’ll be analyzing not just the music, but also the gameplay for this unique rhythm game. All of this comes, of course, after the jump. (more…)
Game Music

DJ Max Fever Crew Edition: For the Truly Hardcore (Already Sold Out!)

April 15, 2009 | Patrick Gann | 1 Comment Share this

You may or may not remember us running this story about DJ Max Fever‘s limited edition contents, as well as its availability. The basic gist of it was this: 30 lucky fans are going to get the most elaborate limited edition set for a game ever. Unfortunately, however, you couldn’t get the full set simply by being wealthy and/or willing to spend loads of money on the game.

All that changed, however, with the advent of The Crew Edition. Starting last week, fans could preorder one of 125 available copies of this special package, which essentially mimics the Japanese “Orpheus” limited edition that we described in our last story. What all will you find? Along with the PSP game itself (signed by the developers), you get the DJ Max Audio Trinity Soundtrack (3 discs), a DJ Max Art book, an NB Rangers mask, some post cards, a puzzle, and a DJ Max Technika IC Player Card.

Are you interested in owning it? I’m afraid I have some bad news. Just a few days after the preorder was made available, the limited edition sold out. So we’re a little late reporting the news. Maybe some chump will decide to re-sell his/her copy of DJ Max Fever: the crew, and then you’ll be in business. But unless that happens, you won’t be able to jump on this train-full-of-goodies. Sorry about that.

The good news is that, for the gamer who likes to keep a tight reign over the old wallet, this limited edition set cost $130. Compare that to the $40 retail price of the regular edition DJ Max Fever (which was published by PM Studios in late January this year), and you’re talking huge savings. So yeah… maybe it’s a good thing you missed out on this one. Not that I’m condemning the lucky few who got their preorders in on time!

We will have a comprehensive review of DJ Max Fever in the coming weeks, so if you’re not sure if you’d even be interested in this rhythm game, keep an eye out for the review to help determine whether or not it’s up your alley.
Game Music

DJ Max Fever Limited Edition Announced, “Platinum Crew” Service Launching In April

March 23, 2009 | Patrick Gann | Comments Off on DJ Max Fever Limited Edition Announced, “Platinum Crew” Service Launching In April Share this

There are plenty of great music/rhythm games in this beautiful world of ours. But who would’ve thought Sony’s PSP would do so well as a platform for the games? In any case, it seems that DJ Max Fever for PSP is the new hot thing. And we have some news for you about it.

First of all, publisher PM Studios has announced the “Platinum Crew” service, which serves as a community portal where scores, rankings, and mission accomplishments are aggregated and tracked. The service plans on incorporating multiple games over time, but the first game they’ll be servicing (gee, that doesn’t sound awkward) is DJ Max Fever. DJ Max Technika is also planned to be added to the service later in 2009.

PM Studios has also announced a Limited Edition set for DJ Max Fever, which includes all manner of awesome freebies. The LE is essentially the Japanese “Orpheus” limited edition set, which includes artbook, soundtrack, postcards, and of course, a signed copy of the game. Only 30 total copies of this exclusive set will be distributed, and none of it will be for sale. One of the 30 copies can be obtained via a contest giveaway at Joystiq. We highly recommend you try and nab one for yourself.

Most copies will be awarded to high-ranking players that use the Platinum Crew service playing DJ Max Fever. So if you don’t win through giveaways, there’s always that route. But you better start practicing!

After the jump, check out the full press release from PM Studios. And keep an eye out in the near future for our full review of DJ Max Fever for PSP!

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