DJ MAX Portable 3 – Review – PSP

Written by Cherie Baker

After Konami’s Bemani series lost popularity, many rhythm game enthusiasts searched for the next best experience. Many developers tried to imitate but only a few got it right like Roxor’s In The Groove and Harmonix’s Rock Band. But there were some games in the Bemani library that failed big time here in the states due to poor song lists, crummy equipment and straight out not caring… Beatmania was one that bombed horribly; ask any fan of the series. So here comes savior Pentavision to rescue! They’ve truly shown this genre love and understand that comprehensive gameplay, dazzling visuals and immersive sound are the key elements in making any gamer into a DJ. Not licensed songs!

Gameplay: The DJ Max series tries to reinvent itself with every new installment and I like that! The developers really took time and looked at what worked and scratched the junk. DJM1 (Korean Version) was a grinding nightmare but had the best music. DJM Fusion (American version with DJM 1 & 2 from Korean localized) had a better grading system but was brutal! The harder settings had messy, congested cells that didn’t even follow the beat.DJM3 has an honest learning curve now. They encourage you to play ‘Classic Mode’ first which is the game without the new sliding mixer. If you are familiar with Beatmania’s gameplay of syncing falling cells then this mode will be a piece of cake. Then there’s this new ‘remix’ mode when shit gets real! Remember that horrible game, DJ Hero that had that sliding mixer. Well, in DJM3 the analog is used as a mixer instead of a scratcher. So now you can jump tracks. At first it might feel daunting like patting your head and rubbing your tummy but in time it just clicks.

Graphics: The presentation of every DJM series is impressive! The visuals connect with the music. The HUD is easy to navigate, very clean. It’s not gaudy and overly busy like a Japanese website. PM studios did a marvelous job in localizing this game. It doesn’t have me guessing through menus. If I had to complain about anything it would be the loading times. Yes, there is an option for data install but I didn’t see much of a difference between load times. But I’m using a 1st gen PSP so hopefully this option does wonders for the more current models.

Overall: I’ve noticed with most Korean games they have this certain trick they use to get gamers like you and me to blindly go out and buy their games. I call it the ‘gorgeous art’ trick. They’re masters at selling the sizzle but not the steak. I’ve played so many K- MMOs and K- RPGs that have fooled me through the years but not this one! DJM3 made me believe that K-games have soul. Pentavision and PM Studios have gone that extra mile to save a fading genre by creating fresh new tracks, hundreds of unlockables and beautiful video backgrounds. If you loved the days of Beatmania in the arcade and haven’t touched this series I highly recommend it!

Score: 9 out of 10

A Copy of this game was provided to the reviewer from the publisher for review purposes.

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