Flash Fingers- DJ Max Portable 3 Review

Regrettably, portable rhythm games are usually at a disadvantage when compared to their console counterparts. With the exception of the faux-fret peripheral for the Nintendo DS iterations of Guitar Hero, handheld titles fail to recreate the physicality generated by rocking out with a simulated guitars drum sets, or keyboards. Unless players use headphones, the sound output of portable devices can be inferior to their home-based, Surround Sound-enhanced counterparts. Despite these hurdles, Sony’s Playstation Portable has seen a handful of music-based games- from Gitaroo Man Lives! to Rock Band: Unplugged.

Cleverly, the multiple control methods in recent release DJ Max Portable 3 require a certain amount of ambidexterity from players, landing the game an intriguing sense of immersion. Whereas most PSP rhythm games task players with simply pressing face buttons as notes cascade down the screen, the DJ Max series has traditionally required two hands. With Portable 3, the standard input method offers four columns- initiated by either a tap of the directional pad up or left, as well as a press of the triangle or circle buttons.  Additionally, variations called 3.2T, 4.2T and 6.2T offer two bordering remix channels which are accessed with a swing of the analog nub, turning the game into a challenging juggling act as players monitor multiple note alleys. Here, the first digit indicates the quantity of core columns to oversee- meaning the unlockable 6.2T mode is probably suited for players with the hand-eye coordination of a android. Although players can alter the speed of the falling notes with a press of the shoulder buttons, there is a tradeoff- 0.5x halves the tempo, but increases the amount of falling objects.

For gamers accustomed to simpler rhythm titles, Portable 3 can be very challenging. The game’s arcade mode offers three rounds of increasing difficulty; while the first two rounds are manageable, the final stage may be prohibitive for players without well-honed music game skills. The game’s robust selection of seventy individual missions test gamers mastery of the title, by presenting a hodge-podge of provisions. Using one of the game’s input methods, players try to maintain an uninterrupted note streak, limit the number of breaks (faulty notes), or enact fever mode a specific number of times.  Successfully completing a stage rewards players with a new song, wallpaper, or even game-altering option, making the mode undeniably compelling to completionists. Additionally, the game dutifully tracks a participant’s progress, offering a unlockable with each level elevation.

The DJ Max series has consistently offered a absorbing selection of music and videos, and Portable 3 is no different. While some familiar songs make a reprise in standard or remixed form, the title offers the requisite collection of diverse music styles. From electro, house, and even the sporadic reggaeton-influenced tune, Portables 3‘s songlist is as varied as is it accomplished. To complement each song, unobtrusive and often charming music videos play in the background of each song, presenting a succession of lovely animated ladies.

While Portable 3 offers leaderboards to see how well gamers rank across competition across the globe, the information is inexplicably web-based. Locally, players can chart their progress in the title’s Lounge component, which also grants access to any procured unlockables. DJ Max‘s customization options are full featured, but I did have one quibble- remapping the title’s button didn’t modify the indicators on the bottom of the screen.

Players yearning for a consummate challenge of their reflexes will derive the most enjoyment from DJ Max Portable 3. While K-pop enthusiasts will certainly be delighted by the game’s infectious song selection, they might be forced to sharpen their skills if they wish to see all of the title’s content. Meanwhile, series aficionados probably need little convincing- they’ve probably already purchased one of the 1000 $110 limited editions, or one of the 5000 UMD versions of the game. With a print run as small as that, finding a UMD of Portable 3 might just as difficult as one’s of the game’s superlative challenges.