Def Jam: Rapstar
Skillz
Mic check, one two… by Walt Pretorius
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AT A GLANCE: At last, a music game with Hip Hop as its focus. Developer: Terminal Reality Publisher: Konami Distributor: Nu Metro
Q4 2010 Platforms
here are a host of singing games out there. Actually, there are only a handful of franchises, but there are numerous titles that make up the karaoke-like singing game market. And all of them work more or less in the same way, measuring the players performance according to pitch. But Hip Hop has different ideas when it comes to vocal performance – these don’t always fit into the paradigm of singing games. With Hip Hop, it’s all rhythm and timing and lyrical accuracy. And that’s where Konami’s new Def Jam: Rapstar steps up. This game will measure the player in all the right ways for him to prove his ability as a rapper. With over 40 songs spanning the history of the genre, Def Jam Rapstar will be looking to place itself as the definitive Hip Hop gaming title. Aside from completing the challenges of the game, players will also be able to freestyle over beats by well known producers. There will even be an online component, allowing players to strut their stuff for the world to see. Hip Hop has, for almost as long as there have been any kind of music games, taken something of a back seat. Hopefully this title will allow this popular genre to get some of the centre stage action. g
PC X360 PS3 Wii PSP DS PS2
gamecca preview • issue 15 • September 2010