DJMP3 is a fantastic game - but there are some notable flaws as well.
Gameplay hasn't changed much in the sense that notes fall down from the top of the screen and you tap the corresponding buttons to the beat of the music. Judgment on your accuracy is given on a MAX % scale, where MAX100% would be perfect and MAX90% would be on the right mark, etc. The more accurate your play is, the higher a little thing we call the fever gauge fills up, and when it does, you can release Fever by pressing X and rack up a hell of a lot of points. hit a bunch of notes and earn yourself a nice, big combo. Miss and that combo breaks. It's not really a new concept, but it's terribly addictive.
The game includes some 50 songs to play or so, a handful of which are actually remixes of old favorites. An up-side about the game's soundtrack is that it deviates from the norm: Pop, Rock, Dance, etc. The players are presented with a whole array of selections, from Nu Beats to K-pop to Slash Core. However, I find that some of the remixes are a bit too much of a handful. While some truly capture the image of the original mix, like GET OUT hip Noodle Mix and MASAI Electro House Mix, I really question Super Sonic's new mix. but I guess that's just a matter of opinions. Bottom line: the game's got a big tracklist to keep players entertained for a long, long time.
The game's visuals are also pretty fantastic. Each song is accompanied by an eye-catching music video that will take you to different realms of fantasy and wonder. From busty anime chicks to explosions and high speed car chases, the game is sure to give your eyes a treat.
So what's so bad about it?
Gameplay has definitely been toned down. A lot. Elitists and veterans will instantly notice that judgment on accuracy has been eased, and song charts have lost much difficulty. A level 10 song in DJMP3 is more or less the same as a level 7 song in previous games. The lack of hard style songs and max charts are disappointing as well.
Leveling and unlocking new features like songs, characters, and videos has become a chore. Most songs aren't unlocked until passing level 30, and even then it's pretty frustrating. They really took the concept of grinding too far.
Those already familiar with the DJMP series will notice the removal of the FX modes, which have been replaced with a new remix system. While the system is a fun and fresh new twist that will challenge even veterans, it can be a bit tedious at times and takes quite a while to get used to.
Another feature that will be missed is the OST feature, which in previous installments allowed players to listen to songs from in-game and even other releases.
Players will also notice the disappearance of the network battle feature. Removed for being too unstable, the network battle mode allowed players to mix head to head. We are compensated somewhat with an online ranking system, but it's probably only something real hardcore fans would even consider. What's even better - the ranking board isn't even up and running yet.
All in all, the game's retained its charm. But it probably would've been something greater if there wasn't so much of a loss on features.