Cutesy game that looks easy to pick up. Still, if you don't have the beat, this game will pick you up and drop kick you.
...AND IT WAS ORGASMIC.
The wait was well worth it, DJ Max Fever is every music loving, arcade junkies, portable guzzler's dream. It is frankly the best Asian music game to ever reach this side of the Pacific Ocean (that's right DDR, I mean you, being all "Americanized" and whatnot). It features a variety of Korean-influenced music from KPOP to trance to KRAP (Korean Rap, despite my joke, even this part is amazing, no accents and fluent engrish). It also has the traditional arcade feeling, afterall DJ Max was probably the close brother to Beatmania (another awesome beat game, specifically in arcades). Overall this game is just plain amazing, but if you can't keep up with the music, it will kick you in the teeth.
Graphics - 10/10
Everything about this game was amazing, including the graphics. In fact one of the main reasons why I purchased this game was the artwork. And to see if the girl on the front actually existed and see if she was datable. Well, at least the box art's nice. Sure, the game doesn't have high-def 3D environments for you to navigate through, but it is simply, well, "fan-boy worthy squeal"-tastic. The game has the classic cartoon (and I don't mean Bugs Bunny, I just can't say Anime because, well, yeah. But the art style is definitely close to there) background stories as you work through your song and often end up complimenting the song exponentially or simply create a story with the song as an aid. The best part is, they were all done by different artists, resulting in a variety of backgrounds for the variety of songs. The game also has brilliant menu schemes, simplistic, yet very finely tuned. They are all easily navigatable and the music selection screen just brings you back to those arcade days where you failed each and every DDR song you attempted and people all laughed at you because you're slightly tubby but you can't play it at home because the home version is all Americanized and you won't just stand for that and, well enough about me. Anyways, menu = good. Also, the game has smart transitions between the game and the menu (indication of load time) and really set the mood for the song. The actual in-game action follows the flow of the game (see above about background animations) and the box where the game actually takes place is really sleek and responsive and pretty to look at. And then when you finally reach the result and stare at the screen with pride, you just can't help but notice how smexi the game is in the first place. However, if these details are pretty finite, because overall the game is very flashy and creates a really boastful shiny game that has the power to back it up.
Gameplay - 10/10
Despite what you might think as a simple concept in terms of gameplay, DJ Max Fever actually had a lot of thought put into it. Which explains that gratuitous amount of rescheduling, but it was worth it. Beat games might seem simple and repetitive but this is where DJ Max comes along and tells them to shut up, keep the racket down, and gtfo. The game offers different gameplay styles for those who're (hah, who're) beginners, intermediates or experts or expert experts. It also has a bunch of different missions to attempt and a whole lot unlockables that make spending a good amount time on this game all worthwhile. The actual gameplay itself is repetitive, but doesn't even require variety and offers many things to succeed at and has a great amount of replay value. It's the classic keeps you on your feet, to make that song sound perfect that most beat games have, but the fluidity of the game just makes it too amazing. I also expected a really wash-down version of DJ Max, but they kept it clean and original for those who wanna test their skills against those insane Koreans. The only thing to keep a watch out for is load times, but that's something all PSP games deal with, but DJ Max takes those load times and throws in a little something while you're waiting.
Sound - 10/10 (+)
Man, I shouldn't even bother explaining this part. It's the aspect of all rhythm games that are vital in the game's success and DJ Max Fever boned it. I ain't no slang-slinging gangster, so I dunno if boned means good, but if it does then DJ Max indeed did some major boning. The game offers a variety of true-to-the-arcade-genre tunes ranging from easy-listening tunes to hardcore techno to remix rap that all are proven to be the foucs of the game. I'm actually really happy that the producers at Pentavision didn't decide to change the songs at all and well, I'd kiss them all if they weren't dudes, but sadly they are. I'm only saying this because I don't think big-time head honcho Korean video game designers wanna get kissed by a random foreign speakin' boy. More importantly the game itself has a lot of top-notch artists up there and the tunes are pretty much the major reason why I purchased this game in the first place.
In the end, Sony and Pentavision obviously spent a hot lusty time together and DJ Max Fever is the secret love child. Aside from my video game company influenced fantasies, DJ Max Fever definitely hit the nail with the hammer and made an excellent beat game that is the most perfect game in the music category that I know of.
...ORGASMIC!