Months after I got burnt-out on DJ Hero and other rhythm video games, I decided to give Konami’s Def Ja Rapstar a shot and I don’t have one single regret. Def Jam Rapstar is easily my top karaoke game, especially since it’s not very often that the hip-hop genre takes the spotlight in our industry. While the community features are still being implemented, I’ve never had so much fun shaming myself in front of the rest of the Rapstar community. It’s pretty easy to make a fool out of yourself when the rest of the people playing the game are just as willing to put themselves out there. Even if you aren’t playing, it’s still enjoyable to watch some of the others out there participate in a battle. If you are feeling especially brave, the freestyle tracks included in the game a well crafted for your own lyrics. Adda in a great soundtrack that is expanding every week via DLC, and you’ve got the makings of a great lyric-based rhythm game. While the release of Def Jam Rapstar has come and gone, I know how I’m spending my weekend and I can’t help but encourage everyone to join me in acting a fool in the best way possible. There are plenty of reasons why I loved Def Jam Rapstar and here are a few:
The Soundtrack is Legit: Rapstar has a killer soundtrack, with current and past artists ranging from Public Enemy to Kayne West. Since the game’s been out for around a month now, there is also a wide range of DLC available including some of my recent favorites like “Ice Cream Paint Job” and “You’re a Jerk.” It all totals up to about 75 songs available if you are willing to splurge on some DLC, but keep in mind, most of the DLC is actually made up of some good songs. There is a song included on the disc for almost any person who has ever enjoyed something remotely resembling a rap song, and plenty on there for those that know the roots of the genre. This is easily one of my favorite soundtracks in a rhythm game, ever.
It Actually Works: I thought that the soundtrack might have been where the fun ended and a broken karaoke game would begin, but almost every facet of the game works much better than any game using a mic I’ve played up until now. The voice-recognition tech implemented in the game works extremely well, to the point where I can’t imagine going back to any previous karaoke game. You can belt it out to your favorite songs when no one is watching, or have someone hop in as a featuring artist.
You Can Embarrass Yourself In Front of the Entire Internet (and love it!): As with most karaoke games, if you have a camera you can record your oft-awkward performance. This is where Def Jam finds its value. If you are feeling up to it, you can take a recorded video of yourself, singing a song that you weren’t born to perform, and upload it to the Def Jam Rapstar website. From there, you can Share the video on Facebook, or Tweet a link to your friends on Twitter, if you feel no shame for your more-than-likely terrible lyrical flow. I could hardly even be called a “wankster” but I loved throwing some videos up on the community site to see what other players thought of my horrible performance. While the community features are still in beta, they seem to have flesh out nicely since the game’s launch, especially garnishing fans and watching videos from your potential competitors.
Make Your Own Soundtrack: If you think you were born to rhyme, Rapstar understands you. Packed in the game, is 15 varied tracks that you can freestyle to. If you think you are actually spitting something good, you can upload your performances onto the community site. While I may have recorded a limerick or two, I didn’t quite have the balls to put these in front of thousands of much more talented upcoming Rapstars. However, if you do think you can keep up with others, you can perform rap battles by challenging another Rapstar and then uploading a video to play out your side of the challenge. It’s a really cool feature of the ever-deepening community. Best part of the freestyle tracks? They are created by some of the best producers to grace the genre including Dr. Dre and Just Blaze.
Swear in Front of Your Family in the Name of Good Times: It’s not very often that a rap battle can take place between you and your loving parents, but if there has ever been an excuse, Rapstar is easily it. The Party modes in Rapstar are a blast, especially battling in a 1 vs. 1 throwdown. IF you are the peaceful type, you can have someone join in for the best duets to happen in the confines of your living room.
