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When the original DJ Hero released last year, no one could deny the innovation and originality offered by the new spin-off franchise. Many were shocked that Activision, a publisher known more for sticking with what works rather than try new things, created and strongly supported such a new and novel style of gameplay. Lucky for us, Activision can surprise use every now and then. The question is how they can top the original and what’s new on the wheels of steel sequel?

The gameplay is, for the most part, very similar to the series original. The turntable is basically identical to last year’s hardware with all the old control buttons returning, except now there are holds, which require you to hold the button for Length Scratches. These are similar to the directional scratches, but as the name suggests requires you to hold longer.  The biggest control additions in DJ Hero 2 are the new Freestyle controls.

Sorry Flava Flav, but the sampling selection from last year’s release is gone. Instead we now just use the specific sample set for each song and just like before you can hit it as many times you like during a Freestyle Sample.  The real fun freestyle action comes during the Freestyle Crossfades and Scratches.  You really feel more like a DJ and like you have a lot more control now.  All these Freestyle controls combine to play an important part in the multiplayer action. The first player to hit a Freestyle note locks out their opponent from using it, which results in a gain a few extra points.

Besides the addition of the microphone (which we all know is important to the world of DJ’ing), everything in terms of this new release’s evolution is software related. As mentioned, the controls will have everyone who picked up the first release feeling right at home after a couple tracks. Jumping in and relearning the ropes is even easier this time around thanks to simpler and cleaner menus. Sure DJ Hero was easy to navigate last year, but Activision and FreeStyleGames did a great job of smooth out things to make it all “flow” a little better. Yea, even my navigation can flow.

The tracks and mixes, which are really the most important part of a game like this, are the most improved things from the original. That’s because the overall feel of the mash-ups sound and feel smarter.That's not to take away from how great the first title sounded in terms of the mixes. DJ Hero 2 looks just as good as the original with some slightly better looking effects and character models. If you’re prone to seizers, you might want to throw on some shades. You’ll notice the rewinds work and look different in this sequel too. Instead of operating the same way they did in the original, you hit your rewinds at specific checkpoints. This might sound a bit linear at first, but you never run into those frustrating situations where you land back on a crossfade and lose your perfect streak and wonder “WTF” happened.

So what is the best way to describe DJ Hero in one word – “improvement”. The music is better this time around and the controls offer more of a challenge too. The tracks and mixes are still the biggest shock, because who didn’t love those Tears for Fears mash-ups in the original? Sure there was a bit too much Gwen Stefani. Thankfully, she’s not a problem this time. Honestly, there are no problems this time. Thanks to a cleaner interface, more fun modes, and great music, DJ Hero 2 might finally get the spin-off franchise the respect it deserves. DJ Hero 2 is available now and well worth it.