DJ Hero v Guitar Hero Drums

Nuggsy · 16-09-2009, 2:55 PM

In short - I've been bitten by the rhythm based game bug & can't decide what my next purchase should be.

I own Rock Band 2 / Rock Band Beatles & Guitar Hero 5 but I'm limited in terms of game play at the moment as I only have the guitar / mic options.

I can just about manage 4 frets on Guitar Hero so I'm by no means an expert but listening to the tracks is really making me want to play the drums so I've been impatiently waiting for Logitech to release their wireless drum kit to match up with my guitar.

What I'd like to know is how difficult is it to learn the drums in comparison to the guitar? If the consensus is that the drums are of similar difficulty then I think I'm sold. However if they are much more difficult to learn then I am going to go with DJ Hero as this looks like great fun & a little different.

So can people tell me - How difficult is it to play drums on the rhythm based games?

Sorry for the long post - I just don't want to buy expensive equipment that I ultimately can't use when there are new alternatives for my music gaming fix.

Br0ken · 16-09-2009, 3:04 PM

The toy drums are actually more akin to real drums than the toy guitar is to a real guitar.

Ask a guitarist he'll say drums are harder because he can't play drums;
Ask a drummer he'll say guitar is harder because he can't play guitar;
Ask Dave Ghrol and he'll just smile.

Seriously though, I would say it depends what difficulty you'll play on. Drums can be as easy as just having to use your hands, or as hard as having to use both hands, both feet at the same time.

I would buy the drums regardless as the dj hero thing looks like a bit novel and something that you may not get into, unless youre really into mixing tracks etc.

Damo 85 · 16-09-2009, 3:09 PM

Here's my view on this.

I'm and avid fan of the GH series, latest I have is the world tour and metallica full band.

Now I can play the guitar and the drums ( im no expert but have played in band situations etc).

When it comes to in game, the guitar is great fun whether on intermediate or expert, as all it does is add in another button etc. Where as the drums, I find very annoying in any mode other than expert. The reason for this is that in any other mode, it is nothing like actually drumming. you just end up smacking a cymbal here, or a kick drum there, with no discernable rythm to keep. coming from playing the actual instruments, the only way i can enjoy the drums is to put it on expert (or expert+ for metallica). This way you will be using the game controller in exactly the same way as a drum kit, and get much more of a feel for the beat etc...

sorry for being so long winded but im sure other drummers will have the same opinion....

*phairplay* · 16-09-2009, 3:14 PM

This going to be a little one sided as DJ HERO isn't out yet.

But it does look great

Can't wait to start mixing some daft punk.

Br0ken · 16-09-2009, 3:17 PM

Damo; as a fairly decent guitarist I can relate to what you've said. I was actually struggling to play the game on Medium setting, until I got the tip to try it on Hard/Expert.

Its basically that if you know the song and you know how to play it your body just wants to play that extra 2 notes which the game doesn't tell you to so you end up breaking your rythm.

Damo 85 · 16-09-2009, 3:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Br0ken

Its basically that if you know the song and you know how to play it your body just wants to play that extra 2 notes which the game doesn't tell you to so you end up breaking your rythm.

LOL thats a much quicker way to put it!

So i think in summary, if you are playing the game from a musical background (ie you can play real world instruments) you'll prob find it easiest to play on the hard settings....

chalkywhyte · 16-09-2009, 4:58 PM

I think with the drums it just takes alot of practice.

I was terrible with the guitar to start with but after alot of practice on GH3 i was 5 starring most of the songs on hard.

I've had a couple of goes of the drums and found them to be hard. BUT i'm sure with the practice i'll get better.

But anyway i'm the same as PhairPlay. Really looking forward to DJ hero. Something different.

I'm sure i'll be carp to start with. But a bit of practice and i'll soon be doing Friday nights on Radio 1.

Pete Tong. Who's he.

Nuggsy · 16-09-2009, 5:19 PM

For the few people who like me like the look of DJ Hero - £129.99 on Amazon for the Eminem / Jay-Z Renegade Edition

Back on topic - The conclusion I'm drawing from the posts is that trying to learn the guitar & drums at the same time is going to be a very difficult task & I'm not sure I'll be able to dedicate the time so maybe I'm better learning the guitar 1st & then picking up some drums at some point in the future.

DJ Hero is looking more likely - though I'm under no illusions that this will also take some mastering.

Decisions decisions.

Br0ken · 16-09-2009, 6:52 PM

If you're into mixing records go for DJ hero, something new completely, drums you'll just play the same songs but with a different instrument really.

Nuggsy · 16-09-2009, 7:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Br0ken

If you're into mixing records go for DJ hero, something new completely, drums you'll just play the same songs but with a different instrument really.

I think you've all confirmed my thoughts so providing the reviews are strong I'm going to go for DJ Hero at launch & get the drums for Xmas. The repetitive aspect of the drums on the same tracks is something I'd considered & the DJ Hero set list does look/sound very good.

Thanks all...

chalkywhyte · 16-09-2009, 9:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuggsy

I think you've all confirmed my thoughts so providing the reviews are strong I'm going to go for DJ Hero at launch & get the drums for Xmas. The repetitive aspect of the drums on the same tracks is something I'd considered & the DJ Hero set list does look/sound very good.

Thanks all...

Have a look on gametrailers mate there is alot of vids.

This is the one that sold it for me.

DJ Hero Video Game, E3 09: Chris Lee Walkthrough Part I | Game Trailers & Videos | GameTrailers.com

That DJ gets right into it. It seems headphones round your neck is a must too.

Dont think my ipod ones will look as good tho.

WARNING. You will have Gwen Stefani stuck in your head all night after it.

All the DJ Hero Vids here mate.

DJ Hero Video Game | Reviews, Trailers & Interviews | GameTrailers.com

Enjoy.

igsta77 · 16-09-2009, 11:27 PM

here's a vote for drums - they are awesome to play and master.

note to expert drummer - us non-real drummers find medium and hard pretty immersive but can understand why you wouldnt.

for an aspiring drummer your views could be confusing.