PM Studios

Game Music, Reviews

DJMAX Portable 3 Soundtrack: The Usual Suspects With Unusual Results (Review)

November 3, 2010 | Jayson Napolitano | 4 Comments Share this

From Patrick’s positive review of DJMAX Portable 3, we already know that Korean game music maestros ESTi and Nauts are not involved with this title, but that doesn’t mean that other familiar names don’t surface. Time and time again we’ve been impressed by what Pentavision and PM Studios have been able to accomplish this series not only through their games, but through the amazing production values associated with their soundtracks.

It wasn’t too long ago that we checked out DJMAX Technika 2, and it should come as no surprise that a number of tracks from that game are found here, but there’s also an entire disc of new material from artists including NieN, Makou, Planetboom, XeoN, Mr. Funky, and my personal favorite, 3rd Coast. Most interesting of all, however, is the fact that these artists jump into genres that they’re not necessarily known for from their past work on the series.

Find out what I mean in our review after the jump. (more…)
Game Music, Reviews

I Just Got Served… By DJMax Portable 3 (Review)

October 22, 2010 | Patrick Gann | 5 Comments Share this

It’s a big season for rhythm games: DJ Hero 2 and Rock Band 3 are on the horizon. But for me, one of the most exciting titles is also the least talked about: DJMax Portable 3.

Last year I discussed at length DJMax Fever, which was a combo title of Portable 1 and 2 localized for North America. This PSP rhythm game, developed by Korean studio Pentavision, has some of the best music and most challenging rhythmic patterns you’ll find for a handheld. It’s one thing to sit around playing top 40 pop-rock hits in your living room. It’s another thing entirely to keep up with frantic techno or chill with some J-pop (and K-pop) while inputting complex combinations.

DJMP3 has a new set of songs (over 30 new tracks), a couple new modes of play, and some “hidden” difficulty. To find out what I mean by this, follow along after the jump! (more…)
Game Music

Check Out DJMax Portable 3! Vids and Pics Galore

September 18, 2010 | Patrick Gann | 1 Comment Share this

Hey kiddies!You guys do realize that DJMax Portable 3 (PSP) is coming to North America next month, right? October 14th if you’re picking up a physical copy (preorder here), followed by downloadable version from PSN on October 19th. Pretty exciting. Especially if you’ve been hankering for a good, portable rhythm game.

If the above trailer, which features a variety of the songs from the new game, gets you excited, be sure to check out some gameplay videos and some packaging pictures (for the sweet, $110 Special Bundle Edition) after the jump. You can also expect a review from the OSV staff shortly after the game’s release! (more…)
Game Music, Reviews

DJMAX TECHNIKA 2 Signature Collection: Round Two… FIGHT! (Review)

June 25, 2010 | Jayson Napolitano | Comments Off on DJMAX TECHNIKA 2 Signature Collection: Round Two… FIGHT! (Review) Share this

So much DJMAX lately! Let that be an indication to you that it’s good stuff. We recently posted the trailer for DJMAX Portable 3, which is due out later this year, and it was just two nights ago that we highlighted DJMAX contributor Nauts’s work on BAR OASIS. It’s a good time for game music from Korea.

You may recall us mentioning the DJMAX TECHNIKA 2 Signature Collection a couple months ago, and I’ve been looking forward to checking it out ever since I laid eyes on it. The original DJMAX TECHNIKA is not only an amazing game (I’m lucky enough to have machine at a local arcade here in San Diego), but the pop and electronic-oriented soundtrack was one of my favorites of 2008. However, after being slightly disappointed with the DJMAX Trilogy Soundtrack, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

So, does DJMAX TECHNIKA 2 do the franchise justice, or does it disappoint? Find out in our review after the jump. (more…)
Game Music

E3 2010: DJMax Portable 3 Trailer

June 20, 2010 | Patrick Gann | 3 Comments Share this E3 2010: DJMax Portable 3 Trailer

Wanna get psyched for the best PSP rhythm game out there (in this editor’s opinion)? Why not start by watching this trailer?

PM Studios is a small publisher, but after bringing DJMax Fever (that’s 1 and 2 in the series) to North America, we were sold. These rhythm games feature musicians from Korea, Japan, and elsewhere, and you’re sure to get hooked on the striking visuals and music, not to mention the difficult and addictive gameplay.

The game is scheduled for a generic “Fall 2010” release. We were hoping for a concrete date announced over E3, but we’ll be patient.
Game Music

PM Studios Announces DJMax Portable 3 in the US!

May 25, 2010 | Patrick Gann | 1 Comment Share this

But wait, what happened to the second game?

As it turns out, the incredibly addictive DJMax Fever for PSP was a combination of 1 and 2 from Japan.

These DJMax games feature really wonderful vocal and instrumental music from Japan, Korea, and elsewhere. The OSV staff (myself included) have really enjoyed these games, whether the arcade Technika games or these PSP titles.

DJMax Portable 3 will be available simultaneously for UMD and PSN download later in 2010 thanks to the good folks at PM Studios. The game will feature over 50 songs, and frankly, I can’t wait to play it.
Game Music

DJ MAX TECHNIKA 2 Released in Korea With New 2-Disc Soundtrack

April 30, 2010 | Jayson Napolitano | 1 Comment Share this

It’s entirely possible that this is not breaking news, but I’m certainly just finding out about it. I absolutely adored the original DJ MAX TECHNIKA soundtrack, and a new posting on VGMdb indicates that not only is there a sequel to the amazing touch-based rhythm arcade title in Korea, but also a fancy Limited Edition box containing the game’s 2-disc soundtrack and other assorted goodies.

One thing that was interesting about DJ MAX TECHNIKA was the variety of artists who contributed to the game, mainly from Korea, but also the inclusion of Japanese composer Shinji Hosoe. If this artist list on VGMdb is correct, it looks like Hosoe is contributing once more, which is definitely a plus as his “SON OF SUN” was one of the best (and most difficult) tracks on the set list. Unfortunately it appears as though ESTi is not included, but we will be hearing music from La Tale lead composer, DINY. I hope PM Studios is able to bring this one to the United States like they did for the first game!

Have you had the opportunity to experience DJ MAX TECHNIKA yet? Are you surprised by the announcement of a second game in the series despite the struggling global arcade market?

[via VGMdb]