DJ Max Portable 3 Member Review for the PSP

The Good: Great new song selection, the new tracks mode adds depth, unlocking comes at faster rates, tighter menus

The Bad: Still not enough to change the series

DJ Max is probably the best rythmn game on the PSP, but that isn't saying much since there aren't too many on the system. The game has been well known for it's great song selection, and addictive rhythm game play, but after so many iterations of the same thing people were longing for some changes, and thankfully Portable 3 adds something new. While it may not be enough the game tightens some of the sloppy menus, and other minor issues with the long running series.

The new mode is 3.2 and 4.2 tracks. You use the analog nub to new side bar that have purple streams running down them. You play the middle bar as usual, but when a purple stream runs down the side you move the analog nub accordingly. It remixes the songs, and adds a new layer of depth and fun to the game and makes it even more addictive.

If you aren't familiar with the series you press the corresponding button (depending on difficulty) to the track icons running down the screen. You are scored on timing and a percentage will pop up after each hit telling you how accurate that note was. You will see a little meter filling up in the middle of the screen and when it's full you activate your fever mode to double your multiplier. In Portable 3 you can stack these up by getting your meter up again fast enough to add on top of the multiplier. Once you finish you are scored and as you level up you unlock new gear and collectibles.

Portable 3 also lets the unlocking come much quicker and there's more to unlock. There are more characters, gear, notes, wallpapers, videos etc. and it's all great. Of course if you get bored with the arcade mode you can unlock missions and these have certain parameters such as getting a certain score, hitting a certain multiplier, or breaking under a number amount of times.

DJ Max 3 is well worth the purchase for series fans and new comers a like. There's enough content to unlock to keep you very busy and replaying the excellent song roster is very enjoyable. I hope to see further changes in DJMP4 because this series has lots more potential.