Legendary de-maker Eric Ruth is at it again. Best known for his 8-bit Left 4 Dead title, Eric puts a new spin on his NES style de-makes, offering one of the most unlikely new-school-made-old-school titles: DJ Hero. We caught up with Eric a few months back when this title was announced, and while the game may have missed its original launch window, we’re stoked to see it release today for free download. Check out the latest gameplay reel below:
Download the game for free from EricRuthGames.com
Keeping the game true to its imaginary roots are chiptune mashups from Dead or Alive, ABC, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Queen, and a few other 80s music legends, making this soundtrack more awesome than than the slop crammed into the actual DJ Hero 2 disc. Maybe I’m in the minority on this one, but give me Huey Lewis over Lady Gaga any day of the week.
Once again, we had a chance to catch up with our favorite de-maker in the business to see what he has in store in the future.
Piki Geek: Eric, it’s been a few months, good to have you back
Eric Ruth: Hey guys, it’s always great to be back.
PG: So, back in August, you teased us with the first DJ Hero gameplay video. What was the process like going from what we saw to a finished build?
ER: Well, I had worked on the project for several weeks straight. Unfortunately, I was having difficulties syncing the notes to the music properly, so the game went on the backburner for a bit. Eventually, I picked it back up and finished up the project as soon as I could so that the hard work I had already spent wouldn’t go to waste. So, in the end, it was a difficult process trying to fix a game-breaking issue.
PG: Such is game development, I’m sure. Arguably the most enticing part of this de-make is the 80s-style chiptune soundtrack. Tell us a bit about your how you chose which songs with mash together.
ER: Well, I just knew that the game would need a largely 1980s-based soundtrack. From there, I highlighted my favorite songs from the era and started drawing lines between tracks that sounded like they fit together. As it turns out, some songs went together pretty naturally, like Ghostbusters and I Want A New Drug. Others, however, were more forced, but still came out pretty well, like Need You Tonight and Layla.
PG: Definitely. I’m having somewhat of an awkward love affair with “Into the Groove x Thriller”, myself. So, after 8-bit Left 4 Dead and now DJ Hero, have you got any new de-makes in mind?
ER: I have several thoughts running through my head at the moment. I’ve still got a great start to Pixel Force: Halo that I might run with next, but I was also thinking about getting started on Super Left 4 Dead 2. I have a few other ideas in mind, but it’s most likely that one of those two will be next.
PG: We can’t wait. Eric, thanks a bunch for taking the time to chat it up with us again. Give us something to close with.
ER: I’m happily taking suggestions for future Pixel Force games via my email. Just shoot a line to ericdavidruth@gmail.com with a game you’d like to see de-made and why. Maybe you’ll see your suggestion pop up!
Be sure to check out Eric’s latest creation, which can be snagged for free from his site. If anything, it’s completely worth it for the soundtrack alone.
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