Music is the one language that knows no
language barriers. In the Sonny and Cher classic, it was aptly stated that “the
beat goes on … drums keep pounding rhythm to the brain …”

Well, thanks to Codemasters, you can change
that rhythm and the beat. MTV Music Generator 3: This is the Remix is a
simplified music studio that puts the user squarely in the seat of a music
producer. This Xbox title does require users to think in other ways, but is – at
its core – a simplified music-mixing studio, providing tracks, samples and all
the tools needed to put together remixed songs.

You will not be creating totally original
original songs in the sense that you are implemented riffs or choruses that
previously have not existed – well, not unless you are very musically inclined
and can

The essence of this program is simply summed
up: Take newer tunes or sample from your CD collection for the sounds you want
to mix, then pull up the studio or remixer and work through 24 tracks, or 512
bars, to achieve that sound you want.

In many regards, this title is perfect for the
Xbox. Not only does the Xbox boast more audio channels than any other console to
deliver a robust sound experience, but the Xbox hard drive can hold your
15-minutes song sets easily. If you have downloaded some of your CDs to the
console’s HD for a jukebox experience, then you are already ahead of the curve
here.

MTV Music Generator 3 comes with 10 tracks as
a starting point: From da Chuuuch to da Palace (Snoop Dogg), The Way You Move (Outkast),
Get Busy (Sean Paul), This is My Party (Fabolous), Hear Me (Mike Koglin),
Flawless (The Ones), Katja (Carl Cox), III Type Sound (Krafty Kuts), LK (DJ
Marky) and Revolution (Arthur Smith).

The program does come with a tutorial to work
you through the fundamentals, and the interface is a series of pop-ups that
deliver all the information you need. While the version received for review did
not include a manual, taking 10 minutes to work through the fundamentals of the
program was all that was needed before jumping in, tearing down tracks and
re-editing the music to create songs that had core melodies overlaid with
altered riffs.

Music fans who have worked with programs like
Cakewalk, or other music studio programs (like Sound Forge) will likely find
this a little limiting an experience, or elementary. But that’s not the point.
This program is designed for accessibility and in that regard it scores well.
People with little musical background, but an ear for music and decided tastes
in what they like to listen to, will be able to get in and remix tracks without
extensive training.

Graphically, MTV Music Generator 3: This is
the Remix is a series of interface boxes that allow you to work through the
elements of each song you are working on. Don’t expect to be wowed by the
visuals, however, that is not the point. This program has a very functional
graphical look. The information is provided in a very solid manner. The obvious
star of the show is the audio aspect, and on the Xbox, this is excellent. Just
do yourself a favor and hook up your console to your home stereo system. If you
really want to experience the full-on experience and showcase your tracks, that
is the only way to do it.

If you have a hankering to be a studio
engineer, or think you can remix songs better than the clubs, then Codemasters
has the title for you. MTV Music Generator 3: This is the Remix does not have
the scope to really appeal to hard-cord audiophiles, but it does have the chops
to give musical fans tools to play around and create personalized song sets.
 

Gameplay: 8

The title is somewhat involved and will take
players a small learning curve to get a handle on the tools provided. However,
once you do get a cursory feel for the creative process, you will be cutting and
pasting, and changing, in no time.

Graphics: 7.5

Nothing extraordinary here, but then, this is
not so much a graphical experience as it is an audio experience. Most of the
graphical elements are merely interface boxes, and while nothing is brilliant in
that department, this is a very capable program in giving players the visual
information required to make it all work.

Sound: 9.2

This program has a terrific sound and takes
advantage of the Xbox capabilities.

Difficulty: Easy/Medium

The interface will take a little getting used
to, but once you understand the basics, this all seems pretty straightforward.

Concept: 8.8

For people who enjoy the challenge of remixing
tracks, this program offers an inexpensive way to do just that.

Multiplayer: N/A

Overall: 8.6

This is not the type of program that will have
gamers falling all over themselves in delight and anticipation, but this is a
terrific title for music fans that would like the opportunity to remix tunes and
come up with somewhat original tracks. The program has a small learning curve
but once you get the basics down, you will be surprised at the ease of use. If
you like music, want to try your hand at remixing old classics or new tunes into
“original” songs, then it really doesn’t get much better than this.