EZ2DJ

EZ2DJ is a series of music video games created by the South Korean company Amuseworld. The basic manner of gameplay is similar as in the Konami's Beatmania series; however, as the franchise continues, it differs in style of music and gameplay. The first edition of EZ2DJ was introduced in 1999 and the most recent version, '7th TraX -Resistance- Version 2.00' was released in March 2008. [ [http://amuseworld.co.kr/board/board1/b_read.asp?code=news&mode=&pageno=1&search_item=&search_text=&b_idx=43 어뮤즈월드에 오신것을 환영합니다 ] ]

Version History

*Ez2DJ The 1st Tracks (March, 1999) : It's only version which included Exercise mode. 22 songs included.
*Ez2DJ The 1st Tracks -Special Edition- (December, 1999) : Expansion version of 1st Tracks. 10 new songs and Remix songs added. Pre-game effector added.
*EZ2DJ 1st Tracks Dance Edition (2000) : Unreleased:Dance Edition was planned to feature session play, which provides network play between EZ2Dancer and EZ2DJ. But the plan was canceled. New songs in Dance Edition was included in 2nd TraX.
*Ez2DJ 2nd TraX -It Rules Once Again- (October, 2000) : Ruby Mix and Space Mix added. 20 brand-new songs and 7 songs from EZ2Dancer added. Speed Change included--Ruby mix and Radio Mix excluded. 5Radio Mix deleted. 7Radio Mix added.
*Ez2DJ 3rd TraX -Absolute Pitch- (September, 2001) : 20 new songs added. 7Street Mix added. All-song command included. EZ2Catch added.
*Ez2DJ 4th TraX -Over Mind- (August, 2002) : 20 new songs added. 5Radio Mix included. Auto scratch/pedal added. Turntable added.
*Ez2DJ Platinum -Limited Edition- (August, 2003) : Over 100 songs included--12 new songs and 4 Remix songs added.
*Ez2DJ 6th TraX -Self Evolution- (August, 2004) : 15 new songs and 10 Remix songs added. 13 locked songs--Other Game Mode-- and channels --Radio mix--included.
*Ez2DJ 7th TraX -Resistance- (March, 2007) : 32 new songs added.
*Ez2DJ 7th TraX -Resistance- Version 1.50 (December, 2007): 11 new songs added.
*Ez2DJ 7th TraX -Resistance- Version 2.00 (March, 2008)

Audio System

EZ2DJ cabinet features a total of 10 speakers. There are four mid-range speakers stacked vertically on either side of the screen, and two subwoofers located on the front of the machine. The cabinet also features a pair of headphone jacks, so that both players may use their own headphones to enjoy the game's audio. Using headphones does not disable the external speakers.

Effector Buttons

EZ2DJ cabinet features four red effector buttons, located at the top of the controller part. However, unlike the Beatmania series (including III and IIDX), depending on the gamemode, effector button are treated as a gameplay button, especially in the gamemode "Radio Mix", where each player need to control 2 effector buttons. Essentially this is very similar to the 7 key mode of beatmania IIDX, but due to the location of these effector button—located in a row right at center of the console panel, right underneath the screen and away from the keyboard—it makes it even more difficult than beatmania IIDX in some occasion (especially since it also use the pedal). Also, another gamemode named "Space Mix" uses all four buttons along with all keys and turn tables (excludes pedals), becoming the hardest gamemode in the game.

Effect Using in 7th 2.01 Version

Default Effect

*Effect 1:Fade In:Fade Out:Blink:Wiper
*Effect 2:Random:Super Random:Platinum Super Random [=Key Shuffle] :Maniac Random:Hyper Random:Platinum Hyper Random [=All Shuffle] :Mirror:Key Mirror:Scratch&Pedal Mirror:All Mirror [7Key Only] :Shift
*Effect 3:Auto Scratch:Auto Pedal:Auto Scratch+Pedal
*Effect 4:BG on/off

pace Mix only

*Effect 3:Auto Left Scratch
*Effect 4:Auto Right Scratch

After pressing Start button in song select screen

*Effect 1:Reverse Mode (Note rises from below)
*Effect 2:Scan Mode (The Judge Line Moves up and down)
*Effect 3:Ztar Note:Panic Note:Circle Note:Ladybug Note
*Effect 4:4D:5D (Each note falls with different speed, 1.0x~6.0x)

Foot Pedal

The pedal is used in all gameplay and treated as a gameplay button. But, in Space Mix, it is used as speed adjustor.

Gameplay

EZ2DJ's passing system is known as the "survival gauge"; one needs to keep the gauge above 0% until the end of song to pass, similar to systems used in many dance-simulation games.

*Ruby Mix (included in 2nd~7th, but excluded in 4th):Designed for beginners in mind, the visual concept is cartoon-like and auto-turntable and auto-pedal is enabled by default. The groove gauge is represented by five hearts, which decreases very slowly and increases rapidly (thus allowing easier gameplay). The notecharts are also aimed at beginners; however, not all songs are featured. The player uses five keys, with optional turntable and pedal controls. - 3 stages in one play

*5 Street Mix (included in all version):Street 5 is the most "standard" mode in all EZ2DJ games. The player uses one turntable, five keys and one foot pedal. The effector buttons control the cut-off for bass and treble and the high-speed settings. Some songs have Easy (EZ), Hard (HD), and Super Hard (SHD) modes along with the standard Normal (NM) notecharts. - 3 stages in one play (4 stages in 1st,1st SE)

*7 Street Mix (included in 3rd~7th) :Street 7 is the equivalent mode of 5 Street Mix with two effector keys added to gameplay. Now, the player uses one turntable, five keys, two effector keys, and one pedal. - 3 stages in one play

*5 Radio Mix (included in 1st~7th, but excluded in 2nd, 3rd):Radio Mix is also known as "course-play mode" in other rhythm games; players choose one series of songs(Called a Channel) in the beginning and continues to play a few songs continually. This mode uses the same keys ans Street 5 Mix. There's some hidden channelswhich includes hidden song or hidden note pattern. - 4 stages in one play (5 stages in 1st,1st SE)

*7 Radio Mix (included in 2nd~7th):This is the same as 5 Radio Mix with two more effector keys. This is the standard "Radio Mix" in older versions. Its only mode uses "Audience Rating Gauge" instead of "suvival gauge". - 4 stages in one play

*Club Mix (included in all version):This is the nonstop double (using both side) mode. Player uses one turntable, ten keys, and one pedal. Player can switch song in the middle by using the right turntable; in newer versions, individual selections are default. (No more nonstop) In 7th trax Ver.1.50 and 2.00, Some hidden patterns appear in special condition. - 3 stages in one play

*Space Mix (included in 2nd~7th):Introduced in the 2nd mix, this is the professional double play using ten keys, 1P and 2P turntables, and four effectors (fourteen keys and two turntables). This mode has a special gauge called "Combo Gauge". If you have full Combo Gauge until the 2nd stage ends, then 3rd stage appears. But players cannot choose the songs in 3rd Stage. The songs of 3rd stage appear randomly. In 7th trax, "impossible" notecharts such as ones requiring more than two hands(such as using elbows, cross-hand technics) are introduced, surprising many beta testers. - 2(3) stages in one play

*EZ2Catch (included in 3rd~7th):First appeared as a hidden mode in 3th Trax and made into a normal mode in 6th Trax, its objective is by using the turntable only to move a disk, thereby catching the falling "fruits". - 3 stages in one play

*EZ2Turntable (included in 4th~7th):First appeared as a hidden mode in 4th Trax and made into a normal mode in 6th Trax, it was played by holding down the five keys and use the turntable to register the respective notes. In essence it is Guitar Freaks on turntable. - 3 stages in one play

*Remember 1st? (included exclusively in 6th):Designed to bring back memories of the past, "Remember 1st?" mode lets the user play the first game in the series. When selected, the software for 6th TraX "Alt-Tabs" out to Windows and a batch file loads up EZ2DJ 1st TraX software.

All Song Lists

"'Ez2DJ 1st TraX (1999)

# Creatune - Catch the Flow
# Creatune - Envy Mask
# Creatune - Funny Funky
# Creatune - I do love you
# Creatune - Yes Yes
# Danmal-G - Minus 1
# Danmal-G - Mystic Dream 9903
# Dj.Hong - Get the beat
# Nextune - The Rhythm
# Nextune - Ztar warZ
# Jeon, Joon-kyu - South West Cadillac
# Jeon, Joon-kyu & Mario Bolden - Stay
# Ruby Tuesday - Confete
# Ruby Tuesday - Baby Dance
# Ruby Tuesday - Dirty D
# Ruby Tuesday - Do You Remember?
# Ruby Tuesday - Freedom
# Ruby Tuesday - I've Fallen
# Ruby Tuesday - Let It Go
# Ruby Tuesday - Look Out [Here comes my love]
# Ruby Tuesday - Quake in Kyoto
# Ruby Tuesday - You love the life you live

Ez2DJ 1st TraX Special Edition (1999)

# Andy Lee - R.D.M. -Rain Drops in My mind-
# Andy Lee - Special K
# Danmal-G - Minus 1 Hard Mix
# Danmal-G - Mystic Dream 9903 ~Horror Mix~
# DJ Yonda - Dieoxin
# DJ Yonda - Red Hot
# Itdie - Confete Remix
# Itdie - Funny Funky Remix
# Itdie - Stay Remix
# Itdie - You love the life you live Remix
# Kim, Jin-kwon - Combination
# mykol & Creatune - South West Cadillac Remix
# Remix Station - Do you remember? Remix
# Remix Station - Let it go Remix
# Remix Station - The Future
# xxdbxx - Envy Mask Remix
# xxdbxx - Quake In Kyoto Remix
# xxdbxx - The Rhythm Remix
# xxdbxx - Ztar warZ Remix

Ez2DJ 2nd TraX -It Rules Once Again- (2000)

# Andy Lee - Appeal
# Andy Lee - Showdown
# Andy Lee - Theme of EZ2DJ
# Bae Hee-kyoung - Departure
# Creatune - Minus 1 ~Space Mix~
# Jeon, Joon-kyu - We Luv Music
# Jeon, Joon-kyu & Mario Bolden - The one for me
# Kim Seung Hyun - Exist
# Kim Seung Hyun - Funky 5
# Lee, Jong-phil & Mario Bolden - Get it up
# Mario Bolden - It's my secret
# Ruby Tuesday - Anytime
# Ruby Tuesday - Back for more
# Ruby Tuesday - Back to bed
# Ruby Tuesday - Be my baby
# Ruby Tuesday - Damnation
# Ruby Tuesday - Hypnotize
# Ruby Tuesday - I've got this feeling
# Ruby Tuesday - Jam
# Ruby Tuesday - Moving On
# Ruby Tuesday - Say that U
# Ruby Tuesday - Seize the day
# Ruby Tuesday - Sentimental No! No!
# Ruby Tuesday - The Boy [Here comes my baby]
# Ruby Tuesday - Where's my girl
# xxdbxx - Red Ocean
# Yang Joon-young - With you Girl

Ez2DJ 3rd TraX -Absolute Pitch- (2001)

# Andy Lee - 2nd Jewel
# Andy Lee - Anemia
# Andy Lee - Lie Lie
# Andy Lee - M Police
# Andy Lee - R.F.C. 'Resurrection of Fiend in the Cathedral'
# Andy Lee - Shake
# Andy Lee - Smash
# Croove - Black Market
# Croove - Minus 2
# Croove - Mystic Dream 20000000000
# Croove - Sand Storm
# Croove & FE - Cosmic Bird
# FE - 2.14
# FE - Give it 2 me
# Lee, Jong-phil - Y Gate
# Ruby Tuesday - In a Nutshell
# xxdbxx - Night Watcher
# xxdbxx - Substance
# xxdbxx - The 3rd Place
# xxdbxx & Croove - Sparrow

Ez2DJ 4th TraX -Over Mind- (2002)

# Andy Lee - Climax
# Andy Lee - Delight
# Andy Lee - Futurist
# Andy Lee - Go!
# Andy Lee - Judgment
# Andy Lee - Lovely Days
# Andy Lee - Tokyo 9 P.M.
# Croove - Aquaris -The story about a girl who never dreams-
# Croove - B.O.W. -Battle Of Wilderness-
# Croove - Complex
# Croove - Fire Storm
# Croove - JMJ
# Croove - Mad Robot
# Croove - Shout
# xxdbxx - Blue
# xxdbxx - Calling me now
# xxdbxx - Eye of the Beholder -SMASH Episode No.0-
# xxdbxx - Feel So Sad
# xxdbxx - Metagalactic G-1000
# xxdbxx - Ready to YAH

Ez2DJ 5th TraX -Platinum- (2003)

# Bigduck - Unknown H2
# Eridanus - Any way you want it
# Eridanus - Cellavue
# Eridanus - Riff Guy
# Eridanus & Kang, Eun-soo - It's Alright
# FE - Memories
# Forte Escape - Aquaris -Physical Inspiration Hyper Blue Mix-
# Forte Escape - I've Fallen -Hot Dog Boogie Groove Mix-
# Forte Escape - I've got this feeling -DJ.FE Restless Acid Soul Mix-
# Forte Escape - JMJ -DFC Space Gear Re-Formation-
# Forte Escape - Panic Strike
# Forte Escape - Q Factor
# Forte Escape - Spotlight
# Forte Escape - Zeroize
# Joyrock - Night Madness
# Joyrock - Weird Wave

Ez2DJ 6th TraX -Self Evolution- (2004)

# B-E - Be-at Feedback
# Dakick - Get The Beat -Party Mix-
# Dakick - Your Style
# Han Tae Soo - Curse It!!
# Han Tae Soo - Theme of EZ2Dj II
# Han Tae Soo - Stay With Me
# Itdie - Be my baby -Funky Version-
# Itdie - Baby Dance -Club Ver.-
# Itdie - I've got this feeling -Extended Ver.-
# Itdie - Jam -A.C. Ver.-
# Itdie - Lie Lie -Ceave Beat Ver.-
# Itdie - Look Out - EK-1 Beat Ver.-
# Itdie - The Boy -EK-2 Beat Ver.-
# Itdie - With U Girl -Beach Ver.-
# Kim Min - Dance With Me
# Kim Min - Refresh
# Kim Min - You were the one
# Sean Kim - Move your Body
# Sonic A.P.E - 1234
# Sonic A.P.E - Barcadi on the Beach
# Sonic A.P.E - Dance Machine
# Sonic A.P.E - Frantic
# Sonic A.P.E - It's Alright -Sonic A.P.E. Ver.-
# Soulzean - Up and Down
# TY.F - Be Mine!

Ez2DJ 7th TraX -Resistance- (2007.3)

# CCNN - Legacy of Hatred (Live)
# CCNN - Unrequited Love 2
# Curium - G.O.A.
# Curium - Silver Ocean
# Desired Effect & r300k - Round 3
# Desired Effect & r300k - Sunlight
# M2U - Gray Street
# M2U - Paradise
# M2U - The back of Beyond
# M2U - Toy War
# M2U - Space Destiny
# M2U - Sweet Heart
# M2U - White Rose
# M2U - 天地開闢
# MHz - End of Summer
# Praya - 빛바랜영혼
# Praya - Forget
# Praya - Mage Girl Story
# r300k - Energy Flower
# r300k - The World
# Spring Head - Fallen Angel
# Spring Head - KAFAT
# Spring Head - Return
# Spring Head - Revelation
# Spring Head - Soul Eater
# Transin - Black Flame
# Transin - Dreamy Flight
# Transin - Explode Engine
# Transin - Fell Hound (III)
# Transin - Let me hear your voice
# Transin - Soul Destructer
# TranceMAX - To my love

Ez2DJ 7th TraX -Resistance- Version 1.50 (2007.12)

#CHAOS - Gray Hunter
#God Hand - An Old Story
#infinity poly - Black Bird
#KIEN - R.E.D ~Red Evil of Death~
#Memme - Hyper Magic
#Memme - Legend of Moonlight
#Red Eye - The Prince of Darkness
#SHK - Holic
#Star light - Shot Time
#yak_won - Lucid
#yak_won - Never Feel This Way

EZ2DJ 7th TraX -Resistance- Version 2.00, 2.01 (2008.3)

#yak_won - Never Feel This Way (Vocal ver.)
*IBIS ch.
#IBIS - It's my secret ~Remix~
#IBIS - White Rose ~House Mix~
#IBIS - 天地開闢 ~2007 Remix~
*yak_won ch.
#yak_won - Refresh ~Remix~
#yak_won - Dance Machine ~YK Edit~
#yak_won - Dance with me ~Remix~
#yak_won - Frantic ~YK Edit~
*musician's collection ch. (7th hidden command in 7th trax Ver 2.00)
#yak_won - Don't Say Anything
#IBIS - 1234 -SJ Mix-
#KIEN - One's Trash
#SHK - Weep Irish -RE-
*sjhdeux ch. (7th hidden command in 7th trax Ver 2.00)
#yak_won - 2nd life (How To Play)
#RC - r-decision
#yak_won - Aura (Title Theme Of Ez2DJ 7th TRAX Ver 2.00)
#yak_won - Sinus ~secret heart~

Trivias

1. Some songs on Hard Mix are remixes of the original. (e.g. "Confete", "Catch the Flow", "Ztar Warz", "The Rhythm" and "Envy Mask")

2. "BOB', "My Honey" and "Love & Ecstasy" disappeared after 2nd Trax, however "For 3 Weeks" disappeared after 4th Trax (Due to an expired license)

3. "Freedom" "Mystic Dream 9903" were removed after 1st TraX, but it refeatur again after 7th trax Ver. 1.50.

4. "Confete" is composed by Ruby Tuesday (Carlos is the singer).

5. These artists are the same person.
*Creatune, Danmal-G, Dj Melong = Croove
*DJ. Yonda = Andy Lee
*FE = Forte Escape
*CCNN = r300k
*Curium = CCNN + Mhz
*Transin = Praya = Spring Head
*God Hand = Memme = CHAOS
*Dizzy = D.L. (Visual Artist)
*RYUminus = RYU♡Star (Visual & Vocal Artist)

6. Alternative Titles
*Q-Factor(Platinum) -> S.A.R.S
*Weird Wave(Platinum) -> Urban Block or Snapshot of Trance
*Panic Strike(Platinum) -> EX Shock
*Spotlight(Platinum) -> Durubpapa
*Any way you want it(Platinum) : I feel 4 you
*느낌(Platinum) -> It's alright

7. Songs only in the OSTs

(1) 1st Tracks/1st SE
*xxdbxx - Title Theme of Ez2dj 1st Special Edition
*xxdbxx - Level Select Theme(1st SE)
*Croove & xxdbxx - Marine's Death
*Croove & xxdbxx - Blue Screen
*Andy Lee - Red Hot ~Andy Lee's Demo Version~
*Andy Lee - R.D.M. ~Take 1~
*Jeon Joon Kyu & Mario Bolden - Stay ~Instrumental Version~
*Ruby Tuesday - Look Out ~Instrumental Version~

(2) 2nd TraX
*Andy Lee - Appeal ~Take 1~
*Andy Lee - Appeal ~Andy Lee's Demo Version~
*Andy Lee - Showdown ~Take 1~

(3) 3rd TraX
*Andy Lee - Shake ~Take 1~
*Croove & Forte Escape - Cosmic Bird (Space Shooting Mix was the version used in-game)
*Itdie - Party Time
*Ruby Tuesday - Starchild
*Ruby Tuesday - Love Rollercoaster
*Ruby Tuesday - On the Beach
*Mario Bolden - To you
*Mario Bolden & Yang joon young - Come On
*xxdbxx - Name Entry & Ranking Theme
*xxdbxx - Internet Ranking Theme

Lawsuit and ruling

On July 10, 2007 Konami won a patent infringement suit against Amuse World. Konami had originally filed a lawsuit against Amuse World in 2001 over the same issue which they settled out of court. It is believed that this settlement was due to the continued release of the title. Following the second trial, a Korean judge's ruling ordered Amuse World to pay Konami damages and stop production of the product completely. Amuseworld paid 11.7 Billion won in satisfaction to KONAMI. [ [http://news.moneytoday.co.kr/view/mtview.php?no=2007070618074158869&type=2 돈이 보이는 리얼타임 뉴스 '머니투데이' ] ]

References

External links

* [http://amuseworld.co.kr/product/info/6th.asp/ EZ2DJ Official Site]
* [http://www.amuseworld.co.kr/ Amuseworld Official Site]
* [http://www.toez2dj.net/ Theme of EZ2DJ] EZ2DJ community in Korean.