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.