Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Deus Ex: Human Revolution dev diary describes the sound of cyberspace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/13/deus-ex-human-revolution-dev-diary-describes-the-sound-of-cyber/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/13/deus-ex-human-revolution-dev-diary-describes-the-sound-of-cyber/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/13/deus-ex-human-revolution-dev-diary-describes-the-sound-of-cyber/#comments Eidos Montreal devs reveal how they put the punk in the steam with a new diary explaining the intricacies of Deus Ex: Human Revolution's audio. Human Revolution balances the cyber symphonies of Deus Ex with a more mechanical Renaissance vibe -- think Vivaldi meets Thomas Savery.

Continue reading Deus Ex: Human Revolution dev diary describes the sound of cyberspace

JoystiqDeus Ex: Human Revolution dev diary describes the sound of cyberspace originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiodeus-ex-human-revolutiondev-diaryEidos-Montrealmicrosoftpcplaystationps3SteamPunkxboxSat, 13 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FEAR 3 video shows off some high-powered sound recording]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/fear-3-video-shows-off-some-high-powered-sound-recording/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/fear-3-video-shows-off-some-high-powered-sound-recording/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/fear-3-video-shows-off-some-high-powered-sound-recording/#comments
Rarely do hardcore gun enthusiasts and A/V nerds have anything in common, but when they do, they drink Dos Equis it's a beautiful thing. "The Sounds of Combat," a F.E.A.R. 3 behind-the-scenes video, shows how the dudes at Day 1 Studios recorded audio from a range of firearms, including a Smith & Wesson 500 Magnum to a .50 caliber Barrett Machine Gun, all with a set of fancy microphones. If Alma didn't scare you enough, maybe the recoil on some of these beasts will.

JoystiqFEAR 3 video shows off some high-powered sound recording originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioAVday-1-studiosFear-3Gunsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3warner-bros-interactivexboxSun, 17 Jul 2011 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Deep Sea: The scariest game ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/12/deep-sea-the-scariest-game-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/12/deep-sea-the-scariest-game-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/12/deep-sea-the-scariest-game-ever/#comments I don't even know if Wraughk Audio Design's Deep Sea is intended to be scary, but it's more effective at generating real fear than any game I've ever seen. And it does so with no graphics at all.

The Independent Propeller Award finalist is daunting from the outset: first, the player is helped into the gas mask contraption seen above, with blacked out eyes. Then, noise-canceling headphones are lowered onto your face, and your hand is guided to a flight-stick style joystick.

The game is simple: you use recorded audio direction from an AI character, and directional audio cues, to locate enemies underwater, then "ping" them with your sonar to target them. You'll get feedback from the AI commander character when you ping: things like "It's far to the left," essentially. And that's it!

What makes it terrifying is the combination of instant claustrophobia due to the oppressive mask, and the helplessness of total sensory deprivation. Being scared to death actually makes the game harder, as it tracks your breathing and plays exaggerated "breathing" sound effects over the audio, drowning out commands. I've never considered myself a claustrophobic person, but panic set in immediately upon playing this game.

This seems like one of those games best suited for a proof of concept, or an experience to be had at events. I doubt Wraughk is going to be selling blackout gas masks to anyone. I hope that doesn't happen.

JoystiqDeep Sea: The scariest game ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiodeep-seaindieindiepubsxsw-2011wraughk-audio-designSat, 12 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Brink developer diary on audio design blows us away]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/brink-developer-diary-on-audio-design-blows-us-away/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/brink-developer-diary-on-audio-design-blows-us-away/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/brink-developer-diary-on-audio-design-blows-us-away/#comments Brink audio director Chris Sweetman's got plenty of street cred in the "authentic gun sounds" community, for his work on Black. To learn more about the process of making Brink's armaments as sonically pleasing as possible, go read the game's latest dev diary while listening to the video below.

Continue reading Brink developer diary on audio design blows us away

JoystiqBrink developer diary on audio design blows us away originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioBethesda-SoftworksBrinkmicrosoftpcplaystationps3sound-designxboxFri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Recording Alan Wake audio was just as scary as listening to it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/recording-alan-wake-audio-was-just-as-scary-as-listening-to-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/recording-alan-wake-audio-was-just-as-scary-as-listening-to-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/recording-alan-wake-audio-was-just-as-scary-as-listening-to-it/#comments In a recent interview with Designing Sound, the audio team behind Alan Wake revealed much about their process creating the game's creepy soundscape. One of the more interesting bits in the interview involves the field recording that was done to capture some of the nature sounds of the forest. Pete Comley, a freelance sound designer hired for the project, actually lives in Washington and recorded sounds in many of the forests on which Alan Wake's environments are based.

"Some of the recording was done very late at night in environments very similar to the ones Alan Wake tromps through, far in the woodsy backcountry," said Comley. "I had to keep reminding myself that there were no such things as "the Taken" when I heard the sound of elk crackling through the underbrush in the moonlit darkness (or even worse, total darkness)," he said, adding, "Making this game scared the daylights out of me more than once since I feel like I live where it takes place."

Check out the full, exhaustive interview for more on Alan Wake's audio design process, including how the team approached creating the sound of light, the Dark Presence and the Taken.

JoystiqRecording Alan Wake audio was just as scary as listening to it originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-Wakeaudiodesigning-soundmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiospete-comleyRemedysoundxboxThu, 09 Dec 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Akira Yamaoka explains Grasshopper jump]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/interview-akira-yamaoka-explains-grasshopper-jump/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/interview-akira-yamaoka-explains-grasshopper-jump/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/interview-akira-yamaoka-explains-grasshopper-jump/#comments Having composed Silent Hill's unmistakable audio ever since the series began, Akira Yamaoka is best known for unsettling even the soundest of minds with an unpredictable mixture of industrial noise, haunting melodies and straight-up rock. He left his position as producer and fan-made custodian of the survival-horror franchise earlier this year to join Grasshopper Manufacture and Goichi "Suda 51" Suda's "video game band."

Although Grasshopper isn't ready to talk specifically about its upcoming collaboration with EA, we did get an opportunity at GDC to ask Akira Yamaoka a few general questions about his move and his relationship with Silent Hill.

Joystiq: What have you seen at GDC this year that interested you?

Akira Yamaoka: [laughs] I'm actually really busy with having interviews and I did a session, so I was busy with preparation for that. So, I didn't have much chance to look at a lot of sessions yet because of that, but the image around GDC has been changing. It seems like a lot of seminars are more like -- they don't really talk about new technology but they talk more about concepts and stuff like that. That's what I feel about GDC now.

Continue reading Interview: Akira Yamaoka explains Grasshopper jump

JoystiqInterview: Akira Yamaoka explains Grasshopper jump originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira-yamaokaaudiogdc-2010grasshopper-manufactureinterviewkonamisilent-hillsuda-51Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:36:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC: Akira Yamaoka on the disturbing power of audio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/akira-yamaoka-on-the-disturbing-power-of-audio/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/akira-yamaoka-on-the-disturbing-power-of-audio/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/akira-yamaoka-on-the-disturbing-power-of-audio/#comments The title of Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka's GDC panel was "As long as the audio is fun, the game will be too." Kind of a perplexing title, especially if you've enjoyed Yamaoka's work in the horror genre. Don't get us wrong, it's good, we're just not sure fun is the word for it. Yamaoka used the panel to explain precisely why his music and sound effects are so disturbing, and it's more technical than you might think.

"Sound is very close to stimulating emotions in your brain," said Yamaoka via an interpreter. "What do humans fear?" He asked. In the case of audio, he noted that gaps between visual cues and accompanying audio. Specifically, if a sound precedes a visual cue, it can cause anxiety, while a sound that arrives too late is comforting. As an example, he noted the sounds of footsteps being made slightly before the onscreen action in a game. He noted that this effect can be felt even if the sync between sound and visual is off by a few frames of animation. Yamaoka said later in the panel that he used this technique in Silent Hill 3.

Another technique mentioned was the use of silence."When there's no sound, the brain fills in the gap," said Yamaoka. He then played a special version of Beethoven's "Für Elise" which had been injected with tiny, periodic gaps of silence. He then played the same piece, only this time injecting harsh noise instead of silence. Even packed in a fully lit lecture hall with hundreds of GDC attendees, it was unsettling. Unfortunately, Yamaoka wasn't able to give us the sound samples used during the panel, so we've done our best to recreate them:


Thankfully, Yamaoka closed the session with a soothing guitar performance, which we were able to capture for your enjoyment. Listen to it below and stay tuned for an interview with Mr. Yamoaka on Joystiq in the near future.

JoystiqGDC: Akira Yamaoka on the disturbing power of audio originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Akira-Yamaokaaudiogdcgdc-2010grasshopper-manufacturermusicsilent-hillFri, 12 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted 2 & Assassin's Creed 2 headline GANG Award finalists]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/18/uncharted-2-and-assassins-creed-2-headline-gang-award-finalists/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/18/uncharted-2-and-assassins-creed-2-headline-gang-award-finalists/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/18/uncharted-2-and-assassins-creed-2-headline-gang-award-finalists/#comments We thought we'd reached a point in the year where Uncharted 2 and Assassin's Creed 2 would stop being nominated for awards; apparently, we were wrong. The Game Audio Network Guild adorned both games with nine nominations in its 8th annual Audio Awards. Winners will be announced and awards will be distributed on March 12 in San Francisco, alongside the Game Developers Conference.

Check out the full list of nominees after the jump. They seem pretty fair, though House of the Dead: Overkill's absence from the "Best Dialogue" category almost ensures that we'll be boycotting the event.

Continue reading Uncharted 2 & Assassin's Creed 2 headline GANG Award finalists

JoystiqUncharted 2 & Assassin's Creed 2 headline GANG Award finalists originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-2audioawardsgame-audiogame-audio-network-guildganggdc-2010Microsoftmusicsoundtrackuncharted-2Uncharted-2-Among-ThievesXbox-360Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon 2009: Chris Metzen talks about casting Tricia Helfer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/23/blizzcon-2009-chris-metzen-talks-about-casting-tricia-helfer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/23/blizzcon-2009-chris-metzen-talks-about-casting-tricia-helfer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/23/blizzcon-2009-chris-metzen-talks-about-casting-tricia-helfer/#comments
We snagged a couple of minutes with Blizzard's Chris Metzen as he strolled across the BlizzCon floor in search of fresh air and daylight, and we asked him about the voice casting of Battlestar Galactica's Tricia Helfer as Sarah Kerrigan in the upcoming Starcraft 2, and both expansions as well. They're going to keep her around for awhile. "For the road that Kerrigan will be set upon for the arc of the storyline, I just felt that Tricia had the right depth and emotional resonance that would work one to one," Metzen explained.

Metzen himself has done a couple of voices as well, including the "Battlecruiser operational" line from the original Starcraft, and as Thrall in several Warcraft games. Listen to the rest of the audio interview right below, where he talks more about Helfer, and obliges us by doing some of the voices.

JoystiqBlizzCon 2009: Chris Metzen talks about casting Tricia Helfer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioBattlestar-GalacticaBlizzardBlizzcon-2009Chris-MetzenSarah-KerriganStarcraft-2Tricia-HelferSun, 23 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NXE audio issues continue to fire up forum users, Microsoft still working on a fix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/nxe-audio-issues-continue-to-fire-up-forum-users-microsoft-stil/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/nxe-audio-issues-continue-to-fire-up-forum-users-microsoft-stil/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/nxe-audio-issues-continue-to-fire-up-forum-users-microsoft-stil/#commentsFiled under:


When the switch was flipped to release the New Xbox Experience (NXE) everyone at X3F HQ was huddled around a candle, hoping that Xbox Live wouldn't ... you know, explode! Thankfully, the NXE was released and the Live service continued to run strong, for the most part. However, not everyone had a rosy experience. Some Xbox users connected throughout HDMI noticed an issue, the NXE would not play audio via an HDMI connection. While this isn't news, users that have been hit with the audio issue have taken to the Xbox.com forum, now threatening to take the issue to the the Better Business Bureau and contact consumer advocacy groups due to Microsoft's refusal to address the problems.

Only, Microsoft did address the NXE/HDMI problem. On December 2, X3F reported that Microsoft admitted the NXE had caused the HDMI audio issue for some users and are currently working on a fix in a story on ShackNews. While they don't get points for speed -- actually, maybe they do ... we don't know how long it takes to fix these things -- Microsoft has admitted the problem and aren't leaving anyone out in the cold. Get it? 'Cuz it's December. Never mind, you seem upset.

[Ed. Note: Story edited to clarify the audio issue has only hit some HDMI users]

JoystiqNXE audio issues continue to fire up forum users, Microsoft still working on a fix originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiohdmihdmi-audionxetechnicaltechnical-issuesWed, 17 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft working to fix NXE audio issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/microsoft-working-to-fix-nxe-audio-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/microsoft-working-to-fix-nxe-audio-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/microsoft-working-to-fix-nxe-audio-issues/#commentsFiled under:

Some Xbox 360 users who updated to the New Xbox Experience have reported hearing only the sounds of silence through their HDMI cables (the phenomenon, not the song). The problem appears to be caused with older monitors and devices that are not compatible with a new HDCP driver found in NXE.

Speaking to Shacknews, Microsoft said, "We are aware that a handful of Xbox LIVE users are experiencing audio issues, and are diligently monitoring this issue and working towards a solution." No timeframe for the fix was given; in the meantime, you might want to dust off those antiquated component cables.

JoystiqMicrosoft working to fix NXE audio issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiohdcphdminew-xbox-experiencenxeXbox-360Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MS admits to 360 audio problems caused by NXE, working towards a 'solution']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/ms-admits-to-360-audio-problems-caused-by-nxe-working-towards-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/ms-admits-to-360-audio-problems-caused-by-nxe-working-towards-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/ms-admits-to-360-audio-problems-caused-by-nxe-working-towards-a/#commentsFiled under:


Looks like the audiophiles over at the AVS forums weren't wrong about the New Xbox Experience killing some gamers' Xbox 360 audio (did you really doubt 'em?), because Microsoft has officially acknowledged the problem and promises a "solution" in the near future.

"We are aware that a handful of Xbox LIVE users are experiencing audio issues" a Microsoft rep informed Shacknews, promising that they're "diligently monitoring this issue and working towards a solution." According to numerous internet reports, after the NXE update was released a few weeks back, some Xbox 360 HDMI users lost all game audio.

Gaming without sound is no fun. Hopefully we can haz the NXE caused HDMI audio problems fixed soon.

JoystiqMS admits to 360 audio problems caused by NXE, working towards a 'solution' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiodashboard-updatefall-updatehdminew-xbox-experiencenxeTue, 02 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[AGDC08: The Screen Actors Guild wants you to hear its game voice(s)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/agdc08-the-screen-actors-guild-wants-you-to-hear-their-game-voi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/agdc08-the-screen-actors-guild-wants-you-to-hear-their-game-voi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/agdc08-the-screen-actors-guild-wants-you-to-hear-their-game-voi/#commentsFiled under: ,


We've seen the Screen Actor's Guild booth at a lot of gaming and interactive events recently, from SXSW to GDC in San Francisco, so we finally decided to stop by and see what they're doing there. Normally, when you think about video game development, SAG isn't the first thing that springs to mind. It turns out that they have contracts that will allow developers with every type of budget to work with their stable of professional actors.

So, rather than having Bob from Accounting (sorry, Bob) record the lines of Beelzebub the Destroyer for your new MMO, you can hire someone who can really sound like something from the depths of hell. We sat down with actors David Sobolov and David Anthony Pizzuto and director of new media for SAG, Mark Friedlander, to find out what why SAG has been appearing at gaming events. Plus, the guys do some of their many voices. Check out the highlights, see a video of a typical day in the booth, and listen to the audio of the interview after the break.

Continue reading AGDC08: The Screen Actors Guild wants you to hear its game voice(s)

JoystiqAGDC08: The Screen Actors Guild wants you to hear its game voice(s) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agdcagdc-08agdc-2008agdc08agdc2008audioAustinGDCSAGScreen-Actors-GuildvoicevoiceoverWed, 17 Sep 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Les Claypool puts a funky groove on Mushroom Men]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/les-claypool-puts-a-funky-groove-on-mushroom-men/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/les-claypool-puts-a-funky-groove-on-mushroom-men/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/les-claypool-puts-a-funky-groove-on-mushroom-men/#commentsFiled under:

This is something we didn't know: Primus frontman, and all-around awesome dude, Les Claypool, contributed music for Mushroom Men: The Spore Wars. To be more exact, he contributed tunes to capture the feel of each of the different races found in the game, which we imagine is quite the potent combo when paired with the lovely game art we've seen.

You see, MTV Multiplayer recently had the Wii version of the game demoed for them, and they walked away pretty impressed with the game's audio offerings. The music seems to be procedural, and changes as the player accomplished tasks in the game world, shifting and reshaping in line with what is happening in the game. All in all, it seems that Mushroom Men: The Spore Wars is going to at least provide an interesting audio experience. Let's hope the gameplay is being developed with as much care!

Not familiar with Les and Primus? Head on past the break for a pair of our favorite Primus tunes.

Continue reading Les Claypool puts a funky groove on Mushroom Men

JoystiqLes Claypool puts a funky groove on Mushroom Men originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioles-claypoolmushroom-menmushroom-men-spore-warsmusicprimusredflyredfly-studiosspore-warsWed, 02 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 3 outtakes: Full Metal Jacket & ranting lesbian space marine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/halo-3-outtakes-full-metal-jacket-and-ranting-lesbian-space-marin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/halo-3-outtakes-full-metal-jacket-and-ranting-lesbian-space-marin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/halo-3-outtakes-full-metal-jacket-and-ranting-lesbian-space-marin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The audio track of GDC is an under-appreciated gem of the conference. Though many of the sessions are highly technical in nature -- discussing the use of software tools and compositional elements -- enjoying the music and the auditory experience of gaming hardly takes a degree. I sat in on one of these sessions, "Halo 3: An Audio Postmortem", and was rewarded greatly. Not only did I have the chance to listen to Jay Weinland, C. Paul Johnson, Mike Salvatore and Marty O'Donnell speak on the process of composing for Bungie's titles, but the audio team brought hilarious outtakes for us to listen to.

Read on below the break for a few words on composing audio for the series, Adam Baldwin's Halo-style take on Full Metal Jacket, and comedienne Debra Wilson's take on a angry, ranting, foul-mouthed, lesbian marine. Even better: the Wilson outtakes have apparently never been made available outside of Bungie's studio before.

Gallery: Halo 3

Continue reading Halo 3 outtakes: Full Metal Jacket & ranting lesbian space marine

JoystiqHalo 3 outtakes: Full Metal Jacket & ranting lesbian space marine originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioclipsfeaturedGDCgdc08halo-3musicsound-fxXboxXbox-360Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's nerdiest audio: Street Fighter songs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/todays-nerdiest-audio-street-fighter-songs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/todays-nerdiest-audio-street-fighter-songs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/todays-nerdiest-audio-street-fighter-songs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We can do without "whiny" being the default setting for so much indy/emo music, but Arlington-and-Grand Prairie-Texas-based Man Factory serves up enough indy-powerpop-rock to offset any latent emo sadness. Plus the group's latest project is a series of seven songs written from the perspectives of Street Fighter characters. The series is called, "Street Fighter II: Rock Opera: Round 1," and hits enough high notes that we hope rounds two and three follow.

The band offers such tracks as "Chun Li, i'm lovin it," and "There goes Dhalism" for free at its site. (Or visit the MySpace page to play them in-browser and download the whole package as a zip file.) Our verdict: Knockout.

[Thanks, Matt]

JoystiqToday's nerdiest audio: Street Fighter songs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiobandhottest-videohottestvideoman-factorymanfactorymp3musicparodysatiresongstreet-fighterstreetfighterThu, 07 Feb 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Downgrade Wii Photo Channel, keep playing MP3s]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/downgrade-wii-photo-channel-keep-playing-mp3s/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/downgrade-wii-photo-channel-keep-playing-mp3s/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/downgrade-wii-photo-channel-keep-playing-mp3s/#commentsFiled under: ,

Would you prefer your Nintendo Wii to get jiggy wit' your Will Smith MP3s? Our first piece of advice would be to not download the new Photo Channel, version 1.1, which replaces MP3 support with AAC. If it's too late for you, then we recommend taking these simple steps, provided by Nintendo itself:
  • From the main menu, click the "Wii" button
  • Select Data Management
  • Select Channels
  • Select Photo Channel 1.1 and confirm you want to delete it
  • Photo Channel 1.0, the original, automatically returns to the main menu
If you change your mind yet again, then you can always re-download the update. Yes, Nintendo's providing instructions on how to downgrade your Photo Channel to keep playing MP3s - it even says in the description, "for instance if you'd rather have MP3 compatibility instead of AAC." Why Nintendo couldn't figure out how to support both formats simultaneously - a feature available in pretty much every other audio player out there - is beyond our comprehension. If audio quality is really their concern, we wonder if version 1.2 will continue the trend and abandon AAC for FLAC.

[Via NWF]

JoystiqDowngrade Wii Photo Channel, keep playing MP3s originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aacaudiomp3musicnintendophoto-channelwiiThu, 13 Dec 2007 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavenly Sword packed with 10 GB of sound data]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/heavenly-sword-packed-with-10-gb-of-sound-data/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/heavenly-sword-packed-with-10-gb-of-sound-data/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/heavenly-sword-packed-with-10-gb-of-sound-data/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ninja Theory's Heavenly Sword has some beautiful music -- anyone with the demo can testify to that. An interview with lead audio Tom Colvin has quantified the developer's focus on aural satisfaction: 10 GB of sound data is included in the game, according to Develop.

That sizable number includes approximately three and a half hours of music, sound effects and 4,500 lines of dialog. "There's an hour and a half's worth of cut scenes in eleven languages," said SCEE's Garry Taylor.

A dual layer DVD disc has an 8.5 GB capacity; will Sony be touting that its competition couldn't even fit the audio onto their discs? We'd be surprised if they showed restraint.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqHeavenly Sword packed with 10 GB of sound data originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As you can see, the old man died tragically in a fire, sacrificing not only his life but his bitchin' Grados for a stock clip art iPod in the blaze. But hey, the Rodeo continues to bravely soldier on without him. Audio ahoy!

The Weekly Geek: We were originally going to write something mean about TWG after host Chris complained about being not included in the Rodeo. Infuriatingly though, we ended up really liking the show, spoiling our plans entirely. If you like to hear grown men ranting about Shrek, we think you'll like it too.

Press Start: After an extended absence, Ky-Ky Baby (Mr. Orland if you're nasty) and his harem of two game experts talk about the slow decline of the retail games industry. To some of you? A relief. To the more materialistic of you? An 18:48 horror show. Listen at your own peril.

Continue reading Podcast Rodeo for June 10: There's A Tear in My Ear

JoystiqPodcast Rodeo for June 10: There's A Tear in My Ear originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Jun 2007 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionaudioCapcomOnimushaOnimusha-3Onimusha-3-Demon-SiegeOnimusha-4Onimusha-Dawn-of-DreamspodcastrodeoSun, 10 Jun 2007 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Currently unused component found in Wiimote]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/01/currently-unused-component-found-in-wiimote/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/01/currently-unused-component-found-in-wiimote/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/01/currently-unused-component-found-in-wiimote/#commentsFiled under:

OMG SECRET CHIPZBefore you go running off to troll post on various message boards, we'd like to give you some specifics. A recent CNN technology feature details some of the various chips and components found within the forty-dollar Wiimote. Among the Bluetooth converters and accelerometers is a component listed as an "audio translator," which "converts analog data such as human speech into a digital data stream. This feature is unused now but will probably be employed in future games." The approximate cost is listed at $2.00.

So, what's the deal? First, there is no actual microphone (a device capable of converting vibrational energy into electrical signals) found within the Wiimote. Though basic electrical engineering principals allow a standard speaker to act in such a fashion, the signal quality and frequency response would be unacceptably low. This chip actually requires an expansion device for it to be used at all. So why add it? It's only two dollars, but this rather unnecessary addition has cost the company several dozen million dollars. We can only assume that Nintendo or significant third parties are planning a title utilizing an expansion microphone, which will be presumably cheap enough to bundle with a title and incur no markup in price.

God knows the masses need a mainstream karaoke game (we know about Karaoke Revolution for the PS2, but it never really took off), and the Wii is just the system to do it. Like a Virginnnnn ... hey!

JoystiqCurrently unused component found in Wiimote originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jun 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudioChipElectricalEngineeringExpansionKaraokeMicrophonePortSecretTechTranslatorWiimoteFri, 01 Jun 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[RSS this!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/16/rss-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/16/rss-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/16/rss-this/#commentsFiled under:

You may have noticed a lot of changes here at PSP Fanboy. We just keep trying harder to help our readers get the most out of their PSP. With that in mind, this new feature RSS this! will show you some great feeds to subscribe to using the PSPs RSS ability.

This week I want to introduce you to a radio show/podcast that you may or may not be aware of. All Games Interactive is one of the only daily podcasts around and most importantly, it's about games. The ringmaster of the show is Scot Rubin who gamers may remember back when he hosted G4TV.com, one of the only shows that was ever worth watching on the now non-gaming network. He is joined by show producer Lawrence Young and Jessica Villarreal who delivers the news.

If Howard Stern was obsessed with gaming the result would be something like All Games Interactive. Other than delivering all the day's gaming news, the show often deals with the private lives of those involved with the show. AGI also features interviews with game creators and is part of an online gaming radio network titled All Games. The show airs live or can be listened to in podcast form later the same day. If you like your gaming podcast filled with humor, sexually charged dialog and occasional technical issues than All Games Interactive is for you. I know I can't stop listening to it myself.

If you too want to listen to All Games Interactive, just go into your PSP's web browser and click this link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AllGamesInteractive. Then you can exit your web browser and AGI should be in your RSS channels.Alternatively you can always just download the shows episodes and listen to them from your music folder.

Got something you have RSS'd and would like us to feature it? Just let us know in the comments, or let us know what you think of All

JoystiqRSS this! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Jan 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AGIall games interactiveallgames.comAllGamesInteractiveaudiojessica villarrealJessicaVillarreallawrence youngLawrenceYoungRSSRSS thisRSS this!RssThisRssThis!scot rubinScotRubinTue, 16 Jan 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 music playback is customizable, but limited]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/ps3-music-playback-is-customizable-but-limited/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/ps3-music-playback-is-customizable-but-limited/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/ps3-music-playback-is-customizable-but-limited/#commentsFiled under:

XMBizzleIGN tested out PlayStation 3's music playback ability, discovering that it's more fully-featured, but not as flexible as Xbox 360's playback functionality. Like 360, Sony's console allows users to rip/import music onto the hard drive. Ripping a 76-minute album took IGN roughly six minutes; unlike 360, ripped tracks can be formatted into AAC, ATRAC, or MP3 files (with several bitrate options). As with PSP, albums are stored separately (not under artists), but can be sorted by artist (and other categories) if desired.

While music playback is enabled during XMB activity (e.g., tinkering with settings, viewing pictures, browsing the web, etc.), it ceases once a game is launched. It's surprising that Sony did not implement seamless (user-generated) soundtrack functionality, which Xbox 360 owners have enjoyed since the spring Dashboard update. Is there a need for a patch in a future firmware upgrade?

JoystiqPS3 music playback is customizable, but limited originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Nov 2006 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here's another Gears of War trailer remix set to a classical piece that I really should be able to identify. Kind of sets the mood for impending violence.

JoystiqGoW remix an instant classic originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Oct 2006 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioepiicgears of wargowmusicremixvideoSun, 29 Oct 2006 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation 3 media formats]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/27/playstation-3-media-formats/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/27/playstation-3-media-formats/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/27/playstation-3-media-formats/#commentsFiled under: ,

not compatibleThe (unofficial) PlaystationTeam posts this list of media formats that are compatible with PlayStation 3:
  • Blu-Ray (ROM, -R, -RE)
  • DVD (ROM, -R, -RW, R, RW)
  • CD (ROM, -R, -RW, Super Audio)
  • MPEG-1
  • MPEG-2 (PS, TS)
  • MPEG-4 SP
  • MPEG-4 AVC/H.264.
  • ATRAC
  • AAC
  • MP3
  • WAV
  • JPEG
  • GIF
  • PNG
  • TIFF
  • BMP
Aside from obvious disc differences, PS3 and PSP accept a near-identical list of formats (PSP is compatible with WMA files). It is disappointing that PS3 won't support some of the popular video codecs (e.g., XviD, DivX) out of the box, but if this Linux proposal comes together, then presumably, the compatibility list would grow.

Continue reading PlayStation 3 media formats

JoystiqPlayStation 3 media formats originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Oct 2006 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ok, so nobody outside of my oft-ignored home state cares about this, but local Delaware band OmniSoul made the soundtrack for Madden '07 with their stadium-friendly track, "Not Giving Up." Just another notch on the First State's belt next to scrapple, Ryan Phillipe and tax free shopping.

JoystiqMadden: The Delaware Connection originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Aug 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiodelawaremaddenmusicsoundtrackSat, 26 Aug 2006 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row soundtrack lays the beat down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/05/saints-row-soundtrack-lays-the-beat-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/05/saints-row-soundtrack-lays-the-beat-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/05/saints-row-soundtrack-lays-the-beat-down/#commentsFiled under:

I heard you got the fever for the flavor ... of THQ's licensed music. Here's the full list of the songs you'll do drive-bys to Saints Row, including such classics as Wagner's Twilight of the Gods and Seventeen by Winger. There's alot of obscure stuff here -- maybe too obscure -- and it lacks a cohesive theme like Vice City and San Andreas. However, I can tell you that the Black Sheep track that opens up the demo brought back some cherished white suburban wannabe rapper memories.

JoystiqSaints Row soundtrack lays the beat down originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Aug 2006 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiolicensedmusicsaints rowSaintsRowsoundtrackthqSat, 05 Aug 2006 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision hires Goldsmith for CoD3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/31/activision-hires-goldsmith-for-cod3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/31/activision-hires-goldsmith-for-cod3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/31/activision-hires-goldsmith-for-cod3/#commentsFiled under:

Activision has hired Emmy nominated composer Joel Goldsmith, son of the late great Jerry Goldsmith, to score the upcoming Call of Duty 3. Anbody who listened to Major Nelson's interview with Xbox audio expert Scott Selfron got a fresh reminder about the importance of music in games. Hopefully, picking up some name talent for CoD3 will add to that "cinematic experience" developers are always talking about.

JoystiqActivision hires Goldsmith for CoD3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Jul 2006 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Last Thursday, the first official Sony Online Entertainment podcast surfaced on the esteemed Major Nelson's blog. Yes, you read that correctly. The podcast can be downloaded here. However, I'm afraid you won't find it as engaging as other kinds of podcasts coming from certain inside sources (we're lookin' at you Major).

And why don't they have a blog? The cart may have gotten ahead of the horse on that one. At any rate, you're probably wondering what they talk about. Lots of Everquest, and LOTS of scripted discussions. Sony, if you are reading: drop the scripts and lose the incessant background music!

The idea behind this is really good though (if it were implemented right). To make this into something worthwhile they could fire the talking robots, stop reading straight off a script and tackle issues that more gamers can relate too about the PS3 (though this is SOE after all, hence the chosen topics). Podcasts make excellent PR tools and Sony could cover a lot of ground if they did this right.

JoystiqIntroducing the official SOE podcast originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jun 2006 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiodownloadseverquestplaystationpodcastps3soesonyMon, 19 Jun 2006 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lair off-screen trailer looked good at GDC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/04/lair-off-screen-trailer-looked-good-at-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/04/lair-off-screen-trailer-looked-good-at-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/04/lair-off-screen-trailer-looked-good-at-gdc/#commentsFiled under:


Stills and screenshots can only do so much to convey how good a game looks. Here's an off-screen video presentation of Lair recorded from GDC, showing off the Factor 5 game in action (or, should we say, motion).

You might recognize some of the animation from videos seen elsewhere, but it was nice to catch the newer footage of a dragon wireframe model meticulously rendered with layers of musculature and skin, too.

If that's not enough for ya, you can always just listen in to the audio, which features a young lady from Washington asking questions of a developer with the hope of getting hired. Consider this a lesson in networking.

[Via GameBrink]

JoystiqLair off-screen trailer looked good at GDC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Apr 2006 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animationaudiodeveloperdevelopersdragonFactor 5Factor5footageGDChiredjobLairlayerslessonmodelmotionmusculaturenetworknetworkingoff-screenpresentationquestionquestionsrenderrenderedscreenshotscreenshotsskinstillstillstrailervideovideosWashingtonwireframeyoung ladyYoungLadyTue, 04 Apr 2006 08:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Pioneer 5.1 surround for Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/25/pioneer-5-1-surround-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/25/pioneer-5-1-surround-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/25/pioneer-5-1-surround-for-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: ,


European gamers will soon have the opportunity to batter their ear drums with an Xbox 360-branded surround sound set-up "designed specifically" for the next-gen console. Here's a description from the French site Le Journal du Geek (helpfully translated by Xbox-Scene):

The Pioneer HTP-XGS1 5.1 channel surround sound system is designed specifically to work with the Xbox 360. The unit has an output of 600 watts which will blow you away. The HTP-XGS1 is equipped with MCACC which stands for Multi Channel Acoustic Calibration. So what does MCACC do it measures your room's acoustic properties, and automatically adjusts the sound coming out of the speakers to to give you the best listening experience. The remote controller should also allow you to control some of the features of the Xbox 360. There's no price yet, but the device is expected in may in Europe (no US/Jap info yet).

Sounds ok, but other than marketing mumbo jumbo, the only thing that directly relates this product to the 360 is the remote. Couldn't they at least throw in a faceplate or something? Then again, we are fanboys and it does have a 360 logo on the cardboard. If the price point is decent I guess your purchase depends on whether or not your obnoxious audio snob friends will laugh at you for having a home-theater-in-a-box system.

JoystiqPioneer 5.1 surround for Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Mar 2006 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For all those who still have no idea how to put music on their PSPs, or are just too busy to figure out optimal compression ratings, ExtremeTech has a new quick-and-dirty guide to the should-be painless act of transferring audio files to the PSP. They've got a few links to freeware, shareware and homebrew apps, as well as a few tips on audiobooks and text-to-speech programs.

This guide won't do expert users much good, since a lot of what's covered is fairly basic. But for those who still have trouble figuring out what the difference is between AAC and AIFF, this guide is a good place to get acquainted.

JoystiqMaster your PSP's audio originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2006 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As if the market wasn't saturated enough, peripheral maker Gamexpert thought it nonetheless appropriate that they offer up yet another stand and speaker combo for all us eager PSP fanboys and girls. Still, this offering has sleek looks and a remote control going for it, which probably means that this wannabe isn't all that bad. Who knows? We may grow to love this curious if initially unwarranted addition to the PSP peripheral fold.

JoystiqPSP speakers and stand for 50 big ones originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jan 2006 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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