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[Live out your Neil Peart fantasies with Xbox Live Indie's Drum Studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/live-out-your-neil-peart-fantasies-with-xbox-live-indies-drum-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/live-out-your-neil-peart-fantasies-with-xbox-live-indies-drum-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/live-out-your-neil-peart-fantasies-with-xbox-live-indies-drum-s/#comments We're of two minds when it comes to All Seeing Eye Games' upcoming Xbox Live Indie title, Drum Studio. On one hand, the trailer posted after the jump doesn't inspire much confidence, with immensely terrible visuals and musical accompaniment which takes butt-rock to gruesome new heights.

On the other hand, the game allows you to turn four Rock Band or Guitar Hero drum kits into a single, gargantuan rig, with each head assigned to one of Drum Studio's expansive catalog of percussion sound effects. The potential to turn four of these into something legendary Rush drummer Neil Peart would play excites us to no end. We may not be able to stop ourselves from dropping 80 ($1) on this one when it drops sometime this month.

Continue reading Live out your Neil Peart fantasies with Xbox Live Indie's Drum Studio

JoystiqLive out your Neil Peart fantasies with Xbox Live Indie's Drum Studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-seeing-eye-gamesdrumdrum-studiodrummingindiexbox-live-arcadexbox-live-indie-gamesWed, 02 Jun 2010 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your Ravi on with We Rock: Drum King]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/20/get-your-ravi-on-with-we-rock-drum-king/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/20/get-your-ravi-on-with-we-rock-drum-king/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/20/get-your-ravi-on-with-we-rock-drum-king/#commentsFiled under: ,


If there's one thing we learned from Nintendo's presentation at E3 earlier this year, it's that snowboarding injuries are often hilarious playing imaginary drums is like, the coolest-looking action that anyone could ever hope to perform. 505 Games, whose publishing repertoire includes PAL versions of Cooking Mama and Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life, will attempt to capture said lightning in a bottle with their upcoming Wii rhythm game We Rock: Drum King. We think we know who's winning the coveted "Best Video Game Title of 2009" award.

The title, which is being developed by ARC System Works (the minds behind WiiWare "games" Family Glide Hockey and Family Table Tennis), is currently slated for a Europe-only release of April 2009. Based on a brief explanation provided in a press release, gameplay sounds like it will be reminiscent of Guitar Hero, with players using two Wiimotes to "air drum" along with a song, as designated by multicolored bars moving along a track. We will be heartbroken if this one doesn't make it across the Atlantic.

JoystiqGet your Ravi on with We Rock: Drum King originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesarc-system-worksdrumravi-drumswe-rock-drum-kingwiiwiimoteSat, 20 Dec 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Plugging it in]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/10/wii-warm-up-plugging-it-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/10/wii-warm-up-plugging-it-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/10/wii-warm-up-plugging-it-in/#commentsFiled under: ,


After seeing Taiko No Tatsujin Wii yesterday, we definitely think the drum looks pretty sweet ... but we also noticed something mildly annoying: it plugs into the Wii remote, like so many other things. Now, look, we're not saying this feature is in any way a gamebreaker -- it's just one of those features that begs the question of whether or not there would have been a better way. Of course, we are completely picky bastards, so perhaps this is something you don't even think about. Or is it?

Gallery: Taiko no Tatsujin Wii

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Plugging it in originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drumnamco-bandairhythmtaikotaiko-no-tatsujinFri, 10 Oct 2008 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS08: Up close with Taiko's Drum Master]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/tgs08-up-close-with-taikos-drum-master/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/tgs08-up-close-with-taikos-drum-master/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/tgs08-up-close-with-taikos-drum-master/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Taiko no Tatsujin (Taiko Drum Master) is currently delighting Tokyo Game Show attendees on the showfloor, allowing us a first glimpse of the drum controller that comes with the game. It looks sturdy and very ... hittable! We look forward to seeing how it comes packaged, though are slightly saddened that this version won't have its own Taiko-themed stand.

Also worth noting: judging by these photos, the drum is wireless, and connects directly to the Wiimote, à la the Classic Controller. Beat a path past the break for more pictures.

Continue reading TGS08: Up close with Taiko's Drum Master

JoystiqTGS08: Up close with Taiko's Drum Master originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drummusicnamco-bandairhythmtaikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintgs-2008tgs08wiimotewirelessThu, 09 Oct 2008 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Screw you, Rock Band: Taiko no Tatsujin's wireless drum]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/screw-you-rock-band-taiko-no-tatsujins-wireless-drum/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/screw-you-rock-band-taiko-no-tatsujins-wireless-drum/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/screw-you-rock-band-taiko-no-tatsujins-wireless-drum/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In the midst of the seemingly-endless avalanche of Nintendo news in the latter half of this week, the tiniest of precious jewels appeared. Is it as important as Club Nintendo in the U.S. or new games? No, but it's damned neat, and it's the Taiko no Tatsujin Wii bundle. The game, which is slated for Japan on December 12, will be bundled with a wireless drum. Now that's a big ol' Wii accessory we could really get behind. The bundle retails for ¥7,980 ($75), and additional drums can be purchased for ¥3,990 ($38).

Here's why this news isn't even cooler: we'll probably never see it, unless you want to go to the trouble of importing everything necessary to bang your drum in your living room. Rats!

JoystiqScrew you, Rock Band: Taiko no Tatsujin's wireless drum originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drumnamco-bandairhythmtaiko-no-tatsujinFri, 03 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ION Drum Rocker: Unboxing and initial impressions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/ion-drum-rocker-unboxing-and-initial-impressions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/ion-drum-rocker-unboxing-and-initial-impressions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/ion-drum-rocker-unboxing-and-initial-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Update: The cymbals problems discussed below relate to a faulty "brain" for the set that ION replaced for us before the final review.

Over the past week, we've had a chance to check out ION's premium Rock Band 2 drum set, the Drum Rocker (We've played it once before at E3 2008). We're waiting for a copy of RB2 for our final impressions; in the meantime, here are our initial thoughts of the set with the original Rock Band.
  • Our order arrived in two boxes weighing in at 33 lbs. and 6 lbs., respectively. The lighter box contained the third cymbal and colored discs to put on all three cymbals for differentiation.
  • Total time to unbox: 20 minutes (although, to be fair, we were taking a lot of pictures). That said, total time for setup (no camera usage) was close to an hour, with a large amount of time spent trying to screw in the cymbal clamps. Just another 2 or 3 mm on the screw length and we would've had a much easier time here.
  • Protip: Make sure you screw everything in very tight, or you'll be having to either pause the game to make fixes mid-song or learn to adjust to the added difficult of a drooping tom or cymbal. Even then, adjustments will have to be made to get the toms placed just right.
Read on for more impressions.

Gallery: ION Drum Rocker: Unboxing, Set Up and Impressions

Continue reading ION Drum Rocker: Unboxing and initial impressions

JoystiqION Drum Rocker: Unboxing and initial impressions originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drumdrum-rockerdrum-setdrumshands-onharmoniximpressionsionjoystiqfeaturesrock-bandrock-band-2Xbox-360Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Revolution drum compatibility detailed; game 'on track' for '08]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/rock-revolution-drum-compatability-detailed-on-track-for-na/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/rock-revolution-drum-compatability-detailed-on-track-for-na/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/rock-revolution-drum-compatability-detailed-on-track-for-na/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Konami has detailed how its seven-input drum set will be compatible with Rock Band 2 and Guitar Hero: World Tour's kits, which have four and five inputs, respectively. We've been informed that the game will "reconfigure" itself depending on the set being used with the game. For example, instead of seven lines of music, it will adjust to four when using the Rock Band 2 drums and five for GH:WT. The company expects its drums to be compatible with the competition's via a patch issued after launch.

The company has also told us that reports of the game's delay to 2009 only applies to Europe. The game is "still on track for a fall 2008" release in North America. We're sure all the rhythm-game fanboys out there are breathing a sigh of relief ... right? Hello?

JoystiqRock Revolution drum compatibility detailed; game 'on track' for '08 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compatibilitydrumdrumskonamiPS3rock-revolutionWiiXbox-360Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Friday Video: Rock Band in the blind]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/friday-video-rock-band-in-the-blind/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/friday-video-rock-band-in-the-blind/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/friday-video-rock-band-in-the-blind/#commentsFiled under:


With Rock Band coming out shortly, we know some of you are still excited for the game, despite its shortcomings. But, that isn't the topic of discussion here, the topic of discussion is OHMYGOD 5 STARS WITH NO TV ON?! Ahem, sorry -- can you believe that he just got 5 stars on Molly Hatchet's "Flirtin' With Disaster" with the TV off? That's pretty darn good, if you ask us.

Now if this dude got together with the Guitar Hero virtuosos, he could be in the greatest fake band in the universe.

See also: Rock Band drum kit mod allows disabled gamers to get in on the action



Each week, our Friday Video segment takes a look at the gaming landscape online and brings forth an interesting video that (hopefully) gets the dialog started. Our previous week's coverage featured a video of Samus as a playable character in the Activision game, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance.

JoystiqFriday Video: Rock Band in the blind originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blindblindfolddrumdrum-kitdrumsrock-bandFri, 06 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY: Make your Rock Band drum kit wheelchair accessible]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/01/diy-make-your-rock-band-drum-kit-wheelchair-accessible/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/01/diy-make-your-rock-band-drum-kit-wheelchair-accessible/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/01/diy-make-your-rock-band-drum-kit-wheelchair-accessible/#commentsFiled under: ,


The raw, unbridled power of The Rocking is an equal opportunity force that can be tapped by anyone with a strong enough desire to evoke its boundless energies. Unfortunately, physical restrains can often limit a person's personal rocking aptitude, as most instruments are not created with those with disabilities in mind. Take, for instance, the Rock Band drum kit, which has a pedal that cannot be operated by those inflicted with paraplegia and other ailments affecting the lower body.

Fortunately, for every peripheral made unaccessible to those with disabilities, there's an altruistic, MacGuyver-esque modder with a solution. The folks over at Kinetic Communications recently solved the bass drum dilemma with a doorbell receiver and some audio cable, placing the foot pedal substitute directly onto a pair of drumsticks -- and it only cost them around $20. If you're in need for a stick-pedal, they've got simple instructions on how to make your own. Rick Allen would be so very proud.

JoystiqDIY: Make your Rock Band drum kit wheelchair accessible originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drumdrumsdrumstickhandicapkineticcommunicationsmodparaplegiapedalperipheralrock-bandrockbandSun, 01 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockers show off Guitar Hero's velocity-sensitive drum kits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/rockers-show-off-guitar-heros-velocity-sensitive-drum-kits/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/rockers-show-off-guitar-heros-velocity-sensitive-drum-kits/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/rockers-show-off-guitar-heros-velocity-sensitive-drum-kits/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The above Guitar Hero World Tour (the official GHIV title) video shows off the new drum set through testimonial from a few rockers - namely, Red Hot Chili Pepper's Chad Smith, Blink 182's Travis Barker and The Police's Stewart Copeland, all of whom are featured prominently (especially Copeland) on Rock Band and a pretty good sign they'll be on World Tour, too.

One interesting detail gleaned from the video is that the drum kit is sensitive to velocity, meaning it can register how hard or soft you hit the pads. We're not shown any gameplay footage so we're not 100% sure how that'll translate to the virtual drumming. All we know is that we can't tell our friends this detail. It's taken us months to teach them not to bang on the set loud enough to wake neighbors six miles away.

[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

JoystiqRockers show off Guitar Hero's velocity-sensitive drum kits originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 May 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drumdrum-kitdrum-setdrumsguitar-heroguitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-world-tourPS2PS3WiiXbox-360Sat, 24 May 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai financial report reveals Taiko no Tatsujin Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/namco-bandai-financial-report-reveals-taiko-no-tatsujin-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/namco-bandai-financial-report-reveals-taiko-no-tatsujin-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/namco-bandai-financial-report-reveals-taiko-no-tatsujin-wii/#commentsFiled under: ,


Buried in the latest Japanese Namco Bandai financial report, in a chart showing their sales projections per game for 2008, is the first mention of a Taiko no Tatsujin (Taiko Drum Master) game for Wii, planned for late this year. The company released Ennichi no Tatsujin (Festival Master), a spinoff minigame collection, as a Wii launch title, but this would be the first for-real Taiko on the Wii. They expect to sell around 500,000 copies, the same as they project for Family Trainer.

We're anxious now for an official reveal, because we want to see how the controls will work. Will it use a drum controller, or will players be asked to air-drum with the Wiimote and Nunchuk? There's also the third, more unlikely, option of hitting a drum with the Wiimote, though that would get expensive.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqNamco Bandai financial report reveals Taiko no Tatsujin Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 May 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drummusicnamco-bandaitaikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujinWed, 14 May 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Drum Kits ship to American and Canadian stores]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/rock-band-drum-kits-ship-to-american-and-canadian-stores/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/rock-band-drum-kits-ship-to-american-and-canadian-stores/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/rock-band-drum-kits-ship-to-american-and-canadian-stores/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Perhaps you, or an overzealous friend, went into a Buddy Rich-esque fit of drumming rage during a heated round of Rock Band, smashing the delicate bass pedal and impaling one of the drum heads as you flew off the handle. Don't panic -- you won't have to shell out another $180 for the whole shebang to get a new kit. Though they missed their initial ship date of Feb. 12, Harmonix and MTV Games just announced that standalone drum kits are on their way to North American retail stores.

A new drum kit will run you $80, a pittance for that new faux-percussion instrument smell. So whether you're replacing a busted kit, buying a second kit to play head to head against a friend, or building a 28-head, 360 degree drumming monstrosity ala Neil Peart (first person to do this and send in a picture gets a Brush with Fame), keep an eye out for these kits as they begin to trickle into your brick-and-mortars.

JoystiqRock Band Drum Kits ship to American and Canadian stores originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buddyrichdrumdrumkiteaElectronic-ArtsharmonixmtvgamesneilpeartPS2PS3rockbandXbox-360Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: November 27, 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/today-in-joystiq-november-27-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/today-in-joystiq-november-27-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/today-in-joystiq-november-27-2007/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Consider this a public service announcement: when looking for a place to keep your drumsticks in between Rock Band sessions, consider using the two plastic hooks that just out of the blue and yellow pads (highlighted); they conveniently and securely hold two (2) drumsticks betwixt their plastic arms. You should never need to hold the sticks as shown above unless you're planning to break two pairs mid-song and will need a 5th and 6th spare. Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
Massively Week in Review: November 20 - 26, 2007
Readers pick best webcomic: Breaking news
Reminder: Win a $5K gaming PC from Falcon Northwest
Today's most geriatric video: 'Yoga noogie!'

News
'Everybody's Nintendo' Wii channel launches in Japan, offers videos and DS demo downloads
Activision strums up Q3 financial forecast
THQ's CFO resigns, company says no financial issue
Ebert actually kind of likes Hitman (the movie)
Midway targets spring 08 for next-gen NBA Ballers
Nintendo dead last in Greenpeace 'Guide to Greener Electronics'
Rock Band Weekly: Bowie's 'queen bitch' has 'moonage daydreams' about 'heroes'
EA repents use of topless models in Need for Speed ads
Sensible World of Soccer coming to XBLA Dec. 19
Nyko's Perfect Shot, critics surely ready to take aim
Xbox 360 Fall Update details spilled by MS Japan
Star Trek MMO going 'more casual'
Xbox 360 gets new backwards compatibility update
ESA releases video game economics study
Sony unveils 'PSP Extended Life Battery Kit'
PSN a source of PAIN this Thursday
Take-Two's Zelnick on selling to EA, making new IPs, and GTA IV

Rumors & Speculation
Striking writers could migrate to videogames
Pachter predicts 7.5 million Guitar Hero units sold by year's end

Culture & Community
Today only: Halo 3 Legendary for $60 on Amazon
Rad keyblade auction also benefits Child's Play
Kevin Federline: Rapper, family man, master gamer
Reminder: Last day to purchase St. Jude-benefitting MMO calendar
Rise of the Videogame documentary impresses
Blip Festival returns to New York with 8-bit music, workshops, and more
Unicycle Llama DS Lite mod ready to rave
Rock Band's TV spots

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: November 27, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drumdrumseaelectronic-artsharmonixPS3rock-bandrockbandXbox-360Tue, 27 Nov 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[New Wiimote hack for the air guitarist in all of us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/new-wiimote-hack-for-the-air-guitarist-in-all-of-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/new-wiimote-hack-for-the-air-guitarist-in-all-of-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/new-wiimote-hack-for-the-air-guitarist-in-all-of-us/#commentsFiled under: ,



The idea of using the humble Wiimote to create music seems to have really fired the imagination of the hacking community recently. DJing WiiJing and drumming are already both possible with the waffly versatile controller and a bit of know-how, and now those of you who lack the funds for Guitar Hero III can get your virtual shred on for free.

Hacker Evan, maker of the Wiimote drum sampler we linked to exactly one paragraph ago, has developed software that allows users to play air guitar, simply by "strumming" the Remote while holding down the d-pad to alternate between chords, or the B button to toggle between major and minor chords. As Evan points out, this has a similar feel to Jam Sessions on the Nintendo DS, which is far from a bad thing if you ask us.

[Thanks, Evan!]

JoystiqNew Wiimote hack for the air guitarist in all of us originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothdjdrumguitarguitar-hero-iiiguitarheroiiijam-sessionsjamsessionsmusicvideowii-remotewiimoteMon, 26 Nov 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band drum image based on fuzzy memories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/24/rock-band-drum-image-based-on-fuzzy-memories/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/24/rock-band-drum-image-based-on-fuzzy-memories/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/24/rock-band-drum-image-based-on-fuzzy-memories/#commentsFiled under:

The latest Game Informer has a feature about Rock Band, with mockups of the controllers. Or, rather, pictures of a microphone and a Fender Stratocaster, and a mockup of the drum kit. The image may or may not resemble the final drum kit, depending on whether or not Harmonix changes the prototype and on whether or not the Game Informer team has learned the secrets of Mega Memory.

According to the caption, "This isn't an exact representation of the drum kit -- Harmonix should reveal the final design soon. We crafted this picture from memory based on the time we played with the prototype." It's got everything we need: stuff to hit and stuff to kick.

[Via Digg]

JoystiqRock Band drum image based on fuzzy memories originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jun 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banddrumdrumseaguitarnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiirockrock bandRockBandwiiSun, 24 Jun 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Taiko stylus giveaway reveals control method]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/taiko-stylus-giveaway-reveals-control-method/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/taiko-stylus-giveaway-reveals-control-method/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/taiko-stylus-giveaway-reveals-control-method/#commentsFiled under: ,

As total music game freaks, we've been pretty interested in the DS version of Taiko Drum Master. The graphics made the transition to a handheld system just fine, and we know from the Ouendans and other music games that it'll be able to handle the sounds-- and it should easily handle the Super Mario Bros. theme (yay!). Really, we thought, as long as it didn't ask players to bang on their touch screens like a drum, everything would be cool.

Yeah, that's what it does. This ad, small as it is, is still clear enough to show a drum on the touch screen, with two special styli used as drumsticks. We know that's the most logical way to control a drum game on the DS, but ... a lot of screens are going to get pounded. Try to employ some self-control when playing Taiko!

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqTaiko stylus giveaway reveals control method originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drumdslitemastermusicnamconintendotaikotatsujinWed, 06 Jun 2007 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Friday Video: Wii play drums the easy way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/friday-video-wii-play-drums-the-easy-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/friday-video-wii-play-drums-the-easy-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/friday-video-wii-play-drums-the-easy-way/#commentsFiled under: ,

People really seem to want to play drums with the Wiimote, and who can blame them? Everyone likes to rock out from time to time ... after, of course, double-checking to make sure no one can see you. Or maybe that part's just us being paranoid about our air-drumming skills.

This week's featured video allows you to live the dream in a simple fashion: download some software, pick up your Wii remote, and start building up your chops. It's all explained (and demonstrated) in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Friday Video: Wii play drums the easy way

JoystiqFriday Video: Wii play drums the easy way originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2007 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothdrumffvmusicnintendoscriptvideowiiFri, 18 May 2007 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Rock Band to empty Wii owners' wallets?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/12/wii-warm-up-rock-band-to-empty-wii-owners-wallets/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/12/wii-warm-up-rock-band-to-empty-wii-owners-wallets/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/12/wii-warm-up-rock-band-to-empty-wii-owners-wallets/#commentsFiled under: ,

A Gamespot reader participated in a focus group about Harmonix's Rock Band, and then, being a civic-minded individual, did the Right Thing and blabbed about it to the Internet. Apparently, he was told by the test administrators that the rhythm game would be coming to the Wii. Don't hyperventilate-- we know the idea of an EA game going multiplatform shatters your worldview, but we will get through this together.

Harmonix (developer of the wonderful Frequency and Amplitude, as well as Genuine Cultural Phenomenon Guitar Hero) is considering selling the game, a wireless controller, a microphone, and a drum kit (with a kick pedal) as a bundle. They tested price points of $150, $175, and $200 on the focus group, looking for reactions. Guess which one they preferred?

We don't want to know if you aren't planning on buying this (Harmonix music game = insta-buy for us), but we would like to know which configuration interests you the most. Are you interested in any one instrument in particular? Plan to go in with some friends and form a band? Or are you just going to buy the whole thing yourself?

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Rock Band to empty Wii owners' wallets? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banddrumeaguitarguitar heroGuitarHeroharmonixmicrophonemusicnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiirockrock bandRockBandwiiwwuSat, 12 May 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Keep up the neighbours with four player Drum Master]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/keep-up-the-neighbours-with-four-player-drum-master/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/keep-up-the-neighbours-with-four-player-drum-master/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/keep-up-the-neighbours-with-four-player-drum-master/#commentsFiled under: ,


Namco Bandai have announced that Taiko: Drum Master will feature a four player mode in its forthcoming DS incarnation. Previously popular in the arcades and on PS2, the rhythm action title is based on Taiko, the Japanese drum.

The game will support download play from one cart, so maybe you'll want to start persuading a friend to head down to your local import shop. Players can drum along to a variety of musical styles, ranging from Jpop to classical via the theme from Super Mario Brothers. You'll also be able to customise your drum with a selection of cute costumes. With this due out in summer, and Ouendan 2 on its way soon, it looks like rhythm action fans are in for a treat over the coming weeks.

Screens after the break.

Continue reading Keep up the neighbours with four player Drum Master

JoystiqKeep up the neighbours with four player Drum Master originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandaiBandai Namco GamesBandaiNamcoGamedrumdsExpert drummer dorodonExpertDrummerDonamconamco bandaiNamcoBandainintendoNintendo DSNintendoDsrhythmrhythm actionRhythmActiontaikoTaiko Drum Master DS Touch DocodonTaikoDrumMasterThu, 03 May 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Friday Video: Masters of drums]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/27/friday-video-masters-of-drums/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/27/friday-video-masters-of-drums/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/27/friday-video-masters-of-drums/#commentsFiled under: ,

Since Taiko Drum Master was announced this week for the DS, and we also happen to be a little fond of rhythm games, we thought we'd bring you another pair of videos dedicated to getting your drum on. The first makes us yearn for arcades, because there's nothing like huge drums or motorcycles and steering wheels to really get you in the game. We also want that guy's skill, because he really knows how to rock out. The video was originally posted to Chris Kohler's Game|Life blog, so you've probably seen it before, but we felt it was a good finisher for the week.

The second shows off a Taiko Drum Master mini-game featured in Nodame Cantabile, which was recently released in Japan.

Continue reading Friday Video: Masters of drums

JoystiqFriday Video: Masters of drums originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadedrumDSffvJapanmusicNintendoNodame CantabileNodameCantabilerhythmTaiko Drum MasterTaikoDrumMastervideoFri, 27 Apr 2007 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Taiko Drum Master headed to DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/taiko-drum-master-headed-to-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/taiko-drum-master-headed-to-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/taiko-drum-master-headed-to-ds/#commentsFiled under:



Poor Sony. First we stole Crash Bandicoot, and now it's Taiko Drum Master, which previously appeared (outside of the arcade) on the PS2. But the move only makes sense, for a number of reasons; in 2004, the PS2 was on top. Now it's the DS, and publishers can't fit their popular properties on the dual-screened handheld quickly enough. Second of all ... it's a rhythm game, and as we've seen, there's really no better platform for rhythm games.

Namco Bandai is trying to be all secretive about the controls, but let's see ... rhythm game ... DS ... anyone out there have any idea how this might work? If you said "touch screen," you're probably correct. If you said something else, like "donkey face" or "mudpie," you might want to check for, uh, insanity. Or something.

Game|Life's Chris Kohler has a translation of the partial songlist from the Japanese version (including the Mario theme!), which is set for this summer. There are also a couple of scans, and you can check those out after the jump.

Continue reading Taiko Drum Master headed to DS

JoystiqTaiko Drum Master headed to DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadedrumDSNamco BandaiNamcoBandaiNintendoPS2rhythmscanTaiko Drum MasterTaikoDrumMasterWed, 25 Apr 2007 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Air drumming with the Wii remote]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/air-drumming-with-the-wii-remote/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/air-drumming-with-the-wii-remote/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/air-drumming-with-the-wii-remote/#commentsFiled under: ,

Based solely on internet videos, you might think Wii owners were more interested in hacking their remote for PC use than actually using it to play Wii games. First the guys at WiiLi.org demonstrated the remote's use as a PC mouse. Then someone rigged up the remote to play a half-assed game of Half-Life 2. And now we get video of a totally awesome air drumming simulator using the remote.

The drumming setup uses a program to convert Wii remote motions into keyboard presses, which are then converted into drum sounds by a separate program. We're impressed by how intuitive and responsive the setup seems to be, even though we think the whole thing would get old after about five minutes. What this needs is some sort of structure -- a set of rules and goals to guide the user's experience and make it more fun. Almost like a drum machine game. Are you listening, Nintendo/hacking community?

[Thanks Brian, Via digg]

Continue reading Air drumming with the Wii remote

JoystiqAir drumming with the Wii remote originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Dec 2006 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>computerdrumhackPCremotewiiThu, 07 Dec 2006 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Import music games montage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/13/import-music-games-montage/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/13/import-music-games-montage/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/13/import-music-games-montage/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The DS's Ouendan may get a lot of attention for the dual-screened portable, but the real hardcore gamers know that the best music games are on the PSP. This video montage features Taiko No Tatsujin Portable 2, DJ Max Portable & Gitaroo Man Lives! With PaRappa the Rapper and Lumines II coming in the coming months, the PSP will become one of the best systems for music games.

JoystiqImport music games montage originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Oct 2006 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dj maxDjMaxdrumgitaroo manGitarooManmusicpa rappataikoFri, 13 Oct 2006 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami: Here's our Rev game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/27/konami-heres-our-rev-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/27/konami-heres-our-rev-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/27/konami-heres-our-rev-game/#commentsFiled under:

Shingo Mukaitouge, the driving force behind the Guitar Freaks and Drum Mania games, is producing Konami's first Revolution game Elebits. The focus of the game, according to Japanese mag Famitsu where the information appears, is for the player to acquire Elebits, small creatures that are the game world's energy source. Finding these creatures will apparently be no simple matter as the player will have to meticulously hunt for each Elebit, causing the game world to evolve with each captured creature. Not much else can be gleamed from the piece at this time, but the game is expected to be at E3.

JoystiqKonami: Here's our Rev game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Apr 2006 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drume3elebitsfamitsufreaksguitarkonamimaniaMukaitougenintendorevolutionShingoThu, 27 Apr 2006 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RedOctane CEO: More music games coming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/28/redoctane-ceo-more-music-games-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/28/redoctane-ceo-more-music-games-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/28/redoctane-ceo-more-music-games-coming/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

RedOctane CEO Kelly SumnerIn an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, RedOctane CEO Kelly Sumner revealed that the company's "got other products in development" in the music genre.

The former Take Two Interactive Europe CEO's statement that he "can't tell you what [these other products] are and when they're coming" would lead us to believe he's not talking about the Guitar Hero sequels (sorta like song expansion packs) already announced.

A rhythm line-up to rival Konami's Bemani brand, perhaps? This blogger would love something to take advantage of the RedOctane drum peripherals created for Namco's Taiko Drum Master, and it wouldn't be too hard for Harmonix to work up a karaoke game considering their work on Karaoke Revolution (unless licensing prevents it). Whatever the case, fans of music gaming would love to see what Sumner's got up his sleeve.

[Thanks, murph]

See also:

JoystiqRedOctane CEO: More music games coming originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Mar 2006 23:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BemaniCEOdrumexpansion packsExpansionPacksGuitar HeroGuitarHeroHarmonixkaraokeKelly SumnerKellySumnerKonamimusicNamcoother products in developmentOtherProductsInDevelopmentperipheralsPS2RedOctaneRevolutionTaiko Drum MasterTaikoDrumMasterTake Two Interactive EuropeTakeTwoInteractiveEuropeTue, 28 Mar 2006 23:37:00 EST