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[Video: New Lumines Live! DLC on display]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/video-new-lumines-live-dlc-on-display/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/video-new-lumines-live-dlc-on-display/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/video-new-lumines-live-dlc-on-display/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The next pack of downloadable content for Lumines Live! is being previewed over at GameTrailers and is also available in HD. It shows 5 or so seconds of each skin in what's being dubbed the "SOS Charity Campaign Pack". It will be released on June 27th, and will set you back 350 MS points, but at least you know that it's going towards a good cause. Would you be down with some more content for Lumines, or are you a little wary of Q Entertainment's take on micro-transactions?

JoystiqVideo: New Lumines Live! DLC on display originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArcadeLive ArcadeLiveArcadeLuminesLumines LiveLumines Live!LuminesLiveLuminesLive!QQ EntertainmentQEntertainmentX B L AXBLAXbox Live ArcadeXboxLiveArcadeMon, 25 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Download new Lumines Live! content, save the world]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/22/download-new-lumines-live-content-save-the-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/22/download-new-lumines-live-content-save-the-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/22/download-new-lumines-live-content-save-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lumines Live! (that's the name, we're not shouting) debuted on Xbox Live Arcade last October in a fragmented state, chopped apart by the 50MB file size limit enforced at the time. With several of the game's modes offered as optional and costly additions, it quickly became the hideous poster child for monstrous microtransactions. If you still feel that way, look away before we discuss two new downloadable content packs, one of which is designed to save the Earth.

Q Entertainment has announced that purchases of the SOS Charity Campaign Pack made between June 27th and July 17th will go towards climate protection organizations and causes. A remix of "Heavenly Star", the embarrassingly catchy tune by Japanese group Genki Rockets, is included in the pack as a celebration of the group's upcoming appearance at Al Gore's Live Earth musical event. If you haven't heard the song yet, consider that Lumines and Rez designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi came up with it as an answer to the question, "What kind of song would a 17-year old girl from outer space who has never landed on Earth sing to those living on Earth?"

For 350 MS Points (a rather awkward $4 and 37 and a half cents), you'll also receive "House66" by Sugiurumn, "Cosmic Humming" by Muku and the excellent "4x4 Bricks" by Techriders. Joining the SOS Charity Campaign pack on June 27th is the Booster Pack, more suited to those happy to sit in front of the TV and rearrange squares while the world outside melts. The Booster Pack contains 20 additional skins and features a "must-see" collaboration between Lumines, "Bloomy Girls" and Japanese "visual artist/musician" Masakatsu Takagi. It'll set you back 600 MS Points, or $7.50 in your pre-apocalyptic Earth money.

[via Q Entertainment press release]

JoystiqDownload new Lumines Live! content, save the world originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jun 2007 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtariLuminesLumines IILumines LiveLumines-LiveLuminesIiLuminesLiveMicrosoftMizuguchiPuzzleQQ EntertainmentQ-EntertainmentQEntertainmentTetsuya MizuguchiTetsuyaMizuguchiXBLAXbox-360Fri, 22 Jun 2007 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Lumines Live add-on packs now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/24/lumines-live-add-on-packs-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/24/lumines-live-add-on-packs-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/24/lumines-live-add-on-packs-now-available/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This morning the Lumines Live add-on packs are available from the XBLM. Last week we found out that these all new add-ons would not only be coming, but would be discounted for a month. The VS CPU Pack and Puzzle/Mission Pack are only 100 Microsoft Points (originally priced at 300) and the Heavenly Star Skin is free (regular price 150). Remember, these prices are only good until February 21st when the original prices will go in effect. Need more info? Head on over to Xbox.com for all the add-on details.

JoystiqLumines Live add-on packs now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Jan 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lumineslumines liveLuminesLivexblaxblmWed, 24 Jan 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Lumines Live! content out next Wednesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/18/new-lumines-live-content-out-next-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/18/new-lumines-live-content-out-next-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/18/new-lumines-live-content-out-next-wednesday/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


When Lumines Live! emerged in October of last year, it ran headlong into a pack of outraged gamers who felt that the game's fragmented content and costs introduced an unwelcome element to the Xbox Live Marketplace -- a roving pickpocket you bump into between fruit stalls. New downloadable content is a touchy subject then, but it appears that next week's Live! offerings are a bit less backward and a bit less, well ... Evil!

Three new packs will be available this coming Wednesday, the first of which contains the Heavenly Star skin. Perhaps the fact that it will be free to Gold subscribers until February 21 is to be interpreted as a sign of atonement. The other two, namely the VS CPU pack and the Puzzle/Mission pack fill up the gaping holes in the base download, each costing a not entirely outrageous 100 points ($1.25) each. That lasts until February 21, after which the price goes up to a thoroughly questionable 300 points ($3.75).

Why raise the price after a month? The Gamerscore Blog labels these as "special promotional prices," which really just comes across as a temporary and thinly-veiled apology cringed out by the marketing department. So, why retract the apology then? The quest for more money seems tied to the obvious answer, but that's only if you felt that Lumines Live! got microtransactions completely wrong in the first place. All things considered, the game makes for a balanced example of what's wrong and what's right in the world of pint-sized payments:

Continue reading New Lumines Live! content out next Wednesday

JoystiqNew Lumines Live! content out next Wednesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Jan 2007 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LuminesLumines LiveLuminesLiveMicrotransactionsMSFTQ EntertainmentQEntertainmentXBLAXbox Live ArcadeXbox Live MarketplaceXbox-360XboxLiveArcadeXboxLiveMarketplaceThu, 18 Jan 2007 20:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Cheap Lumines content arrives next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/18/cheap-lumines-content-arrives-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/18/cheap-lumines-content-arrives-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/18/cheap-lumines-content-arrives-next-week/#commentsFiled under: ,


How many MS Points does it take to say, "I'm sorry?" Any 360 gamer worth his or her salt will remember the Great Lumines Catastrophe of '06. Allow us to explain ... no, there is too much. Let us sum up: Lumines Live launched on Xbox Live Arcade for 1200 points. The catch here is that the 1200 point purchase did not get you the full game. There were myriad reasons for this (stay under the 50MB limit, etc...) but the end result was that we were expected to pay for things like Vs. CPU mode and an expanded Puzzle mode and more skins for the solo mode. After the already large asking price, many felt insulted or even outraged. Well, kiddies, it looks like MS and Q? were listening, as new Lumines content arrives next Wednesday, and it's cheap! There are three pieces of content arriving next week. The first is a new video skin called Heavenly Star (sounds familiar) which will be free to Xbox Live Gold Members. The second is the Vs. CPU pack that will be available for 100 points. The third is the Puzzle/Mission pack which will also cost 100 points. These promotional prices are to be offered between January 24 and February 21. After February 21, the two content packs will cost 300 points, and we're not really sure what happens to the Heavenly Star video (presumably it will disappear or cost points).

A tip of the hat to MS and Q? entertainment for heeding our call and slashing these prices. Will you grab this content now that it will be available at a discounted price?

JoystiqCheap Lumines content arrives next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Jan 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadelive arcadeLiveArcadelumineslumines liveLuminesLiveqq entertainmentQEntertainmentxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeThu, 18 Jan 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavenly Star: From Lumines II to iTunes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/15/heavenly-star-from-lumines-ii-to-itunes/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/15/heavenly-star-from-lumines-ii-to-itunes/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/15/heavenly-star-from-lumines-ii-to-itunes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Q Entertainment recently announced that Heavenly Star, an original song from the recently released Lumines II, is now available on the iTunes Music Store in the U.S. and Japan. What's more, five remixes of the song will be coming to Apple's download service soon, and the song and video will be available as part of the "Heavenly Star Pack" for the Xbox 360's Lumines Live in January. Because, really, who doesn't enjoy paying more for content that should have been in the original game. Cheap gamers who want to sample the Miziguchi-produced song and video without paying can check it out below.

Hopefully this announcement will open the floodgates and lead to a wide variety of original game music being made legally available through simple download instead of expensive import. We'd personally love to see some OSTs for Super Mario Bros., Final Fantasy and DDR, thrown up on iTunes. Until then, I guess there's always OCRemix. What game soundtracks would you like made available on iTunes?

[Via GameSetWatch]

Continue reading Heavenly Star: From Lumines II to iTunes

JoystiqHeavenly Star: From Lumines II to iTunes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Dec 2006 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavenly StarHeavenlyStarLuminesLumines 2Lumines LiveLumines2LuminesLiveMiziguchimusicPSPQQ EntertainmentQEntertainmentXbox-360Fri, 15 Dec 2006 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Light and Lumines]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/29/light-and-lumines/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/29/light-and-lumines/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/29/light-and-lumines/#commentsFiled under:

True story: I'm a Lumines newb and a conscious sucker for Microsoft's evil pricing strategy for this game. Last night I was just about to unlock the first time attack achievement when the power went out, plunging my once luminous abode into inky darkness. Because life just isn't bearable without electronic entertainment (Even in a blackout, I can't stomach the load times on a PSP) I had to leave the house immediately. Luckily the lights came on this morning, and I erased my 30 blocks. What's your record for the 1 minute time attack?

JoystiqLight and Lumines originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Oct 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aracadelumines liveLuminesLivexblaSun, 29 Oct 2006 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lumines II to feature all content from Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/24/lumines-ii-to-feature-all-content-from-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/24/lumines-ii-to-feature-all-content-from-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/24/lumines-ii-to-feature-all-content-from-live/#commentsFiled under: ,

Do we have a grudge against the Xbox 360 version of Lumines? Well, probably. Gamers were shocked to discover that the game they had purchased for $15 was merely a glorified demo: it would cost another $7.50 to get the "Advance Pack," which includes 22 more skins. Throw in the Artist, Mission and VS CPU Packs, and you're already paying more than you would for the PSP version of the game. Oh, and you're still getting less than was the PSP version offers: "all the skins in Lumines Live will be in Lumines II - plus more" (emphasis added). According to Siliconera, there will be 60 skins in Lumines II, which outnumbers Live's number of skins by a whopping 26. No matter how you look at it, Lumines Live is a total rip-off.

JoystiqLumines II to feature all content from Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Oct 2006 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lumineslumines liveLuminesLivexbox 360Xbox360Tue, 24 Oct 2006 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Lumines Live pricing change planned?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/22/lumines-live-pricing-change-planned/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/22/lumines-live-pricing-change-planned/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/22/lumines-live-pricing-change-planned/#commentsFiled under: ,


The guys at Xboxic obtained this promising message from Xbox Customer Support:

Thanks for contacting XBOX Customer Support,

Luminous Live is known to have some issues regarding unsatisfactory in it's download. Please wait until Monday to see wether we have any updates regarding this issue. Do not download or purchase anything else that has to be dealt with Luminous Live. Until then, feel free to contact us via telephone for any updates of this issue and what we can offer you.
For any questions regarding this issue, please contact Xbox customer support on http://www.xbox.com/support/contact/

Thanks for time and support,

XBOX customer service team.

This communique raises a series of intriguing questions?:

1. Will Microsoft lower, or otherwise alter, the much-hated pricing structure for Luminous, or rather Lumines Live? The unusual step of instructing consumers not to buy an XBLA game indicates that they will.

2. If so, will MS reimburse the unlucky saps who alread shelled out for the "complete" game in its current usurious form?

3. Is grammatical English just too much to ask of a certain percentage of the Xbox Customer Service Team?

JoystiqLumines Live pricing change planned? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Oct 2006 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadelumines liveLuminesLivems pointsMsPointspricerip-offsxblaxboxicSun, 22 Oct 2006 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Our Lumines Live! micro-rant]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/19/our-lumines-live-micro-rant/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/19/our-lumines-live-micro-rant/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/19/our-lumines-live-micro-rant/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We know, it seems like all the news is about Lumines lately. It'll subside, we promise. Until then, however, we have to put in our two cents on a hot topic. No doubt you've read some of the reports about Lumines Live! and it's evil downloadable content. Either that, or you've discovered it yourself after clearing one round of Vs. CPU mode. We all knew that there was an "Advance" pack coming, but if you were under the impression that the "Advance" pack would make your game complete, you're wrong. Three times wrong. We think it's time for a rant.

Continue reading Our Lumines Live! micro-rant

JoystiqOur Lumines Live! micro-rant originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Oct 2006 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadelive arcadeLiveArcadelumineslumines liveLuminesLiveq entertainmentQEntertainmentrantxblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadexlaThu, 19 Oct 2006 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[And the Lumines Live winner is...]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/19/and-the-lumines-live-winner-is/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/19/and-the-lumines-live-winner-is/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/19/and-the-lumines-live-winner-is/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's that time. Time to announce the winner of our Lumines Live! contest. We received a digital ton of entries, some good, and some not so good. Some of them were clever, and some not so clever. Find out who we picked and see some honorable mentions after the break.

Continue reading And the Lumines Live winner is...

JoystiqAnd the Lumines Live winner is... originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Oct 2006 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestcontestslumineslumines livelumines live contestLuminesLiveLuminesLiveContestq entertainmentQEntertainmentx360f contestsX360fContestsThu, 19 Oct 2006 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Lumines, you have (control) issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/19/lumines-you-have-control-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/19/lumines-you-have-control-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/19/lumines-you-have-control-issues/#commentsFiled under: , ,


360 Fanboy reader, Franky Digital, whipped up a little Lumines comic this week (you never told us you had a webcomic!). Follow the read link to see the punchline. It brings up a good point though: is anybody out there having issues controlling Lumines Live? We haven't played it extensively yet, but the d-pad certainly has a bad track record (Street Fighter, anyone?). Frankly, our biggest problem is keeping track of everything on such a big screen (compared to the PSP). What do you think? Is the d-pad totally suXXorz?

Oh, and don't forget to stay tuned for the winner of the Lumines Live contest. It could be you.

JoystiqLumines, you have (control) issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Oct 2006 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lumines liveLuminesLivewebcomicThu, 19 Oct 2006 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lumines Live is lacking in modes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/18/lumines-live-is-lacking-in-modes/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/18/lumines-live-is-lacking-in-modes/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/18/lumines-live-is-lacking-in-modes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

So we paid the 1200 MS points ($15) for Lumines Live, knowing we will later have to purchase the Advanced Pack (600 MS points) to complete the deal. We load it up and play a couple of rounds in basic mode (we're proud of our 27,000 high score). We know advanced mode won't work yet for aforementioned reasons.

We play mission mode ... for five levels. The rest will cost extra.

We play puzzle mode ... for five levels. The rest will cost extra.

We play VS CPU ... for ten levels. The rest will cost extra.

According to the obnoxious messages, XBLM will soon be home to a Mission/Puzzle pack and a VS CPU pack. Assuming those cost about as much as the Advanced Pack (600 MS points apiece), we're looking at a total package of 3,000 MS points ($37.50). For reference, the Lumines II for PSP and Lumines Plus for PS2 are only $29.99 each. The Xbox Live version, then, is only worth it if you have no interest whatsoever in two of the extra packs.

Microtransactions and a la carte gaming are the new business models (one that EA has embraced with open wallets), but we don't always have to like it. Make up your own mind if $7.50 more is worth the Xbox Live experience.

JoystiqLumines Live is lacking in modes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Oct 2006 20:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atarilumineslumines liveLumines-LiveLuminesLiveMicrosoftPuzzleQ-EntertainmentXBLAxblmxbox liveXbox-360XboxLiveWed, 18 Oct 2006 20:33:00 EST<![CDATA[X360F Contest: Win Lumines Live! [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/18/x360f-contest-win-lumines-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/18/x360f-contest-win-lumines-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/18/x360f-contest-win-lumines-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Last night, the overlords at Joystiq bestowed upon us a free redemption code for the long awaited Lumines Live. We were faced with a serious moral dilemma. Do we keep the code for ourselves so that we can "review" the game, or do we give it away in a fantabulous contest. In the end, our "good" side won out, and we've decided to give it away! How do you win? Find out after the break.

Update: The contest is now closed and the winner has been announced. See the winning entry and some honorable mentions here.

Continue reading X360F Contest: Win Lumines Live! [update 1]

JoystiqX360F Contest: Win Lumines Live! [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Oct 2006 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lumineslumines liveLuminesLiveq entertainmentQEntertainmentx360f contestx360f contestsX360fContestX360fContestsxblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeWed, 18 Oct 2006 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lumines denied, Live still buggy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/18/lumines-denied-live-still-buggy/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/18/lumines-denied-live-still-buggy/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/18/lumines-denied-live-still-buggy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Maybe you're like us. You woke up this morning, eager to download Lumines Live or see if the Phantasy Star beta is still running. You may have been disappointed, then, to see that Live is still pretty buggy. We received errors in Marketplace when trying to download Lumines Live, random disconnects, and an inability to accept voice chat requests. Looks like whatever they're still doing to Xbox.com is affecting Live in some way. Consider this a place to complain. And if any of you have managed to successfully download Lumines, let us know.

JoystiqLumines denied, Live still buggy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Oct 2006 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>livelumines liveLuminesLivephatasy star universePhatasyStarUniversepsuxbox liveXboxLiveWed, 18 Oct 2006 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Stop crying, Lumines Live! hits XBLA tomorrow [update 2]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/stop-crying-lumines-live-hits-xbla-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/stop-crying-lumines-live-hits-xbla-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/stop-crying-lumines-live-hits-xbla-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , ,


About frackin' time news now, with the announcement that tomorrow's Xbox Live Arcade release is none other than Tetsuya Mizuguchi's plummeting block opus, Lumines Live!. Priced at 1200 MS Points ($15), the game features 12 different skins (or levels, for the uninitiated), 5.1 surround sound, online multiplayer, a bevy of single-player modes and a vaguely inspirational message transmitted through pulsating lights and spinning squares. So, what happened to all that stuff you had to buy seperately?

It's called the Advance Pack. An optional download costing 600 MS Points ($7.50) will add 22 more skins into the game -- and that's it. Considering the value of HD graphics and enhanced sound in a game which heavily relies on hypnotic presentation, $22.50 for a new Lumines title with 34 skins doesn't seem like a terrible deal, certainly not to those still addicted to the original game. Of course, not being able to play it on the bus may come as a significant loss to you, not to mention the curious fact that the main game has fewer skins than the add-on.

Stack blocks and defy sweeping timelines (if you're so inclined) on Xbox Live Arcade from Wednesday morning, 1:00AM PDT (0800 GMT). The full press release is embedded after the break.

[Update 1: Now includes interview with Mark Coates, program manager for Xbox Live Arcade.]
[Update 2: The Advance Pack is nowhere to be seen. Major Nelson says it'll arrive at a "later date."]

Continue reading Stop crying, Lumines Live! hits XBLA tomorrow [update 2]

JoystiqStop crying, Lumines Live! hits XBLA tomorrow [update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtariLuminesLumines LiveLumines-LiveLuminesLiveMicrosoftMSFTPuzzleQ EntertainmentQ-EntertainmentQEntertainmentTetrisTetsuya MizuguchiTetsuyaMizuguchiXBLXBLAXbox LiveXbox Live ArcadeXbox-360XboxLiveXboxLiveArcadeTue, 17 Oct 2006 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Lumines Live hits tomorrow [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/lumines-live-hits-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/lumines-live-hits-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/lumines-live-hits-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


A day with no Live. Thousands were faced with a difficult proposition. Do nothing ,or go outside. Fear not, pasty gamers, Microsoft understands what you have gone through. As a reward, you can download Lumines Live tomorrow! It's finally here! Starting tomorrow at 8:00 GMT (1:00 AM PDT), it's yours for the downloadin'. Remember that constant whining sound reverberating across the internet? That was all the fanboys (us included) just waiting for Lumines to finally drop. You should all be grateful that the constant droning will finally cease. Just in time for the new whining to begin: "1200 points! Whaaaaa!" And that's before we get into the soon-to-be-controversial 600 point "Advance Pack." Oy.

But seriously, it's Lumines. Hooray, Lumines!

Update: Major Nelson has let the world know that the "Advance Pack" is not available yet. It will come out later, presumably when everyone's addiction will force them to purchase it.

JoystiqLumines Live hits tomorrow [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadelive arcadeLiveArcadelumineslumines liveLuminesLivexblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadexlaTue, 17 Oct 2006 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Lumines to hit it October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/lumines-to-hit-it-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/lumines-to-hit-it-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/lumines-to-hit-it-october/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Those of you hoping to see Lumines Live and Dig Dug hit on the same day (it could happen, right?) are about to be sorely disappointed. In a recent interview, Lumines creator, Tetsuya Mizuguchi, was asked when Lumines Live will release on XBLA. His answer: "Next month. The middle of next month. I think so." Not exactly the hard confirmation many of us were hoping for, but at least you don't have to stay up late checking Marketplace for Lumines tonight. Of course, we can't stop you from waiting up for Dig Dug.

JoystiqLumines to hit it October originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Sep 2006 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadedig dugDigDuglive arcadeLiveArcadelumineslumines liveLuminesLivenamcoq entertainmentQEntertainmenttetsuya mizuguchiTetsuyaMizuguchixblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeTue, 19 Sep 2006 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[More XBLA lovin', Time Pilot, Lumines!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/08/more-xbla-lovin-time-pilot-lumines/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/08/more-xbla-lovin-time-pilot-lumines/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/08/more-xbla-lovin-time-pilot-lumines/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For those of you who missed it on Joystiq, the Official Xbox Magazine (UK) revealed the next batch of games for Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays. The list reads thusly:
  • Aug. 16: Texas Hold 'em
  • Aug. 23: Time Pilot
  • Aug. 30: Scramble
  • Sept 6: Lumines Live!
Hmm...two (arguably) obscure retro arcade titles sandwiched by Texas Hold 'em and Lumines Live! Not bad at all. While few will doubt the appeal of card games or the wonderfully addictive Lumines, one must wonder how well Time Pilot and Scramble will do. Any fans of these retro classics out there?

Bonus points for anyone that can point out the connection between Konami's Time Pilot and Capcom's XBLA smash hit, Street Fighter II.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqMore XBLA lovin', Time Pilot, Lumines! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Aug 2006 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hold 'emHold'emkonamilumineslumines liveLuminesLivescramblesf2sfiistreet fighter 2street fighter iiStreetFighter2StreetFighterIitexas hold 'emTexasHold'emtime pilotTimePilotTue, 08 Aug 2006 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA['XBLA Wednesdays' looks to keep rolling, Konami leading the charge [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/07/xbla-wednesdays-looks-to-keep-rolling-konami-leading-the-char/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/07/xbla-wednesdays-looks-to-keep-rolling-konami-leading-the-char/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/07/xbla-wednesdays-looks-to-keep-rolling-konami-leading-the-char/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Time Pilot (ColecoVision)Club Skill reports that OXM has published the list of Xbox Live Arcade titles scheduled for release on Wednesdays through September 6:
  • Aug. 16: Texas Hold 'em
  • Aug. 23: Time Pilot
  • Aug. 30: Scramble
  • Sept 6: Lumines Live!
I gotta admit, I have a soft spot for Konami's Time Pilot. Back in the early 80s, that joint was in heavy rotation on my older brother's ColecoVision. But I digress ...

With Frogger out, and Time Pilot & Scramble on the horizon, the Konami classics are starting to make their mark on XBLA. So where's Contra? And what's this about Symphony of the Night? What up with those Turtles!

[Update: redirected link to OXM directly.]

Joystiq'XBLA Wednesdays' looks to keep rolling, Konami leading the charge [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Aug 2006 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Lumines LiveLuminesLiveScrambleTexas Hold 'emTexasHold'emTime PilotTimePilotXbox Live ArcadeXbox-360XboxLiveArcadeMon, 07 Aug 2006 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Lumines Live: Like a PSP without the portability]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/30/lumines-live-like-a-psp-without-the-portability/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/30/lumines-live-like-a-psp-without-the-portability/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/30/lumines-live-like-a-psp-without-the-portability/#commentsFiled under: ,


I go on vacation for a day and Xbox 360 Fanboy decides to trash talk the PSP. According to their somewhat sensational article, Lumines Live for the Xbox 360 and Lumines II for the PSP are the same game. They bring up a point that Lumines Live will be much cheaper than Lumines II, but I absolutely dare those kids to try lugging their massive Xbox 360 around on the subway. And, let's not forget that they paid $400 for their console, with a power brick the size of a dinosaur.

Ooh... I went there. But in all honesty, does it really matter if something is the "same game" when it involves colored boxes falling from the sky? Don't see too much need for variety there.

[Thanks, steve!]

JoystiqLumines Live: Like a PSP without the portability originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Jul 2006 23:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lumineslumines liveLuminesLivexbox 360Xbox360Sun, 30 Jul 2006 23:25:00 EST<![CDATA[More musical Mizuguchi mayhem materializes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/07/more-musical-mizuguchi-mayhem-materializes/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/07/more-musical-mizuguchi-mayhem-materializes/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/07/more-musical-mizuguchi-mayhem-materializes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Oh, death by alliteration can be most painful indeed. And yet, it's a risk worth taking when it comes to revealing new PSP and DS games from Tetsuya Mizuguchi, the creative, possibly insane game designer behind Space Channel 5 (and it's swinging sequel), Rez, Sega Rally and of course, the criminally addictive Lumines. Featuring heavy musical components that can often be influenced by the player, his recent titles have demonstrated a knack for style and an unusual ability to impart something vaguely resembling inspiration. If you've played through Space Channel 5, you'll know exactly what we mean.

Thankfully abandoning orcs and dynastic warriors for greener and more familiar portable pastures, Mizuguchi is now acting as executive producer on Gunpey-R, short for Gunpey Reverse. Based on an older Wonderswan game, Gunpey-R sees the player -- wait for it -- moving square panels up and down in an effort to create lines running from right to left. Success leads to panels vanishing as ooposed to killing you violently when they claw their way to the top of the screen. The PSP version will feature interactive "skins" (in the same vein as Lumines), whereas the DS version will play different sounds as each panel is cleared.

Namco Bandai is taking care of publishing duties in Japan, with American and European releases still unaccounted for. Given the success of Q Entertainment's previous games, it shouldn't take too long before everyone is pulled back into a mesmerizing music-and-rhythm marathon. With such a widespread appeal, music is most certainly a sound route to the home of that elusive casual gamer.

See also:

JoystiqMore musical Mizuguchi mayhem materializes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Jul 2006 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSLuminesLumines IILumines LiveLumines PlusLuminesIiLuminesLiveLuminesPlusmusicalPSPpuzzleRezSega RallySegaRallySpace Channel 5SpaceChannel5TetrisTetsuya MizuguchiTetsuyaMizuguchiFri, 07 Jul 2006 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Lumines fiasco redux]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/23/lumines-fiasco-redux/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/23/lumines-fiasco-redux/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/23/lumines-fiasco-redux/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Some of you may have noticed a comment from Live Arcade's Ross Erickson on Wednesday's Lumines story. The original post claimed that -- according to Tetsuya Mizuguchi, mind you -- an extra pack would have to be purchased from Marketplace to access online play in Lumines Live. I contacted Mr. Erickson to get to the bottom of this. I asked whether or not he could confirm that Live play will be included with Lumines at no extra cost. I received a one word reply:

"Confirmed."

There you have it folks. Crisis averted. I would have preferred a less terse reply, but I'll take what I can get. So, knowing that Live play is included, will you buy Lumines if it costs fifteen bucks?

JoystiqLumines fiasco redux originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jun 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lumineslumines liveLuminesLiveRoss EricksonRossEricksonxblaxblmxbox live arcadexbox live marketplaceXboxLiveArcadeXboxLiveMarketplacexlaFri, 23 Jun 2006 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lumines versus will cost you [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/21/lumines-versus-will-cost-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/21/lumines-versus-will-cost-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/21/lumines-versus-will-cost-you/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Many people have already been stunned by Lumines Live's $15 price tag. If you've already been stunned, then there's no telling what this news will do to you. X360F and I take no responsibility for any mental or physical pain and anguish as a result. Here goes: if you want to play Lumines on Live, you'll have to buy another pack that unlocks the feature. Probably, anyway. Lumines creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi hinted that maybe you won't have to pay for what should be a standard feature:

"At least that's the way we have it planned right now...We're still trying to determine if we'll package versus in the base package."

Like a sucker, I'll probably pay for it. Will you?

[Via Xboxic]

Update 1: An official response from Microsoft has confirmed that online play will be included at no extra cost. See this follow-up for the full story.

JoystiqLumines versus will cost you [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jun 2006 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lumineslumines liveLuminesLivetetsuya mizuguchiTetsuyaMizuguchiWed, 21 Jun 2006 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lumines Live multiplayer blocked by micropayments [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/20/lumines-live-blocked-by-micropayments/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/20/lumines-live-blocked-by-micropayments/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/20/lumines-live-blocked-by-micropayments/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lumines Live (Xbox 360)
Kikizo Games reports that Lumines Live's base package -- which will likely cost 1200 Microsoft points ($15) -- will not include Xbox Live multiplayer. The game's creator, Tetsuya Mizuguchi, recently detailed plans to sell multiplayer support as a separate add-on, although he added that the decision had not been finalized. Lumines Live will also feature licensed music and backgrounds available through premium downloads.

The original Lumines debuted on the PSP for $40, suggesting that the base price of Lumines Live is a bargain. But charging us extra for multiplayer is a slippery slope and could usher in a series of cannibalized games crowding the casual (and cheap) atmosphere of Xbox Live Arcade.

[Update 1: Ross Erickson, the "Worldwide Games Portfolio Manager" for Xbox Live Arcade, let us know that the Lumines micropayment story is "not true." He said the same to sister-site Xbox 360 Fanboy. So, there you go. No more worrying, m'kay?]

JoystiqLumines Live multiplayer blocked by micropayments [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jun 2006 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtariLuminesLumines LiveLumines-LiveLuminesLivemicropaymentMicrosoftPuzzleQ-EntertainmentXBLAXbox LiveXbox Live ArcadeXbox-360XboxLiveXboxLiveArcadeTue, 20 Jun 2006 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Lumines Live to hit Xbox Live Arcade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/09/lumines-live-to-hit-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/09/lumines-live-to-hit-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/09/lumines-live-to-hit-xbox-live-arcade/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Peter Moore just announced that Tetsuya Mizuguchi's formerly PS(P and 2)-exclusive title, Lumines, is heading to Xbox Live Arcade in the form of Lumines Live. What's new? The music-heavy title will feature Warner Music Group's content integrated into the game. Their example showed a Madonna video playing behind the game.

Sony got to borrow some XBL action, all Microsoft's doing is playing catch-up.

JoystiqLumines Live to hit Xbox Live Arcade originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 May 2006 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtariE3e32006LuminesLumines LiveLumines-LiveLuminesLiveMicrosoftPuzzleQ EntertainmentQ-EntertainmentQEntertainmentTetsuya MizuguchiTetsuyaMizuguchiXBLXBLAXbox liveXbox Live ArcadeXbox-360XboxLiveXboxLiveArcadeTue, 09 May 2006 13:56:00 EST