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[No Doubt vs Activision lawsuit cleared for trial later this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/no-doubt-vs-activision-lawsuit-cleared-for-trial-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/no-doubt-vs-activision-lawsuit-cleared-for-trial-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/no-doubt-vs-activision-lawsuit-cleared-for-trial-later-this-year/#comments ImageNo Doubt is officially allowed to sue Activision over its use of band members' avatars in Band Hero - again. Seriously, we've written this piece, like, three times already. This story is bananas.

Sorry.

No Doubt, the rock band led by singer Gwen Stefani, sued Activision in 2009, claiming it was used to create a "virtual karaoke circus act;" No Doubt says it only signed off on having its likeness portrayed singing its own songs, but the band is unlockable to play through the game's complete catalog.

A Superior Court judge has denied Activision's attempt to dismiss claims from the case, including fraud, violation of publicity rights and breach of contract, and it is expected to (finally) go to trial later this year. Activision says it has a video recording of No Doubt being told about the unlockable features and it is looking forward to presenting its defense.

JoystiqNo Doubt vs Activision lawsuit cleared for trial later this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionbandBand-HerocourtdsGwen-StefanilawsuitmicrosoftmusicnintendoNo-Doubtplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 30 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Dragula' returns to Jet Set Radio, Sega teases more music announcements]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/dragula-returns-to-jet-set-radio-sega-teases-more-music-annou/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/dragula-returns-to-jet-set-radio-sega-teases-more-music-annou/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/dragula-returns-to-jet-set-radio-sega-teases-more-music-annou/#comments
A new trailer for Jet Set Radio features the remix of Rob Zombie's "Dragula" featured in the US-exclusive levels from the Dreamcast game, indicating that Sega has acquired the rights to more music for the HD re-release than previously announced. Whether that's good news depends on the balance of your desire for a more accurate version versus your desire to never hear "Dragula" again.

The end of the trailer exhorts us to "Stay Tuned" for more music news. This can only be good, unless it refers to the removal of every song but "Dragula."

Joystiq'Dragula' returns to Jet Set Radio, Sega teases more music announcements originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragulajet-grind-radiojet-set-radiomicrosoftmusicpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitaxboxWed, 30 May 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This dude can control a pipe organ using Kinect [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/this-dude-can-control-a-pipe-organ-using-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/this-dude-can-control-a-pipe-organ-using-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/this-dude-can-control-a-pipe-organ-using-kinect/#comments
Image
Last year Chris Vik modded a Kinect to play the Melbourne Town Hall Organ, and he did it with way more style than any of those sweet Dance Central moves we've attempted to throw down in front of our own little camera boxes. The Melbourne Town Hall Organ is four stories tall, but Vik used his own software, Kinectar, with the organ's MIDI connection to play the whole thing from one moodily lit spot on the stage.

Vik and vocalist Elise Richards composed Carpe Zythum and performed it in November, and finally the full video will be available next week, according to Kinect Hacks. The above teaser plays a clip of the performance and reveals the madness behind the music, waving arms and invisible instruments included.

Update: As a few of you have mentioned below, the full performance is available now on YouTube. Enjoy!

JoystiqThis dude can control a pipe organ using Kinect [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chris-Vikcomposerkinectkinectarmelbournemelbourne-town-hall-organmidimusicxboxThu, 24 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take the sounds of Sanctuary with you with the Diablo 3 soundtrack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/take-the-sounds-of-sanctuary-with-you-with-diablo-3-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/take-the-sounds-of-sanctuary-with-you-with-diablo-3-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/take-the-sounds-of-sanctuary-with-you-with-diablo-3-soundtrack/#comments Here's the perfect way to keep your excitement going while you wait to get into the Diablo 3 server. The 23-track Diablo 3 soundtrack is now available for download on iTunes for $11.99 - a soundtrack that was acclaimed by iTunes reviewer BigJeff71 as "Surprisingly good and not too scary."

If you're still waiting to play after those 23 tracks elapse, you can also buy "The Music of Diablo 1996-2011," a $12 anthology of classic tracks, and the Diablo 2 soundtrack.

JoystiqTake the sounds of Sanctuary with you with the Diablo 3 soundtrack originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzarddiabloDiablo-3itunesmusicpcsoundtrackTue, 22 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Xbox 360 most popular non-PC device for watching video ads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/study-xbox-360-most-popular-non-pc-device-for-watching-video-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/study-xbox-360-most-popular-non-pc-device-for-watching-video-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/study-xbox-360-most-popular-non-pc-device-for-watching-video-ad/#comments ImageThe Xbox 360 is the most popular non-PC device for viewing online video, beating out iOS and Android handhelds, according to a study by online-video ad company Freewheel. Freewheel measured "professional content" only, meaning video that runs with ads -- meaning it really conducted a study on how many online ads we watch -- from companies such as NBC, CBS, ESPN and Vevo. The study didn't account for Netflix or YouTube viewership.

Xbox 360 took 28.2 percent of all viewership, followed by iPad with 27.1 percent, then iPhone, Android and iPod Touch on a decreasing scale.

In March, Microsoft announced that Xbox 360 owners use the console more for its entertainment apps than for any actual gaming purposes, spending more than half of their Xbox time on Netflix and other music and video applications. Even though the Freewheel study doesn't include Netflix views, it does support the console evolutionary theory: One day our gaming consoles will have mutated so drastically that we'll have an entirely new species, called simply "entertainment consoles."

JoystiqStudy: Xbox 360 most popular non-PC device for watching video ads originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsentertainmentkinectmicrosoftmusicvideoxboxSun, 13 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy the greatest song ever written (and other Sonic soundtracks) on iTunes [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/buy-the-greatest-song-ever-written-and-other-sonic-soundtracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/buy-the-greatest-song-ever-written-and-other-sonic-soundtracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/buy-the-greatest-song-ever-written-and-other-sonic-soundtracks/#comments Image
The pinnacle of all human achievement, "Open Your Heart" from the Sonic Adventure soundtrack, is now available on iTunes, as are a plethora of other Sonic-related albums from across the breadth of time and space. The soundtracks to Sonic Adventure, Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic CD and others can be yours for the paltry sum of $9.99 each, which is a small price to pay for 20 to 30 tracks per album of gloriously ridiculous nostalgia-metal.

Soundtracks for Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 and Episode 2 will be available before too long, according to Sega. Head on through to the other side for a full list of what's available now and how to get it.

Update: As it turns out, these soundtracks have been available since last year or earlier. Sega decided to nest the announcement of forthcoming Episode 1 and Episode 2 soundtracks within a reiteration of the availability of its other musical offerings.

Continue reading Buy the greatest song ever written (and other Sonic soundtracks) on iTunes [update]

JoystiqBuy the greatest song ever written (and other Sonic soundtracks) on iTunes [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crush-40iTunesJun-SenouemusicSegasonic-adventuresonic-adventure-2Sonic-CDSonic-ColorsSonic-Heroessonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2soundtrackssuper-sonic-songsthe-worksSun, 13 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Games gives away soundtrack retrospective for 20th anniversary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/epic-games-gives-away-soundtrack-retrospective-for-20th-annivers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/epic-games-gives-away-soundtrack-retrospective-for-20th-annivers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/epic-games-gives-away-soundtrack-retrospective-for-20th-annivers/#comments ImageEpic Games has turned 20 years old, and to celebrate the company is giving away a free album of tunes from its games over the past two decades. You can pick up the tracks from the official blog right now. The set includes everything from the Main Theme of Unreal and the Menu Song of Jazz Jackrabbit, all the way up to tracks from Infinity Blade 2 and Gears of War 3.

And what, you might ask, did they include as a bonus track? Perhaps the pinnacle of Epic Games' musical gifts to the world at large? It's the Cole Train Rap from the first Gears of War, of course. Woo baby! Bring it on sucka! Etc.

JoystiqEpic Games gives away soundtrack retrospective for 20th anniversary originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamesgears-of-wargears-of-war-3jazz-jackrabbitmicrosoftmusicpcunrealunreal-tournamentxboxThu, 10 May 2012 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Fez soundtrack now available for purchase, free streaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/psa-fez-soundtrack-now-available-for-purchase-free-streaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/psa-fez-soundtrack-now-available-for-purchase-free-streaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/psa-fez-soundtrack-now-available-for-purchase-free-streaming/#comments ImageFez keeping you up at night? Do you struggle to sleep as the solutions to puzzles maliciously circle around in your brain, refusing to take shape? You might as well compliment the madness with the full Fez soundtrack. You can now stream the entire album for free, or secure a download for a measly seven bucks.

Composed by Rich Vreeland (A.K.A. Disasterpeace), the soundtrack features 26 deliciously lo-fi tracks. Go ahead and give it a listen. At least then you can convince your friends that it's not just playing in your head.

JoystiqPSA: Fez soundtrack now available for purchase, free streaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disasterpeaceFezmicrosoftmusicpolytronpolytron-corporationrich-vreelandsoundtrackxboxFri, 20 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom's throwing a party and your fan art, music is invited (you aren't)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/capcoms-throwing-a-party-and-your-fan-art-music-is-invited-yo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/capcoms-throwing-a-party-and-your-fan-art-music-is-invited-yo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/capcoms-throwing-a-party-and-your-fan-art-music-is-invited-yo/#commentsImageCapcom is pretty bad at planning surprise parties. The first rule it's broken is "Don't put your plans on a big-time gaming blog" and the second is "Don't spoil the theme." Ryu is going to be so suspicious. Regardless, Capcom is celebrating Street Fighter's 25th anniversary - which lands on August 30 - with a call for fan art and remixes, to potentially be used in some sort of official capacity.

Capcom urges submissions to include the "anniversary" theme in a recognizable way, with "reflection and nostalgia" as main points, community manager Brett Elston writes on the Capcom-Unity blog. The full rules for art submissions are here, and the musical notes can be found here. The deadline for both contests is May 4, 11:59 p.m. PST.

JoystiqCapcom's throwing a party and your fan art, music is invited (you aren't) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>25th-anniversaryanniversaryCapcomfan-artmicrosoftmusicpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Street-Fighter-IVvitaxboxThu, 19 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4's music composed by Neil Davidge [update: samples]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/halo-4s-music-composed-by-neil-davidge-and-matt-dunkley/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/halo-4s-music-composed-by-neil-davidge-and-matt-dunkley/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/halo-4s-music-composed-by-neil-davidge-and-matt-dunkley/#comments
With Bungie moving away from the Halo series, audio lead Marty O'Donnell is gone as well, meaning that Halo 4 will probably sound different. Edge revealed the identity of the new, non-O'Donnell music team today: composer Neil Davidge, formerly of Massive Attack, and orchestrator/conductor Matt Dunkley (The Dark Knight, Black Swan, Inception).

"Hopefully the Halo fans will see that we're being respectful," Dunkley told Edge, "but we've also taken it somewhere else, and maybe onto a higher plane. If you're always trying to reference back, you're not creating new things."

"It's a new journey, it's a new story, it's a new arc," said self-professed Halo fan Davidge, "and so I feel like my job is not to revolutionise or reinvent but to continue the evolution, and I have a slightly different voice to those guys."

Update: Check out a "ViDoc" about the new composers above. And listen to some samples after the break.

Continue reading Halo 4's music composed by Neil Davidge [update: samples]

JoystiqHalo 4's music composed by Neil Davidge [update: samples] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriescomposerhalo-4matt-dunkleymicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosmusicneil-davidgexboxWed, 11 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 used more for video and music apps than for gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/xbox-360-used-more-for-video-and-music-apps-than-for-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/xbox-360-used-more-for-video-and-music-apps-than-for-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/xbox-360-used-more-for-video-and-music-apps-than-for-gaming/#comments More than half of the time people spend on Xbox Live is devoted to watching videos and listening to music, Microsoft's Yusuf Mehdi told the Los Angeles Times. "What we're seeing is that people are turning on the Xbox to play games and then keeping it on afterwards to get other types of entertainment," Mehdi said.

The Xbox 360 isn't a gaming console; it's now officially an entertainment center that includes games, and it's becoming more popular with this angle. Today households spend an average of 84 hours a month playing games and using other apps on Xbox Live, up 30 percent from a year prior. To compare, the average household watches 150 hours of TV each month.

Even before Kinect, a tool that has always made more sense as an entertainment control rather than a gaming one, Microsoft has wanted the Xbox 360 to be "the heart of connected digital entertainment," as HBO senior vice president of consumer technology Otto Berkes put it.

Today Microsoft added MLB.TV, HBO GO and Comcast Xfinity TV apps to its lineup, which already includes Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, Zune, Last.fm and others.

JoystiqXbox 360 used more for video and music apps than for gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appshbo-gohulukinectmicrosoftmusicNetflixtvvideosxboxXbox-LivezuneTue, 27 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You're going to wub the Ridge Racer Unbounded soundtrack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/youre-going-to-wub-the-ridge-racer-unbounded-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/youre-going-to-wub-the-ridge-racer-unbounded-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/youre-going-to-wub-the-ridge-racer-unbounded-soundtrack/#comments The soundtrack for Namco-Bandai's latest entry in its long-running racing series, Ridge Racer Unbounded, has been revealed. It'll feature electronic music prominently, including some of the more well-known artists out there right now like Skrillex and The Crystal Method. The kids tell us these are "hot acts."

Skrillex's "Kill Everybody" and "Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites" will be in the game, joined by other lesser-known contributions from artists Scratch Perverts, Unknown Error, OVERSEER, RuN RiOT, Ever Never and, as stated, The Crystal Method. Also, series fans will be glad to hear that Hiroshi Okubo, who has been rocking the radio dials for the past 18 years, will contribute several new tunes created exclusively for Ridge Racer Unbounded.

Namco-Bandai recently pushed back the launch of Ridge Racer Unbounded, which now has a tentative "late 2012" launch window.

Continue reading You're going to wub the Ridge Racer Unbounded soundtrack

JoystiqYou're going to wub the Ridge Racer Unbounded soundtrack originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmusicnamco-bandaiplaystationps3ridge-racer-unboundedskrillexsoundtrackthe-crystal-methodxboxWed, 07 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kickstarter project offers hundreds of video game inspired tunes for a few bucks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/kickstarter-project-offers-hundreds-of-video-game-inspired-tunes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/kickstarter-project-offers-hundreds-of-video-game-inspired-tunes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/kickstarter-project-offers-hundreds-of-video-game-inspired-tunes/#comments If you've been looking for a way to experience more video game and video game-inspired music, here's a pretty cheap one-way ticket right into the scene. Nubuwo is a site that's been created to cover exactly this kind of music, and over on Kickstarter they've compiled the talent of 12 different musicians across quite a few games into one big bundle for sale.

For $6, you can pick up either a 92-track "Vocal Pack" featuring the likes of Laura Shigihara, Floex, and the great Mega Ran, or a 150-track "Instrumental Pack" with the soundtracks to The Binding of Isaac, Bit Pilot, and ilomilo.

For $9, you get both of those, and for $15 you'll get 25 more tracks from excellent indie games like Spelunky and Antichamber, a couple interview segments with Final Fantasy composers Nobuo Uematsu and Kumi Tanioka, and a few other goodies. Higher donations can get you the tunes on actual CDs, and signed by the composers.

JoystiqKickstarter project offers hundreds of video game inspired tunes for a few bucks originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antichamberfloexiosiphonelaura-shigiharamega-ranmobilemusicnobuo-uematsupcspleunkytunesvideo-game-inspiredWed, 29 Feb 2012 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Music from Grin's canned Final Fantasy game 'Fortress' found unguarded]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/music-from-grins-canned-final-fantasy-game-fortress-found-ung/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/music-from-grins-canned-final-fantasy-game-fortress-found-ung/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/music-from-grins-canned-final-fantasy-game-fortress-found-ung/#comments
Before Swedish megastudio Grin collapsed back in aught nine, it was juggling a trillion different projects for a trillion different publishers. One such project that never saw the light of day was a Final Fantasy franchise entry titled "Fortress," which we got a peek at not long after we learned of Grin's closure. And now we're able to hear some music sampled from the game as well, as former music director Erik Thunberg dropped one such track on his portfolio website.

So, uh, you may wanna line up these shots of the game with the music playing in another tab, to try and recreate the feeling of the Western-born Final Fantasy game that never was. Hold that Chocobo plushie extra tight.

JoystiqMusic from Grin's canned Final Fantasy game 'Fortress' found unguarded originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>erik-thunbergfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-fortressgrinmusicsoundtracksquare-enixswedenMon, 20 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Krew Studios' 'Project Orb' is as close to CUBE as we're going to get]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/krew-studios-project-orb-is-as-close-to-cube-as-were-going-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/krew-studios-project-orb-is-as-close-to-cube-as-were-going-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/krew-studios-project-orb-is-as-close-to-cube-as-were-going-t/#comments "It's coming. A game unlike anything you've ever seen. Prepare yourself ... for CUBE!"

The still nascent Krew Studios isn't doing much to distinguish itself from the developer of the fictional CUBE, if you ask us. This week, the studio announced intentions to create an Xbox 360 title for release this year, currently named "Project Orb," and frankly, we can't help but draw comparisons to the faux game trailer of yore.

For starters, we don't know a damn thing about Project Orb, other than some unbelievably ambiguous screens and a mention in the company's announce PR that the project "will indeed be a music title."

That's not exactly surprising, given the pedigree behind Krew Studios -- co-founder Michael Yum was an executive producer at PM Studios, whose last project was DJ Max Fever. Even more importantly, however, is the other half of that duo: famed music industry exec Clarence Avant.

"Clarence and I really wanted to start with something that could revolutionize the music industry as well as help rebuild a market that was considered sinking as of late 2010," Yum notes in the announcement. We'll get our first chance to see exactly what Yum means in the not so distant future it seems, as he also said that "further announcements will be made shortly." For now, gaze upon the orbs above and below ... if you dare.

Gallery: Project Orb

Continue reading Krew Studios' 'Project Orb' is as close to CUBE as we're going to get

JoystiqKrew Studios' 'Project Orb' is as close to CUBE as we're going to get originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clarence-avantdj-max-feverkrew-studiosmicrosoftmusicpm-studiosproject-orbrelease-daterhythmxboxWed, 15 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phoenix Wright movie to premiere at AM2 convention this June, no objections]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/phoenix-wright-movie-to-premiere-at-am2-convention-this-june-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/phoenix-wright-movie-to-premiere-at-am2-convention-this-june-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/phoenix-wright-movie-to-premiere-at-am2-convention-this-june-no/#comments

Ace Attorney, feature-length film, is hitting North American shores this June at the AM2 (anime, manga and music) convention in Anaheim, California. Ace Attorney, directed by Ichi the Killer's Takashi Miike, debuted as a feature film in Japan earlier this month.

AM2 will hold two exclusive screenings at the Anaheim Convention Center, one for passport holders only and one with pass holders preferred and general audience as seating permits. The AM2 convention runs from June 15-17.

While this isn't exactly a widespread theatrical release for Ace Attorney, it does open the doors for US screenings. Keep your eyes on your local independent theaters for a chance to see all the cartoony flair (and hair) of Phoenix Wright in reality.

Continue reading Phoenix Wright movie to premiere at AM2 convention this June, no objections

JoystiqPhoenix Wright movie to premiere at AM2 convention this June, no objections originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>am2anaheimanimeconventiondsmangamobilemusicnintendoPhoenix-Wright-Ace-Attorneyphoenix-wright-movietakashi-miikewiiWed, 15 Feb 2012 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie Game Music Bundle 2 now available, with Aquaria, Sworcery, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/indie-game-music-bundle-2-now-available-with-aquaria-sworcery/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/indie-game-music-bundle-2-now-available-with-aquaria-sworcery/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/indie-game-music-bundle-2-now-available-with-aquaria-sworcery/#comments You could spend the rest of the day accompanied by the sounds of indie games, for a relative pittance. The second iteration of the Indie Game Music Bundle is available for the next week, offering a Humble-style collection of game soundtrack downloads.

For your [any amount of money] you get the soundtracks to Aquaria, Superbrothers Sword & Sworcery EP, To the Moon, Jamestown, and Machinarium. Hold on -- before you start throwing money at this, there's more you need to know. Pay over $10, and you'll get a pile of additional soundtracks, including Mighty Switch Force and Cat Astro Phi. Physical bonuses will be conferred upon especially high rollers.

OK, now you can get your money out.

JoystiqIndie Game Music Bundle 2 now available, with Aquaria, Sworcery, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aquariaindie-game-music-bundlemachinariummusicsoundtrackssuperbrothers-sword-and-sworcery-epFri, 10 Feb 2012 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[What? Game Music is Evolving!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/what-game-music-is-evolving/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/what-game-music-is-evolving/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/what-game-music-is-evolving/#commentsFiled under:

This is a column by Jesse Gregory all about his primary obsession, video game music. He feels that despite how core to the experience soundtracks often are, they aren't as large a part of gaming discussion as they should be. Let the discussion begin!
While just another game to some, last year's Sonic Generations was a review course of Sonic's varied musical history. With a wealth of classic and modern remixes and an even larger vault of unlockable originals, the game laid out in plain sight just how much the music of a single series can change over the course of two decades.

While hardware limitations can breed highly focused creativity, the lack thereof allows for unrestrained experimentation. From the Genesis to the Dreamcast, we witnessed Masato Nakamura's unforgettable themes replaced by a wide variety of tracks featuring live performances in a vast array of genres.

It sounds pretty good on paper. Sure, we got some enjoyable instrumental rock and jazz, but songs that sing about following rainbows and rap about chaos emeralds can make these games embarrassing to revisit. Still, I have to admire the many directions Sega was willing to explore with the series' music. Sonic Rush in particular really shook things up thanks to Hideki Naganuma. His unique brand of sample slicing threw many disparate genres into a blender to make something really special.

Continue reading What? Game Music is Evolving!

JoystiqWhat? Game Music is Evolving! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscolumngame musicjesse-gregorymicrosoftmusicnintendopcplaystationps3wiixboxTue, 31 Jan 2012 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Paul McCartney working on music for video game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/paul-mccartney-working-on-music-for-video-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/paul-mccartney-working-on-music-for-video-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/paul-mccartney-working-on-music-for-video-game/#comments Paul McCartney, legendary recording artist of the band Wings, is apparently working on music for a video game -- and, no, it doesn't appear to be Beatles Rock Band 2. In an interview with Germany's Die Zeit, McCartney was asked if he'd consider writing music for a video game. He responded that he's already working on it.

McCartney said he finds the video game market fascinating and was excited by the opportunity to work on a game project. He noted that growing up, he only had radio and records, but now music is everywhere. He feels that by writing music for a game that it may be the first time his music will be heard by the next generation.

There's also the business of music. McCartney said, "A new computer game is selling these days so much better than a new CD. And you reach a different audience." Might we suggest Paul of Duty, a music shooter. It worked out well for Aerosmith.

JoystiqPaul McCartney working on music for video game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>musicpaul-mccartneythe-beatleswingsTue, 31 Jan 2012 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Music: Enhancement Through Limitation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/game-music-enhancement-through-limitation/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/game-music-enhancement-through-limitation/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/game-music-enhancement-through-limitation/#commentsFiled under:

This is a column by Jesse Gregory all about his primary obsession, video game music. He feels that despite how core to the experience soundtracks often are, they aren't as large a part of gaming discussion as they should be. Let the discussion begin!

Game music has changed.

It's no longer about bleeps and bloops, absurdly catchy hooks, or finding ways to cheat hardware restrictions. It's an endless series of film scores masquerading as game music performed by live orchestras. Nanomachines inside their bodies enhance - oh, wait. Now I'm just stealing from Metal Gear.

The game music of the past has been etched into our culture. If you visit sites like OverClocked ReMix, you'll quickly realize how much more love and attention the soundtracks of older games get than those of modern day. Whether it's the ringtones you hear at a gaming convention, the music behind goofy YouTube videos or the soundtrack arrangement scene, classic game music dominates.

Is this merely a product of the fondness we associate with these tunes from our childhood memories? Is it all nostalgia? That's certainly a legitimate factor. But there's far more to it than that.

Continue reading Game Music: Enhancement Through Limitation

JoystiqGame Music: Enhancement Through Limitation originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columngame-musicmusicWed, 25 Jan 2012 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[New album available from VVVVVV composer Souleye]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/new-album-available-from-vvvvvv-composer-souleye/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/new-album-available-from-vvvvvv-composer-souleye/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/new-album-available-from-vvvvvv-composer-souleye/#comments
Souleye, the chiptune mastermind behind the incredible soundtrack for indie darling VVVVVV, has released a new, full-length album of original delights entitles Adventure. The 20 track collection of bleeps, boops and beats includes brand new songs, tracks from VVVVVV 2.0 and VVVVVV for the 3DS, as well as unreleased remixes from the indie rhythm title Pulsen.

As the above trailer testifies, Souleye's pseudo-retro compositions are guaranteed to lift your spirits in his trademark, undeniably catchy way. The album is available for $10 (or more) at Souleye's official website, and can be listed to for free at Souleye's Bandcamp profile.

JoystiqNew album available from VVVVVV composer Souleye originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurealbumchiptunemusicPulsenremixSouleyesoundtrackVVVVVVSat, 21 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey: Behind the Music]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/journey-behind-the-music/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/journey-behind-the-music/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/journey-behind-the-music/#comments
Wondering what goes into crafting Journey's beautiful orchestral soundtrack? Thankfully, it has absolutely nothing to do with the stadium rock band of the same name, and everything to do with the Macedonia Radio Symphonic Orchestra. No joke!

JoystiqJourney: Behind the Music originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>journeymacedonia-radio-symphonic-orchestramusicplaystationps3that-game-companythatgamecompanyThu, 05 Jan 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Zelda 25th anniversary symphony coming to Denver, Vancouver, Atlanta and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/zelda-25th-anniversary-symphony-coming-to-denver-vancouver-atl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/zelda-25th-anniversary-symphony-coming-to-denver-vancouver-atl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/zelda-25th-anniversary-symphony-coming-to-denver-vancouver-atl/#comments The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary concert series is continuing its journey around the United States, and the show is so popular that it's added four new dates to the proceedings. In addition to all of the dates already listed, the show is coming to Denver on April 7, Vancouver, Canada on March 14, Phoenix, AZ on April 20, and finally Atlanta, GA on May 12.

The concert features a full-length four-part symphony of Legend of Zelda music performed by a full-sized orchestra. Reviews on Ticketmaster's site are great so far, so if you're interested in seeing the show you'd better send that boomerang out to grab them quickly.

JoystiqZelda 25th anniversary symphony coming to Denver, Vancouver, Atlanta and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsconcertlegend-of-zeldaLegend-of-Zelda-2010musicnintendosymphonyThe-Legend-of-Zelda-Skyward-SwordticketmasterticketswiiThu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bastion musicians provide today's musical interlude]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/bastion-musicians-provide-todays-musical-interlude/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/bastion-musicians-provide-todays-musical-interlude/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/bastion-musicians-provide-todays-musical-interlude/#comments
In honor of Bastion earning a spot on Joystiq's Top 10 list, composer Darren Korb and singer Ashley Barrett gave an impromptu live performance of "Build That Wall" and "Setting Sail, Coming Home" in Supergiant's studio.

Well, officially it was done just because they both happened to be around together, and the performance was recorded before we announced the award, but we're pretty sure it's because of our thing.

JoystiqBastion musicians provide today's musical interlude originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ashley-barrettbastiondarren-korbmicrosoftmusicpcsupergiant-gamesWarner-Bros-InteractivexblaxboxWed, 04 Jan 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Choice Piano Cuts, a Super Meat Boy piano tribute album]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/choice-piano-cuts-a-super-meat-boy-piano-tribute-album/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/choice-piano-cuts-a-super-meat-boy-piano-tribute-album/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/choice-piano-cuts-a-super-meat-boy-piano-tribute-album/#comments Remember Brent Kennedy, the guy who created those wonderful piano arrangements of the Super Meat Boy soundtrack early last year? Well, it looks like we weren't the only people impressed by his work: Super Meat Boy's composer, Danny Baranowsky, has been working with Kennedy for nearly a year, and the two have recently released the fruits of their labors on Baranowsky's Bandcamp profile.

Super Meat Boy! - Choice Piano Cuts is a $4.99 (or more, if you're feeling generous) collection of 10 tracks from the SMB soundtrack, composed by Baranowsky and arranged/performed by Kennedy. The purchase also includes a PDF of the Kennedy's sheet music for the entire album, which in itself is well worth the price of admission for the musically inclined out there.

The soundtrack's original arrangements are great and everything, don't get us wrong, but there's a deeper level to Baranowsky's skill as a composer that's exceptionally brought to life by Kennedy's mastery of the ivory keys. Do yourself a favor and give it a listen.

JoystiqChoice Piano Cuts, a Super Meat Boy piano tribute album originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrangementBrent-KennedyChoice-Piano-CutsDanny-Baranowskymacmicrosoftmusicpcpianopiano-arrangementpiano-coversplaystationps3soundtracksuper-meat-boySuper-Meat-Boy-Choice-Piano-Cutsteam-meatxboxWed, 04 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA['PlayStation Game Music' service streams PS3 music from phones in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/playstation-game-music-service-streams-ps3-music-from-phones-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/playstation-game-music-service-streams-ps3-music-from-phones-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/playstation-game-music-service-streams-ps3-music-from-phones-i/#comments This is so cool. Well, maybe "cool" isn't the right way to describe a service that lets you stream Final Fantasy music from anywhere, but we like the idea. In Japan, Sony just started a "PlayStation Game Music" service that allows subscribers to several mobile services to play music from first- and third-party PlayStation games.

The official (again, Japan-only) launch is accompanied by music from Final Fantasy XIII-2, and the Monster Hunter, Dynasty Warriors, and Yakuza series. It would be dangerous for us to walk around Tokyo to the music from Yakuza -- we'd be liable to start throwing bicycle wheels at anyone we saw in a suit. And it's always dangerous for us to hear the FFXIII-2 Chocobo theme.

Along with those, the service will also stream PS3 system sound effects. That "cool" label is looking really hasty now.

Joystiq'PlayStation Game Music' service streams PS3 music from phones in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-xiii-2japanmonster-huntermusicplaystationplaystation-game-musicps3pspsonyyakuzaWed, 14 Dec 2011 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New Megadeth tracks arrive for Rocksmith]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/new-megadeth-tracks-arrive-for-rocksmith/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/new-megadeth-tracks-arrive-for-rocksmith/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/new-megadeth-tracks-arrive-for-rocksmith/#comments Are the instructional tunes included in Ubisoft's Rocksmith proving too easy for your Malmsteem-esque digits? Don't rub it in -- instead, download and subsequently be punished by the Megadeth tracks which will be released today on PlayStation Network and tomorrow on Xbox Live. Folks with the patience and superhuman dexterity required to do so can now learn to shred through "Hangar 18", "Public Enemy No. 1", and "Symphony of Destruction."

Each song will run users 240 Microsoft Points ($2.99), while thrifty musicians can buy all three in a 640 Microsoft Point ($7.99) bundle. That'll leave you with an extra buck to spend on replacing your destroyed picks (and fingertips).

Continue reading New Megadeth tracks arrive for Rocksmith

JoystiqNew Megadeth tracks arrive for Rocksmith originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmegadethmicrosoftmusicplaystationps3rhythmubisoftxboxWed, 14 Dec 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Made in Toronto: Deadmau5 collaborating with Queasy on Sound Shapes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/made-in-toronto-deadmau5-collaborating-with-queasy-on-sound-sha/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/made-in-toronto-deadmau5-collaborating-with-queasy-on-sound-sha/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/made-in-toronto-deadmau5-collaborating-with-queasy-on-sound-sha/#comments When electronica artist Deadmau5 isn't busy hanging out with famed game developer Shigeru Miyamoto, or tricking tweeters into thinking he lost an early retail PlayStation Vita, he's teaming up with Queasy Games to handcraft tracks for upcoming Vita game Sound Shapes. He likely does other things, sure, but we're not privy to that.

An announcement this morning revealed the partnership -- apt given the studio's Toronto roots alongside Deadmau5. As if the collaboration couldn't be more serendipitous, Queasy Games head Jonathan Mak has been building Sound Shapes alongside Shaw-Han Liem, otherwise known as "I Am Robot and Proud," a Toronto-based electronic music artist. When asked about the collaboration, Liem was modest, telling Joystiq, "There is no special history between myself and Deadmau5, other than the fact that we both come from the Toronto/Canadian electronic music scene, which is quite small!"

He related the collaboration to Queasy's work with Capy Games, the indie studio responsible for Critter Crunch and Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes, among other things. "We know that he plays games, and indie games in particular - he's a fan of 'Sword & Sworcery'," Liem told us.

It's not clear how many tracks from Deadmau5 will end up in the title, but we'll find out in the not-too-distant future as Sound Shapes launches some time in 2012 for the PlayStation Vita. It also sounds like players will have a chance to cut up said tracks for level creation, as Liem concluded, "We've always had the goal of making the musical 'toolset' something that is flexible and that people can use to make different kinds of music. Adding Deadmau5 to the mix gives people a whole new set of musical tools to work with, which is totally exciting to us."

[Image credit: Facebook]

Continue reading Made in Toronto: Deadmau5 collaborating with Queasy on Sound Shapes

JoystiqMade in Toronto: Deadmau5 collaborating with Queasy on Sound Shapes originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deadmau5jonathan-makmusicplaystationplaystation-vitaqueasyqueasy-gamesshaw-han-liemsound-shapesvitaTue, 13 Dec 2011 15:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Spin-dash to iTunes for downloadable Sonic soundtracks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/spin-dash-to-itunes-for-downloadable-sonic-soundtracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/spin-dash-to-itunes-for-downloadable-sonic-soundtracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/spin-dash-to-itunes-for-downloadable-sonic-soundtracks/#comments Sega has released a bunch of Sonic the Hedgehog game soundtracks to iTunes, allowing you to speed up your workday with appropriate background music.

The available albums include the Japanese soundtrack to Sonic CD, featuring a couple of new arrangements by Crush 40; Sonic Adventure 1 and 2 collections for rainbow followers; Heroes; and a collection of "greatest hits" called Super Sonic Songs - The Best of Crush 40. Sega even announced two non-Sonic-related projects from series musicians: "Song of Hope," a charity single by Crush 40, and an album of performances by composer Jun Senoue. Ever wanted to hear a Sega musician from Japan play "The Star-Spangled Banner" on guitar? You do now!

Because we wanted a nice image for the header of this post, and because we haven't had an excuse to talk about this yet, the image above is Good Smile Company's Nendoroid Sonic the Hedgehog figure, coming out in Japan next April. It's amazing.

JoystiqSpin-dash to iTunes for downloadable Sonic soundtracks originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crush-40itunesjun-senouemusicsegasonicsonic-the-hedgehogtoysThu, 01 Dec 2011 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Rocksmith DLC adds Vampire Weekend, T. Rex, Three Days Grace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/rocksmith-dlc-adds-vampire-weekend-t-rex-three-days-grace/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/rocksmith-dlc-adds-vampire-weekend-t-rex-three-days-grace/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/rocksmith-dlc-adds-vampire-weekend-t-rex-three-days-grace/#comments If you've got the patience to stick with Rocksmith's guided tutorials, you could know the guitar parts of three new songs by the weekend. The real guitar-utilizing game will have its DLC library expanded with a trio of tracks this week: "Cousins" by Vampire Weekend, "20th Century Boy" by T. Rex and "I Hate Everything About You" by Three Days Grace. We can confirm that the first two, at least, are great songs, and that the third might just be the angriest song ever recorded by a human being.

Each track will run shoppers 240 Microsoft Points ($2.99 on PSN), but the ability to impress all the ladies and dudes on the quad with the preposterously frantic rhythm portion of "Cousins" is absolutely priceless.

JoystiqRocksmith DLC adds Vampire Weekend, T. Rex, Three Days Grace originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmicrosoftmusicplaystationps3rocksmitht-rexthree-days-graceubisoftvampire-weekendxboxWed, 30 Nov 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: Sales of dancing games up 326% over last year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/npd-sales-of-dancing-games-up-326-over-last-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/npd-sales-of-dancing-games-up-326-over-last-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/npd-sales-of-dancing-games-up-326-over-last-year/#comments In the US, dancing game sales are up 326% percent year over year, the NPD told the LA Times. That's for the 12-month period ending October 31. Compare that with overall game sales, which rose 3%.

Of course, at the end of October last year, Just Dance 2 had only started selling. Since then, it's been doing very well for itself, and has been followed by several spinoffs, including Just Dance Kids (and its sequel!), Michael Jackson: The Experience, The Black Eyed Peas Experience, Just Dance 2 Summer Party, and, of course, Just Dance 3.

Too damn many Just Dance games can't claim all the credit for the growth in dancing-machine sales. Dance Central is at somewhere over 2.5 million units, and it's been followed by a sequel; Zumba Fitness has been a phenomenon, and Sony's Everybody Dance is also available.

Update: corrected Dance Central sales figures.

JoystiqNPD: Sales of dancing games up 326% over last year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centraldancingeverybody-dancejust-dance-2just-dance-3kinectmicrosoftmovemusicnintendonpdplaystationps3saleswiixboxTue, 29 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie Game Music Bundle adds 4 more albums, today is the last day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/indie-game-music-bundle-adds-4-more-albums-today-is-the-last-da/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/indie-game-music-bundle-adds-4-more-albums-today-is-the-last-da/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/indie-game-music-bundle-adds-4-more-albums-today-is-the-last-da/#comments So much music Okay, maybe 17 indie game music albums for $10 - including the likes of Super Meat Boy, The Binding of Isaac, Minecraft, VVVVVV, A.R.E.S. and many more - just wasn't a sweet enough deal for you. Okay, how about 21 albums for $10? The Indie Game Music Bundle is now offering just that, thanks to the addition of four new albums: Circle (soundtrack for an unreleased game), Cardboard Box Assembler, Songs for the Cure and Bite Jacker.

For the pay-what-you-want price of $10 or more, you get downloads of all 21 albums from Bandcamp, including high quality FLAC files for all the audiophiles out there. You'd best snag 'em quick though - as of this post, the sale only has about 12 hours to go.

JoystiqIndie Game Music Bundle adds 4 more albums, today is the last day originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arescobaltindie-game-music-bundleminecraftmusicsuper-meat-boyvvvvvvMon, 28 Nov 2011 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie composers craft The Legend of Zelda tribute album]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/indie-composers-craft-the-legend-of-zelda-tribute-album/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/indie-composers-craft-the-legend-of-zelda-tribute-album/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/indie-composers-craft-the-legend-of-zelda-tribute-album/#comments OC ReMix revisits the grand history of Zelda with a new tribute and remix album, "25YEARLEGEND." The project draws together 18 experienced indie musicians, including the producer of Minecraft's tunes to spelunk by. It's available as a free download here.

Even though Zelda's music has been remixed umpteen times in successive games, this buoyant compilation surprises with a few creative interpretations, and a good selection of the most sacred songs. We've placed two of our favorites after the break.

If you listen to the whole album, keep an ear out for a cameo by an infamous Nintendo commercial.

Continue reading Indie composers craft The Legend of Zelda tribute album

JoystiqIndie composers craft The Legend of Zelda tribute album originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>25yearlegend3dsdsLegend-of-Zelda-2010musicnintendooc-remixocremixThe-Legend-of-Zelda-Skyward-Swordwiiwii-uThu, 24 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Partial Retro City Rampage soundtrack available online, for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/partial-retro-city-rampage-soundtrack-available-online-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/partial-retro-city-rampage-soundtrack-available-online-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/partial-retro-city-rampage-soundtrack-available-online-for-free/#comments Waiting for a game is probably the worst thing in the world. But if you're waiting for Retro City Rampage, you can at least ease that burden a bit by checking out select tracks from the game's soundtrack right now, free of charge.

This Soundcloud page has a few of the game's tracks for streaming or download, as well as some remixes that were the product of a recent contest. We're not sure how long it'll be available, but said page says to look for the full soundtrack in January or February 2012. We've contacted Brian Provinciano, the game's creator, who told us that these tracks will be available indefinitely. The full soundtrack is being printed right now, but you'll have to (obviously) pay money for it.

JoystiqPartial Retro City Rampage soundtrack available online, for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Nov 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmusicnintendoretro-city-rampagesoundtrackvblank-entertainmentwiiwiiwarexblaxboxSat, 05 Nov 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[London Philharmonic records game music album]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/london-philharmonic-records-game-music-album/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/london-philharmonic-records-game-music-album/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/london-philharmonic-records-game-music-album/#comments The London Philharmonic Orchestra hasn't been shy about getting involved with popular culture, and will release a video game soundtrack album on November 8. Game Informer reports the album, The Greatest Video Game Music, includes 21 tracks with a mix of fan favorites from the past three decades.

The album covers Super Mario to Angry Birds, with less whimsical efforts like Metal Gear Solid: Sons of Liberty and Fallout 3 in there too. You can get a taste of the album with Hans Zimmer's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 theme here.

JoystiqLondon Philharmonic records game music album originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albumLondon-Philharmonic-OrchestraLPOmicrosoftmusicnintendopcplaystationps3The-Greatest-Video-Game-MusicwiixboxWed, 12 Oct 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rocksmith: Schooled by rock]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/rocksmith-schooled-by-rock/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/rocksmith-schooled-by-rock/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/rocksmith-schooled-by-rock/#comments If I had Rocksmith when I was a kid, I would be a lot better off now.

In 1995, I begged my parents to buy me a guitar. As you can imagine, I was swept up in the grunge fever that permeated a lot of the '90s. My idol, Kurt Cobain, died a year before and being the 12-year-old I was, I had it all figured out: I was going to be a rock star.

My parents bought me a used Ibanez acoustic, with the promise of an electric guitar if I stayed at it. I did and, 16 years later, at an event for Ubisoft's Rocksmith, I discovered that my parents and I had wasted money on guitar instruction over the years.

Gallery: Rocksmith (E3 2011)

Continue reading Rocksmith: Schooled by rock

JoystiqRocksmith: Schooled by rock originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epiphoneguitarmicrosoftmusicpcplaystationps3rhythmrocksmithubisoftxboxFri, 30 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live streaming iHeartRadio music festival this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/xbox-live-streaming-iheartradio-music-festival-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/xbox-live-streaming-iheartradio-music-festival-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/xbox-live-streaming-iheartradio-music-festival-this-weekend/#comments You like live music, right? Of course you do; who in their right mind could possibly hate live music? Well, you can gorge yourself on this weekend's iHeartRadio music festival, which will be streaming in HD on Xbox 360 through a partnership with Clear Channel Radio.

Held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, iHeartRadio will feature dozens of what the kids call "fresh acts," including Carrie Underwood, Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, Jane's Addiction, Kenny Chesney, Coldplay, The Black Eyed Peas, Steven Tyler, Nicki Minaj and many more. iHeartRadio kicks off this Friday and runs through Saturday -- all Silver and Gold members will be able to access the HD stream through a special pane on the Xbox 360 Dashboard.

JoystiqXbox Live streaming iHeartRadio music festival this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clear-channel-radiohdhd-streamingiheartradiolive-musicmicrosoftmusicxboxWed, 21 Sep 2011 00:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: VidRhythm (iOS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/portabliss-vidrhythm-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/portabliss-vidrhythm-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/portabliss-vidrhythm-ios/#commentsDid you know that you can download handheld games now? That's amazingly convenient! The only inconvenient part of it is finding the right games to buy -- and that's where we come in, with our Portabliss column. In each installment, we'll tell you about a downloadable game on the iPhone, iPad, Android device, DSi, 3DS, PSP, etc. Today: VidRhythm.
I've been debating for some time whether or not it would be kosher to refer to VidRhythm, Harmonix's new iOS music-making application, as a "game." I suppose splitting hairs in this debate could lead to the retroactive de-gamification of classics like the MTV Music Generator, but the lack of points, or a win scenario, or any form of competition seems to disqualify VidRhythm from eligibility to be written about on this, our gaming blog.

But I'm going to do it anyway. Because while VidRhythm lacks many of those oh-so-important game components, it brings a hell of a lot of manic, hilarious fun to the table.

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JoystiqPortabliss: VidRhythm (iOS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appharmonixiosmobilemusicportablissvidrhythmThu, 08 Sep 2011 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[The Damned collaboration: How Shadows of the Damned found its closing act]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/05/the-damned-collaboration-how-shadows-of-the-damned-found-its-cl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/05/the-damned-collaboration-how-shadows-of-the-damned-found-its-cl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/05/the-damned-collaboration-how-shadows-of-the-damned-found-its-cl/#comments It takes a lot of people a lot of time to license a track for a video game. Among other things, that's what The Damned drummer Andrew "Pinch" Pinching learned in the fall of 2010 when he worked with Grasshopper Manufacture composer Akira Yamaoka on the title track from this year's grindhouse-inspired third-person shooter, Shadows of the Damned. According to Pinch, it took "about a hundred emails" before an agreement was even reached regarding the collaboration.

"I kid you not, they are VERY thorough," Pinch explained to me via email earlier this summer. He was speaking to the GhM side of the partnership, which he described as "treading a different path in the games industry" from other dev studios. "I did a bit of research and found out about Suda51 and No More Heroes," Pinch added. "[He] was regarded as a bit of an edgy rebel, which appealed to me immensely. It didn't hurt that his games looked great as well."

The end product of the collaboration was, as we now know, the excellent (and if I may say so myself, rockin') final track from Shadows of the Damned. But that wasn't always the plan, as Pinch told me. "Initially, they [GhM] wanted what everyone wants -- an old Damned track. In this instance, a track called 'Love Song,' which in hindsight would have fitted the theme of the game rather nicely." But "Love Song" wasn't meant to be, and The Damned pushed to create an original track for the game.

Continue reading The Damned collaboration: How Shadows of the Damned found its closing act

JoystiqThe Damned collaboration: How Shadows of the Damned found its closing act originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira-yamaokaandrew-pinch-pinchingandrew-pinchingcaptain-sensibledave-vaniangrasshopper-manufacturemicrosoftmusicplaystationps3shadows-of-the-damnedsuda-51suda51the-damnedxboxMon, 05 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sword and Sworcery LP sampled by Lil Wayne]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/sword-and-sworcery-lp-sampled-by-lil-wayne/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/sword-and-sworcery-lp-sampled-by-lil-wayne/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/sword-and-sworcery-lp-sampled-by-lil-wayne/#comments If you're a human being with ears and a heart, we're going to assume you loved Sword and Sworcery EP just as much as you loved Sword and Sworcery LP - The Ballad of the Space Babies, its ethereal, lovely soundtrack. Know what? We're going to go out on a limb and also assume that you love Lil Wayne -- because, really, who doesn't -- and therefore will double-love his new track, "She Will," which samples a selection from the iOS gem's score.

We've contacted Superbrothers to find out the terms behind this auspicious partnership. You can listen to a brief chunk of the track after the jump, provided you're in a place that doesn't mind NSFW language. (Like, you know, not-work.)

Continue reading Sword and Sworcery LP sampled by Lil Wayne

JoystiqSword and Sworcery LP sampled by Lil Wayne originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hip-hopjim-guthrielil-waynemobilemusicrapsoundtracksuperbrotherssuperbrothers-sword-and-sworcery-epFri, 12 Aug 2011 22:00:00 EST