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[Wii Fanboy Review: Battle of the Bands]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/wii-fanboy-review-battle-of-the-bands/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/wii-fanboy-review-battle-of-the-bands/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/wii-fanboy-review-battle-of-the-bands/#commentsFiled under:

While the current reigning music games, Rock Band and Guitar Hero, contain some great music, they're really defined by their controllers. People bought Guitar Hero because of its gimmicky guitar controller -- many purchasers no doubt didn't even know or care what music was included. Rock Band's big draw was its drum kit and the simultaneous band gameplay that comes with the combination of all the instrument controllers. As the Guitar Hero series (and Rock Band) grew in popularity, the music became more important, but the experience of simulating instruments remains more important than what the songs are for most casual players.

Battle of the Bands, like the earliest music games, doesn't rely on a gimmick controller, except, of course, for the one that comes standard with the Wii system. Its true gimmick, and the feature that defines the game, is its music. Planet Moon and THQ can proudly claim some of the most interesting and entertaining music in the genre. The gameplay diverges from the usual rhythm game fare as well.

Continue reading Wii Fanboy Review: Battle of the Bands

JoystiqWii Fanboy Review: Battle of the Bands originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 May 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>band-mashupsbattle-of-the-bandsjoystiqfeaturesmusicplanet-moonrhythmthqMon, 19 May 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Widget of the Bands]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/widget-of-the-bands/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/widget-of-the-bands/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/widget-of-the-bands/#commentsFiled under:

We might not be getting Wii game demos any time soon, but if you want to sample the rhythm game Battle of the Bands, you can try out a widget that simulates THQ's recently released Wii software. Of course, we'd have to hope that the Wii game controls much, much better than this keyboard-utilizing demo, but it still gives you a general idea of Battle's basics.

Essentially, you have to hit the notes in rhythm with the 1, 2, and 3 buttons (or use the mouse), depending on where the note lies on the strip. Each time you hit a certain amount of notes correctly, you'll launch a weapon at the opposing player. You can change weapons as well, but the more powerful the attack, the more notes you'll have to hit to activate it.

All in all, it's nothing more than a way to kill a few minutes on the internet, but it's still the closest you can come to experiencing Battle of the Bands without trying the real thing. This widget is also a good way to give you an idea of the changing styles of music in the game, so it's really worth a look if you're interested in the title -- just don't expect to have an easy time with the keyboard controls.

Gallery: Battle of the Bands


[Via GamerTell]

JoystiqWidget of the Bands originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 May 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>band-mashupsbattle-of-the-bandsdemoplanet-moonrhythmthqwidgetThu, 15 May 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Battle of the Bands (Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/joystiq-impressions-battle-of-the-bands-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/joystiq-impressions-battle-of-the-bands-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/joystiq-impressions-battle-of-the-bands-wii/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

THQ's under-the-radar Wii game, Battle of the Bands is coming out this month. I recently saw the game in action, and I finally have a grasp on its concept. Thankfully renamed from Band Mashups, Battle of the Bands pits two gamers against each other in a Wiimote-only rhythm competition. As Guitar Hero-style commands float by, players flick the controller down, left, right, or shake it with the beat.

A successful string of hits activates the "battle," firing shots at the enemy band. An aptly timed B-button blocks those volleys. This attack-and-defend mechanic controls the tug-of-war between the two players; when one is leading, the shared song plays in their chosen genre, flipping between hip-hop/funk, rock, country, marching band, and latin. The game's 30 different songs all have these versions, so you could hear "Whoomp! (There it is)" as country or "Man of Constant Sorrow" in hip-hop.

The game is heavily tuned for two players, although single-player options are included. I think it'll make a good party game in limited doses, and unfortunately, it's another Wii game that should be online but isn't.

Gallery: Battle of the Bands (Wii)

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Battle of the Bands (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>band-mashupsbattle-of-the-bandsbeat-matchinggenremusicplanet-moonrhythmthqWiiSat, 05 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[We can't wait to understand Band Mashups]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/we-cant-wait-to-understand-band-mashups/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/we-cant-wait-to-understand-band-mashups/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/we-cant-wait-to-understand-band-mashups/#commentsFiled under: ,

We first told you about Band Mashups back in February, but we admittedly felt a little like the Dad in Christmas Story when he tried to make heads or tails of his newly-revealed leg lamp. ("It's a major award!") But now that we've seen the above gameplay trailer we feel as if the leg lamp became sentient, took up drinking and started pecking out smutty airport novels with its stiletto. Which is to say, we're even more confused.

Why does the language keep changing? Why do the people on the left look like extras from Grim Fandango? And why is everyone shooting at one another? We don't have anymore answers for you, but we can't help but be intrigued.

Gallery: Band Mashups (Wii)

JoystiqWe can't wait to understand Band Mashups originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>band-mashupsthqWiiWed, 02 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battle of the Bands trailer feels good]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/battle-of-the-bands-trailer-feels-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/battle-of-the-bands-trailer-feels-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/battle-of-the-bands-trailer-feels-good/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We didn't even realize what vaguely familiar song was being mashed up in this Battle of the Bands trailer for a minute -- it sounded cool, and it was exciting, and it seemed like the kind of thing we would enjoy playing in a rhythm game. Then the "Latin" version kicked in and we figured it out -- it's Gorillaz' "Feel Good Inc."! Hearing our favorite songs in so many different styles is going to be novel for a long time.

As for the actual gameplay, we aren't quite sure how the waving-based control scheme will hold up. We hope it works as well as the musical concept of the game.



[Via GamesPress]

JoystiqBattle of the Bands trailer feels good originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>band-mashupsbattle-of-the-bandsplanet-moonrhythmthqMon, 31 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Band Mashups possibly gets a title mashup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/band-mashups-possibly-gets-a-title-mashup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/band-mashups-possibly-gets-a-title-mashup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/band-mashups-possibly-gets-a-title-mashup/#commentsFiled under: ,


Gamefly is listing an upcoming Wii game from THQ called Battle of the Bands. Since THQ's Band Mashups is a game about ... battles of bands, we're guessing that this is an alternate title for the same product. Further evidence of this theory: the page links to Gamespot's and IGN's galleries of Band Mashups. The final, conclusive piece of evidence: THQ's own website. But is this an older title or a newer one? Did it change from Battle of the Bands or to Battle of the Bands?

As for which title is better, we're of two minds. Band Mashups is more clever, and accurately describes the major gimmick of the game, but Battle of the Bands is familiar and even iconic.


[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqBand Mashups possibly gets a title mashup originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>band-mashupsbattle-of-the-bandsgameflymusicthqMon, 18 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ announces Band Mashups, Wii exclusive rhythm game for April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/thq-announces-band-mashups-wii-exclusive-rhythm-game-for-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/thq-announces-band-mashups-wii-exclusive-rhythm-game-for-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/thq-announces-band-mashups-wii-exclusive-rhythm-game-for-april/#commentsFiled under: ,


Never let it be said that publisher THQ is opposed to trying new things. Sure, the studio may have more than a passing fancy with licenses the way most of us appreciate oxygen, but the studio has been known to come up with an original idea now and again -- before summarily slitting its throat. THQ's latest sees the company wading waist deep into the crowded waters of rhythm gaming with Band Mashups, a title that you'll only be able to play on the Wii when it ships out the door in April.

Currently being pieced together by the Giants: Citizen Kabuto devs at Planet Moon, Band Mashups is described by THQ as "the ultimate band battle," offering both single and multiplayer rhythm gameplay, 70 "over-the-top musical weapons," and more than 150 tracks across five different styles of music, including rock, funk/hip-hop, country, marching band and Latin. Sure, it sounds like a lot of music, but as THQ explains, the game's track list is actually made up of 30 different licensed tunes from the last 40 years, each recorded in five different styles. We're unsure what to make of this, though the idea of hearing some of our hair band faves in the style of a marching band is enough to keep us awake at night clutching our Def Leppard blankets.

Gallery: Battle of the Bands (Wii)

JoystiqTHQ announces Band Mashups, Wii exclusive rhythm game for April originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>band-mashupsBreakingNewsgiantsplanet-moonthqWiiThu, 07 Feb 2008 11:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Band Mashups remixes the music game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/band-mashups-remixes-the-music-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/band-mashups-remixes-the-music-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/band-mashups-remixes-the-music-game/#commentsFiled under: ,


This is how you do new take on a Guitar Hero/Bemani game. Smarty Pants developer Planet Moon has just revealed their encouragingly clever music game Band Mashups, which focuses on the concept of the "battle of the bands."

Each band in Mashups represents a different genre of music: country, marching band, funk, etc. Songs are played as duels between two bands, with each band playing the licensed soundtrack in their own style. The style of the audio track alternates, with the winning group's style coming through more clearly. The game is controlled by moving the Wii remote left, right, down, and forward to match onscreen cues.

The cleverest thing about this game, we think, is how it turns a problem into a positive. Guitar Hero dealt with the issue of not having access to original recordings of licensed music by recording soundalikes. Planet Moon realized with Band Mashups that a cover doesn't have to sound like the original, and built a game around it. We are actually looking forward to hearing all the cover songs. Symphonic "Spoonman"? Latin "Blitzkrieg Bop"? Yes, please. The full soundtrack includes other weird and wonderful choices like Tenacious D's "Master Exploder" and "Man of Constant Sorrow" from O Brother Where Art Thou. More screens and even video are available at the IGN link.

JoystiqBand Mashups remixes the music game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>band-mashupsmashupmusicplanet-moonThu, 07 Feb 2008 09:45:00 EST