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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ohio State University marching band salutes video games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/07/ohio-state-university-marching-band-salutes-video-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/07/ohio-state-university-marching-band-salutes-video-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/07/ohio-state-university-marching-band-salutes-video-games/#comments

The half-time show for last night's Ohio State University vs. Nebraska game included some familiar faces amidst all the fancy footwork. OSU's show paid tribute to a range of video games, beautifully executed in sight and sound, featuring Pokemon, Mario Bros., Tetris, Halo, Zelda and Pac-Man. We dare you to not get chills.

The OSU marching band is one of the few brass- and percussion-only bands in the country, and it boasts 225 members. Keep that in mind if you want to watch one of the Joystiq editors in her 2005 Halo 2-themed high school marching show, with a band of 100, some of which were piccolos (ouch).

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqOhio State University marching band salutes video games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandmarchingmarching-bandmarioohio-state-universitypac-manPokemontetriszeldaSun, 07 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST<![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[Presidents of the United States of America pen a Pokemon song]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/presidents-of-the-united-states-of-america-pen-a-pokemon-song/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/presidents-of-the-united-states-of-america-pen-a-pokemon-song/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/presidents-of-the-united-states-of-america-pen-a-pokemon-song/#comments It's ever-so-rare that the things we love on this planet converge as expertly as they do for the song posted after the jump, so let's all take a second to really soak in this moment. Ahhhh. Feels good, right? Once you're done savoring, go listen to the Presidents of the United States of America's latest track, "Can't Stop (Catchin' 'Em All)," a tribute to some of the new collectible creatures in Pokémon Black and White.

Sure, it may lack the deeply funky bassline of a "Dune Buggy," or the raw, face-destroying rock of a "Love Everybody" -- but it's still the Presidents, dishing out tips on the latest installment in the Pokémon franchise. It is delight, in its purest form.

Continue reading Presidents of the United States of America pen a Pokemon song

JoystiqPresidents of the United States of America pen a Pokemon song originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banddsgame-freakmusicnintendoPokemon-Black-and-Whitepresidents-of-the-united-states-of-americathe-pokemon-companytheme-songMon, 07 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[APB accepting beta applicants, looking for soundtrack contributions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/apb-accepting-beta-applicants-looking-for-soundtrack-contributi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/apb-accepting-beta-applicants-looking-for-soundtrack-contributi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/apb-accepting-beta-applicants-looking-for-soundtrack-contributi/#comments
In our minds, there are three types of people in the world -- folks who want to get their hands on Realtime Worlds' cops-and-robbers MMO APB with all available haste, folks who couldn't care less about the game, and, of course, folks who are members of self-promoting indie bands. We've got great news for the first group -- you can now sign-up for the APB beta on the game's official site. The application is a bit ... thorough (ethnicity? Marital status? Income range?), but confidentiality is assured. Fret not, second group -- it's not like it's mandatory or anything.

Look lively, third group -- the recently updated APB site also has a section where you can license your music for the game's soundtrack. It has to be an original composition, however -- we're afraid you'll have to save your hardcore Postal Service covers for your throngs of MySpace fans.

[Thanks, XIII!]

JoystiqAPB accepting beta applicants, looking for soundtrack contributions originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apbbandbetabeta-applicationmmomusicpcrealtime-worldssoundtrackFri, 14 Aug 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Electroplankton fuels bands]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/electroplankton-fuels-bands/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/electroplankton-fuels-bands/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/electroplankton-fuels-bands/#commentsFiled under:


Using a DS (with a copy of Electroplankton), along with a pair of iPhones, the above trio manage to create some pretty melodious tunes. It's not really the kind of music we would rock out to on our own time, but we must admit that this video is still really impressive.

Also, it reminds us of the end credits to the Hulk TV show.

Continue reading Electroplankton fuels bands

JoystiqElectroplankton fuels bands originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandelectroplanktoniphonemusicWed, 27 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's nerdiest audio: Street Fighter songs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/todays-nerdiest-audio-street-fighter-songs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/todays-nerdiest-audio-street-fighter-songs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/todays-nerdiest-audio-street-fighter-songs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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

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

[Thanks, Matt]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiobandhottest-videohottestvideoman-factorymanfactorymp3musicparodysatiresongstreet-fighterstreetfighterThu, 07 Feb 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-time band makes sweet game music]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/half-time-band-makes-sweet-game-music/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/half-time-band-makes-sweet-game-music/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/half-time-band-makes-sweet-game-music/#commentsFiled under:



The combination of half-time shows, videogame medleys and marching nerds is nothing new, but this could be the best example we've seen yet. The footage above was shot at the UC Berkeley versus Washington State game earlier this month, and sees a rigorously drilled band belting out a string of songs from a glut of Nintendo favorites, including Zelda, Mario, and Pokemon. We only hope some of the crowd can appreciate the brilliance that's unfolding before them.

It's the formations that really make it for us, though. That bit with the flag at the end is an absolute win in our book.

JoystiqHalf-time band makes sweet game music originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandbros.legendmarchingmariomortal-kombatmusicnintendopokemonpongsupertriforcezeldaWed, 14 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's more-than-tech-demo-video: Wii Music]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/todays-more-than-tech-demo-video-wii-music/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/todays-more-than-tech-demo-video-wii-music/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/todays-more-than-tech-demo-video-wii-music/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

GameTrailers posts a clip of -- we assume -- Wii Music from the latest press conference flurry. We know what they say about assumptions and are digging for more details. Until then, the rumored game seems to be much more than a tech demo. Now when will Video Games Live use this -- or those other games -- in a show?

See the clip after the break.

Continue reading Today's more-than-tech-demo-video: Wii Music

JoystiqToday's more-than-tech-demo-video: Wii Music originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandhottest-videohottestvideomusicnintendopress-conferencerhythmvideoWiiThu, 11 Oct 2007 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Play fake guitar at real band competitions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/31/play-fake-guitar-at-real-band-competitions/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/31/play-fake-guitar-at-real-band-competitions/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/31/play-fake-guitar-at-real-band-competitions/#commentsFiled under:

Looking for a chance to play Ubisoft's Jam Sessions? So much that it's worth going to a high school band competition? No offense, high school marching band members, but given that we don't currently have any children in band, we really wouldn't have any other reason to go, and it would be awkward for someone to find out we were just there for the DS.

The surprisingly fun guitar simulator will be playable at the Bands of America regional championships in 20 cities, from September 15 to November 17. Apparently Music for All isn't concerned about a wave of teenagers casting their tubas and euphoniums aside in favor of DS Lites with some sampled guitar sounds-- but maybe they should be.

JoystiqPlay fake guitar at real band competitions originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandjamsessionsmusicforallubisoftFri, 31 Aug 2007 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band drum image based on fuzzy memories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/24/rock-band-drum-image-based-on-fuzzy-memories/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/24/rock-band-drum-image-based-on-fuzzy-memories/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/24/rock-band-drum-image-based-on-fuzzy-memories/#commentsFiled under:

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

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

[Via Digg]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banddrumdrumseaguitarnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiirockrock bandRockBandwiiSun, 24 Jun 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Rock Band to empty Wii owners' wallets?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/12/wii-warm-up-rock-band-to-empty-wii-owners-wallets/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/12/wii-warm-up-rock-band-to-empty-wii-owners-wallets/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/12/wii-warm-up-rock-band-to-empty-wii-owners-wallets/#commentsFiled under: ,

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

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

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

[Via NeoGAF]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banddrumeaguitarguitar heroGuitarHeroharmonixmicrophonemusicnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiirockrock bandRockBandwiiwwuSat, 12 May 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii remote + air guitar = Wiitar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/18/wii-remote-air-guitar-wiitar/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/18/wii-remote-air-guitar-wiitar/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/18/wii-remote-air-guitar-wiitar/#commentsFiled under: , ,

That Wii hacking community sure is a musical bunch. First came word of a drumming hack that turned Wii remotes into virtual drumsticks. Now comes another hack that turns a pair of remotes into a sort of air guitar.

As described on the WiiLi.org discussion board and demonstrated in the below video, the simple PC program uses one remote to detect strumming and another to determine which frets are being held. Chords and arpeggios are also possible with some complex button combinations.

While the setup is a little less than intuitive, this proof of concept should be all an enterprising hacker needs to set up a fully functioning air guitar game using the remote. Now all we need is a wii remote-controlled keyboard and bass to bring our dreams of a real (virtual) air band to fruition.

[Thanks James]

Continue reading Wii remote + air guitar = Wiitar

JoystiqWii remote + air guitar = Wiitar originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandguitarhackmusicwiiwiitarMon, 18 Dec 2006 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Marching band plays gaming hits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/06/marching-band-plays-gaming-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/06/marching-band-plays-gaming-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/06/marching-band-plays-gaming-hits/#commentsFiled under:


Sure, we could make jokes about how being in a marching band is lame and one's only choice should they be horrible at sports, but we aren't that kind of judgmental blog. Instead, we're the type of blog to pay homage and respect those who manage to convince their superiors that a videogame-inspired medley of tunes should be the focus of the half-time show. That's what this wonderful MSU marching band did, playing tunes from awesome Nintendo games such as Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda.

They also played something from a Microsoft game, we believe. Something having to do with angels?

JoystiqMarching band plays gaming hits originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Sep 2006 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandbroslegendmarchingmariomaroonmississippimsumusicnintendosuperzeldaWed, 06 Sep 2006 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Marching band plays gaming hits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/06/marching-band-plays-gaming-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/06/marching-band-plays-gaming-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/06/marching-band-plays-gaming-hits/#commentsFiled under:

Sure, we could make jokes about how being in a marching band is lame and one's only choice should they be horrible at sports, but we aren't that kind of judgmental blog. Instead, we're the type of blog to pay homage and respect those who manage to convince their superiors that a videogame-inspired medley of tunes should be the focus of the half-time show. That's what this wonderful MSU marching band did, playing tunes from awesome Nintendo games such as Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda.

They also played something from a Microsoft game, we believe. Something having to do with angels?

JoystiqMarching band plays gaming hits originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Sep 2006 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandbros.legendmarchingmariomississippimsumusicnintendosuperzeldaWed, 06 Sep 2006 09:00:00 EST