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[New Rock Band 3 bundles from Mad Catz include 5 free DLC songs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/new-rock-band-3-bundles-from-madcatz-include-5-free-dlc-songs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/new-rock-band-3-bundles-from-madcatz-include-5-free-dlc-songs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/new-rock-band-3-bundles-from-madcatz-include-5-free-dlc-songs/#comments Rock Band 3 is still alive and kicking, despite everything happening behind-the-scenes, and in an effort to rekindle the world's love for rhythm games and plastic instruments, Mad Catz Interactive has released 5 new instrument bundles for the Xbox 360.

Each bundle includes the game, a DLC code for 5 different Red Hot Chili Peppers songs, and your choice of Fender Mustang Pro-Guitar ($150), normal Stratocaster controller($70), or normal Precision Bass controller ($80, available in three designer colors). Absent from these bundles, as you may have noticed, are the microphone and drum kit controllers known and loved by annoying college roommates the world over; a void the used market will undoubtably step in to fill.

JoystiqNew Rock Band 3 bundles from Mad Catz include 5 free DLC songs originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Even though it has been thoroughly thrashed with the ugly stick, ezGear's "You Rock Guitar" is actually a nifty bit of kit. Labeled "the world's most advanced video game and music controller" by its maker, the guitar is compatible with all current music games on the Wii, and swaps out the traditional strum bar and colored fretboard buttons for real strings and a multi-touch pad respectively (despite how it looks, there are no strings on the fretboard).

There's a bunch of non-Wii functionality in the You Rock. It can hook up to your PC or Mac (where it works with programs such as Garage Band, Sonar, and Finale), and can additonally link to your iPod, iPhone, or MP3 player, allowing you to "jam along" with your favorite Showaddywaddy tracks (yes, we know). You can even connect it to a guitar amp or mixer!

Alas, the peripheral's many functions mean it will launch in Q2 or Q3 with a price tag of $149.99. If you think you could get some use out of this besides playing on the Wii, that might make this worth it. While you wait, make the jump for the cheesiest trailer we've seen in forever.

Continue reading CES 2009: ezGear showcases 'most advanced music game controller'

JoystiqCES 2009: ezGear showcases 'most advanced music game controller' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2009consumer-electronics-showezgearguitarguitar-heroguitar-hero-world-tourinstrumentmusicrock-bandrock-band-2Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero World Tour's mystery instrument: a MIDI sequencer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/guitar-hero-world-tours-mystery-instrument-a-midi-sequencer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/guitar-hero-world-tours-mystery-instrument-a-midi-sequencer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/guitar-hero-world-tours-mystery-instrument-a-midi-sequencer/#commentsFiled under: , ,


That's right, a MIDI sequencer. While a far cry from our keytar-brandishing dreams, the addition will allow those savvy enough to wrap their heads around the process to compose music on the PC and then import their creations into Guitar Hero World Tour. The feature, however, doesn't sound like it's suited for the faint of heart, as Neversoft's Brian Bright tells Shacknews that "it's going to take an FAQ on the Guitar Hero site--it's not something that your average user is gonna do."

However, MIDI aficionados planning to compose their digital masterpieces on the Xbox 360 will likely find the experience lacking. While the PS3 sequencer will reportedly support a variety of instruments, including rhythm and lead guitars, bass, keyboards and drum tracks, the Xbox 360 alternative will be limited to drums alone due to "hardware issues." Then again, for those planning on channeling their inner John Bonham, what more do you need?

JoystiqGuitar Hero World Tour's mystery instrument: a MIDI sequencer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondrumsguitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-world-tourguitarheroinstrumentmidineversoftPS3sequencerXbox-360Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Are the Rock Band 2 instruments really quieter? (A semi-scientific study)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/are-the-rock-band-2-instruments-really-quieter-a-semi-scientif/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/are-the-rock-band-2-instruments-really-quieter-a-semi-scientif/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/are-the-rock-band-2-instruments-really-quieter-a-semi-scientif/#commentsFiled under: ,


Observation
Harmonix has claimed that Rock Band 2 will have "quieter and more natural feeling drum pads" and guitars with "quieter buttons" than their original Rock Band counterparts.

Hypothesis
Rock Band 2 instruments are quieter than their original Rock Band counterparts.

Continue reading for our experimental method and results!

Continue reading Are the Rock Band 2 instruments really quieter? (A semi-scientific study)

JoystiqAre the Rock Band 2 instruments really quieter? (A semi-scientific study) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comparisonharmonixinstrumentloudnessrock-bandrock-band-2sciencescientificstudyXbox-360Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Music gets funky with the electric bass]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/12/wii-music-gets-funky-with-the-electric-bass/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/12/wii-music-gets-funky-with-the-electric-bass/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/12/wii-music-gets-funky-with-the-electric-bass/#commentsFiled under:


Another day, another instrument gets showcased for Nintendo's upcoming music toy, Wii Music. Most songs benefit from a thumping bass line, with its deep tones helping to drive the tune right into your ear hole so that it can gently stroke the pleasure center of your brain squirrel. It's good stuff, and it looks like the electric bass is going to be recreated fairly well. Hit up the video above to catch a demonstration of the instrument from none other than robotic-instrument-showcasing-lady.


Looking for more on Wii Music? Check out the E3 trailer by clicking here, read up on our time with the game here, and learn how to play the drums, dog, accordion, taiko, clarinet, conga, electric guitar, harp, flute, marching drum, violin, piano, guitar, and marimba.

JoystiqWii Music gets funky with the electric bass originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>basselectric-bassinstrumentmusicrhythmwii-musicFri, 12 Sep 2008 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Music whips out the ukelele]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/wii-music-whips-out-the-ukelele/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/wii-music-whips-out-the-ukelele/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/wii-music-whips-out-the-ukelele/#commentsFiled under:


Another day, another fake instrument to play. Today's spotlighted instrument for Wii Music is the ukelele. And, much like the real instrument, it can produce some soothing sounds. For as much as we all harp on the toy that is Wii Music, playing the ukelele doesn't look half bad. What do you all think?


Looking for more on Wii Music? Check out the E3 trailer by clicking here, read up on our time with the game here, and learn how to play the dog, accordion, taiko, clarinet, conga, electric guitar, harp, flute, marching drum, violin, piano, guitar, and marimba.

JoystiqWii Music whips out the ukelele originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>instrumentmusicukelelewii-musicWed, 10 Sep 2008 13:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Friday Video: Power Pad hack is music to our ears]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/friday-video-power-pad-hack-is-music-to-our-ears/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/friday-video-power-pad-hack-is-music-to-our-ears/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/friday-video-power-pad-hack-is-music-to-our-ears/#commentsFiled under:


Seth Sternberger is responsible for the awesome video above, which brings back memories of Big, for some odd reason. It's just pure awesome. The specifics of how he completed this are a tad bit of a mystery, but Seth has some musical chops. Not only did he complete this, but he's also part of the chiptune outfit 8 Bit Weapon. We salute you Seth! Keep up the good work.

[Via Engadget]

Each week, our Friday Video segment takes a look at the gaming landscape online and brings forth an interesting video that (hopefully) gets the dialog started. Other cool hacks featured have included the GameCube clock and a Nunchuk-controlled camera.

JoystiqFriday Video: Power Pad hack is music to our ears originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-bit-weaponhackhacksinstrumentmusicpower-padrhtyhmFri, 11 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Worship the full range of World Tour instruments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/worship-the-full-range-of-world-tour-instruments/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/worship-the-full-range-of-world-tour-instruments/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/worship-the-full-range-of-world-tour-instruments/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Within hours of Rock Band hitting the Wii, Red Octane has begun the ultimate rock battle by releasing full images of instruments for the Wii version of Guitar Hero: World Tour. We've seen a few sneak peeks around the place, but now they are in their full gallery glory for you to enjoy.

Rock Band one-upped the Guitar Hero franchise by adding drums and a microphone, so what's next? Add a burger and beer to the package to simulate the roadie experience? Stuff a few groupies in the box to cheer you on as you rock out in front of the TV? If you consider yourself a rock star with the new World Tour instruments, we don't blame you -- they look pretty hot.


[Via press release]

JoystiqWorship the full range of World Tour instruments originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heroguitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-world-tourinstrumentmusicred-octanerhythmrock-bandvicarious-visionsMon, 23 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's shredingest video: Guitar Hero III victor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/06/todays-shredingest-video-guitar-hero-iii-victor/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/06/todays-shredingest-video-guitar-hero-iii-victor/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/06/todays-shredingest-video-guitar-hero-iii-victor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Game Revolution's Nick Tan recently played Guitar Hero III song, Through the Fire and Flames by Dragonforce, on expert. That website describes it as the hardest in the game, designed to be "unbeatable." And Nick conquered it.

Yes, weeks before you adoring, fake guitar fans get a chance to play, the hardest song has been bested by a player on his fourth attempt. The video of the event is mediocre, and the moment of triumph is anticlimactic. ("Go balloons, go balloons, we need more balloons. ...") But we were still floored watching this face-melting song --and player -- in action.

Be amazed by the clip after the break.

Continue reading Today's shredingest video: Guitar Hero III victor

JoystiqToday's shredingest video: Guitar Hero III victor originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Oct 2007 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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