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[Xbox Live adding SkyDrive, CNET, Maxim, Karaoke apps in US today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/xbox-live-adding-skydrive-cnet-maxim-karaoke-apps-in-n-ameri/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/xbox-live-adding-skydrive-cnet-maxim-karaoke-apps-in-n-ameri/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/xbox-live-adding-skydrive-cnet-maxim-karaoke-apps-in-n-ameri/#comments
A throng of new apps are coming to Xbox 360s worldwide, so if you've been feeling like your dash needs more squares with logos in them then today won't disappoint. Today sees the US launch of Maxim and CNET apps, with the latter also coming to Canada, while Karaoke and SkyDrive apps roll out worldwide (excluding Japan and United Arab Emirates for Karaoke).

As shown above, SkyDrive lets you view pictures and videos stored on your Microsoft cloud, allowing Jenny to guffaw at memories of her sister's apparently hilarious wedding dress by watching the recording on her TV. Aww.

Other Xbox 360 apps cropping up across the globe today include VEVO expanding to Spain, Italy, and France, and CinemaNow hopping over to Canada. Xbox spokesoldier Major Nelson also detailed a list of over 40 apps coming to various regions before spring 2013, including MTV, PBS, Flixster, and Vimeo apps for the US.

JoystiqXbox Live adding SkyDrive, CNET, Maxim, Karaoke apps in US today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cnetflixsterkaraokemaximmicrosoftmtvpbsskydrivevimeoXBLMxboxxbox-liveTue, 11 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Karaoke streams sing-along songs on Xbox Live, pay-per-hour]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/karaoke-streams-sing-along-songs-on-xbox-live-pay-per-hour/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/karaoke-streams-sing-along-songs-on-xbox-live-pay-per-hour/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/karaoke-streams-sing-along-songs-on-xbox-live-pay-per-hour/#comments Karaoke for Xbox 360 lets you stream singalong songs, payperhourMicrosoft is giving Xbox Live subscribers Karaoke for the holidays, a pay-per-hour service that will stream songs through the console for the purposes of singing out loudly (and probably poorly). The service takes advantage of The Karaoke Channel's library to provide over 8,000 tunes for crooners to choose from.

Instead of having you pay for individual songs, you can put down Microsoft Points for temporary access to Karaoke's full library, in blocks of 2, 6, and 24 hours. The songs are streamed rather than downloaded, with lyrics scrolling on the screen while your avatar does his or her best Barry Manilow or Tina Turner impression (at least that's our plan). SmartGlass intergration and achievements are included, with the service expected to arrive "in time for the holidays."

JoystiqKaraoke streams sing-along songs on Xbox Live, pay-per-hour originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>karaokemicrosoftthe-karaoke-channelxboxxbox-liveTue, 20 Nov 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sing announced for the Wii U, by DJ Hero devs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/sing-announced-for-the-wii-u-by-dj-hero-devs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/sing-announced-for-the-wii-u-by-dj-hero-devs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/sing-announced-for-the-wii-u-by-dj-hero-devs/#comments Sing announced for the Wii U, by DJ Hero devsReggie Fils-Aime just announced a music game called Sing for the Wii U. Developed by Freestyle Games, the developers behind DJ Hero, Sing will combine karaoke singing with lyrics on the Wii Pad with a dance running game on your television. The only track released for the game so far is Carly Rae Jepsen's shiny pop hit, "Call Me Maybe," but we'll wait for more info on the game later this week.

JoystiqSing announced for the Wii U, by DJ Hero devs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2012karaokelyricsreggie-fils-aimesingwii-uTue, 05 Jun 2012 12:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom invites you to pop a bottle, not a cap, with new bar in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/capcom-invites-you-to-pop-a-bottle-not-a-cap-with-new-bar-in-j/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/capcom-invites-you-to-pop-a-bottle-not-a-cap-with-new-bar-in-j/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/capcom-invites-you-to-pop-a-bottle-not-a-cap-with-new-bar-in-j/#comments We've all been there -- you just owned C. Viper with Ryu and you think to yourself, "Dang. I could really pick up some drunk chicks with these awesome moves." Capcom just answered that thought with, "Wanna bet?"

Capcom has partnered with Pasela, a karaoke-bar chain based in Japan, to open a Capcom-themed entertainment bar in Shinjuku, Tokyo, called Cap Bar. Cap Bar is scheduled to open in January on the first floor of Shinjuku's Pasela Resort and will have game-demo kiosks, merch, and Capcom-themed food and drink menus, as well as serving as the filming location for Capcom's webshow, Hagi Toko.

Personally, we can't wait to sip on a "Chun-Li Chugger" and watch the carnage unfold.

Gallery: CapBar (Capcom Bar 2011)

JoystiqCapcom invites you to pop a bottle, not a cap, with new bar in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barCap-BarCapcomdrunkkaraokemicrosoftPaselapcplaystationps3Super-Street-Fighter-IVxboxFri, 23 Dec 2011 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rolling Start: Joystiq sings along with Daytona USA's karaoke mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/rolling-start-joystiq-sings-along-with-daytona-usas-karaoke-mo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/rolling-start-joystiq-sings-along-with-daytona-usas-karaoke-mo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/rolling-start-joystiq-sings-along-with-daytona-usas-karaoke-mo/#comments
When we discovered that the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network versions of Daytona USA contained a karaoke mode - including all the goofy vocals you remember - we knew that it was our duty to share it with you, the Joystiq biomass. Come join us, as we belt out some classic tunes and build a racetrack ... around your heart.

JoystiqRolling Start: Joystiq sings along with Daytona USA's karaoke mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daytona-usakaraokemicrosoftplaystationps3psnsegaxblaxboxxbox-liveMon, 31 Oct 2011 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Glee's Karaoke Revolution comes to Wii November 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/glees-karaoke-revolution-comes-to-wii-november-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/glees-karaoke-revolution-comes-to-wii-november-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/glees-karaoke-revolution-comes-to-wii-november-9/#comments Karaoke Revolution Glee welcomes everyone to New Directions this November 9 on Wii. The game will feature songs and scenes from the first season of the hit FOX TV series -- which means, sadly, no Brittany doing Britney. Check out 10 of the 30 songs to be included in the game after the break.

Continue reading Glee's Karaoke Revolution comes to Wii November 9

JoystiqGlee's Karaoke Revolution comes to Wii November 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gleekaraokekaraoke-revolution-gleeKonaminintendoq4-2010release-datewiiTue, 19 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Sing It: Family Hits -- finally, the right idea for a Disney singing game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/disney-sing-it-family-hits-finally-the-right-idea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/disney-sing-it-family-hits-finally-the-right-idea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/disney-sing-it-family-hits-finally-the-right-idea/#commentsDid you realize that the Disney Sing It franchise was now in its fifth iteration? We didn't realize it had been that prolific, but then, we don't always keep up with the Hannah Montanas and High School Musicals and other recent Disney Channel fare. However, the latest version of the karaoke game, due this summer for Wii and PS3, might be enough to turn the franchise from an unknown quantity to a guilty pleasure -- even if it's a pleasure so guilty that most of us wouldn't mention it.

Disney Sing It: Family Hits is a collection of songs from Disney films like Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, Mary Poppins, and Toy Story. It's designed with big gatherings in mind, with a "Family Mode" for passing the mic between up to 8 players. And if you're not ready to take on the classics, it also includes some vocal instruction and exercises led by The Princess and the Frog's Anika Noni Rose.

Admit it: you started humming some Disney movie tune the second you learned what the game was about.

JoystiqDisney Sing It: Family Hits -- finally, the right idea for a Disney singing game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 May 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disney-interactivedisney-sing-itdisney-sing-it-family-hitskaraokemusicNintendoWiiMon, 03 May 2010 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[SingStar adds vibrato support, turns PSP into virtual remote]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/singstar-adds-vibrato-support-turns-psp-into-virtual-remote/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/singstar-adds-vibrato-support-turns-psp-into-virtual-remote/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/singstar-adds-vibrato-support-turns-psp-into-virtual-remote/#comments SingStar may have trained you to become a better singer by keeping you on pitch, but don't expect to make a successful run on American Idol just yet. Talented vocalists can add some flourishes to their performances through the use of vibrato. (For examples, listen to any Mariah Carey song from the 90s.) However, games like SingStar and Rock Band have traditionally penalized players for straying from the exact pitch notated on the screen.

Thankfully, the upcoming June update will modify the SingStar game engine to account for vibrato. "We suggest honing your vibrato skill on Gold by Spandau Ballet, Street Spirit by Radiohead or one of the tracks from the Il Divo SongPack," London Studios' Chris Bruce told PlayStation.Blog readers.

Another update included in the June patch is the ability to use your PSP as a "SingStar Remote." By connecting your PSP to the game, you'll be able to browse and queue up songs to play while others are singing -- essentially recreating the functionality of a high-end karaoke bar. This is definitely a feature that will help make our drunken SingStar parties go much smoother.

JoystiqSingStar adds vibrato support, turns PSP into virtual remote originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>karaokepatchremotesingstarsingstar-remotevibratoWed, 28 Apr 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB outs 'Lips: I (Heart) the 80s']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/06/esrb-outs-lips-i-heart-the-80s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/06/esrb-outs-lips-i-heart-the-80s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/06/esrb-outs-lips-i-heart-the-80s/#comments For those of you looking to put your '80s singing chops to the test, it would appear that iNiS will be offering you just that chance if a recent ESRB listing for a fourth installment in the Lips series is to be believed. "Lips: I (Heart) the 80s" was recently spotted by IGN over on the ratings website, sporting a description that reveals at least two tracks from the 1980s-centric title -- The Police's "Roxanne" and Rick James' "Super Freak."

The game is also said to feature "depictions of men and women in revealing outfits performing provocative choreography -- for example, women in negligees, black bras, panties dancing inside a classroom; large amounts of exposed cleavage, some grinding dance moves; and background images of storefronts/signs reading '25 cent Peepshows,' 'Live Sex Theatre,' and 'Topless Girls Dancing.'" Gosh golly! Regardless, with the recent release of Lips: Party Classics and today's ESRB listing, we have to imagine the official announce of Lips: I (Heart) the 80s is just around the corner. We'll be prepping our boom boxes with plenty of Public Enemy until then.

[Via IGN]

JoystiqESRB outs 'Lips: I (Heart) the 80s' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esrbiniskaraokelipslips-i-heart-the-80slips-party-classicsMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosmusicmusic-gamespublic-enemyrhythmrick-jamesroxannesuperfreakthe-policeXbox-360Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony reveals SingStar Viewer application for PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/sony-reveals-singstar-viewer-application-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/sony-reveals-singstar-viewer-application-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/sony-reveals-singstar-viewer-application-for-ps3/#comments Though SingStar may not possess the massive community base of Guitar Hero and Rock Band, Sony recently unveiled a PS3 application which offers a great deal of social networking capabilities to the karaoke game's players. Titled SingStar Viewer, the app (which appears under the Games folder of the XMB) allows users to browse and purchase songs from the SingStore, as well as view and vote on videos, photos and profiles uploaded by members of the MySingStarOnline community. This impressive functionality is totally free, and accessible even when the SingStar disc is absent from the PS3's drive.

The PlayStation.Blog post, which announced the software, didn't give a firm release date for the app, but suggested you "check the PlayStation Store over the coming weeks." Check out the video after the jump to get a brief demo of the services offered by the application. Then wonder if you're confident enough in your karaoke chops to place videos of you and your friends singing in front of the cruel, cruel internet.

Continue reading Sony reveals SingStar Viewer application for PS3

JoystiqSony reveals SingStar Viewer application for PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitykaraokelondon-studiomysingstaronlinerhythmsingstarsingstar-viewersingstoreTue, 15 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SingStar developers working to fix bugs introduced in latest patch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/singstar-developers-working-to-fix-bugs-introduced-in-latest-pat/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/singstar-developers-working-to-fix-bugs-introduced-in-latest-pat/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/singstar-developers-working-to-fix-bugs-introduced-in-latest-pat/#comments Dave Ranyard, the Game Director for SingStar, recently announced a fairly huge patch for the karaoke-infused rhythm title on the European PlayStation Blog. See, it would have to pretty large in order to completely encompass the game's previous patch, which apparently broke a lot of things.

The game's last patch, software update 4.20, is apparently capable of deleting purchased songs off the system's hard drive, crashing the game in the middle of those songs or generally corrupting your media files. Fortunately, SingStar v4.30 is currently undergoing QA testing, and is targeted for a December 1 release. Just in time for the holidays, SingStar owners will receive the gift of not having their stuff deleted any more. Or, as we like to call it, the gift that keeps on giving.

JoystiqSingStar developers working to fix bugs introduced in latest patch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>karaokelondon-studiopatchrhythmsingstarsonyFri, 13 Nov 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB: Sing about urine and unprotected sex in SingStar Latino]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/05/esrb-sing-about-urine-and-unprotected-sex-in-singstar-latino/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/05/esrb-sing-about-urine-and-unprotected-sex-in-singstar-latino/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/05/esrb-sing-about-urine-and-unprotected-sex-in-singstar-latino/#comments
Looks like Sony is expanding its SingStar library once again with SingStar Latino, an upcoming Spanish-language karaoke collection for PS2 and PS3. The ESRB description reads like a Harlequin novel at times, referencing "tight pants, bikini tops, bra-like tops, shirts/dresses that expose deep cleavage" and even more scandalous -- "touching breasts and crotch, grinding and gyrating hips." Is it getting warm in here?

The ESRB also highlights some lyrics that are simply bizarre when taken out of context. One song seemingly encourages unprotected sex, according to the ESRB's translations: "Y no me hables de sexo seguro" [And don't talk to me about safe sex.] The full song -- Chenoa's "Cuando tu vas" -- is about love over sex.

As for this lyric? "Mi agüita amarilla...Mo ja las ca lles...Y la empie zo a mear." [My little yellow water...It wets the streets...And I start to pee.] We can't even fathom how to explain that one. Watch both music videos after the break.

Continue reading ESRB: Sing about urine and unprotected sex in SingStar Latino

JoystiqESRB: Sing about urine and unprotected sex in SingStar Latino originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chenoaesrbkaraokesingstarsingstar-latinoSat, 05 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[US SingStore adds Blondie, individual Coldplay tracks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/us-singstore-adds-blondie-individual-coldplay-tracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/us-singstore-adds-blondie-individual-coldplay-tracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/us-singstore-adds-blondie-individual-coldplay-tracks/#comments
Brace your faces, karaoke fans -- SingStar's US store has added even more content to help you sing the night away. This week the US SingStore has added a Blondie song pack comprised of five hits from the 70s-80s phenom as well as individual Coldplay tracks, originally released together as a package a few months ago.

The store is also adding a few international flavors with tracks from (the awesome) Los Delinquentes with fellow Spanish star Bebe and Portugal's ironically named (because he's totally not a giant) Sir Giant. Full track listing can be found after the break.

Continue reading US SingStore adds Blondie, individual Coldplay tracks

JoystiqUS SingStore adds Blondie, individual Coldplay tracks originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blondiecoldplaydlcdownloadable-contentkaraokelos-delinquentesmusicplaystation-networkpsnsingstarsingstoresongsMon, 31 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft belts out Lips: Number One Hits October 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/microsoft-belts-out-lips-number-one-hits-october-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/microsoft-belts-out-lips-number-one-hits-october-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/microsoft-belts-out-lips-number-one-hits-october-20/#comments If you've been sick to death of having to walk or drive down to the local bar for your karaoke fix every Thursday night, know that Microsoft is prepping its next installment in living room embarrassment for October 20: Lips: Number One Hits. The title features acts such as Lady Gaga and the illustrious Tears for Fears, but also doles out the Avatar rewards to players who can hit the high notes. Nothing ties an Avatar's outfit together like a pair of parachute pants. Don't act like you wouldn't wear 'em!

JoystiqMicrosoft belts out Lips: Number One Hits October 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>karaokelipslips-number-one-hitsmusicrhythmMon, 17 Aug 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Karaoke Revolution gets a tune-up for PS3, 360, Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/karaoke-revolution-gets-a-tune-up-for-ps3-360-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/karaoke-revolution-gets-a-tune-up-for-ps3-360-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/karaoke-revolution-gets-a-tune-up-for-ps3-360-wii/#comments
click to enlarge
Are you ready to put your lips to work and sing like a star? Are you ready to kill us for that horrible introduction? We only ask that you read the rest of this post first. It may (or may not) satisfy your urge to commit murder. Plus, if you killed us, the only singing you'd be doing would be as a jailbird.

Developed by Blitz Games and simply titled Karaoke Revolution, the new PS3, 360 and Wii entry in the series is proof Konami has been paying attention to its competition. The game will launch with 50 master recordings on-disc, a deeper character creator than series vets are used to, customizable venues and the inclusion of original music videos for each song. Song and customization item DLC is planned (any doubt it wouldn't be?) but specifics aren't being discussed just yet -- apart from the fact that Wii won't be getting any of it.

A party-centric playlist and drop-in/drop-out duet mode reminiscent of Lips are also planned to compliment PS3- and 360-only online play. All three versions will likely benefit from promised improvements in pitch and rhythm detection; hopefully it doesn't turn out to be like Lips in its pre-patch state. Look for this series reboot to hit this fall.

Gallery: Karaoke Revolution (PS3/360/Wii)


JoystiqKaraoke Revolution gets a tune-up for PS3, 360, Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>karaokekaraoke-revolutionkonamikonami-gamers-night-2009MicrosoftwiiXbox-360Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Keep your JoySound to yourself with new microphone peripheral]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/keep-your-joysound-to-yourself-with-new-microphone-peripheral/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/keep-your-joysound-to-yourself-with-new-microphone-peripheral/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/keep-your-joysound-to-yourself-with-new-microphone-peripheral/#commentsKaraoke JoySound Wii allows Japanese Wii owners to bring the karaoke experience home, with a full music subscription service. The only problem with bringing that experience home is that Japanese apartments tend to be tiny and thin-walled.

Japan Trust Technology has solved that issue for late-night crooners with the Mute Mic USB. This specially-designed microphone includes a plastic cup that fits over players' mouths, muting the atonal, drunken screeches that would normally issue forth throughout the apartment building. As an added "bonus," it looks unidentifiably disgusting both in use and on its own, like some kind of medical device you wouldn't want to have to explain.

[Via GAME Watch]

JoystiqKeep your JoySound to yourself with new microphone peripheral originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hudsonjttkaraokekaraoke-joysound-wiimicrophonemute-mic-usbMon, 16 Mar 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Do Re Me Fa So La Oh No ... Activision trademarking 'Sing Hero']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/do-re-me-fa-so-la-oh-no-activision-trademarking-sing-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/do-re-me-fa-so-la-oh-no-activision-trademarking-sing-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/do-re-me-fa-so-la-oh-no-activision-trademarking-sing-hero/#comments
Activision Blizzard has apparently filed an application to trademark Sing Hero with the US Patent and Trademark Office. IGN speculates that this could be the company's foray into the karaoke market, in an attempt to take on the lord high diva: Sony's SingStar.

Considering how much practice Actilizzard has had with licensing music for Guitar Hero -- and how much potential there is to exploit the franchise -- a pure karaoke game sounds perfectly possible. As the depressing lack of "Drum Villain" constantly reminds us, however, a trademark filing doesn't necessarily guarantee the game's eventual arrival.

[Via IGN]

JoystiqDo Re Me Fa So La Oh No ... Activision trademarking 'Sing Hero' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardexploitguitar-herokaraokemusicrhythmsing-herotrademarkWed, 11 Mar 2009 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Karaoke JoyTrailer Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/karaoke-joytrailer-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/karaoke-joytrailer-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/karaoke-joytrailer-wii/#commentsFiled under: ,


Hudson is on a roll when it comes to super-upbeat game trailers! This trailer for the simple, yet awesome, Karaoke Joysound Wii makes us really hope that rumor about an American release turns out to be true. Not that the Wii particularly needs any more killer apps, but we think Karaoke Joysound Wii could turn out to be very popular. We'll see when it comes out in Japan on the 18th.

It's a pretty simple idea, really: just a karaoke program on the Wii, with the ability to add vocal effects like echo and to use the mic as a tambourine. But it's got a super-cute look (that looks so much like Rodney Alan Greenblat's work, but is labeled as Dice-K Jackson) and the ideal DLC structure for a karaoke game. For 300 Wii Points, users get one day of unlimited downloads; 500, 1,000, and 2,000 Points buy three days, 30 days, and 90 days, respectively. Though we can't imagine buying 90 days' worth of unlimited access to a karaoke catalog unless we partied all the time, the 300 Point deal is killer for get-togethers.

JoystiqKaraoke JoyTrailer Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hudsonkaraokekaraoke-joysound-wiimusicFri, 12 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview -- Lips (Xbox 360)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/metareview-lips-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/metareview-lips-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/metareview-lips-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , ,


For big kids, karaoke is dependent on friends, good track lists and alcohol. Remove any one of those elements - especially the alcohol - and there's probably going to be a problem. So, it's not unexpected when potentially sober and lonely video game reviewers get their hands on Lips, it's going to result in some scattered scores. Given Europe's long-standing history with SingStar, it's really not surprising to see Eurogamer's writeup on Lips being less a review and more a comparison between the two franchises.
  • Videogamer (80/100): "It's the only game of its type on the 360, it's got brilliant microphones and it at least tries to allow you to expand the potential track-list to infinity. If you like karaoke, and you have friends or family that like karaoke, it's a damn sight better in-law entertainment option than charades this Christmas, and for that we should be eternally grateful"
  • Kikizo (80/100): "While the ability to sing to your own music collection has its problems, overall Lips is absolutely brilliant fun, as well suited to a Saturday morning with the kids as it is a late return from the pub. In the end, that's what this kind of game should be about, and as a rival to SingStar, Lips can happily call itself equal. "
  • Gamespot (65/100): "The wireless microphones are convenient and innovative, and they make it difficult to go back to corded models afterwards. The song selection is also excellent, with 40 songs that are varied in style but united in anthemic quality. That said, the game's lack of camera support, vocal playback, and simple online functionality disappoint, especially given their proven success in Sony's SingStar series. Even worse, the nonexistent difficulty level means this is a game with practically no appeal for single players, aside from those who want to collect the easy achievement points."
  • Eurogamer (50/100): "But the saddest thing about Lips is that it suffers in comparison to SingStar's gameplay. We've long moaned about legacy issues with SingStar - that it can't cope with vibrato, punishes you for tailing off at the right time, and has a bit of lag in audio playback - but despite Lips' fancy mics and superficial improvements, it's too easy, too isolated from other players, and too buggy. The irony is that SingStar has glitches as well, now and then, and casual gamers seem to put up with this, whereas Microsoft - architect of the Red Rings - has little goodwill left to cash in on that front. Casual or not, though, you should only buy this if you can't get SingStar."

JoystiqMetareview -- Lips (Xbox 360) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualkaraokelipsmicrosoftXbox-360Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Lips coming to Xbox 360 this November, song list revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/lips-coming-to-xbox-360-this-november-song-list-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/lips-coming-to-xbox-360-this-november-song-list-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/lips-coming-to-xbox-360-this-november-song-list-revealed/#commentsFiled under: ,


Why Microsoft went silent about its upcoming karaoke game, Lips, is beyond us. But thankfully, the curtain has been pushed aside, and MGS is ready to start hyping the Xbox 360's answer to SingStar. With developer iNiS at the helm (Elite Beat Agents, Gitaroo-Man), we knew to expect something more than just a karaoke game. By integrating a few new ideas and Wii-styled gyroscopic microphones into the mix, iNiS hopes to create a fun party experience that anyone can enjoy -- no singing required.

Accessibility is at the heart of this brand new music game. Not everyone in a party is confident (or drunk) enough to show off their singing prowess. Not a problem in Lips. Developer iNiS has added a number of other things for anyone to do while a song is playing. Instead of grabbing the mic, you can grab a controller and start pressing buttons to activate a variety of "noisemakers." Four controllers can be used, in addition to the two wireless microphones. If you're is feeling a bit more theatrical, you can grab the microphone and shake it like a tambourine. You can move your body and perform the gestures that appear on screen. And finally, if you're ready to sing, you can start belting it out.

Continuing the theme of accessibility, there's only one difficulty to be found in Lips. The vocal engine that's in place is supposedly much more forgiving than competing singing games. That means even those that aren't the strongest of singers can feel encouraged to play. Players can also jump into duets at any time: a simple shake of the wireless microphone will activate two-player mode instantly -- no need to pause the game or exit to a menu.

Continue reading Lips coming to Xbox 360 this November, song list revealed

JoystiqLips coming to Xbox 360 this November, song list revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iniskaraokelipsxbox-360Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Karaoke Joysound Wii leaving Japan?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/karaoke-joysound-wii-leaving-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/karaoke-joysound-wii-leaving-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/karaoke-joysound-wii-leaving-japan/#commentsFiled under: ,


We're fascinated by Karaoke Joysound Wii, Hudson's karaoke program that allows players to turn their Wiis into karaoke machines and download selections from a massive library of songs for a 300 yen fee (for one day of unlimited downloading). But we believed that it was going to stay in Japan, for various reasons including the greater popularity of private karaoke in Japan, the reliance on a massive licensing deal that Hudson USA doesn't have, and the fact that Hudson said so.

But 4cr's Keito reported in her hands-on preview of the game that "The game is going to be released in Japan on December 18th, and then in both the USA and Europe in 2009." Could Hudson be working on a deal with an American music publisher? If so, we may have $3 karaoke parties soon.

JoystiqKaraoke Joysound Wii leaving Japan? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hudsonkaraokekaraoke-joysound-wiimusictgs-2008tgs08Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Karaoke Joysound Wii dated in Japan, where it will probably stay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/karaoke-joysound-wii-dated-in-japan-where-it-will-probably-stay/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/karaoke-joysound-wii-dated-in-japan-where-it-will-probably-stay/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/karaoke-joysound-wii-dated-in-japan-where-it-will-probably-stay/#commentsFiled under: ,

While we completely freak over the news that Alien Crush Returns will be coming Stateside soon, take a brief second to remember Karaoke Joysound Wii. A few months ago, Hudson's Mike Pepe stated that two games from Alien Crush Returns, My Aquarium, and Karaoke Joysound Wii would be localized. With the first two now confirmed for North America, that means (as expected) that the karaoke game will be staying in Japan.

The silver lining: if you're feeling adventurous and refuse to let such obstacles prevent you from warbling to J-pop, you can always get your import on -- Hudson just gave the game a release date of December 11th in its homeland.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqKaraoke Joysound Wii dated in Japan, where it will probably stay originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hudsonjapanjoysoundkaraokemusicThu, 28 Aug 2008 20:17:00 EST<![CDATA[SingStar Volume 2 heading to North America in October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/singstar-volume-2-heading-to-north-america-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/singstar-volume-2-heading-to-north-america-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/singstar-volume-2-heading-to-north-america-in-october/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Recently released in Europe and Australia, SingStar Vol. 2 will take the stage in North America sometime in October, no doubt letting armchair harmonizers looking for the next in Sony's karaoke series breathe a sigh of relief -- preferably not directly into the mic.

This latest expansion will add 30 new sing-along tracks, as well as support for Trophies, presumably used to club off-tune rockers over the head for butchering radio favorites. However, given the advent of the SingStore, the need for regular discs seems trivial, especially once our arms tire from all that disc swapping. Plus, we'd rather cherry pick songs we know we'll like rather than buy in bulk and hope for the best. That's just how we roll.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqSingStar Volume 2 heading to North America in October originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>karaokelondon-studiolondongstudionorth-americanorthamericaPS3singstarsonystingstoretrophiesFri, 22 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: Over 2.2m SingStar downloads, Disney version coming to PS2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/gc-2008-over-2-2m-singstar-downloads-disney-version-coming-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/gc-2008-over-2-2m-singstar-downloads-disney-version-coming-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/gc-2008-over-2-2m-singstar-downloads-disney-version-coming-to/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sony announced today at the Leipzig Games Convention 2008 that over 2.2 million SingStar songs have been downloaded via the aptly titled SingStore, which launched less than a year ago. Additionally, the company also unveiled SingStar Singalong with Disney for PlayStation 2, which as you might have guessed is a collection of Disney songs you can sing along to. Singalong with Disney is coming this Fall "exclusively for PAL territories." And hey, don't forget it'll be compatible with SingStar PS3.

Source - SingStar Singalong With Disney on PlayStation 2
Source - Over 2.2m songs downloaded via SingStore

JoystiqGC 2008: Over 2.2m SingStar downloads, Disney version coming to PS2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneykaraokeLeipzig-08PS3SCEESingStarSingStar-Singalong-with-DisneySony-Computer-Entertainment-EuropeWed, 20 Aug 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Xbox 360's 'Lips' microphone, box art leaked]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/first-shots-of-xbox-360s-lips-microphone-box-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/first-shots-of-xbox-360s-lips-microphone-box-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/first-shots-of-xbox-360s-lips-microphone-box-art/#commentsFiled under: ,

No sooner does Variety all-but-confirm that Microsoft's somewhat mysterious Lips karaoke project will be shown at E3 then Gamekyo gets their hands on some apparent promotional shots of the game's wireless microphones (above) and box art. No screenshots of the gameplay yet, but the photo dump does include two pictures of people standing around with microphones near their mouths (you know, in case you were wondering what karaoke looked like).

Actually, these singing shots do show one interesting feature: the "lights on the shaft of the microphone that pulse to the rhythm of your voice," that were hinted at in last month's leaked Intellivoice Intellisponse survey. According to the pictures, this feature takes the form of two rings of light near the base and tip of the microphone, bathing the singers' hands in an ethereal blue or red glow. We'll let you know if the feature comes off as trippy or tacky when we inevitably get some hands-on time with the game next week.

[Update: Corrected the name of the Intellisponse survey. Not to be confused with Intellivoice. Whoops!]

JoystiqRumor: Xbox 360's 'Lips' microphone, box art leaked originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewskaraokelipsmicrophonemicrosoftXbox-360Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Variety: Microsoft to show 'singing game' at E3 (read: Lips)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/variety-microsoft-to-show-singing-game-at-e3-read-lips/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/variety-microsoft-to-show-singing-game-at-e3-read-lips/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/variety-microsoft-to-show-singing-game-at-e3-read-lips/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We've got more rumors about next week's E3 announcements, but this one seems a bit more plausible. Variety reports that "somebody involved in promoting it" has revealed to the outlet that Microsoft will be showing off a brand new music/singing game. Our first instinct is to scream "Lips!" (naturally, using our lips in the process), the leaked karaoke game that Elite Beat Agents developer iNiS may or may not be working on.

We've got our ears to ground and our noses to the grindstone between now and Microsoft's Monday press conference.

JoystiqVariety: Microsoft to show 'singing game' at E3 (read: Lips) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3E3-2008INISKaraokeLipsXbox-360Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: First pics of "Lips"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/rumor-first-pics-of-lips/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/rumor-first-pics-of-lips/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/rumor-first-pics-of-lips/#commentsFiled under:


They've become so common with Microsoft that pre-E3 rumors and leaks are often thought to be absolute fact. While most of the other rumors about Lips had some sort of thread tying them to Microsoft, this one seemed to just come out of left field. From over at Gamekyo come not only the pics, but also the confirmation that the developer of the game is iNiS, the devs behind Elite Beat Agents. But honestly, no matter the pedigree of the rumored developer, this looks so cheesy that we actually kinda don't want it to be real. The mics do look good, but if this is accurate they really need to change the art. Ugh.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqRumor: First pics of "Lips" originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e308karaokelipsmicrosoftrumorFri, 11 Jul 2008 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Elite Beat-dev iNiS developing Xbox 360's 'Lips' karaoke game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/rumor-elite-beat-dev-inis-developing-xbox-360s-lips-karaoke/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/rumor-elite-beat-dev-inis-developing-xbox-360s-lips-karaoke/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/rumor-elite-beat-dev-inis-developing-xbox-360s-lips-karaoke/#commentsFiled under:


While the thread on this rumor is pretty thin, we wanted to share it with you anyways, being clear about its origins. After yesterday's rumor-splosion gave us some more potentially accurate info on Lips - the Xbox 360's answer to PS3's SingStar - we received an unverified tip which appeared to originate from within Microsoft, which told us that the Microsoft Game Studios-published title was being developed by iNiS, the Japanese dev best known for its Elite Beat Agents and Ouendan Nintendo DS games.

So, to recap: Microsoft is working on a karaoke game codenamed "Lips" - that's a rumor. The developer working on the game is iNiS - also a rumor. That iNiS has a long history of making music and rhythm games and that it's co-founder Keiichi Yano confirmed that the developer was in fact working on an unnamed Xbox 360 game - those are both facts. We'll (hopefully) put the rest of the puzzle together four weeks from today when Microsoft holds their E3 press conference. If you've got any more information, we're all ears about Lips.

JoystiqRumor: Elite Beat-dev iNiS developing Xbox 360's 'Lips' karaoke game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iNiSkaraokeLipsMicrosoft-Game-StudiosRumorXbox-360Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Survey: 'Lips' is Xbox 360 karaoke with wireless mics, store, DIY tracks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/survey-lips-is-xbox-360-karaoke-with-wireless-mics-store-di/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/survey-lips-is-xbox-360-karaoke-with-wireless-mics-store-di/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/survey-lips-is-xbox-360-karaoke-with-wireless-mics-store-di/#commentsFiled under:

Sounds like rumors pointing to the Microsoft's leaked "Lips" project were only half-right: according to the very same survey that gave us such hits as Microsoft's Xbox 360 "avatar" service, Lips is a "music and singing game" featuring not only two wireless microphones (that's the hardware part) but also thirty tracks, an online store, and "the ability to use and sing your own music." If this sounds like Xbox's answer to Singstar then, well ... your hearing is pretty good.

In order to take things to the next level, the Xbox crew has added a couple distinguishing features. First: the Lips microphones will be "interactive" with "lights on the shaft of the microphone that pulse to the rhythm of your voice, and motion sensors that allow you to dance, move or swing to score points." Second: you can use songs from a CD (how do you get them into the game?) or from an iPod - apparently the game will magically "reduce the vocals so you can sing along and be heard." Don't know the lyrics by heart? You can add those in as well.

As Microsoft continues to focus on the mainstream consumer, a karaoke game is a natural fit. Expect to hear more about Lips (like maybe a real title!) at E3 next month.

JoystiqSurvey: 'Lips' is Xbox 360 karaoke with wireless mics, store, DIY tracks originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewskaraokeLipsMicrosoftXbox-360Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Boogie sequel confirmed?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/boogie-sequel-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/boogie-sequel-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/boogie-sequel-confirmed/#commentsFiled under:


EB Games' site has a rather interesting listing up. It's for Boogie Superstar, which we can only assume is a sequel for EA's Boogie game (you think, Wii Fanboy?). Uh, did Boogie do well enough to justify a sequel? Also, will this supposed new sequel utilize the Balance Board, as rumored?

Despite some lukewarm reviews and an overall failure at retail, it would seem that EA is not giving up on their rhythm-based franchise. Let's just hope that this time around, it will require more than a babbling baby's effort to actually succeed.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqBoogie sequel confirmed? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 May 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boogieboogie-superstareaebgamesgamestopkaraokemusicrhythmFri, 02 May 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Band Brothers DX: Now with 100+ downloadable jams]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/band-brothers-dx-now-with-100-downloadable-jams/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/band-brothers-dx-now-with-100-downloadable-jams/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/band-brothers-dx-now-with-100-downloadable-jams/#commentsFiled under:

After Daigasso! Band Brothers' release in Japan over three years ago and its subsequent expansion pack, it's time that Nintendo of America follow through with its Jam With the Band plans and bring the rhythm game to the US. Perhaps with this new entry to the series, Band Brothers DX, stateside gamers will finally trade licks with the series' curvy mascot, Barbara the Bat, outside of Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Japanese magazine Famitsu revealed the sequel in this week's issue, detailing plenty of additions to the original's offerings: 30 classical/J-pop tracks, 50+ playable instruments (including an NES/Famicom?!), a guitar which you can strum via touchscreen, and a new "Karaoke Bar" mode. Interestingly, according to initial translations, DX will only allow for six players in its multiplayer jam sessions, two players less than what the first Band Brothers supported.

As for its online features, DX will also have over 100 downloadable songs for players to add to the included tracklist. We're assuming that this is for-real downloadable content and not faux downloadable content, as seen with Professor Layton and the Curious Village, but you never know! Band Brothers DX is scheduled to ship in Japan this June 26th. We'll let you know if we hear anything about a US release!

Bring your axe and pick past the post break for the scanned Famitsu pages.

Continue reading Band Brothers DX: Now with 100+ downloadable jams

JoystiqBand Brothers DX: Now with 100+ downloadable jams originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>band-brothersdownloadable-contentfamitsuguitarjam-with-the-bandkarakoekaraokemusicrhythmscanWed, 09 Apr 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Karaoke Joysound Wii: thousands of downloadable songs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/karaoke-joysound-wii-thousands-of-downloadable-songs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/karaoke-joysound-wii-thousands-of-downloadable-songs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/karaoke-joysound-wii-thousands-of-downloadable-songs/#commentsFiled under: ,


During Hudson's WiiWare event, the company also revealed new details about Karaoke JoySound Wii, which is actually a hybrid WiiWare/retail release. The singing game, designed to provide a karaoke-club experience at home, will come in two versions: a retail package with a microphone, and a downloadable version that requires separate mics.

Rather than pay-per-song DLC, Joysound actually uses a subscription model that provides access to Xing's existing Joysound library of 20,000 songs, with 1,000 new songs added every month. Hudson plans to release Karaoke Joysound Wii this summer in Japan. Since it relies so heavily on an existing collection of Japanese karaoke songs, an American release doesn't seem likely.

JoystiqKaraoke Joysound Wii: thousands of downloadable songs originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hudsonjoysoundkaraokemusicSat, 29 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Overheard@GDC: Karaoke-palooza]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/overheard-gdc-karaoke-palooza/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/overheard-gdc-karaoke-palooza/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/overheard-gdc-karaoke-palooza/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Unidentified man posing just after singing the second verse of Divinyls' "I touch myself" on Singstar the Sony press lounge. He was the first of many to embarrass show off his vocal skills. Actually, he was one of three to do so, just before it was halted for the Buzz! Charity post. Shine on you crazy diamond.

JoystiqOverheard@GDC: Karaoke-palooza originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc08karaokePS3singstarsonyThu, 21 Feb 2008 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SingStar '90s makes us feel old]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/singstar-90s-makes-us-feel-old/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/singstar-90s-makes-us-feel-old/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/singstar-90s-makes-us-feel-old/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As if VH1's I Love the '90s and The Simpsons' recent '90s-stalgia episode weren't bad enough, Sony is helping us feel incredibly old with the announcement of Singstar '90s. The new karaoke collection, which goes on sales March 12 for the PS2, features Boyz 2 Men, New Kids on the Block, Spin Doctors and other artists that were popular in a decade that only ended eight years ago for goodness sakes.

Speaking of old age, we've been approaching it rapidly as we wait for the oft-delayed PS3 edition of Singstar, which an IGN interview reveals is now set for a May release in the U.S. That same interview also reveals the existence of Singstar Pop, Vol. 2, also coming in May for the PS2. We just hope our new dentures don't adversely affect our singing voices by then.

JoystiqSingStar '90s makes us feel old originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>'90skaraokenostalgiaoldpoppre-stalgiaPS2PS3singstarMon, 04 Feb 2008 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[High School Musical: Save Twenty Bucks On It!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/high-school-musical-save-twenty-bucks-on-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/high-school-musical-save-twenty-bucks-on-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/high-school-musical-save-twenty-bucks-on-it/#commentsFiled under: ,

Not being familiar with the High School Musical movies, characters, or songs, we aren't sure if High School Musical: Sing It! has the wide appeal required to be a good party karaoke title. However, if you're a fan and have yet to pick up the Wii game (for some reason), then today's Amazon Deal of the Day is for you. That is, if you love karaoke and don't care what you're singing.

The online retailer has dropped the game's price to $29.99 for today only. If you've got a Boogie microphone or other Wii-compatible USB mic, you're good to go. If you don't, you may be stuck paying the same price for the separate components that you would for the bundle. So, really, this Deal of the Day is big news for a very specific audience: super karaoke fans (who either have Boogie or are planning to buy American Idol or another mic game) who also love High School Musical. Or people who can find a cheap used Wii mic.

JoystiqHigh School Musical: Save Twenty Bucks On It! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondisneyhighschoolmusicalkaraokeWed, 23 Jan 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nega-review: Rock Band]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/nega-review-rock-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/nega-review-rock-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/nega-review-rock-band/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



"If you're looking for another game to whittle away the hours perfecting guitar parts by yourself, Rock Band likely won't live up to your expectations." (2) "Rock Band's singing and guitar campaigns aren't as developed ... as standalone games like SingStar or Guitar Hero." (8) The game "isn't great if you're playing by yourself. ... it's not nearly as compelling going through songs with a single instrument." (3) "There just isn't as big of a sense of accomplishment as you climb the ranks without all the little animations and feedback you got on Guitar Hero 3." (5) Yes, "the Solo Tours lack the animations and story elements of Guitar Hero's solo campaign, which make them slightly less interesting to play by yourself." (8) "Expect more than a few awkward silences if you're by yourself." (3) "Guitar Hero is better if you're playing alone." (5)

"The actual online play, honestly, isn't quite as crucial a component as you'd think." (3) "One omission is online cooperative play." (7) "For the full co-op career mode, you have to play offline. That's disappointing." (9) Yup, "you can't do co-op career online - a major disappointment." (1) That's right, "the Band World Tour mode is not available online, and that's a shame." (5) What's more, "you may hear some out-of-sync bleed through the headset ... and the singer's signal won't be transmitted due to lag: the other players will hear the pre-recorded vocal track." (1)

Continue reading Nega-review: Rock Band

JoystiqNega-review: Rock Band originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drumsEAElectronic-ArtsguitarharmonixkaraokeMTVnegareviewPS2PS3rock-bandXbox-360Tue, 20 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Slew of new titles announced for Wii Ware]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/slew-of-new-titles-announced-for-wii-ware/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/slew-of-new-titles-announced-for-wii-ware/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/slew-of-new-titles-announced-for-wii-ware/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Though its potential can't be denied, Nintendo's Wii Ware channel, an upcoming download service for new Wii games, didn't impress us much with the seemingly low-budget titles announced for it so far. Nintendo amended that worriment today at its Tokyo conference by revealing a lineup of impressive projects in progress, turning our "Excitement Level" knob to eleven, one measure greater than what we previously thought the mechanism allowed.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Little King and the Promised Land (1500 Wii Points, March), a "country-building sim," stands out from the bunch, promising an exclusive side story which takes place after the original GameCube game. This marks the fourth entry to the series and the second Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles title announced for the Wii. Square Enix has already made a teaser site for you to load up and immediately close once you've realized that there's almost nothing there yet.

Hudson, having kept things on and poppin' on the Virtual Console side for some time now, demonstrated its commitment to the new service by announcing new games like Bomberman, Star Soldier R, and Joysound, the last of which will be a karaoke title. Namco Bandai also chimed in with Mojipittan, a Japanese word puzzle game.

As for Nintendo's contributions to the Wii Ware channel, the company announced Dr. Mario (!!!), Pokemon Farm, Puzzloop for Everyone, and Maruboushikaku, all of which appearing to have some form of Mii integration. You can preview screenshots for those titles at the Famitsu links below.

Read - FFCC: The Little King and the Promised Land teaser site
Read - FFCC: The Little King and the Promised Land screenshots
Read - Star Soldier R screenshots
Read - Mojipittan screenshots
Read - Dr. Mario, Pokemon Farm, Puzzloop for Everyone, and Maruboushikaku screenshots

JoystiqSlew of new titles announced for Wii Ware originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Oct 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArikabombermanDr-MarioDr-Mario-Online-Rxffccfinal-fantasy-crystal-chronicleshudsonjoysoundkaraokemaruboushikakunamco-bandaiNintendopokemon-farmpuzzlepuzzlooppuzzloop-for-everyoneshmupshoot-em-upsquare-enixstar-soldierstar-soldier-rthe-little-king-and-the-promised-landwii-wareWiiWareWed, 10 Oct 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Mii Audition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/09/wii-warm-up-mii-audition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/09/wii-warm-up-mii-audition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/09/wii-warm-up-mii-audition/#commentsFiled under:

Not long ago, we posted about Nintendo's newest trademarks (in Japan), and today, we'd like to focus on one: Mii Audition. What could it be? We have a few (off-the-wall) ideas, and we'd like to hear yours as well. The first is an idea we've been kicking around for a while: the idea of a dedicated karaoke channel featuring performing Miis and downloadable songs. We just can't help but think this would be a blast, though the Wii's small hard drive may be a detriment. On the one hand, that could be a way to get people not interested in the Virtual Console to get into downloadable content. On the other hand, it could be a really good argument in favor of a hard drive, and with the increasing popularity of flash drives (we're even required to have them for college classes these days), the idea of an external hard drive may not be as complicated as some people make it out to be. But 512 mb isn't an unreasonable size for downloading enough songs for a decent karaoke mix; after all, the first iPod Shuffle was that size in the low end model, and it held over one hundred songs. So, say, twenty-five or so, priced at maybe two bucks per song? Seems reasonable. And the content available could be region-specific.

We'd love to see something like this. We're not the first people to line up to buy karaoke games, usually due to the selection of songs. But if we were allowed to choose songs that appealed to us? That's a whole new ballgame, and one that would really make us want to whip the Wii out to tempt even the most staunchly opposed nongamers.

But that's just us dreaming. Our second notion is probably much more likely: perhaps this could be an expanded form of Stage Debut, the application that was demoed every now and then, but never came to light. Stage Debut incorporated the GBA camera for face-mapping your likeness onto a character you could then personalize through a quiz. Replace the GBA camera and face-mapping portion of Stage Debut with your own Miis, but keep the other elements, which feature your character doing a bunch of random things. This has the benefit of being already designed and would need only to be adapted, and could even link in with the Check Mii Out/Mii Contest Channel.

Enough about our ideas -- what do you see coming with this intriguing trademark?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Mii Audition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Sep 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>karaokeMiiAuditionspeculationstagedebutSun, 09 Sep 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Sims + YouTube = The Sims On Stage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/05/the-sims-youtube-the-sims-on-stage/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/05/the-sims-youtube-the-sims-on-stage/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/05/the-sims-youtube-the-sims-on-stage/#commentsFiled under: , ,


As if there wasn't enough worthless gibberish on the internet already, EA has seen fit to stick the gobbledygook speaking Sims down one of the internet's most popular tubes, YouTube. The Sims On Stage is essentially a Sims-branded (you might say Sim-ian) YouTube, with the added dangers of karaoke, video poetry and of course, The Sims content. You can thank / blame EA's acquisition of SingShot Media back in February if you want.

Of the many make-your-own-video features the beta site offers, encouraging users to squeal their way through "thousands" of available karaoke songs and upload the recorded results is by far the most terrifying. EA's press release assures us that it's all for the sake of expressing "creativity," a term we feel may have been confused with one meaning "penchant for torturing complete strangers." It's a penchant we share, since we've embedded one of the first obnoxiously loud creations to be spawned by the site after the break.

Continue reading The Sims + YouTube = The Sims On Stage

JoystiqThe Sims + YouTube = The Sims On Stage originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 18:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsKaraokeMacPCTheSimsTheSimsOnStageWed, 05 Sep 2007 18:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your Boogie on, save it for posterity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/get-your-boogie-on-save-it-for-posterity/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/get-your-boogie-on-save-it-for-posterity/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/get-your-boogie-on-save-it-for-posterity/#commentsFiled under:



Boogie just looks like good, clean dancin' fun and we're really excited about giving it a try, particularly after seeing this new video of ... well, video! Specifically, the video-making function in the forthcoming EA title. Looks very easy to use, and the results are pretty spiffy. Seems that impressions from the Nintendo Media Summit were on target -- Boogie is ready to get down. Now if only we could speed ahead to August!

Continue reading Get your Boogie on, save it for posterity

JoystiqGet your Boogie on, save it for posterity originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienboogiedanceeaelectronic artsElectronicArtskaraokemusic videoMusicVideovideoWed, 27 Jun 2007 17:15:00 EST