Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Let's try Let's Tap's Free Style mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/30/lets-try-lets-taps-free-style-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/30/lets-try-lets-taps-free-style-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/30/lets-try-lets-taps-free-style-mode/#commentsA year after Let's Tap game's release, Sega has revealed the code to unlock the game's "Free Style" Mode, allowing you to manipulate the Wiimote any way you like instead of setting it down on a flat surface and tapping. Let's ... Shake? Swing? Throw? Wait -- not that last one.

Continue reading Let's try Let's Tap's Free Style mode

JoystiqLet's try Let's Tap's Free Style mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Oct 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codefree-style-modelets-tapnintendopropesegawiiSat, 30 Oct 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's tap on our iPhones to play Let's Tap on our iPhones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/lets-tap-on-our-iphones-to-play-lets-tap-on-our-iphones/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/lets-tap-on-our-iphones-to-play-lets-tap-on-our-iphones/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/lets-tap-on-our-iphones-to-play-lets-tap-on-our-iphones/#commentsIf you've got an iPhone -- and a really secure case to protect it -- you'll be able to play Prope's quirky Wii debut Let's Tap soon. Prope has started releasing individual games from the Wii collection, with the first, Let's Tap: Tap Runner, available on the App Store today for $4. Gem Game will follow on September 25 for .99, with Silent Blocks, Bubble Voyager, and Rhythm Tap coming after that.

In case you don't want to risk tapping your phone right off the table, the games offer a "touch" mode in which you can control them by tapping on the screen, or a "free" mode in which you can tap any part of the phone. Let's watch a trailer after the post break!

[Via GameSetWatch]

Continue reading Let's tap on our iPhones to play Let's Tap on our iPhones

JoystiqLet's tap on our iPhones to play Let's Tap on our iPhones originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleiPodlets-tapminigamespropesegaFri, 18 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Laser Floyd 2K9: Let's Tap used as music visualizer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/laser-floyd-2k9-lets-tap-used-as-music-visualizer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/laser-floyd-2k9-lets-tap-used-as-music-visualizer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/laser-floyd-2k9-lets-tap-used-as-music-visualizer/#commentsWe're actually kind of surprised we didn't put this together earlier. Let's Tap features a "visualizer" mode that translates your percussive taps to pretty, swirly effects on the screen. SquidTV's Rick Mears got the bright idea to set the Wiimote on top of a speaker, crank up some Pink Floyd (the go-to band for freaky visual effects), and let the movements of the speaker provide the tapping. See for yourself after the break.

The result, once it really gets going, is an impressive, abstract display that moves to the beat. And now that we think about it, this must have been Prope's intent all along, as a music visualizer makes so much more sense than ... just a visualizer. Of course, who are we to try to make sense of a game that requires you to keep the controller out of your hands?

Continue reading Laser Floyd 2K9: Let's Tap used as music visualizer

JoystiqLaser Floyd 2K9: Let's Tap used as music visualizer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tappink-floydpropesegavisualizerThu, 18 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Purchase Let's Tap at Best Buy and get an exclusive peripheral]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/purchase-lets-tap-at-best-buy-and-get-an-exclusive-peripheral/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/purchase-lets-tap-at-best-buy-and-get-an-exclusive-peripheral/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/purchase-lets-tap-at-best-buy-and-get-an-exclusive-peripheral/#commentsIn Japan, Let's Tap comes in a large cardboard box containing two smaller cardboard boxes for use as tapping surfaces. In Europe, Sega is releasing a similar set as a "limited edition." In North America, the game comes with no boxes except the standard white plastic Wii game case. You're forced to find your own cardboard box.

Giant Bomb discovered that, if you buy the game at Best Buy, you get an exclusive "tapping pad" inside, which, as it reveals in its unboxing video, is basically a thick sheet of paperboard -- or, if you prefer, one-sixth of a box. We've embedded the video after the break, so you can see their impressions of this small card.

[Via GameSetWatch]

Continue reading Purchase Let's Tap at Best Buy and get an exclusive peripheral

JoystiqPurchase Let's Tap at Best Buy and get an exclusive peripheral originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buylets-tappropesegaWed, 17 Jun 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: June 14-20, 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/now-playing-june-14-20-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/now-playing-june-14-20-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/now-playing-june-14-20-2009/#comments
Who you gonna call this week?

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: June 14-20, 2009

JoystiqNow Playing: June 14-20, 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSghostbustersguitar-hero-smash-hitslets-tapMicrosoftNintendonow-playingWiiXbox-360Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's Tap very carefully around these Silent Blocks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/lets-tap-very-carefully-around-these-silent-blocks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/lets-tap-very-carefully-around-these-silent-blocks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/lets-tap-very-carefully-around-these-silent-blocks/#commentsThe latest weekly installment of Sega's Let's Tap trailer series, visible after the break, highlights the "Silent Blocks" mode, which basically forces us to unlearn one of the most basic tenets of Jenga: stop hitting the table, you jerk. Normally, jostling the play surface would bring about a quick and rage-filled end to any "stack of blocks" game, but in Let's Tap it's how you play.

In the insane world of Let's Tap (a world where you play video games by not touching controllers), you'd be a jerk for refusing to tap on the table.

Continue reading Let's Tap very carefully around these Silent Blocks

JoystiqLet's Tap very carefully around these Silent Blocks originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 May 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tapminigamespropesegasilent-blocksFri, 22 May 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's watch the Let's Tap 'Rhythm Tap' mode ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/lets-watch-the-lets-tap-rhythm-tap-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/lets-watch-the-lets-tap-rhythm-tap-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/lets-watch-the-lets-tap-rhythm-tap-mode/#comments We're getting dangerously close to the mid-June release of Let's Tap and ... wait, did we say "dangerously?" We obviously meant "thankfully," because how can a game that only requires minor movement of the hands be dangerous? Now that we think about it, there is the possibility of receiving an offhand smack, should your opponents in the Rhythm Tap mode -- seen in this latest video -- wish to throw you off your game.

Surely though, with visuals this tranquil and the constant tap-tap-tapping of fingers on cardboard oh crap it's driving us mad already. On second thought, we are dangerously close to the game's release.

JoystiqLet's watch the Let's Tap 'Rhythm Tap' mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 May 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tappropesegavideoFri, 15 May 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's Tap to the finish line]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/08/lets-tap-to-the-finish-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/08/lets-tap-to-the-finish-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/08/lets-tap-to-the-finish-line/#commentsWith this trailer, Sega has managed to pull our attention away from the "Rhythm Tap" mode in Let's Tap just long enough to notice one of the other games. The "Tap Runner" mode here is unusual, and not just because you play it by slapping a flat surface. There really aren't that many side-scrolling platformer racing games these days, outside of this, Sonic Rivals and -- kind of -- Metro-Cross. And Metro-Cross is hardly from "these days."

Let's Tap's multiplayer racing looks like it could be enjoyable even if played by holding stuff. Like everything else in this game, the appeal is merely magnified by the novelty of being able to play without any stuff to hold.

JoystiqLet's Tap to the finish line originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 May 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tapminigamespropesegatap-runnerFri, 08 May 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's Tap along to a new trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/lets-tap-along-to-a-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/lets-tap-along-to-a-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/lets-tap-along-to-a-new-trailer/#comments We're quite excited that Let's Tap, Prope's "future tapping game," is in our immediate future (the next couple of months). Sega released a new trailer for the box-bopping game that presents Let's Tap as a family party game, much like a previous Japanese trailer did. This one adds visual "tap" effects that we wish could be real!

Let's Tap is a natural for "casual" players, since you don't even have to convince them to touch a controller. But its forward-thinking design and outstanding, unique aesthetic (not to mention the music) make it a lot more interesting to people like us than the average waggle minigame-fest. We approve, Sega, of marketing Let's Tap to the general audience. We also approve of the music in this trailer, even if it isn't the familiar theme.

JoystiqLet's Tap along to a new trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tapminigamespropesegaFri, 24 Apr 2009 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega to give away beautiful Let's Tap artwork from Yuji Naka]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/15/sega-to-give-away-beautiful-lets-tap-artwork-from-yuji-naka/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/15/sega-to-give-away-beautiful-lets-tap-artwork-from-yuji-naka/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/15/sega-to-give-away-beautiful-lets-tap-artwork-from-yuji-naka/#commentsToday, both Sega of America and Sega of Europe posted amazing Let's Tap artwork they received from Prope's Yuji Naka. Each branch received five pictures of the Tap Runner avatars, apparently hand-drawn by Naka. He even drew the logo on each one! The US office also got copies of the Let's Tap soundtrack and Tap Runner figurines.

Neither office has decided how it will give away the amazing swag yet, but we will let you know when they do. Right after we enter.

In other Let's Tap news, the European release, like the Japanese release, will include two big boxes -- as a "Limited Edition." We've contacted Sega of America about the stateside packaging. We need boxes!

JoystiqSega to give away beautiful Let's Tap artwork from Yuji Naka originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artworklets-tappropesegayuji-nakaWed, 15 Apr 2009 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[North Americans will drum along to original Let's Tap soundtrack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/north-americans-will-drum-along-to-original-lets-tap-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/north-americans-will-drum-along-to-original-lets-tap-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/north-americans-will-drum-along-to-original-lets-tap-soundtrack/#commentsWhile the concept was intriguing, what really drew our continued attention to Prope's Let's Tap was the promise of a free cardboard box the music. The super-bouncy, catchy soundtrack, most notably the theme song, makes us extremely happy that Prope decided to include a Taiko no Tatsujin-like music game among the lineup of minigames.

When Sega announced a North American release, we feared that it would record new music or license popular tunes for the Rhythm Tap mode -- even if we didn't think Sega would drop that kind of money, we maintained a low-level dread regarding the possibility. Luckily, Sega confirmed via its blog that Let's Tap will stay "true to the Japanese feel of the game" and include all of the Japanese tracks! That includes "Kung Fu Disco," which just happens to be embedded after the break.

Good call, Sega. It's good for us, and good for your budget.

Continue reading North Americans will drum along to original Let's Tap soundtrack

JoystiqNorth Americans will drum along to original Let's Tap soundtrack originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tapminigamesproperhythmsegaFri, 27 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq fingers-on: Let's Tap (Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/joystiq-fingers-on-lets-tap-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/joystiq-fingers-on-lets-tap-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/joystiq-fingers-on-lets-tap-wii/#comments
Let's Tap is certainly unique. As the world's first "controller-less" game it has already set itself apart from the myriad other minigame collections found on the Wii. As the first game from Yuji Naka's (Sonic series, Nights) new development company, Prope, Let's Tap will form expectations of the studio's future output. Based on what we saw, that means unique, experimental, yet ultimately shallow minigame collections.

Like we say, Let's Tap is "controller-less." That's not strictly true, however. You'll still need up to four wiimotes, depending on how many players are involved. The wiimotes are placed upside down on cardboard boxes, two of which are bundled with the game -- you're expected to provide the other two yourself. We're assuming you probably have quite a few empty tissue boxes lying around, so that should be no problem. Tapping on the box is the extent of the game's required input.

Sadly, the controls aren't perfect. Tapping works fine, there are no qualms there, but double tapping can take some time to get used to. That's all you'll be doing, even when navigating the menus. Single taps move through the menu options and double tap selects. It's quite frustrating to move through the twenty-odd options on screen, only to have the game register your double tap as a single, meaning you have to navigate through the entire screen again. Of course, you can always pick up the wiimote and point at the screen, but that sort of defeats the point, doesn't it?

Continue reading Joystiq fingers-on: Let's Tap (Wii)

JoystiqJoystiq fingers-on: Let's Tap (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tapNintendopropesegaWiiYuji-nakaThu, 19 Feb 2009 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Retailers date Let's Tap, Boom Blox Bash Party]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/retailers-date-lets-tap-boom-blox-bash-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/retailers-date-lets-tap-boom-blox-bash-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/retailers-date-lets-tap-boom-blox-bash-party/#commentsFiled under:

GameStop's online store has updated with listings for two newly-announced, and very exciting, Wii games: Boom Blox Bash Party and Let's Tap. According to the retailer, Bash Party will be out on May 19th for $49.99. Let's Tap is dated June 16th, and priced at just $29.99! At those rock bottom prices, we hope Sega can afford to include some cardboard boxes!

Amazon corroborates Let's Tap's date and price, but has no listing for Boom Blox Bash Party yet. But the first game came out in May of last year, suggesting that EA considers it a good month for Boom Blox games.

Source -- Boom Blox Bash Party
Source -- Let's Tap

JoystiqRetailers date Let's Tap, Boom Blox Bash Party originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboom-blox-bash-partyeagamestoplets-tappropesegaWed, 04 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega: Let's confirm Let's Tap for Europe, North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/sega-lets-confirm-lets-tap-for-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/sega-lets-confirm-lets-tap-for-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/sega-lets-confirm-lets-tap-for-europe/#comments
Let's consider, for a moment, the immense and stalwart dedication exhibited by one Jem Alexander, our man at an ongoing Sega event in a snow-encased London. Despite being in the magnificent company of games featuring a certain sword-wielding hedgehog, this blogger deliberately looked away from the screen (reminder: featuring a hedgehog wielding a sword!) to send us an important email from his iPhone. Which he briefly confused with his iPod Touch -- a notable hazard for those eccentric and loaded enough to own both. What's up with that, Jem?

Anyway, he says Sega's rhythmic finger bash, Let's Tap, has been announced for European release. With the party game's undoubtedly arduous localization confirmed, it probably won't take too long for Sega of America to drum up a press release of its own. We'll point out (and at) any updates as we receive them.

Update: Sega has confirmed a North American Summer release.

Gallery: Let's Tap

JoystiqSega: Let's confirm Let's Tap for Europe, North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 07:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Lets-TapMinigamesNintendoPropeRacingRhythmSegaWiiYuji-NakaTue, 03 Feb 2009 07:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's Tap on tap for North America this summer [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/rumor-lets-tap-on-tap-for-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/rumor-lets-tap-on-tap-for-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/rumor-lets-tap-on-tap-for-north-america/#commentsFiled under:

We don't think 61FPS's John Constantine would lie about Sega planning to release Let's Tap in North America, but, well, there hasn't been an announcement yet, so we're going to label this a rumor for now. Sega has previously shown definite interest in localizing the title, for what it's worth.

According to Constantine, Sega is indeed taking the risk and localizing Prope's bizarre minigame collection, which is controlled by tapping a box onto which a Wii Remote has been placed. The North American version will contain the same four modes found in Japan: Tap Runner, a multiplayer race across an obstacle course; Bubble Voyager, an abstract sidescrolling shooter; Silent Blocks, a tap-controlled Jenga-type game; Visualizer, which displays imagery that responds to your tapping; and Rhythm Tap, a rhythm game similar to Taiko Drum Master or Donkey Konga.

It may be another minigame collection on the Wii, but, well, we've been humming the theme music for months. Add the unique hands-off controls and the involvement of Yuji Naka, and we are thrilled to have a chance to play this. If this announcement is real.

Update: Sega sent out a press release confirming the game for this summer!

Gallery: Let's Tap


[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqLet's Tap on tap for North America this summer [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 02:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tapminigamesNintendoproperhythmsegaWiiTue, 03 Feb 2009 02:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega: 'Let's trademark an embarrassing title']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/sega-lets-trademark-an-embarrassing-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/sega-lets-trademark-an-embarrassing-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/sega-lets-trademark-an-embarrassing-title/#commentsFiled under:

Sega registered a trademark in November that seems to suggest that they'll continue publishing more "Let's" games from Prope -- and also that they're either very mischievous or totally oblivious. The company registered the name "Toy-Lets" for use in video games.

Toy-Lets.

Okay, it's a funny title. But what's even funnier is that Sega apparently plans to spend money to produce and distribute something under that name. We'd love to see how this could turn out to be a good decision. Of course, it wouldn't be the first use of the word "Toilet" in a game title: Media Vision's Toilet Kids for the PC Engine didn't even make a funny pun out of the word.

JoystiqSega: 'Let's trademark an embarrassing title' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tappropesegatoy-letsThu, 15 Jan 2009 10:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Will Sega tap out?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/wii-warm-up-will-sega-tap-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/wii-warm-up-will-sega-tap-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/wii-warm-up-will-sega-tap-out/#commentsFiled under:


An OFLC rating appeared last week for Sega/Prope's Let's Tap, indicating that Sega submitted the game to the Australian ratings board in preparation for a release in that region. This, of course, suggests that they're planning a worldwide release for Yuji Naka's innovative hands-off game.

We suspect, however, that the game was submitted for rating before the disastrous Japanese launch. Will Sega follow through on their plan to localize Let's Tap for other territories, now that it's already proven itself to be a bomb once? Or will they cut their losses? And would it be a terrible decision for Sega to try their luck outside of Japan?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Will Sega tap out? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-taplocalizationminigamespropesegaMon, 12 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's Tap down under]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/10/lets-tap-down-under/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/10/lets-tap-down-under/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/10/lets-tap-down-under/#commentsFiled under:


A rating for Yuji Naka's latest project, Let's Tap, has popped up on the OLFC and would appear to indicate the title is destined for an Aussie release. Seeing as how we haven't heard anything on a North American or European release, this is likely going to be good news to folks outside of Australia. If Sega plans to localize the game down under, there's a very good chance that those of us who are looking forward to tapping away with the quirky title will get a chance to.

JoystiqLet's Tap down under originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aussieaussiesaustralialets-taplocalizationminigamesozrhythmsegayuji-nakaSat, 10 Jan 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Yuji Naka talks Let's Tap, departure from Sega]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/yuji-naka-talks-lets-tap-departure-from-sega/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/yuji-naka-talks-lets-tap-departure-from-sega/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/yuji-naka-talks-lets-tap-departure-from-sega/#commentsFiled under: ,


Described as "thoughtful and driven" by his interviewer, Yuji Naka is a man inexorably linked to Sonic the Hedgehog -- well, back when that was the cool thing to have on your business card -- and now, the surprisingly fun Let's Tap. Speaking to Gamasutra's Brandon Sheffield during TGS 2008, Naka delved into the reasons for leaving his position at Sega for startup Prope (still backed by Sega).

"The game industry has a very short history behind it, and as a result, the more games you make, the further you work your way up the company ladder, until you become one of the heads of the whole outfit," he explained. "Once that happens, you start running out of time to actually make games." We can't really blame the man for wanting to make games, even though his realistic reasoning comes at the expense of the "hedgehogs with guns ARGH" tantrum we've always envisioned him throwing on his last day at the office.

As for the "Let's [Verb]" series, Naka hopes to continue it should Let's Tap and Let's Catch catch on. Shh, nobody tell him the bad news.

JoystiqYuji Naka talks Let's Tap, departure from Sega originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Lets-TapPropeSegaYuji-NakaMon, 29 Dec 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's Tap in different ways]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/lets-tap-in-different-ways/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/lets-tap-in-different-ways/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/lets-tap-in-different-ways/#commentsFiled under: ,



Since yesterday, people all over Japan have been tapping themselves into a joyful frenzy with Prope's Let's Tap. We shan't lie to you, reader: that hurts us.

But hey, while we play Let's Wait By The Phone For Sega To Call And Confirm A Localized Version, we may as well torture ourselves with another pair of videos. The footage above and after the jump mostly covers minigames we've already seen, but also demonstrates how success is not about just tapping, but tapping with different degrees of strength, and at certain speeds. We suppose this is what makes Let's Tap feel like a game.

On a totally separate note, how fantastic does that Visualizer mode (at 1:08) look?

Continue reading Let's Tap in different ways

JoystiqLet's Tap in different ways originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tapminigamesproperhythmsegaFri, 19 Dec 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's prepare to tap with new music]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/lets-prepare-to-tap-with-new-music/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/lets-prepare-to-tap-with-new-music/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/lets-prepare-to-tap-with-new-music/#commentsFiled under: ,


Some of you may disagree with our enjoyment of the Let's Tap soundtrack, but we're of the opinion that Prope's percussive minigame collection features music that even penguins could tap their feet to.

These Let's Tap "Rhythm Tap" mode videos are presented as "Rhythm Tap Training" on the website, because you can use them to practice for the actual game! You don't actually touch the Wiimote while playing the real thing, so you can basically play along by watching the video and tapping yourself. You'll just have to measure your own progress. Or you could just enjoy the song, "Milky Way Rendezvous."

The same area of the website in which you can find these videos (fifth link from the left in the top navigation bar) features new wallpaper of the various vizualizers from the game.


[Via Gamekyo]

JoystiqLet's prepare to tap with new music originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tapminigamesproperhythmsegaWed, 10 Dec 2008 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Everyone can tap, even you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/everyone-can-tap-even-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/everyone-can-tap-even-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/everyone-can-tap-even-you/#commentsFiled under:


The ads for Let's Tap seem designed with one objective in mind: convincing us that anyone and everyone can get into the game. You too can tap like a champion, and all with a smile on your face and epic music in the background (provided you're a spiffy, cheerful Japanese person). This latest commercial manages to pack a surprising amount of that anyone-goes attitude into only fourteen seconds of video, and even if you're not impressed with the game, you should at least admire that sort of effort.

JoystiqEveryone can tap, even you originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tapminigamesproperhythmsegaMon, 08 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's Tap this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/lets-tap-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/lets-tap-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/lets-tap-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,



This Japanese TV commercial for Prope's Let's Tap just popped up on YouTube. While it contains no notable new footage, we do like the use of the 2001: A Space Odyssey theme, which suggests something EPIC and MONUMENTAL is coming, before you realize that no, it's just a really fun-looking, stylish minigame collection. And a free box. Which is more than good enough for us! Oh, and there's a release date squeezed in there, at least for Japan: December 18th.

Past the break, we've posted footage of the game's practice mode -- ideal for starting your tap training early!

Continue reading Let's Tap this year

JoystiqLet's Tap this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tapminigamesmusicproperhythmsegaTue, 25 Nov 2008 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's Tap with actors pretending to be a family]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/lets-tap-with-actors-pretending-to-be-a-family/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/lets-tap-with-actors-pretending-to-be-a-family/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/lets-tap-with-actors-pretending-to-be-a-family/#commentsFiled under: ,


Although it doesn't take much to explain Prope's minimalist Let's Tap, Sega sent out this promotional video demonstrating its gameplay. This clip highlights the Rhythm Tapping, Tap Runner, and Visualizer modes, offering brief glimpses of other modes, including what appears to be a tapping-based shmup.

The overall message, delivered by a family playing together, is that it's quite possible for people of pretty much any age to enjoy Let's Tap together, which is, of course, the goal of many Wii games. Few other Wii games manage such a cool and futuristic look, or such a genuinely unique and interesting input method.

Apparently the family in the video enjoys Let's Tap so much that they purchased two copies, because the game only comes with two of those fancy boxes!

JoystiqLet's Tap with actors pretending to be a family originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tapminigamespropesegaWed, 19 Nov 2008 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's Tap to the rhythm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/lets-tap-to-the-rhythm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/lets-tap-to-the-rhythm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/lets-tap-to-the-rhythm/#commentsFiled under: ,


Let's Tap may be most widely known for its wacky input method (see: the title), but the more we see of it, the more we realize that its brilliant music is the true draw, and that the tapping is great mostly because it allows us to interact with that music.

These three videos feature Let's Tap's "Rhythm Tap" mode, a Taiko no Tatsujin/Donkey Konga-style rhythm game played with the high-tech "cardboard box" peripheral. This mode would probably be an entertaining diversion at best if not for the fact that the songs featured in those videos are awesome. Of course, one of them is the Let's Tap theme, which we already love.

Continue reading Let's Tap to the rhythm

JoystiqLet's Tap to the rhythm originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tapminigamesproperhythmsegaMon, 17 Nov 2008 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter 3, two Sega games honored by TGS organizers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/monster-hunter-3-two-sega-games-honored-by-tgs-organizers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/monster-hunter-3-two-sega-games-honored-by-tgs-organizers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/monster-hunter-3-two-sega-games-honored-by-tgs-organizers/#commentsFiled under: ,


CESA announced their list of the best games of TGS 2008, known as the "Future" category of their Japan Game Awards. Of the twelve games given the award (in no specific order), three are on Wii.

Of course Capcom's Monster Hunter 3 got a nod; nothing short of not calling it Monster Hunter 3 will keep this from being a ridiculous hit in Japan, and that held true at TGS as well, with the game commanding ridiculous lines. But the two other Wii winners may be more of a surprise: Chunsoft's Sega-published visual novel 428: The World Doesn't Change Even So, and Prope's experimental Let's Tap. Sega must be very happy right about now!

For the sake of Nintendo fandom, we'll include the DS winners here as well: the Phoenix Wright spinoff Gyakuten Kenji and Dragon Quest IX, which wasn't even playable.


[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqMonster Hunter 3, two Sega games honored by TGS organizers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>428capcomcesachunsoftlets-tapmonster-hunter-3segatgs-2008tgs08Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 08: Let's write an article about Let's Tap]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/tgs-08-lets-write-an-article-about-lets-tap/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/tgs-08-lets-write-an-article-about-lets-tap/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/tgs-08-lets-write-an-article-about-lets-tap/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If you've ever drummed your fingers on a table, whether in a physical display of impatience (where is that waiter?) or an attempt to capture an elusive beat, you'll probably be able to understand where Let's Tap is coming from. Specifically, it's coming from Sonic creator Yuji Naka's post-Sega studio, Prope, and hopes to win gamers (and their moms) over through sheer simplicity. Let's Face It: games don't get much simpler than tapping on a cardboard box.

Evaluated as a typical Wii game, Let's Tap does little to distance itself from the cavalcade of effervescent minigames swarming the system. But as an experiment in using the Wiimote differently -- that is, to not use it at all -- it certainly warrants further attention. As it requires the Wii controller to be placed on a flat surface, face down and buttons obscured, Let's Tap is a game we can see ourselves introducing to those wracked by a morbid fear of buttons and flailing.

Gallery: Let's Tap

Continue reading TGS 08: Let's write an article about Let's Tap

JoystiqTGS 08: Let's write an article about Let's Tap originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Lets-TapMinigamesPenguinsPropeSegaTGSTGS-08WiiTue, 14 Oct 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's have fun with Let's Tap]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/lets-have-fun-with-lets-tap/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/lets-have-fun-with-lets-tap/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/lets-have-fun-with-lets-tap/#commentsFiled under:


We're just gonna lay it out there: Let's Tap looks more like Let's Be Completely Freakin' Awesome (And Take That, Guitar Hero). The game debuted amidst excitement about Sin & Punishment 2 and Punch-Out!!, and so didn't get quite the attention it deserved. You wouldn't think it could then stand out at TGS, but the armchair-drumming (wait, tapping) game with the wild visuals managed to draw a little spotlight and snag some favorable impressions.

What's really striking about Let's Tap, though, is that it seems to capture the anything-goes, nontraditional spirit of the Wii -- remember that? the promise of new and breathtaking vistas? -- in a way that software like Wii Fit cannot. You put the Wii remote on a box. Then you do the same thing you do anytime you're stuck waiting at a light, or standing by a file cabinet: you drum out rhythms with your fingertips and this translates to the screen. It's simple, wacky, brilliant, and we wish it was being released tomorrow.

Sadly, we may be alone in this.

Gallery: Let's Tap

JoystiqLet's have fun with Let's Tap originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tapmini-gamesrhythmsegaTue, 14 Oct 2008 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: The tapping game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/wii-warm-up-the-tapping-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/wii-warm-up-the-tapping-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/wii-warm-up-the-tapping-game/#commentsFiled under:


We'll leave the "issues" regarding Let's Tap for later discussion: whether Let's Tap is yet another minigame collection or a clever, unique design; if anything other than a superior mascot platformer is a disappointing post-Sega (sort of) debut for Yuji Naka; and if a game about slapping the table has real potential for fun or if it's just five minutes worth of gimmickry.

There's another question that is foremost on our minds: Which do you think is more likely to inspire rhythmic drumming: Let's Tap or its theme song?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: The tapping game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tapminigamespropesegaMon, 06 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's Tap trailer explains penguin accessibility]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/05/lets-tap-trailer-explains-penguin-accessibility/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/05/lets-tap-trailer-explains-penguin-accessibility/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/05/lets-tap-trailer-explains-penguin-accessibility/#commentsFiled under:

Imagine our excitement when word arose that Sega's upcoming penguin-friendly title Let's Tap could be played "without holding a controller". We thought the day we've dreamed about since we pressed the power button on our respective first home consoles had come -- the day when video games aren't played with hands, but with minds. Unfortunately, a trailer for the game surfaced during the Nintendo Media Summit, revealing that while no controller-touching will actually be required to play Let's Tap, hands will still be part of the equation.

To get a clear understanding of the control scheme, check out the trailer after the break. It seems the game will be manipulated by placing a Wiimote face-down on a flat surface (a Nintendo Wii box is used in the video), then tapping upon said surface. We're still not positive how it works -- though we are positive that the speak-and-spell-infused song used in the trailer has stick-in-your-head properties we haven't seen since the days of Lou Bega.

Continue reading Let's Tap trailer explains penguin accessibility

JoystiqLet's Tap trailer explains penguin accessibility originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tapnintendo-media-summit-2008segatrailerwiiYuji-nakaSun, 05 Oct 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's tap the Let's Tap box]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/05/lets-tap-the-lets-tap-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/05/lets-tap-the-lets-tap-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/05/lets-tap-the-lets-tap-box/#commentsFiled under:


Do you reside in a house with no flat surfaces whatsoever? Do you awake in your hammock every morning surrounded by nothing but domed, conic or pyramidal furniture? Then good luck playing Let's Tap, chump! As we've already seen, Prope's new game is played by resting the Wiimote face down on a flat surface, and then tapping on said surface to complete minigames.

It's barmy and utterly gorgeous, and will also come ingeniously packaged in a box which doubles up as a convenient flat surface for you to play on. We doubt you have a single flat surface in your home as stylish as this.

Continue reading Let's tap the Let's Tap box

JoystiqLet's tap the Let's Tap box originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tapminigamespropesegatap-actionyuji-nakaSun, 05 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Six of our favorite Media Summit videos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/six-of-our-favorite-media-summit-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/six-of-our-favorite-media-summit-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/six-of-our-favorite-media-summit-videos/#commentsFiled under:



You've already had the chance to examine scores of wonderful screens from new Wii games announced at the Nintendo Media Summit. This new post is dedicated to displaying thousands of more screens (squashed together to create videos) of some of the bigger titles that have been shown at the event.

We settled on placing Nintendo's official Punch-Out!! trailer at the top of this post, but could have easily led with some truly fantastic Sin & Punishment 2 footage, an impressive tech demo of The Conduit, or Yuji Naka's wacky-looking Let's Tap. Instead, all of those (and more) are past the break, and need to be viewed right now. Before you go, though, one final note: if any game released this year has a funkier soundtrack than Let's Tap, we'll be gobsmacked.

Continue reading Six of our favorite Media Summit videos

JoystiqSix of our favorite Media Summit videos originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossinganimal-crossing-city-folkechoes-of-timeffccfinal-fantasyfpshigh-voltagelets-taplife-simminigamespropepunch-outrpgrun-and-gunsin-and-punishment-2square-enixthe-conduittreasureyuji-nakaThu, 02 Oct 2008 20:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's Tap, Sonic creator Naka's 'penguin' game, coming Dec. 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/lets-tap-sonic-creator-nakas-penguin-game-coming-dec-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/lets-tap-sonic-creator-nakas-penguin-game-coming-dec-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/lets-tap-sonic-creator-nakas-penguin-game-coming-dec-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,

At last, Sega has finally revealed Let's Tap for Wii, Sonic creator Yuji Naka's game teased as, "World first, the game that even penguins can play." How exactly a penguin does play it is still not explicitly stated, although our marine biologist friends tell us that penguins are prone to waddle, so this inverted Wii remote laying on the ground may indicate that we will be, erm, tapping on our remote somehow.

As for the game itself, the available screenshots vary greatly and provide no basis for interpretation. There is a countdown on the official website that expires in seven days. What we do know, according to the info box in the lower right corner: the genre is "tap action," it supports one to four (to infinity) players and will release this December for 5,040 yen (approx. US $48).

Gallery: Let's Tap

JoystiqLet's Tap, Sonic creator Naka's 'penguin' game, coming Dec. 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tappenguinspropesegaWiiyuji-nakaThu, 02 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's tap into the site for Yuji Naka's latest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/lets-tap-into-the-site-for-yuji-nakas-latest/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/lets-tap-into-the-site-for-yuji-nakas-latest/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/lets-tap-into-the-site-for-yuji-nakas-latest/#commentsFiled under: ,


The first screens for Let's Tap, revealed as the first mystery project from Yuji Naka's new company Prope, have come up at the game's official site. When we saw the video last night (and even before that, when Prope teased a game that "even penguins could play") we assumed it was a Balance Board-type thing, but it would appear based on the background of the site that the tapping is done on the B button of an upturned Wiimote.

The site reveals some other interesting tidbits about the game too. Coming out in Japan in December, Let's Tap is listed as a "Tap Action" game that can be played by "1-4 players (up to infinity)." We love the weirdness of the concept, and we love the varying, sometimes abstract, visual styles found in the screens. We'll find out more in a week, when the site opens for reals.

JoystiqLet's tap into the site for Yuji Naka's latest originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tapminigamespropesegatap-actionThu, 02 Oct 2008 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Sin & Punishment 2 and other third-party gems confirmed [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/sin-and-punishment-2-and-other-third-party-gems-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/sin-and-punishment-2-and-other-third-party-gems-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/sin-and-punishment-2-and-other-third-party-gems-confirmed/#commentsFiled under:


Update: Screen grab from Nintendo's media page, which has video of all these new games! Check it out right here.

Nintendo just unleashed a demo reel of upcoming third-party Wii games, including Taiko no Tatsujin Wii, a new Tsumi to Batsu/Sin & Punishment game from Treasure, a Wii version ofAnother Code (otherwise known as Trace Memory, the DS adventure game), Let's Tap (Yuji Naka's latest project, a.k.a. the game that even penguins can play), Sengoku Musou 3 (Samurai Warriors 3) and a new "mothership" title in the Tales Of series.

Will the internet regard this as the press conference that E3 should have been? We suspect so!

JoystiqSin & Punishment 2 and other third-party gems confirmed [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 02:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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