Joystiq

Michael Jackson planet coming to Entropia Universe

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

We're having a very real panic attack right now. It started when we read the press release posted after the jump, which announces that Entropia Universe, an MMO with a real-world economy and not much else, would play host to "Planet Michael" in late 2011. In this upcoming Michael Jackson-themed world -- not to be confused with the Micahel Jackson experience -- fans of Michael Jackson can congregate and talk about how much they love Michael Jackson. We're not sure what else one does on Planet Michael, but it will seemingly cost real money, and we're sure there will be people who spend money to do it -- hence the panic attack.

Here's an idea! How about the Michael Jackson fans of the world just use the comment section of this post as a forum to discuss their love of Michael Jackson's music and cinematic works? We certainly won't charge you anything, nor will we creepily approach you for digital sex! Here, we'll start things off: "Man in the Mirror" is the greatest song ever written by humans, and "Dirty Diana" isn't far behind. Discuss.

Continue reading Michael Jackson planet coming to Entropia Universe

Michael Jackson planet coming to Entropia Universe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Experience the Michael Jackson game's first song list

James Ransom-Wiley — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Ubisoft today announced the first set of tracks licensed for Michael Jackson: The Experience, the multiplatform dance-n'-sing-along game coming this holiday. Only seven cuts deep, the list was accompanied by the publisher's assurance of "many more" -- eh HEE HEE! -- songs to be revealed:

"Bad"
"Beat It"
"Billie Jean"
"Earth Song"
"The Girl Is Mine"
"Who Is It"
"Workin' Day And Night"

The Wii Experience is indeed playable for the first time this week at Gamescom, but Ubisoft is focusing its marketing efforts on the company's so-called "proprietary Player Projection" technology -- sham on! -- featured in the Kinect version of the game. As it sounds, and demonstrated in the promo shot above, Player Projection superimposes the player into the game screen via the image captured by the Kinect camera. (It's not be specified whether this common effect will also be featured in the camera-equipped PlayStation Move version of the game.)

If you're hoping to avoid the rather unpleasant experience of falling flat on your face while watching yourself fall flat on your face, then you had best study up on some of MJ's dance tricks. Thankfully, the game will include -- eh hee-hee-hee -- the "Michael Jackson School" mode.

Gallery: Michael Jackson: The Experience (Gamescom 2010)

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Experience the Michael Jackson game's first song list originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PopCap removes Michael Jackson lookalike from Plants vs. Zombies

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

A recent update for the iPhone version of PopCap's floral tower-defense title, Plants vs. Zombies, makes a significant change to a prominent member of the game's undead roster: Dancing Zombie. The red leather jumpsuit-clad ghoul formerly resembled Michael Jackson in his seminal, super-lengthy 1983 music video "Thriller." After the update, the shambling fiend now has much more generic disco attire.

PopCap explained the reason for the update to MTV Multiplayer, stating, "The Estate of Michael Jackson objected to our use of the 'dancing zombie' in Plants vs. Zombies based on its view that the zombie too closely resembled Michael Jackson." Rather than risk a legal kerfluffle, PopCap has decided to "replace it with a different 'dancing zombie' character for future builds" of the title.

Unfortunately, the update seems to be causing the game to crash on iPhone 4. Keep an eye peeled for an update update, which will still leave the title King of Pop-less, yet delightfully functional.

PopCap removes Michael Jackson lookalike from Plants vs. Zombies originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michael Jackson game subtitled 'The Experience,' coming November

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Following its bare-bones announcement at Ubisoft's E3 press conference, "Michael Jackson: The Game" has been dubbed ~~Just Michael Jackson~~ Michael Jackson: The Experience. The Experience will place players in the shiny shoes of Jackson himself, reliving some of his most iconic performances using the Wii, PlayStation Move or Xbox 360's Kinect motion tech to dance along with an on-screen prompt. The Xbox 360 and PS3 versions will also include an option to sing along, using Kinect's built-in mic or a standalone microphone. Additionally, DS and PSP versions of the game will feature Ouendan-esque rhythm-tapping gameplay.

According to Eurogamer, The Experience is due out in November, which should give us enough time to figure out the meaning of the name. Is it because we're getting the full Michael Jackson "experience?" Or, is it possible that the game includes an experience-based character progression system? If so, we're putting all our points in the Toe Stand specialization tree.

Michael Jackson game subtitled 'The Experience,' coming November originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michael Jackson game being developed by Ubisoft

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:45:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

How does Ubisoft follow up on its multi-million unit selling Just Dance? By making an "interactive performance-based" game about the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The E3 presentation featured a few dancers on stage moving in front of a Kinect camera. However, other than a short musical number and a logo, Ubisoft hasn't presented much else (not that it'll stop hardcore fans from pre-ordering the game now).

We first heard of a possible deal for a Michael Jackson game last year. The original concept promised "recent voice recordings by the singer." It's unclear if Ubisoft's game is the same project, but it will feature classics, like "Beat It" and "Billie Jean." According to a press release, fans will be able to not just dance, but sing along as well.

In spite of not being shown at the press conference in any playable form, Ubisoft's Michael Jackson game will be available for Kinect for Xbox 360, PlayStation Move for PS3, PSP, Wii and Nintendo DS.

Gallery: Michael Jackson: The Experience (E3 2010)

Michael Jackson game being developed by Ubisoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is this it? Michael Jackson 'This is It' PS3 Japan bundle

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:06:00 EST

Corporate synergy keeps the late "King of Pop" alive, as various divisions of Sony conspire for a special This Is It PS3 bundle. The ¥33,500 ($365) Japan-only set releases January 27 and comes with a Blu-ray movie of Michael Jackson's behind-the-scenes concert film, along with a 120GB black PS3 Slim. No word if this bundle will come with a white PS3 later.

So, let's get this straight: Japan gets a Michael Jackson PS3 bundle, while the US is "blessed" with a Hannah Montana PSP pack? That's bad, come on, you know that's bad. And the whole world has to answer right now, just to tell us once again: that's bad!

[Via Engadget]

Is this it? Michael Jackson 'This is It' PS3 Japan bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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French magazine reportedly confirms MJ's involvement with Sonic 3 soundtrack

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST

[OCRemix]

One of the longest running rumors of the video game community is the claim that Michael Jackson contributed to the soundtrack for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 to some degree -- a claim bolstered by a number of similarities between the game's tunes and Jackson's own body of work. Now, more than 15 years after the game's release, we might have confirmation that the late King of Pop was responsible for the threequel's incredibly catchy ditties.

According to a forum post on gaming music enthusiast site VGMdb.net, the latest issue of French Michael Jackson fan magazine Black & White contains an interview with composer Brad Buxer, who explains that he and Michael "did compose music for the game." However, due to the Genesis' less-than-mindblowing sound quality, Jackson reportedly asked that his name not appear on the game, as he "did not want to be associated with a product that devalued his music."

According to poster's transcript of the interview, Buxer also confirmed that we weren't imagining the aforementioned melodic similarities -- Jackson and Buxer apparently managed to adapt some of their work on the game for later use in their own music. Specifically, Buxer mentioned the melody for the game's closing credits were "used as base for Stranger in Moscow."

Also, "Man in the Mirror?" Totally written about Doctor Robotnik.

French magazine reportedly confirms MJ's involvement with Sonic 3 soundtrack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This Is It: a movie being released on UMD in 2010

JC Fletcher — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST

We fully expected Sony Pictures to release This Is It, the blockbuster Michael Jackson concert film, on both DVD and Blu-Ray. However, Sony has taken its plans to put this movie on discs a step further, with the surprising announcement that the movie will also be released on UMD. All three versions will be in stores January 26, 2010.

Both the Blu-Ray and DVD versions will include exclusive bonus material not found on the UMD. Notably absent from the Blu-Ray release is a digital copy of the movie, which would enable it to be watched on any PSP, including the PSP Go. Also notably absent is any mention of the UMD on the site for the home release. Sony must believe that UMD movies sell themselves.

Michael Jackson's This Is It will retail for $24.94 on UMD ($28.96 on DVD; $39.95 on Blu-Ray).

This Is It: a movie being released on UMD in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This is it: a dancing Michael Jackson cat game for iPhone

JC Fletcher — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST

When Robot Symphony alerted us to its upcoming iPhone debut, MeowWalker, we were prepared to dismiss it out of hand based only on the premise of combining Michael Jackson with the staple of lazy internet humor, cats. But instead of a tasteless cash-in, the trailer for the dance game (after the break) reveals what could turn out to be our, well, third favorite Michael Jackson-based game, right after the Genesis Moonwalker and the arcade Moonwalker. Sha-meow!

The gameplay is simple: tilt and swipe the phone to make a lanky, Thriller-jacketed feline perform MJ's signature dance moves to the tune of the Michael Jackson songs already on your phone. The addition of quirky animation and (especially) sound effects, which reimagine Michael's weird vocal tics as cat noises, result in something that we can't get enough of. Which means, according to the MJ canon, we haven't stopped watching the trailer.

Continue reading This is it: a dancing Michael Jackson cat game for iPhone

This is it: a dancing Michael Jackson cat game for iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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(Another) Michael Jackson video game on the way, scheduled for a 'holiday release'

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST

After the King of Pop's passing last week, Joystiq has had an inordinately high volume of Michael Jackson-related stories. Day after day, the video game industry honored his passing -- free "Thriller" downloads on Xbox Live, Battlefield Heroes costumes, and a full on recreation of "Smooth Criminal" using Rag Doll Kung Fu's engine. Today, less than a full week after the singer's death, his production company (MJJ Productions) confirmed to MCVUK that a game starring Jackson and featuring his music has been in production at MJJ for "several months" and is purportedly on schedule to release "this holiday season."

Though no definitive "yes" or "no" has been given on the game's release (or any info on the developer, publisher, or the game itself), reports say the game contains recent voice recordings by the singer. The closest we get to actual information on the game's release window is, "I am sure it will still be released ... Michael loved games," by way of an MJJ Productions rep. Here's hoping it's more Moonwalker and less Space Channel 5 -- but then, that's just how we get down.

[Via Industry Gamers]

(Another) Michael Jackson video game on the way, scheduled for a 'holiday release' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Beatles: Rock Band set list not compromised by Michael Jackson's death

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:10:00 EST

One of the more profitable items in the late King of Pop's idiosyncratic collection of odds and ends was his ownership of ATV, a music publisher that owned the rights to over 200 songs from the Beatles' repertoire. Years after this acquisition, Jackson agreed to a merger with Sony, forming Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Jackson retained 50 percent of the publishing rights to the Beatles tracks until his recent untimely death -- despite rumors to the contrary, he never sold his stake in the merged company.

Why is this news relevant to you, dear reader? Well, many faux-rockers have been worried that Jackson's passing would affect the final set list for The Beatles: Rock Band. Fortunately, Harmonix recently confirmed to IGN that the game's tracks won't be compromised by MJ's death, or the dispersal of his assets -- including the Sony/ATV stake -- that will take place in the coming weeks. However, we expect that Elephant Man Bone Collector 3 will miss its fall launch window by a sizable margin.

The Beatles: Rock Band set list not compromised by Michael Jackson's death originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal, recreated in Rag Doll Kung Fu

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST

Hey, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be enjoying the holiday weekend? (Also known as plain ol' "Saturday" to our friends in Europe.) Our Michael Jackson-related coverage has been -- for better or worse -- rather lacking. For those of you who haven't tired of the media surrounding the late pop star, you may want to entertain yourself with this rather creative recreation of the singer's classic "Smooth Criminal." This time, the action is recreated in PSN game Rag-Doll Kung Fu.

Check it out after the break and enjoy the holiday!

Continue reading Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal, recreated in Rag Doll Kung Fu

Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal, recreated in Rag Doll Kung Fu originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michael Jackson honored in Battlefield Heroes, kind of [update: Costumes will be free]

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:10:00 EST

Update: Electronic Arts has contacted us to let us know that the outfits will be free. Multiplayer has updated its own story, noting that the prices mentioned were seen on the Battlefield Heroes test servers. Upon release to the actual public, they will be offered at the consumer-friendly price of no dollars. Original post is below.

In a touching display of respect for the recently deceased King of Pop, Electronic Arts has uploaded a pair of the music legend's iconic outfits to Battlefield Heroes -- one for each of the game's two factions. Members of the Royal Army can now drape themselves in the white suit worn by Michael Jackson in the "Smooth Criminal" music video, while National Army recruits can don the black leather apparel featured in "Bad." This is a really neat way for EA to show -- wait a sec, you have to pay for them?

You're telling us that EA is charging 420 Battlefunds (about $3) for these outfits? Well, surely, they're donating the money to sick kids or something, right? No? They're just ... keeping it? That's sorta messed up, guys.

Michael Jackson honored in Battlefield Heroes, kind of [update: Costumes will be free] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft honoring MJ with free Thriller video download (update)

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:30:00 EST

We're all still reeling from the passing of the King of Pop, but fortunately, Microsoft's got a nice (albeit brief) memorial for Michael Jackson up on Xbox Live. This weekend only, the Video Marketplace is giving away the full, ten-minute version of MJ's classic "Thriller" music video for your viewing pleasure. Yep, the greatest music video of all time is free to download until the end of the day today.

It's a nice gesture -- but why not just make the video permanently free? We're not sure these wounds will heal in such a short period of time.

Update: Looks like they've already take the deal down. If you don't feel like paying two dollars to watch a music video (and you shouldn't), you can just watch it on YouTube for free.

[Xbox Live Marketplace link - US only (and no longer free)]

Microsoft honoring MJ with free Thriller video download (update) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moonwalker: the video game legacy of Michael Jackson

Kevin Kelly — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:45:00 EST

Unless you've been competing in a Starcraft lock-in all week, or living under a rock in the sub-Saharan desert somewhere, then you heard the news that Michael Jackson died yesterday in Los Angeles. As strange as the guy was in his later years, he made an indelible mark on the world of music which carried over into the world of gaming.

If you were an arcade rat back in 1990, then you probably spent time playing, or at least listening to Michael Jackson's Moonwalker, which featured the singer doing battle against baddies and rescuing children by performing dance moves and using "Dance Magic" powers, i.e. spinning around and screaming "HOOOO!". Yes, for real. The game featured simultaneous three-player action, and includes a robotic MJ that appears when Jackson meets up with Bubbles the Chimpanzee.

True story -- and there's more. Read on after the break for more about Moonwalker and a video clip of vintage arcade play, along with the other video games Jackson appeared in.

[Thanks for suggesting this, Judd and Niko]

Continue reading Moonwalker: the video game legacy of Michael Jackson

Moonwalker: the video game legacy of Michael Jackson originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Who's bad? Whoever buys Michael Jackson's arcade collection!

JC Fletcher — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 01:00:00 EST

Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch ~~has been foreclosed~~ is no longer occupied by the singer, and Jackson is auctioning off many of the items contained within. That includes the deposed King of Pop's rather massive arcade game collection. If you were wondering where all the arcades in the US went, now you know: Michael Jackson's house.

The collection includes somewhere in the area of one hundred video game machines, including store demo units of game consoles from the Genesis up to the Dreamcast, and dedicated arcade units including a Guitar Freaks unit, Sega's impressive R-360 machine and Galaxy Force II. In fact, the collection seems rather Sega-heavy, which is no surprise since Jackson was, himself, the star of Michael Jackson's Moonwalker (whose arcade machine is not part of the auction!) and a guest star in Space Channel 5.

The only acknowledgment we'd like to make to the controversy surrounding Michael Jackson is this -- the fact that he is a ruined, disgraced pop star means that you can get a bunch of arcade games at rock bottom prices. As far as we're concerned, he sang Thriller, then he was in some video games, and then nothing else happened ever.

[Thanks, rengifo!]

Who's bad? Whoever buys Michael Jackson's arcade collection! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Feb 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DS Daily: Last game you finished?

David Hinkle — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: DS Daily

Simple enough question, right? We're looking to hear about the last game you finished. Was it something you received for the holidays, or has it been awhile since you completed a game? What was it and, more importantly, how was it?

DS Daily: Last game you finished? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Space Waggle 5?

JC Fletcher — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Rumors

... or so the Germans would have us believe. According to an article posted on German gaming magazine N-Zone's website, UGA's swingin' music adventure, Space Channel 5, is returning. The article states that the new Wii game will be a remake of the 1999 Dreamcast original.

One detail leads us to believe that the remade version is going to include some new content: the article mentions that Sega has licensed Michael Jackson's music for the new game. While Space Michael appeared in both Space Channel 5 games, his music did not. Could Space Michael have a more prominent role in the new game? ... Is that a good idea?

Troublingly, unless he was being cryptic, recent comments from Space Channel 5 creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi make it sound like he isn't involved with any Space Channel 5 projects. We hope Sega does the smart thing and hires the currently independent producer to oversee this new game. If it exists.

[Via NeoGAF]

Rumor: Space Waggle 5? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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