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[Ivy the Kiwi? springs onto iOS, free and paid versions available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/ivy-the-kiwi-springs-onto-ios-free-and-paid-versions-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/ivy-the-kiwi-springs-onto-ios-free-and-paid-versions-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/ivy-the-kiwi-springs-onto-ios-free-and-paid-versions-available/#comments

Ivy the Kiwi?, the Wii and DS game by Sonic creator Yuji Naka, is now available on iOS. The iOS port of PROPE's chirpy platfomer arrived on the App Store today in paid and free versions. The paid version is on sale for a limited time, slashed from $4.99 to $2.99.

Naka's game came to Wii and DS as a perpetual motion platformer, so an iOS port makes total sense. As before, the startled newborn sprints forward of her own accord, so it's up to players to guide her safely to her destination. This is done by drawing vines across the screen, done via a simple swipe. Vines can be used as ramps and bridges, and they can also be twanged to catapult the flightless chick through the air.

There are 50 levels in the iOS version of Ivy the Kiwi?, the same as the DSiWare 'Mini' edition released two years ago. The retail Wii and DS versions have 100 levels. The free version of the iOS release comes with ads and has a limited number of levels. As the above video shows, the game is compatible with iOS 6's Game Center challenges.

JoystiqIvy the Kiwi? springs onto iOS, free and paid versions available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphoneivy-the-kiwimobilepropeyuji-nakaThu, 11 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Prope reimagines three little piggybanks in FlickPig for iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/prope-reimagines-three-little-piggybanks-in-flickpig-for-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/prope-reimagines-three-little-piggybanks-in-flickpig-for-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/prope-reimagines-three-little-piggybanks-in-flickpig-for-ios/#comments
Meet FlickPig, the latest from former Sonic Team bossman Yuji Naka and his team at Prope. This iOS title tasks players with - can you guess? - flicking pigs across three lanes, while avoiding obstacles, gathering coins and ... chasing down wolves?

These three little pigs are really piggybanks who lived in a brick house, so instead of blowing it down a pack of wolves broke in and stole their coins. Out of their bodies! While we find it difficult to believe the pigs didn't wake up during this surgery / looting, they did eventually awake and give chase. That's where you and your finger come in - collecting coins not only gives you a feeling of moral victory, but you can use those coins to buy items to help your progress.

This hard-boiled tale of robbery and revenge can be yours for just $0.99, and will work on just about any recent iOS device, post-iPhone 3G. And for those of you lucky enough to have both an iPhone and an iPad, FlickPig will support iCloud data transfer, so your progress will be beamed across devices.

Gallery: FlickPig (iOS)

JoystiqPrope reimagines three little piggybanks in FlickPig for iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flickpigiosipadiphonemobilepropeyuji-nakaThu, 08 Dec 2011 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Prope invites Buddy Monster to iOS and Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/prope-invites-buddy-monster-to-ios-and-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/prope-invites-buddy-monster-to-ios-and-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/prope-invites-buddy-monster-to-ios-and-android/#comments Yuji Naka's company, Prope, whose most recent game is Fishing Resort for Wii, has a new iOS/Android game on the way in conjunction with the newly merged Marvelous AQL. Buddy Monster sounds like a Monster Hunter sort of thing, with just a dash of Pokemon.

Your knight is partnered with a creature, which will help you fight giant monsters in the field, but also requires your care. Taking care of your monster builds a bond between the two of you.

Marvelous intends for this to be "the greatest social RPG in history," which we can only take to mean you'll be interacting with other humans, and not just fictional critters.

JoystiqPrope invites Buddy Monster to iOS and Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbuddy-monsteriosiphonemarvelous-aqlmobilepropeWed, 05 Oct 2011 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Reel in Prope's Fishing Resort this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/24/reel-in-propes-fishing-resort-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/24/reel-in-propes-fishing-resort-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/24/reel-in-propes-fishing-resort-this-fall/#comments XSEED is continuing its cozy relationships with both Bandai Namco (which has resulted in Retro Game Challenge, among other things) and developer Prope (whose Ivy the Kiwi? was published by XSEED), announcing a North American release of the Wii fishing game from Yuji Naka's company, Fishing Resort. It's a third-party Wii game in 2011, and thus a rarity.

The Wii game puts equal emphasis on both the "fishing" and "resort" aspects -- of course you'll be able to cast for over 200 varieties of fish (and play fishing-related minigames), but you're also given the choice to explore your island surroundings at your leisure, finding spots in different locales from which to fish. And should you develop some skill at the art of virtual fishing, you can take part in competitive play for up to four, and tell the world an incredibly accurate fish story via the leaderboards.

Gallery: Fishing Resort (Wii)

Fishing Resort (Wii)

Continue reading Reel in Prope's Fishing Resort this fall

JoystiqReel in Prope's Fishing Resort this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fall-2011fishing-resortnintendopropeq4-2011release-datewiixseedSun, 24 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Yuji Naka describes Prope's canceled 'Haunted Tower' for Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/yuji-naka-describes-propes-canceled-haunted-tower-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/yuji-naka-describes-propes-canceled-haunted-tower-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/yuji-naka-describes-propes-canceled-haunted-tower-for-wii/#comments During an Iwata Asks interview about Wii Play: Motion, Prope's Yuji Naka offered details about a Wii game that he once worked on, but eventually put away.

"When Nintendo announced the Wii MotionPlus accessory in the spring two years ago, I suggested to Nintendo a project called Haunted Tower. You defeated monsters outside the screen, so the living room was the scene of the action." This game was never finished, but when Wii Play: Motion came around (a project for which Nintendo recruited several small teams, including Chunsoft and Skip), Prope started working on it again as a potential minigame.

The minigame turned out to be too similar to "Spooky Search," the prototype contributed to Wii Play Motion by Naka's former Sonic the Hedgehog collaborator Naoto Oshima. "But in the two weeks left for prototypes," Naka said, "we made 'Trigger Twist,'" the shooting game included in Wii Play: Motion.

JoystiqYuji Naka describes Prope's canceled 'Haunted Tower' for Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>haunted-towernintendopropewiiwii-play-motionyuji-nakaTue, 19 Jul 2011 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Yuji Naka's 'Rodea the Sky Soldier' in motion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/yuji-nakas-rodea-the-sky-soldier-in-motion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/yuji-nakas-rodea-the-sky-soldier-in-motion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/yuji-nakas-rodea-the-sky-soldier-in-motion/#commentsAt first, you'll probably be underwhelmed with Rodea the Sky Soldier, Yuji Naka's airborne Wii/3DS game, thanks to the anime stereotypes and mid-90s CG look. But as soon as the gameplay starts up in this trailer, it gets more impressive, looking like a high-speed NiGHTs with rail shooter elements.

Continue reading Yuji Naka's 'Rodea the Sky Soldier' in motion

JoystiqYuji Naka's 'Rodea the Sky Soldier' in motion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 01:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskadokawa-gamesnintendoproperodea-the-sky-soldierwiiyuji-nakaTue, 25 Jan 2011 01:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Yuji Naka unveils 'Machinist of the Sky Rodea' for Wii and 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/yuji-naka-unveils-machinist-of-the-sky-rodea-for-wii-and-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/yuji-naka-unveils-machinist-of-the-sky-rodea-for-wii-and-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/yuji-naka-unveils-machinist-of-the-sky-rodea-for-wii-and-3ds/#commentsHere's something refreshing: 3DS news that isn't from a Nintendo event. The latest Famitsu magazine unveiled a new 3DS and Wii game by Yuji Naka and Prope: Machinist of the Sky Rodea, published by Kadokawa Games. Machinist is an anime-style flight game in which you control a character's flight by pointing (with the Wii remote, at least) and shaking, then pressing B in mid-air to fly in different directions. The A button fires projectiles or launches spinning attacks

Naka, of course, is no stranger to flights of fancy, having produced NiGHTS into Dreams for Saturn. And, in fact, according to Andriasang, Rodea is designed to "allow players to experience free flight through the skies" without complicated controls.

JoystiqYuji Naka unveils 'Machinist of the Sky Rodea' for Wii and 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsjapankadokawa-gamesmachinist-of-the-sky-rodeanintendopropewiiyuji-nakaWed, 19 Jan 2011 22:00:00 EST<![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[Sonic project lead discusses canceled Kinect / Move titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/03/sonic-project-lead-discusses-canceled-kinect-move-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/03/sonic-project-lead-discusses-canceled-kinect-move-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/03/sonic-project-lead-discusses-canceled-kinect-move-titles/#commentsFiled under: , ,

At the Eurogamer Expo in the UK this week, Prope head and Sonic the Hedgehog creative lead Yuji Naka spoke of two canceled PlayStation Move/Kinect games he worked on that "unfortunately didn't come out." GamesIndustry.biz reports Naka as saying, "I do enjoy working with new hardware, so I am hoping to create something exciting using those new technologies." He then added, "Actually, I worked on two games which unfortunately didn't come out, but those games were using those two technologies," referring to Sony and Microsoft's motion peripherals.

He also spoke to the recent, repeated comments from Capcom global head of production Keiji Inafune regarding Japanese development in comparison to Western development, saying, "You could say that Japanese developers today are behind Western competitors in terms of technology. But at the same time, Japanese developers still come up with new game ideas and styles that are very much different from Western counterparts ... so I do agree with [Inafune's] comments to some extent, but I believe Japanese games technology has its own strong areas to compete with Western titles." In light of Mr. Naka's humility, we'd also like to point out that his team used the Nintendo Wii's motion controller in a completely unique way with Let's Tap, so the thought of them working with Move and Kinect is absolutely thrilling.

JoystiqSonic project lead discusses canceled Kinect / Move titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eurogamer-expoeurogamer-expo-2010keiji-inafunekinectmicrosoftplaystationplaystation-movepropeps3xboxyuji-nakaSun, 03 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Ivy the Kiwi? (Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/review-ivy-the-kiwi-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/review-ivy-the-kiwi-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/review-ivy-the-kiwi-wii/#commentsPrope's Ivy the Kiwi? is a simple game. It has a simple story: a newborn chick, still half-stuck in an egg, searches for her mother. It has simple gameplay: draw vines on the screen to propel Ivy through mazes, avoiding enemies and hazards. But despite (or maybe thanks to) its simplicity, it thrives: the presentation is almost unfairly charming, and Ivy is just plain fun to manipulate in the world. Besides, for such a simple game, it's not easy.

Gallery: Ivy the Kiwi (Wii, 8/24/10)

Continue reading Review: Ivy the Kiwi? (Wii)

JoystiqReview: Ivy the Kiwi? (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionIvy-the-KiwinintendoPropePuzzlewiiXSEEDTue, 24 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Yuji Naka on Ivy the Kiwi and life after Sonic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/21/interview-yuji-naka-on-ivy-the-kiwi-and-life-after-sonic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/21/interview-yuji-naka-on-ivy-the-kiwi-and-life-after-sonic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/21/interview-yuji-naka-on-ivy-the-kiwi-and-life-after-sonic/#commentsYuji Naka grew to fame within the game industry as one of the founders of Sega's Sonic Team, the core group of designers and programmers that created the Sonic the Hedgehog series. In his tenure at Sega, Naka produced titles like Phantasy Star Online, Chu Chu Rocket, and Samba de Amigo. He has since left Sega and formed his own company, Prope, who immediately began developing games to be published by ... Sega.

Now, with Ivy the Kiwi?, Naka has emerged from the grasp of the great blue hedgehog, with a game published in Japan by Namco Bandai and in America by XSEED. We spoke to Naka about the design of the game, side-scrollers, and the unique circumstances behind seeing your own game on display in someone else's booth.

Continue reading Interview: Yuji Naka on Ivy the Kiwi and life after Sonic

JoystiqInterview: Yuji Naka on Ivy the Kiwi and life after Sonic originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actione3-2010Ivy-the-KiwinintendoPropewiiXSEEDYuji-NakaMon, 21 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Ivy the Kiwi?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/20/preview-ivy-the-kiwi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/20/preview-ivy-the-kiwi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/20/preview-ivy-the-kiwi/#commentsFor some reason, I thought of Prope's Ivy the Kiwi? as a mellow title, a generally relaxing and lightweight game -- at least that's what I thought before actually playing the game. To my surprise, I was presented with a challenging, often chaotic arcade game instead of a frothy, low-impact diversion. It's just the kind of game I seek out, actually -- a game whose challenge comes from mastering a single, unique gameplay mechanic.

Gallery: Ivy the Kiwi? (Wii/DS)

Continue reading Preview: Ivy the Kiwi?

JoystiqPreview: Ivy the Kiwi? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Jun 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dse3e3-2010ivy-the-kiwinintendopropepuzzlewiiXSEEDYuji-NakaSun, 20 Jun 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Yuji Naka talks Ivy the Kiwi, teases new action game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/yuji-naka-talks-ivy-the-kiwi-teases-new-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/yuji-naka-talks-ivy-the-kiwi-teases-new-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/yuji-naka-talks-ivy-the-kiwi-teases-new-action-game/#commentsIn a Gamasutra interview, Prope founder and former Sonic Team head Yuji Naka mentioned that his new company is at work on a new action game -- but not the "game like Sonic" on which the studio was once working. "Unfortunately, we had to stop development for the time being for the 'Sonic-like platform game,'" Naka said. "However, we are in the process of developing another action game right now."

As for the company's latest game, the DS- and Wii-bound Ivy the Kiwi?, it came from an experiment by some Prope staffers. "I really felt some great potential in the concept as a game so we decided to make it as a company project and it evolved into Ivy the Kiwi." The project was first released on Windows Phone in Japan, Naka explains, because its touch screen was more stylus-friendly than the iPhone's. "However, Windows phones now have electrostatic type touch panels too and users ended up playing Ivy with their fingers anyways, so maybe we should release it on iPhone as well."

Gallery: Ivy the Kiwi? (Wii)

Gallery: Ivy the Kiwi? (DS)

JoystiqYuji Naka talks Ivy the Kiwi, teases new action game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 May 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSivy-the-kiwiNintendopropepuzzleWiiyuji-nakaWed, 05 May 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XSEED publishing Prope's 'Ivy the Kiwi?' this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/xseed-publishing-propes-ivy-the-kiwi-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/xseed-publishing-propes-ivy-the-kiwi-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/xseed-publishing-propes-ivy-the-kiwi-this-summer/#comments
click to see more screens?XSEED has acquired the North American publishing rights to Ivy the Kiwi? for Wii and DS, the latest game from Yuji Naka's post-Sega studio, Prope. The puzzle game, presented in a unique "storybook" art style, stars a baby kiwi trying to navigate her way back to her mother. The player uses the stylus or pointer to stretch vines to bounce Ivy through levels and around obstacles. Along the way, players can attempt to pick up optional orange feathers for extra challenge -- that is, if they don't mind keeping a baby bird separated from her mother even longer, the monsters.

In Japan, the game was originally released on Windows Phone, with console releases published by Namco Bandai. XSEED is planning a "summer 2010" release -- there's still a question mark on the specific date.

Gallery: Ivy the Kiwi? (Wii)

Gallery: Ivy the Kiwi? (DS)

JoystiqXSEED publishing Prope's 'Ivy the Kiwi?' this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 May 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSivy-the-kiwiNintendopropepuzzleq2-2010summer-2010Wiixseedxseed-gamesyuji-nakaMon, 03 May 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii and DS versions of Ivy the Kiwi? revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/wii-and-ds-versions-of-ivy-the-kiwi-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/wii-and-ds-versions-of-ivy-the-kiwi-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/wii-and-ds-versions-of-ivy-the-kiwi-revealed/#commentsPrope and publisher Bandai Namco sent out the first screens and footage (after the break) of the new Wii and DS versions of the once-Windows Mobile exclusive Ivy the Kiwi?, thus forcing us to fill another post with question marks? Okay, we didn't need that one.

The presentation on the console versions of the game is identical to the original, with the unusual sepia-tone color scheme and hand-drawn backgrounds. Both new versions double the number of levels, bringing the game up to a total of 100. And both new versions have multiplayer: local download play on DS and splitscreen on Wii. And, of course, the DS has a map screen. Why not?

Continue reading Wii and DS versions of Ivy the Kiwi? revealed

JoystiqWii and DS versions of Ivy the Kiwi? revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionivy-the-kiwijapannamco-bandaiportpropepuzzleThu, 04 Feb 2010 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Prope's Ivy the Kiwi? migrating to Wii and DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/propes-ivy-the-kiwi-migrating-to-wii-and-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/propes-ivy-the-kiwi-migrating-to-wii-and-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/propes-ivy-the-kiwi-migrating-to-wii-and-ds/#commentsIn November, Yuji Naka's studio, Prope, revealed a new original IP, Ivy the Kiwi? ... for Windows Mobile. The latest Famitsu reveals that the developer is porting the game to some game consoles! Namely, DS and Wii. Namco Bandai will release Ivy the Kiwi in Japan on April 22 -- it's the first Prope game to be published by someone other than Sega or (in the case of the Windows Mobile version) Prope itself.

However, despite its origins as a mobile game, and its simple pick-up-and-play gameplay (which involves stretching and bouncing drawn lines to move a bird through a maze), Ivy the Kiwi is destined for retail on consoles, at a price of ¥3,990 ($43).

Gallery: Ivy the Kiwi (Windows Mobile)


JoystiqPrope's Ivy the Kiwi? migrating to Wii and DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcoivy-the-kiwimobilenamco-bandaipropepuzzleyuji-nakaWed, 03 Feb 2010 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Prope announces Ivy the Kiwi? for Windows Mobile?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/prope-announces-ivy-the-kiwi-for-windows-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/prope-announces-ivy-the-kiwi-for-windows-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/prope-announces-ivy-the-kiwi-for-windows-mobile/#commentsThis could be really big news. Yuji Naka's studio, Prope, revealed what is likely to be the "Sonic-like" game mentioned last year. And Ivy the Kiwi?, the studio's new game (the question mark is part of the title), has some interesting mechanics: the game uses drawn lines to propel a character, sort of like Kirby's Canvas Curse or Wireway, but lets players anchor one side of the line and move the other endpoint around while Ivy's on it, for finer control of the character's movement.

However, it's for Windows Mobile (or, as the platform is being called in Japan, Windows Phone). Not what you'd typically think of as a major gaming platform. This game is part of a move to change that -- it's a launch title for Japan's Windows Mobile Marketplace and will be out in December.

Gallery: Ivy the Kiwi (Windows Mobile)

Continue reading Prope announces Ivy the Kiwi? for Windows Mobile?

JoystiqPrope announces Ivy the Kiwi? for Windows Mobile? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ivy-the-Kiwiplatformerpropewindows-mobileyuji-nakaFri, 13 Nov 2009 17:30:00 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[Let's catch some new footage and screens from Let's Catch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/lets-catch-some-new-footage-and-screens-from-lets-catch/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/lets-catch-some-new-footage-and-screens-from-lets-catch/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/lets-catch-some-new-footage-and-screens-from-lets-catch/#commentsBefore we even start this post, let's try to explain the elaborate premise of Yuji Naka's WiiWare title, Let's Catch. Okay, so, in Let's Catch, the object of the game is to both throw and catch things. In essence, it is a virtual game of catch. Wait, that's not elaborate at all. Never mind then.

With that out of the way, we suggest you check out the Let's Catch trailer above and peruse the screens below.

JoystiqLet's catch some new footage and screens from Let's Catch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-catchpropesegawiiwareTue, 16 Jun 2009 17:45:00 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[ESRB rating hints at North American release of Let's Catch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/esrb-rating-hints-at-north-american-release-of-lets-catch/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/esrb-rating-hints-at-north-american-release-of-lets-catch/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/esrb-rating-hints-at-north-american-release-of-lets-catch/#comments
While North America is still waiting for its first chance to lay fingers upon Yuji Naka's idiosyncratic brainchild, Let's Tap, a recent ESRB rating is hinting at the American release of Prope's second "Let's" project -- a WiiWare title by the name of Let's Catch. We'll give you one guess as to what the core gameplay mechanic involves.

If you thought the gameplay in Let's Tap was bizarre, brace yourselves -- according to the ESRB description, Let's Catch features short sessions of "outdoor catch," where players participate in conversations with their computer-controlled partner. These conversations can apparently take a turn towards the topic of romance, with NPC's matter-of-factly stating things like, "I've decided to never think about chasing a married man again." Thanks, but we think we'll leave the computerized relationship chatter in more capable hands fins.

[Via Sega Nerds]

JoystiqESRB rating hints at North American release of Let's Catch originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>catchesrblets-catchproperelationship-advicesegawiiwareMon, 30 Mar 2009 13:30:00 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[SEGA reveals another Project Ringo teaser, not much else]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/sega-reveals-another-project-ringo-teaser-not-much-else/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/sega-reveals-another-project-ringo-teaser-not-much-else/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/sega-reveals-another-project-ringo-teaser-not-much-else/#comments
You may have noticed -- but probably not -- that Sega's Project Ringo teaser site was updated earlier this week, coinciding with the February 24 date revealed earlier this month. What do we get for nearly two weeks of waiting in breath-filled non-anticipation? Not much. All we get is another ambiguous flash animation with equations, apples, and the silhouette of an unknown character (which seems a bit Sonic Team-esque to us).

The animation ends with the hilariously translated question, "What's mean 247?" and notes that the next tidbit will be revealed on March 12. What is Project Ringo? We speculated that it might be a new game from Yuji Naka's Prope studio or perhaps an iPhone game. Whatever it is, we have a couple of weeks to ponder or, as the case may be, remain completely uninterested.

Check out the teaser video after the break.

Continue reading SEGA reveals another Project Ringo teaser, not much else

JoystiqSEGA reveals another Project Ringo teaser, not much else originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>project-ringopropesegayuji-nakaThu, 26 Feb 2009 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[OFLC catches Prope's WiiWare game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/oflc-catches-propes-wiiware-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/oflc-catches-propes-wiiware-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/oflc-catches-propes-wiiware-game/#commentsAfter the miraculous announcement of Sega's plan to localize Let's Tap (a game so weird we kind of didn't expect it to make it to stores at all, much less worldwide), we're not too surprised to see Prope's other Wii project, the much more conventional, lower-risk Let's Catch for WiiWare, on its way out of Japan. But we are pleased to see it happening.

Let's Catch is exactly what one would infer from the title: a game about playing catch, with multiple single-player modes (including a ... story mode?) and multiplayer. It's a concept so weird (or weirdly mundane) that we find it fascinating! Australia's OFLC ratings board has rated the game, suggesting that it will be released there soon -- and thus, probably worldwide.

JoystiqOFLC catches Prope's WiiWare game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australialets-catchoflcpropesegawiiwareTue, 24 Feb 2009 14:00:00 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[Sega teases ... something ... called 'Project RINGO']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/sega-teases-something-called-project-ringo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/sega-teases-something-called-project-ringo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/sega-teases-something-called-project-ringo/#comments
Alright folks, we're going to be straight with you: We have no idea what this is. Sega of Japan has dropped an almost teaser/maybe ARG, definitely confusing and certainly ambiguous flash animation on its website under the moniker "Project RINGO" (its capitalization, not ours). Aside from the notably monochromatic 2D image in the animation, the text "What happens? ... next_2.24" appears at the end, and source code is provided for a Flash doodad you'll find after the break. We're guessing the "2.24" reference is a countdown to the 24th of February. Oh and that Flash doodad after the break? It's an equation ending with the numbers "247" -- as in 24/7.

We don't know much else, but we can speculate:

-Is Sega making an iPhone game? "Ringo" = "Apple" in Japanese. "Project Apple" could be a game for the iPhone we've ever heard of or seen. You'll presumably play it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and undoubtedly be picking apples.

-Will "Project RINGO" finally unveil Sonic the Hedgehog creator Yuji Naka's platformer from Sega subsidiary (and Naka's company) Prope? Speaking with Gamasutra at last year's Tokyo Game Show, Naka said, "At Prope, we're actually actually planning on making a game like Sonic right now." That was four months ago.

-Is Sega making a game about NiGHTS and Sonic having a child who juggles apples and likes club music? Clearly the most likely choice.

Join in the speculation fun yourself in the comments!

[Via SegaOnline.nl]

Continue reading Sega teases ... something ... called 'Project RINGO'

JoystiqSega teases ... something ... called 'Project RINGO' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Project-RINGOpropesegayuji-nakaThu, 12 Feb 2009 20:00:00 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[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 Catch up with Prope's other game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/lets-catch-up-with-propes-other-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/lets-catch-up-with-propes-other-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/lets-catch-up-with-propes-other-game/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Let's Tap developer Prope is quietly building themselves a series. In addition to the weird hands-off minigame collection, the company has a WiiWare game on the way, also for Sega: Let's Catch. They revealed it in October, but it hasn't gotten the attention of its retail cohort.

The official site now has a gameplay trailer available (click on the green buttons with the "NEW" speech bubbles -- the top is for high-speed connections, and the bottom is for dialup). More excitingly, if you click on the far right "New" button on the top navigation bar (the one with "Web" in it), you can play a Flash demo of Let's Catch's "Speed Catch" mode! The game also includes a four-player mode and ... a story mode. Yes.

Let's Catch is expected on the Japanese WiiWare service next week, for 1,000 Wii Points.

[Via GAME Watch]

JoystiqLet's Catch up with Prope's other game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-catchproperhythmsegasportsThu, 11 Dec 2008 14:50:00 EST