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[XSEED announces rhythm/strategy title 'Orgarhythm' for Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/xseed-announces-rhythm-strategy-title-orgarhythm-for-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/xseed-announces-rhythm-strategy-title-orgarhythm-for-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/xseed-announces-rhythm-strategy-title-orgarhythm-for-vita/#comments Image
Move over Theatrhythm, there's a new absurdly titled and unpronounceable handheld rhythm game in town: Orgarhythm. Developed by Acquire (in association with Neilo) and set to be published in North America by XSEED sometime this year, Orgarhythm is a hybrid rhythm/strategy game for the Vita.

Acting as the God of Light, players do battle against the diametrically named God of Darkness by commanding armies of elementally-themed soldiers. The game's soundtrack, described as "a hypnotic mix of rock, club and tribal music," affects how and when your units attack, with the beat of the music acting as a quantifiable resource to be spent on stronger attacks. The music also dynamically alters itself depending on the circumstances of the battle, adding additional layers of complexity as more troops enter the fray.

As implied by the rather artsy trailer above, commanding your army is handled entirely by the Vita's touchscreen - tapping to select troops, swiping to direct them towards the desired target, etc. Said troops also have a Pokemon-esque relationship with the enemy, due to the fact that every unit is either an Earth, water or fire-type, with all the inferred weaknesses and strengths you'd expect from such a system.

Eventual DLC is mentioned by the press release tucked away after the break, but no specific plans are actually outlined. If you're an aspiring musician, however, take note: XSEED will be looking for independent artists sometime in the near future to bolstier Orgarhythm's aural catalog.

Gallery: Orgarhythm (Announcement)

Continue reading XSEED announces rhythm/strategy title 'Orgarhythm' for Vita

JoystiqXSEED announces rhythm/strategy title 'Orgarhythm' for Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AcquireNeiloOrgarhythmplaystationplaystation-vitaRhythmstrategyvitaXSEEDSat, 05 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Krew Studios' 'Project Orb' is as close to CUBE as we're going to get]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/krew-studios-project-orb-is-as-close-to-cube-as-were-going-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/krew-studios-project-orb-is-as-close-to-cube-as-were-going-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/krew-studios-project-orb-is-as-close-to-cube-as-were-going-t/#comments "It's coming. A game unlike anything you've ever seen. Prepare yourself ... for CUBE!"

The still nascent Krew Studios isn't doing much to distinguish itself from the developer of the fictional CUBE, if you ask us. This week, the studio announced intentions to create an Xbox 360 title for release this year, currently named "Project Orb," and frankly, we can't help but draw comparisons to the faux game trailer of yore.

For starters, we don't know a damn thing about Project Orb, other than some unbelievably ambiguous screens and a mention in the company's announce PR that the project "will indeed be a music title."

That's not exactly surprising, given the pedigree behind Krew Studios -- co-founder Michael Yum was an executive producer at PM Studios, whose last project was DJ Max Fever. Even more importantly, however, is the other half of that duo: famed music industry exec Clarence Avant.

"Clarence and I really wanted to start with something that could revolutionize the music industry as well as help rebuild a market that was considered sinking as of late 2010," Yum notes in the announcement. We'll get our first chance to see exactly what Yum means in the not so distant future it seems, as he also said that "further announcements will be made shortly." For now, gaze upon the orbs above and below ... if you dare.

Gallery: Project Orb

Continue reading Krew Studios' 'Project Orb' is as close to CUBE as we're going to get

JoystiqKrew Studios' 'Project Orb' is as close to CUBE as we're going to get originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clarence-avantdj-max-feverkrew-studiosmicrosoftmusicpm-studiosproject-orbrelease-daterhythmxboxWed, 15 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Megadeth tracks arrive for Rocksmith]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/new-megadeth-tracks-arrive-for-rocksmith/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/new-megadeth-tracks-arrive-for-rocksmith/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/new-megadeth-tracks-arrive-for-rocksmith/#comments Are the instructional tunes included in Ubisoft's Rocksmith proving too easy for your Malmsteem-esque digits? Don't rub it in -- instead, download and subsequently be punished by the Megadeth tracks which will be released today on PlayStation Network and tomorrow on Xbox Live. Folks with the patience and superhuman dexterity required to do so can now learn to shred through "Hangar 18", "Public Enemy No. 1", and "Symphony of Destruction."

Each song will run users 240 Microsoft Points ($2.99), while thrifty musicians can buy all three in a 640 Microsoft Point ($7.99) bundle. That'll leave you with an extra buck to spend on replacing your destroyed picks (and fingertips).

Continue reading New Megadeth tracks arrive for Rocksmith

JoystiqNew Megadeth tracks arrive for Rocksmith originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmegadethmicrosoftmusicplaystationps3rhythmubisoftxboxWed, 14 Dec 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rocksmith: Schooled by rock]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/rocksmith-schooled-by-rock/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/rocksmith-schooled-by-rock/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/rocksmith-schooled-by-rock/#comments If I had Rocksmith when I was a kid, I would be a lot better off now.

In 1995, I begged my parents to buy me a guitar. As you can imagine, I was swept up in the grunge fever that permeated a lot of the '90s. My idol, Kurt Cobain, died a year before and being the 12-year-old I was, I had it all figured out: I was going to be a rock star.

My parents bought me a used Ibanez acoustic, with the promise of an electric guitar if I stayed at it. I did and, 16 years later, at an event for Ubisoft's Rocksmith, I discovered that my parents and I had wasted money on guitar instruction over the years.

Gallery: Rocksmith (E3 2011)

Continue reading Rocksmith: Schooled by rock

JoystiqRocksmith: Schooled by rock originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epiphoneguitarmicrosoftmusicpcplaystationps3rhythmrocksmithubisoftxboxFri, 30 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy looks pretty Flashy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/theatrhythm-final-fantasy-looks-pretty-flashy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/theatrhythm-final-fantasy-looks-pretty-flashy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/theatrhythm-final-fantasy-looks-pretty-flashy/#comments
Square Enix is known for making games that use their platforms to the highest possible graphical potential, often redefining what gaming hardware is visually capable of. In this fairly low-quality YouTube clip, Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy looks ... well, it it has Moogles, and that ain't nothing.

JoystiqTheatrhythm: Final Fantasy looks pretty Flashy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsnintendorhythmsquare-enixtheatrhythm-final-fantasyMon, 12 Sep 2011 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Former DJ Hero devs aim to rock the mobile space with 8linQ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/former-dj-hero-devs-aim-to-rock-the-mobile-space-with-8linq/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/former-dj-hero-devs-aim-to-rock-the-mobile-space-with-8linq/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/former-dj-hero-devs-aim-to-rock-the-mobile-space-with-8linq/#comments Is "8linQ" a new form of L337ese spelling out "blink?" Inquiring minds want to know!

Joking aside, 8linQ is actually a new mobile studio, a joint venture between three groups: Music in Colour, Reactify and Metropolis Group. The former, Music in Colour, is a music production company comprised of ex-Freestyle Games developers, who you may know from those DJ Hero games. 8linQ will aim on bringing music and rhythm games to the mobile space starting on July 20 with Say What?! for iOS, The Guardian reports. No, we will not repeat ourselves, we're not falling for it, guys!

Say What?! is a tap-based rhythm game with licensed tracks from Sony, where players have to look for and identify icons associated with lyrics in the particular song they're playing. For example, when they see the word "I" in a lyric and an icon of an actual eye comes flying by, they'll tap that for points. As the player progresses in difficulty, the clues and correct icons become much more vague.

Say What?! will be a free download when it launches next week, bundled with four licensed tracks -- eventually, other tracks will be added as micro-transaction downloads.

[Image credit: The Guardian]

JoystiqFormer DJ Hero devs aim to rock the mobile space with 8linQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8linqdj-herofreestyle-gamesiosipadiphonemobilemusicmusic-in-colourrhythmsay-whatsonyFri, 15 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Theatrhythm Final Fantasy coming from Electroplankton devs, features characters from I - XIII]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/final-fantasy-theatrhythm-coming-from-electroplankton-devs-feat/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/final-fantasy-theatrhythm-coming-from-electroplankton-devs-feat/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/final-fantasy-theatrhythm-coming-from-electroplankton-devs-feat/#comments The plot description for Square Enix's upcoming 3DS rhythm game, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, goes beyond the regular "suspension of disbelief" requirements. According to the game's official site (as translated by Andriasang), "the space between the gods Chaos and Cosmos is known as 'rhythm,'" and as "the forces of chaos have disrupted the peace" the music-controlling crystal birthed by the aforementioned space ("Rhythm") is losing its luster. If that weren't enough, it seems that in order to return that shine "the music wave 'Ripzo' must be increased." Okay Square, you win! We give up!

In a related but significantly less confusing bit of news, the game is apparently being developed by indieszero, best known for its work on Electroplankton and Retro Game Challenge. Gameplay still hasn't been defined in the strictest sense, but it seems that players will be able to choose characters from Final Fantasy I through XIII in stages based on the baker's dozen of primary FF titles released over the past quarter century.

Each stage is said to be divided into three distinct pieces ("field," "event," and "battle") with three unique gameplay systems, though those systems have yet to be explained. Long time FF fans will be happy to hear that the four-person party system of past titles will return in Theatrhythm, and "major songs" from the series' history will accompany the gameplay. "The Sunleth Waterscape" from FFXIII and "One Winged Angel" from FFVII are specifically named, among several others.

Beyond that, well, there's a chibi Behemoth (seen above). We've dubbed him "Purpular," mostly because he's adorable, but also, ya know, he's purple.

JoystiqTheatrhythm Final Fantasy coming from Electroplankton devs, features characters from I - XIII originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsindieszeroindieszero-corporationmusicnintendorhythmrhythm-gamesquare-enixtheatrhythm-final-fantasyMon, 11 Jul 2011 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Child of Eden review: A momentary masterpiece]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/child-of-eden-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/child-of-eden-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/child-of-eden-review/#comments So, here's the thing about Child of Eden: It is quite short. That's a somewhat pedestrian complaint to leverage against a game -- and an extraordinarily pedestrian complaint to leverage in the very first sentence of a review -- but it needs to be said right up front to temper your expectations. You can beat it in a single sitting (or, as the case may be, standing), with the game's five chapters clocking in at a scant 90 minutes. It ends with a swell, and leaves you with a despondent, unanswered wish for more.

It is also one of the most remarkable video games I've ever played. Not only does it represent the most complete realization of what the Kinect has to offer, it possesses the (perhaps childish) distinction of being, for lack of a better term, a "crying game." It will almost certainly conjure tears from its hardest players -- not because it is particularly sad or melancholic, but because it is stirring.

Gallery: Child of Eden (9/27/2010)

Continue reading Child of Eden review: A momentary masterpiece

JoystiqChild of Eden review: A momentary masterpiece originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>child-of-edenkinectmicrosofton-railsq-entertainmentrezrhythmshooterubisoftxboxTue, 14 Jun 2011 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Rocksmith songs announced, Titus Andronicus, Best Coast and Pixies make the cut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/new-rocksmith-songs-announced-titus-andronicus-best-coast-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/new-rocksmith-songs-announced-titus-andronicus-best-coast-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/new-rocksmith-songs-announced-titus-andronicus-best-coast-and/#comments For serious, you guys: Ubisoft's real-guitar rhythm game Rocksmith is shaping up to have one of the best soundtracks ever featured in a rhythm game. The company announced a whole mess of new play-it-yourself tunes today, showcasing the game's creators' indie rock credibility: Best Coast's "When I'm With You," Silversun Pickups' "Panic Switch," and Titus Andronicus' "A More Perfect Union" are just a handful of the college radio-friendly tracks included therein.

Check out the full list of songs after the jump. Don't worry, grandpa, there's still some Cream and Rolling Stones in the mix which may better suit your old, old ears. Maybe if you ask really nicely, you might be able to get some Jelly Roll Morton and Irving Berlin into the final release, you super old grandpa, you.

Continue reading New Rocksmith songs announced, Titus Andronicus, Best Coast and Pixies make the cut

JoystiqNew Rocksmith songs announced, Titus Andronicus, Best Coast and Pixies make the cut originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmusicplaystationps3rhythmrocksmithubisoftxboxThu, 02 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhythm/RPG hybrid Sequence out now on Xbox Live Indie Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/rhythm-rpg-hybrid-sequence-out-now-on-xbox-live-indie-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/rhythm-rpg-hybrid-sequence-out-now-on-xbox-live-indie-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/rhythm-rpg-hybrid-sequence-out-now-on-xbox-live-indie-games/#comments Iridium Studios' unique role-playing rhythm title Sequence has finally arrived on Xbox Live Indie Games. For the uninitiated, Sequence sees players conducting battle using a DDR-esque four direction input set to the rhythm of tracks from Michael Wade Hamilton and YouTube sensation Ronald Jenkees. On the RPG side, there's a ton of character customization, item crafting, pithy dialogue and also magic and stuff.

The game's available now through the Xbox Live Indie Games storefront for 240 Microsoft Points ($3). If you're still confused on how this Frankensteinian genre-bender works, check out a launch trailer after the jump!

Continue reading Rhythm/RPG hybrid Sequence out now on Xbox Live Indie Games

JoystiqRhythm/RPG hybrid Sequence out now on Xbox Live Indie Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 May 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indieiridium-studiosmicrosoftrhythmrpgsequencexboxxbox-live-indie-gamesSun, 08 May 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Harmonix says it had to 'carry' MTV's publishing operation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/harmonix-says-it-had-to-carry-mtvs-publishing-operation/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/harmonix-says-it-had-to-carry-mtvs-publishing-operation/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/harmonix-says-it-had-to-carry-mtvs-publishing-operation/#comments In a recent interview with Industry Gamers, Harmonix VP of Product Development Greg LoPiccolo remarked on the studio's time under the MTV Games banner. Though he explained he harbors no ill will towards the team's former publisher, he said MTV didn't have "a big enough publishing organization to achieve economies of scale." He added, "They had us, but essentially our games had to carry the entire publishing infrastructure of MTV games which was not particularly efficient."

LoPiccolo said he's grateful for the partnership, explaining, "When they bought us we were a little developer and in collaboration with them we achieved a lot." Despite MTV's help in turning them into the studio they are today, LoPiccolo explained he wasn't worried about the two parties' split. "I think one of the things we've demonstrated to the world at large and to ourselves is that we have a demonstrated ability to make good stuff," he added. "And I think we had a confidence that somebody would see that and have that perspective."

JoystiqHarmonix says it had to 'carry' MTV's publishing operation originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixindustrymtvmtv-gamesrhythmRock-Band-3Sat, 23 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten new, totally gnarly tracks released for GH: Warriors of Rock]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-february-mega-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-february-mega-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-february-mega-pack/#comments Activision and Beenox have really outdone themselves with the 10-song February Mega Pack DLC for Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, available today on 360, PS3 and Wii. Acknowledging that this is the year's most tender, loving month, the two have eschewed the game's core musical genres, adding selections from gentle songsmiths like Nick Drake, Iron and Wine, Damien Rice, and -- oh? No, they're not doing that? The ten songs are from rock outfits Marilyn Manson, Children of Bodom and Black Label Society? Well then.

Check out the full list after the jump to see what decidedly un-tender tracks you can grab for 1440 Microsoft Points ($17.99 or 1800 Wii Points) in the February Mega Pack.

Continue reading Ten new, totally gnarly tracks released for GH: Warriors of Rock

JoystiqTen new, totally gnarly tracks released for GH: Warriors of Rock originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-label-societychildren-of-bodomdlcguitar-hero-monthlyguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmarilyn-mansonmicrosoftmusicneversoftnintendoplaystationps3rhythmwiixboxTue, 08 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Linkin Park six track pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/rock-band-weekly-linkin-park-six-track-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/rock-band-weekly-linkin-park-six-track-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/rock-band-weekly-linkin-park-six-track-pack/#comments The first track pack from nu-metal group Linkin Park, featuring six songs from across the band's discography, will come to Rock Band 3 on January 11 for $10. All the pertinent details for next week's DLC release can be found just below the break. You'll note the selections differ from the newer ones available in Guitar Hero, so if you want to play as many Linkin Park songs as possible, you'll need to indulge both video game rhythm rivals.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Linkin Park six track pack

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Linkin Park six track pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdownloadable-contentharmonixharmonix-music-systemslinkin-parkmicrosoftmusicnintendoplaystationps3rhythmRock-Band-3rock-band-weeklywiixboxFri, 07 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon doles out discounts on music games today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/amazon-doles-out-discounts-on-music-games-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/amazon-doles-out-discounts-on-music-games-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/amazon-doles-out-discounts-on-music-games-today/#comments Amazon's on day 17 of its festival of discounts, ringing in the ultimate day with savings on music games across the board. We'll get right to what you need to know: Kidz Bop Dance Party The Video Game for Nintendo Wii is going for just $24.99! Okay, okay, yes, Rock Band 3 is also on sale for just $39.95 -- not to mention The Beatles: Rock Band going for a paltry $14.

The sale runs until the end of business today, so get on that soon if you're looking to snag a heavily discounted copy of "the greatest rhythm game ever made." (Nice hyperbole, reviewers! Pfft.)

JoystiqAmazon doles out discounts on music games today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 09:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>discountdseaharmonixmicrosoftmusicnintendoplaystationps3psprhythmrock-band-3sonywiixboxThu, 16 Dec 2010 09:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Hacks: Keyboard Anywhere slaps a keyboard almost anywhere]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/kinect-hacks-keyboard-anywhere-slaps-a-keyboard-almost-anywhere/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/kinect-hacks-keyboard-anywhere-slaps-a-keyboard-almost-anywhere/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/kinect-hacks-keyboard-anywhere-slaps-a-keyboard-almost-anywhere/#comments Finally, a chance to re-enact our favorite scene from Big -- and also watch two guys recreate it! The latest Kinect Hack is simply called Keyboard Anywhere, an apt title because that's pretty much what it does. You can size the keyboard based on your space -- the video past the break shows it being applied to several different surfaces, including a desk and the floor. Hit the jump to see it in action.

Continue reading Kinect Hacks: Keyboard Anywhere slaps a keyboard almost anywhere

JoystiqKinect Hacks: Keyboard Anywhere slaps a keyboard almost anywhere originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>keyboard-anywherekinectkinect-hacksmicrosoftmicrosoft-kinectmusicopenkinectrhythmxboxTue, 14 Dec 2010 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SingStar's European tracks come stateside, all releases worldwide from now on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/singstars-european-tracks-come-stateside-all-releases-worldwid/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/singstars-european-tracks-come-stateside-all-releases-worldwid/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/singstars-european-tracks-come-stateside-all-releases-worldwid/#comments SingStar fans living in the U.S. haven't exactly received equal amounts of attention as SingStar fans living in Europe. (Luckily we've got all this freedom and liberty to make up for it, right guys? Woo!) Tons of downloadable songs that arrived on the European PSN have yet to come stateside -- but thanks to a recent deal struck up between Sony and Universal Music, the two regions' musical selections will begin moving towards parity with a series of major content updates, the first of which is due out this Wednesday, December 15.

This first update will add 64 songs to the U.S. SingStore, as well as 11 new tracks for SingStar Dance, all of which are listed after the jump. Also, all future DLC releases for the series will arrive at the same time in the U.S. and Europe. Finally, we can put this bitter jealousy to rest.

Continue reading SingStar's European tracks come stateside, all releases worldwide from now on

JoystiqSingStar's European tracks come stateside, all releases worldwide from now on originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlclondon-studiomusicplaystationps3rhythmSingStarSony-Computer-EntertainmentMon, 13 Dec 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Music game sales continue plunge down the charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/music-game-sales-continue-plunge-down-the-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/music-game-sales-continue-plunge-down-the-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/music-game-sales-continue-plunge-down-the-charts/#comments If this sounds like a familiar tune, it is: Music game sales have plummeted for a second-straight year. But this year, the tune is way more off key.

According to analysis by Gamasutra, which looked at the period from January through October in each of the past three years, music game revenues in the U.S. have taken a phenomenal nose dive from an epic height of $1.6 billion in 2008 to where they've landed today: under $250 million for the year. "Short of a Christmas miracle," concludes analyst Matt Matthews, "music games won't break $400 million for all of 2010."

Ohhh ... so that's why Viacom's hawking Harmonix.

JoystiqMusic game sales continue plunge down the charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj-hero-2eagreen-day-rock-bandguitar-heroguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockharmonixmicrosoftmtv-gamesmusicmusic-gamesnintendoplaystationpower-gig-rise-of-the-sixstringps3rhythmrock-bandrock-band-3salesseven45softwareviacomwiixboxFri, 19 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Miyamoto talks about Wii Music's future, hints at sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/miyamoto-talks-about-wii-musics-future-hints-at-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/miyamoto-talks-about-wii-musics-future-hints-at-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/miyamoto-talks-about-wii-musics-future-hints-at-sequel/#comments Last October, when the wounds of Wii Music's critical and commercial failure were still relatively fresh, Shigeru Miyamoto mentioned that "there may still be some possibility" of continuing the franchise. In a recent interview with Techland, Miyamoto went a bit further, explaining, "There's a lot of potential still in Wii Music, I think. Because we're going to change it up, a new interface is coming, and all of that." Them's sequeling words, partner.

Miyamoto also addressed the possibility of Mario making an appearance in a Wii Music follow-up, stating "If we get more people to understand what's going on in the game concept, then he might appear in the game. I don't know." He added that a Mario cameo is somewhat unlikely, as "he can't play guitar" or saxophone using his stubby, gloved fingers. That's a good point, Mr. Miyamoto -- we guess he can't play too many instruments. But he can rap with the best of them.

JoystiqMiyamoto talks about Wii Music's future, hints at sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 23:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marionintendorhythmshigeru-miyamotowiiWii-MusicThu, 11 Nov 2010 23:02:00 EST<![CDATA[We just can't get no relief from the Karaoke Revolution Glee launch trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/we-just-cant-get-no-relief-from-the-karaoke-revolution-glee-lau/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/we-just-cant-get-no-relief-from-the-karaoke-revolution-glee-lau/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/we-just-cant-get-no-relief-from-the-karaoke-revolution-glee-lau/#comments We've caught a few glimpses of the ... unique HUD for Karaoke Revolution Glee in the past, but you really haven't seen anything until you've seen the game in motion. Check out the (partially) live-action gameplay trailer below -- or we guess you could just go buy the game, since it launches today.

Continue reading We just can't get no relief from the Karaoke Revolution Glee launch trailer

JoystiqWe just can't get no relief from the Karaoke Revolution Glee launch trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gleekaraoke-revolution-gleekonamimusicnintendorhythmwiiTue, 09 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Unofficial Rock Band catalog search app arrives on iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/unofficial-rock-band-catalog-search-app-arrives-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/unofficial-rock-band-catalog-search-app-arrives-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/unofficial-rock-band-catalog-search-app-arrives-on-iphone/#comments Here's a hypothetical situation you or someone you know has probably experienced at some point in your life: You and a friend are out at a restaurant or bar, and Wham's "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" comes on the radio. You remark how this is one of your favorite Rock Band songs, but your friend replies that this song, criminally, is not part of the Rock Band catalog. You argue about this point all night, ruining your dinner, drinks and, ultimately, friendship.

There's another way -- a better way, friends. A new, unofficial and free iPhone tool from developer Three Brothers Apps titled "RB Song List" lets you scan through the game's downloadable catalog on the go. Using this app, you could have resolved this hypothetical argument in seconds, and then spent the rest of the night talking about why the hell "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" isn't available on the Rock Band Store.

JoystiqUnofficial Rock Band catalog search app arrives on iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appharmonixiphonejitterbugmobilemtv-gamesmusicrb-song-listrhythmRock-Band-3Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The complete Dance Central track list drops it like it's hot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/the-complete-dance-central-track-list-drops-it-like-its-hot/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/the-complete-dance-central-track-list-drops-it-like-its-hot/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/the-complete-dance-central-track-list-drops-it-like-its-hot/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We write up rhythm games' soundtracks pretty frequently, but it's rare for one of these lists to possess the kind of hypnotic power to send us into dancing fits by simply reading the songs therein. That's what's happened to us after reading the complete Dance Central tracklist posted after the jump, which, as you can imagine, is making it awfully hard to type right now. We can usually get in a few words before our very spirit compels us to do more popping and locking.

Seriously, you have to check out the list of songs posted after the jump -- but only if you're in a dancing-appropriate location, like your home, or a ballet class, or an old, abandoned factory. If you're not too busy moving uncontrollably to that funky beat, we suggest watching the Poisonous trailer posted even further down.

Continue reading The complete Dance Central track list drops it like it's hot

JoystiqThe complete Dance Central track list drops it like it's hot originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centralharmonixkinectmicrosoftmusicrhythmsoundtrackxboxWed, 13 Oct 2010 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[DJ Hero 2 bundles include free DJ Hero in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/dj-hero-2-bundles-include-free-dj-hero-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/dj-hero-2-bundles-include-free-dj-hero-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/dj-hero-2-bundles-include-free-dj-hero-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kenny Rogers is fond of reminding us "you've got to count your dub-plates before you touch the turntables, because if you run out of big tunes, it means your sound is done." The catch, of course, is that if there's no stopping your party, there's really no way to tell how many is enough. That said, we're pretty sure European purchasers of DJ Hero 2 are going to be in a better position to follow The Gambler's advice when they collect the free copy of DJ Hero, that Activision has announced will be included in their purchase of the Party or Turntable bundle (while supplies last).

In total, the deal will net buyers 170 mixes, which we'd assume are enough big tunes. Again though, and we can't stress this enough, there is no way of knowing.

Continue reading DJ Hero 2 bundles include free DJ Hero in Europe

JoystiqDJ Hero 2 bundles include free DJ Hero in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj-heroDJ-Hero-2microsoftplaystationps3RhythmxboxWed, 06 Oct 2010 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Select PS3 Rock Band DLC discounted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/select-ps3-rock-band-dlc-discounted/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/select-ps3-rock-band-dlc-discounted/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/select-ps3-rock-band-dlc-discounted/#comments Rock Band 3's launch is just about a month away, and Harmonix has made it its mission to make sure you've got a hard drive full of songs ready to be played once the threequel comes out. Check out a list of songs that have been temporarily discounted on the PlayStation Store below.

Continue reading Select PS3 Rock Band DLC discounted

JoystiqSelect PS3 Rock Band DLC discounted originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixplaystationplaystation-storeps3psnrhythmRock-Band-2Tue, 21 Sep 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band 3 DS's full track list revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/rock-band-3-dss-full-track-list-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/rock-band-3-dss-full-track-list-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/rock-band-3-dss-full-track-list-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In the console versions of Rock Band 3, you'll have 83 different tracks with which to rock out. In the DS game, not so much -- more like 25, actually. Relax: where the handheld game lacks quantity, it makes up for with quality. These 25 tracks culled from the console release represent great artists, like Faith No More, INXS, Queen and Night Ranger, among others. We know how much you love your Night Ranger.

Check out the full DS game track list past the break.

Continue reading Rock Band 3 DS's full track list revealed

JoystiqRock Band 3 DS's full track list revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsharmonixmusicnintendorhythmRock-Band-3rock-band-3-track-listtrack-listWed, 25 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Full Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock track list revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/full-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-track-list-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/full-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-track-list-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/full-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-track-list-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've got to hand it to the recently revealed Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock setlist -- there are more than a few tasty tracks in the series' next installment. Still, as excited as we are to faux-pluck our way through Styx's "Renegade," we can't help but question a few of the songs therein. Not that they're bad songs, per se, but ... well, we can't really envision R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe as a "Warrior of Rock," you know? We imagine him wearing spiked pauldrons, and it just doesn't do anything for us.

Check out the full 93-song setlist just past the jump.

Continue reading Full Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock track list revealed

JoystiqFull Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock track list revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftmusicneversoftnintendoplaystationps3rhythmwiixboxTue, 17 Aug 2010 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[InstantAction announces Instant Jam, a browser-based music game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/instantaction-announces-instant-jam-a-browser-based-music-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/instantaction-announces-instant-jam-a-browser-based-music-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/instantaction-announces-instant-jam-a-browser-based-music-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,

You're no longer limited to the old strawberries-plus-mallet approach for Instant Jam. Now there's a video game! InstantAction, the company behind the impressive embeddable game service, has announced Instant Jam, an original embeddable Rock Band-style music game for PC, developed by InstantAction's studio in Las Vegas.

Instant Jam uses the music in your own music library, matching it to note charts for "the world's most popular songs." It supports the keyboard or USB guitar controllers, and allows in-game music purchases through Amazon or iTunes -- its version of DLC, which also happens to enhance your regular music library.

A beta is currently available through Facebook. Versions playable through the website and embeddable elsewhere will be rolled out soon, and the team promises additional features regularly.

Gallery: Instant Jam (PC)

JoystiqInstantAction announces Instant Jam, a browser-based music game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Browser-gameInstant-JamInstantActionMusicpcRhythmMon, 16 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DDR coming to PS3 this fall with YouTube and Move support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/ddr-coming-to-ps3-this-fall-with-video-and-move-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/ddr-coming-to-ps3-this-fall-with-video-and-move-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/ddr-coming-to-ps3-this-fall-with-video-and-move-support/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Do those feet of yours remember how to dance? Or, rather, how to flail about in four directions in accordance with a brightly colored song chart? We hope so, as you'll soon be charged with arrow-stepping once again when DanceDanceRevolution arrives on PS3 later this fall. Yes, it's just called DanceDanceRevolution. Apparently, no extemporaneous "Mixes" or "Maxes" or "SuperNOVAs," or even spaces, were required this time around.

This version of DDR -- the series' first outing on the PS3, no less -- includes some form of Move support, meaning dancers will have to move their arms in rhythm while simultaneously moving their legs, similar to the Wiimote controls of DDR Hottest Party. Also, using the PlayStation Eye, players can record their best routines and throw it on Facebook and YouTube using the console's Video Editor and Uploader. These videos are going to be absolutely thrilling, and we, for one, cannot wait to see your totally sweet moves.

JoystiqDDR coming to PS3 this fall with YouTube and Move support originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dancedancedancerevolution-2010konamiplaystationplaystation-moveps3rhythmFri, 13 Aug 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Power Gig throws fake guitars into volcano, dooms mankind]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/power-gig-throws-fake-guitars-into-volcano-dooms-mankind/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/power-gig-throws-fake-guitars-into-volcano-dooms-mankind/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/power-gig-throws-fake-guitars-into-volcano-dooms-mankind/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hey, Seven45 Studios? We need to have some words about your recent viral advertisement for Power Gig: Rise of the SixString, which is posted just after the jump. Provided the footage therein is real -- and in this day and age of fancy-schmancy video editing software, who really knows -- then we're terrified for the future of Iceland. After all, we think we can all agree that what the April eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull were missing were ballistic, Skittle-colored shards of molten plastic.

Check out the edgy (and quite possibly felonious) ad just past the jump.

Continue reading Power Gig throws fake guitars into volcano, dooms mankind

JoystiqPower Gig throws fake guitars into volcano, dooms mankind originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>litteringmicrosoftplaystationpower-gig-rise-of-the-sixstringps3rhythmseven45-studiosvolcanoxboxTue, 10 Aug 2010 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DJ Max Portable 3 gameplay mixes hot beats with quick cuts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/08/dj-max-portable-3-gameplay-mixes-hot-beats-with-quick-cuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/08/dj-max-portable-3-gameplay-mixes-hot-beats-with-quick-cuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/08/dj-max-portable-3-gameplay-mixes-hot-beats-with-quick-cuts/#commentsFiled under: , ,

DJ Max Portable fans eagerly awaiting a first look at the third game in action will be happy to see the intensely edited clip that we've dropped after the break. Look for the game on PSP sometime later this year.

Continue reading DJ Max Portable 3 gameplay mixes hot beats with quick cuts

JoystiqDJ Max Portable 3 gameplay mixes hot beats with quick cuts originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Aug 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dj-max-portabledj-max-portable-3musicpentavisionplaystationpsprhythmsonytrailerSun, 08 Aug 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock takes the stage September 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-takes-the-stage-september-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-takes-the-stage-september-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-takes-the-stage-september-28/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Anxious to get your hands on Activision's werething-infused rock-em-up, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock? Activision revealed a launch date for the game during its annual investors call last night: September 28 (September 24 in the UK). For those of you keeping score at home, that's a full month before the arrival of its competitor, Rock Band 3, which is set to launch on October 26.

Outside of being compatible with "your existing Guitar Hero music library," Warriors of Rock adds 95 new tracks into the mix, including re-recordings from Alice Cooper and The Runaways. Additionally, if you're one of the first million to purchase the game in North America, you get a free Soundgarden album.

JoystiqGuitar Hero: Warriors of Rock takes the stage September 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftmusicnintendoplaystationps3q3q3-2010release-daterhythmwiixboxFri, 06 Aug 2010 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance Dance Revolution stepping to PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/dance-dance-revolution-stepping-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/dance-dance-revolution-stepping-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/dance-dance-revolution-stepping-to-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Konami recently elected to make an announcement about one of its oldest franchises in a fairly unconventional way -- by adding the teaser image seen above to its Facebook fan page. As you've probably sussed out, the publisher announced alongside the image, "we're bringing DDR to the PS3." We're wondering how long they've been holding onto this announcement, considering the relative age of the box art and straight chubby PS3 seen in the teaser.

Almost no details surfaced about which iteration of the series would hit the console, or when we can expect it -- however, the announcement does mention the title will have a "launch party" on August 12. We're not sure if it means "launch party" in the traditional sense, or if they're only planning on "launching" the game's heretofore absent details. We've contacted Konami to figure out which kind of party we're dealing with, and whether or not we should bring snacks.

JoystiqDance Dance Revolution stepping to PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-dance-revolutionddrkonamimusicplaystationps3rhythmTue, 03 Aug 2010 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: DJ Hero 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/dj-hero-2-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/dj-hero-2-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/dj-hero-2-preview/#comments In a small hotel room in midtown Manhattan this month, I spent just over an hour with Activision's noticeably slimmed down holiday rhythm/music game lineup. Though we'll have to hold our impressions of Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock until later this month, I can tell you all about my time spent with DJ Hero 2.

First and foremost -- and this might sound nuts to open with -- the design and layout of the user interface is beautifully vacant. The DJ selection screen isn't much more than a bright white background with selectable characters. That same design aesthetic carries over into the gameplay interface -- unlike the muddied rock and roll world of Guitar Hero, everything in DJ Hero 2 is sharp, crisp, and clean. The lighting may be low, but blues and reds and yellows can be seen popping all over the place.

Gallery: DJ Hero 2 (7/20/10)

Continue reading Preview: DJ Hero 2

JoystiqPreview: DJ Hero 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionDJ-Hero-2freestyle-gamesmicrosoftmusicnintendoplaystationps3rhythmwiixboxWed, 28 Jul 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock includes re-recorded Alice Cooper, The Runaways]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-includes-re-recorded-alice-cooper/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-includes-re-recorded-alice-cooper/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-includes-re-recorded-alice-cooper/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It seems Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock will attempt to achieve its goal of keeping the classic rock hits alive in a fairly unorthodox manner -- by, well, redoing them. Activision has revealed another batch of the rhythm title's songs, which include two exclusive re-recordings of Alice Cooper's "No More Mr. Nice Guy" and The Runaways' "Cherry Bomb," as performed by their original artists.

Check out all the new additions -- including un-re-recorded fossils like Edgar Winter's "Free Ride" and Styx's "Renegade" -- just after the jump.

Update: Check out a behind the scenes video about the re-recording process after the break.

Continue reading Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock includes re-recorded Alice Cooper, The Runaways

JoystiqGuitar Hero: Warriors of Rock includes re-recorded Alice Cooper, The Runaways originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionalice-cooperguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftneversoftnintendoplaystationps3rhythmthe-runawayswiixboxTue, 27 Jul 2010 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Breaking Benjamin, Weezer and more added to Guitar Hero iPhone store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/breaking-benjamin-weezer-and-more-added-to-guitar-hero-iphone-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/breaking-benjamin-weezer-and-more-added-to-guitar-hero-iphone-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/breaking-benjamin-weezer-and-more-added-to-guitar-hero-iphone-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"Hello, Apple Customer Support, this is Janice speaking. How may I help you?"

"Does my iPhone replacement plan cover ... um, if I accidentally jammed my thumbs through my screen?"

"If you jam your -- sir, I have to ask ... were you attempting to play 'My Name is Jonas' on Expert on the Guitar Hero App?"

"How on Earth did you know?"

"Sir, you're the twentieth person to call with that issue today. Oh, and the answer to your question is of course not."

Click past the jump to see all the tracks from Breaking Benjamin, Coldplay, Rise Against and Weezer which were recently added to the Music Store on Guitar Hero for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Also, be gentle with those thumbs, okay?

Continue reading Breaking Benjamin, Weezer and more added to Guitar Hero iPhone store

JoystiqBreaking Benjamin, Weezer and more added to Guitar Hero iPhone store originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbreaking-benjamincoldplaydlcguitar-heroguitar-hero-iphonemobilerhythmrise-againstvicarious-visionsweezerFri, 23 Jul 2010 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Bang your head to the Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock 'Act 1' set list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/bang-your-head-to-the-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-act-1-set/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/bang-your-head-to-the-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-act-1-set/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/bang-your-head-to-the-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-act-1-set/#comments We get it. In this fast-paced world of ... stuff, you don't have time to scroll over a list of tracks in the upcoming Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. Where text would've gotten the job done in the past, we recognize that nowadays you need something to match your speedy lifestyle. Therefore, we present the video past the break.

It highlights the set list for the first act of the game, featuring standout tracks like Dire Straits' "Money for Nothing" and even a live rendition of Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar on Me." If you're looking for something a bit on the classier side, you'll be relieved to know that Activision has also included Kiss' "Love Gun." Nothing says class like a song that's about -- well, you know.

Continue reading Bang your head to the Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock 'Act 1' set list

JoystiqBang your head to the Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock 'Act 1' set list originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmusicneversoftrhythmThu, 08 Jul 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision's Amrich: DJ Hero sales now up to 1.2 million units]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/activisions-amrich-dj-hero-sales-now-up-to-1-2-million-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/activisions-amrich-dj-hero-sales-now-up-to-1-2-million-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/activisions-amrich-dj-hero-sales-now-up-to-1-2-million-units/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Activision's DJ Hero may not have had the strong start the company would have hoped for, but it's apparently gained significant momentum since its October launch. In an editorial piece defending the performance of Bizarre's recent racer, Blur, Activision social media guy Dan Amrich talked up DJ Hero's longterm success -- which has now yielded sales of 1.2 million units.

As you might recall, it was also the best-selling IP of 2009 by revenue. Amrich posited that DJ Hero needed "time for its audience to find it, a price break, and positive word from both friends and reviews to circulate" before it could really pick up steam. With DJ Hero 2 just around the corner, we're anxious to see how Activision will apply what it's learned from the first game.

JoystiqActivision's Amrich: DJ Hero sales now up to 1.2 million units originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionDan-AmrichDJ-Herofreestyle-gamesmusicrhythmThu, 08 Jul 2010 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN's Retro/Grade is progressing, but not coming in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/03/see-how-psns-retro-grade-is-progressing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/03/see-how-psns-retro-grade-is-progressing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/03/see-how-psns-retro-grade-is-progressing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In an interview with PSNStores, 24 Caret Games' Matt Gilgenbach offered an update on the development of the time-reversing rhythm shmup ... thing, Retro/Grade. Most obviously, the PSN release is getting a nice visual boost over what has been shown: "We've redone pretty much all the graphics to make the game look really snazzy on your HDTVs," Gilgenbach said, "especially because Retro/Grade runs at Full HD (1080p) at 60 fps with anti-aliasing." Power-ups (and power-downs) have also been added, as have "some epic reverse boss fights" that the team isn't talking about yet.

If you want to try out the odd guitar-controlled PSN game (and there will be a demo!) you'll have to jump forward in time to next year: "I am confident we will release it sometime in 2011," Gilgenbach said, "but I can't really narrow it down too much further."

JoystiqPSN's Retro/Grade is progressing, but not coming in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Jul 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24-Caret-Gamesplaystationps3PSNRetro-gradeRhythmShmupSat, 03 Jul 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ION making even fancier Rock Band drum set]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/ion-making-even-fancier-rock-band-drum-set/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/ion-making-even-fancier-rock-band-drum-set/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/ion-making-even-fancier-rock-band-drum-set/#commentsFiled under: , ,

ION has refreshed its "premium" (read: 'spensive) Drum Rocker peripheral for the upcoming Rock Band 3. The new Drum Rocker Pro includes four drums, three cymbals and the new "Pro Pedal," a kick drum pedal with "all-metal construction," plus a "dual-chain drive, adjustable beater and rubber trigger," all of which sound like they're probably very impressive.

The new kit will be available for PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii this holiday season, timed with the release of Rock Band 3. The fancy new pedal will also be sold separately, for anyone with a previous ION set or regular Rock Band drums who is humiliated about the state of their kick drum pedal. No price for either item was announced, but expect to pay a premium.

Continue reading ION making even fancier Rock Band drum set

JoystiqION making even fancier Rock Band drum set originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Drum-Rockerdrum-rocker-proharmonixIonIon-drum-rockermicrosoftmtv-gamesMusicnintendoplaystationpro-pedalps3rhythmRock-Band-3wiixboxFri, 02 Jul 2010 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance Central DLC to cost more than Rock Band's, Harmonix explains why]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/dance-central-dlc-to-cost-more-than-rock-bands-harmonix-explai/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/dance-central-dlc-to-cost-more-than-rock-bands-harmonix-explai/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/dance-central-dlc-to-cost-more-than-rock-bands-harmonix-explai/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Dance Central Project Lead Kasson Crooker tells Joystiq that the game's downloadable content will cost more than the $2 Rock Band standard. The Harmonix developer explained that the "complexity" involved makes DLC for Dance Central "significantly different" from that offered in Rock Band and noted that we can expect to hear more on pricing closer to the game's ship date later this year.

Harmonix's approach to Rock Band pricing has always seemed fair, but we wanted to know the specific differences in creating DLC for DC. Crooker elaborated, "Because [Dance Central DLC] comes with a brand new unique routine with the three difficulties, we have to: engage the choreographer, find the song, license the song, come up with a routine, get them into a [motion capture] suit, shoot all the choreography, integrate the animation, build the filter system, the flash cards, the [voiceover] for 'Break it Down' -- it's a pretty elaborate process that is not only a lot more expensive, but a lot more time consuming."

Standardized weekly DLC a la Rock Band is unlikely at the game's launch. Each DLC routine is designed for use in "Break it Down" and "Perform It!" modes, as well as the the multiplayer "Dance Battle" mode.

JoystiqDance Central DLC to cost more than Rock Band's, Harmonix explains why originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dance-CentraldlcharmonixKinectmicrosoftProject-NatalRhythmxboxMon, 28 Jun 2010 11:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Dance Central (Kinect)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/20/preview-dance-central-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/20/preview-dance-central-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/20/preview-dance-central-kinect/#comments As a diminutive person who jabs at buttons and keyboards for a living, I can say with the utmost accuracy that dancing isn't my forte. You'll probably come to the same conclusion after watching the video of me gyrating to the beat of Lady Gaga's "Poker Face," which I've foolishly embedded after the break. I've placed it there because I want you to see -- somewhere in that garbled body dialect -- how rapidly the "Oh my god, I can't be seen doing this" phase is supplanted by an inescapable feeling of fun. The endorphins don't lie, guys.

Dance Central isn't a quick-and-dirty ditty from Harmonix, the developers behind Amplitude and Rock Band. It's an immediately accessible rhythm title that trades multi-colored buttons for body language, presented in the form of easily processed silhouette cards. A practice mode enables you to gain familiarity with the dance move associated with each silhouette card, but I found them clear enough to follow correctly on my first attempt. Glance at the upcoming move card (think of it as the "next piece" window in Tetris) and prepare to mimic it and the group of on-screen dancers in rhythm to the music. It's like dancing in front of a mirror -- if you were a vibrant cartoon person with a boombox.

The reflection of your own body, as captured precisely by the Xbox 360's Kinect camera, is almost hidden compared to the in-game characters, and it makes the game feel more collaborative than judgmental. In comparison to rote stomp-'em-down Dance Dance Revolution, it's a dance dance revelation. I understand there's a mental embarrassment hurdle to be cleared here so, if it helps, better to think of Dance Central as a hip, hip-thrusting exercise game. Either way, you should also think of it as one of Kinect's least abstract games -- you're not awkwardly driving an invisible car, for example -- and certainly one of its most promising.

Gallery: Dance Central (Kinect)


Continue reading Preview: Dance Central (Kinect)

JoystiqPreview: Dance Central (Kinect) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Jun 2010 03:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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