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[Sound Shapes lays down more DLC on May 14 in NA, May 15 EU]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/sound-shapes-lays-down-more-dlc-on-may-14-in-na-may-15-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/sound-shapes-lays-down-more-dlc-on-may-14-in-na-may-15-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/sound-shapes-lays-down-more-dlc-on-may-14-in-na-may-15-eu/#comments Sound Shapes, Queasy Games's synesthetic platformer, gets another batch of DLC on May 14 in North America, May 15 in Europe. While Queasy's announcement was coy, PSNStores says it's confirmed the DLC comprises two sound packs: one 1980s-themed, one dubstep.

As PSNStores notes, the two DLCs packs accidentally appeared in a PS Store update for Asia back in March, and their trophies are listed too. The 80s are back in style and dubstep isn't going away anytime soon, so the timing looks metronomic for some new beats.

JoystiqSound Shapes lays down more DLC on May 14 in NA, May 15 EU originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3PSNqueasy-gamesrelease-datesound-shapesvitaFri, 03 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB rates 'Best of PSN' collection, with Sound Shapes, Tokyo Jungle, Fat Princess]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/esrb-rates-best-of-psn-collection-with-sound-shapes-tokyo-ju/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/esrb-rates-best-of-psn-collection-with-sound-shapes-tokyo-ju/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/esrb-rates-best-of-psn-collection-with-sound-shapes-tokyo-ju/#comments A new ESRB rating suggests that Sony's going to bottle some of its PSN magic for sale on retail shelves. The rating is for " Best of Playstation(R)Network Vol. 1," which compiles action strategy game Fat Princess, Tokyo Jungle, Sound Shapes, and When Vikings Attack."

Sony has yet to officially announce the collection. We've asked SCEA for more details on this intriguingly diverse, seemingly appropriately titled collection.

JoystiqESRB rates 'Best of PSN' collection, with Sound Shapes, Tokyo Jungle, Fat Princess originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-playstation-networkbest-of-playstation-network-volume-1esrbfat-princessplaystationps3sound-shapestokyo-junglewhen-vikings-attackTue, 02 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sound Shapes DLC throws down cars, campaigns, obstacles, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/sound-shapes-dlc-throws-down-cars-campaigns-obstacles-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/sound-shapes-dlc-throws-down-cars-campaigns-obstacles-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/sound-shapes-dlc-throws-down-cars-campaigns-obstacles-more/#comments

Sound Shapes wants to pump up the volume today with a few downloadable additions, first with the Car Mini-Album and Creator Pack, which runs $2 and adds two new vehicles, new levels, a Sound Pack, new editing options, Beat School lessons and trophies.

The Community Milkcrate includes six new albums and a total of 35 levels created by players just like you (but probably with more dedication to Sound Shapes level creation), hand-picked by the developers at Queasy Games. The Community Milkcrate is a free update, and so is the addition of offline play - sync levels while connected to the Sound Shapes servers, and then play those levels whether on- or offline.

Queasy teased this massive DLC and update back in February, noting that it is Cross Buy enabled, and kept successfully silent until now. For a game called Sound Shapes, that's no easy feat.

JoystiqSound Shapes DLC throws down cars, campaigns, obstacles, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carsDLCplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Queasy-Gamessound-shapesvehiclevitaTue, 12 Mar 2013 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sound Shapes patched with next DLC, allows offline community levels]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/24/sound-shapes-patch-with-next-dlc-allows-offline-community-level/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/24/sound-shapes-patch-with-next-dlc-allows-offline-community-level/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/24/sound-shapes-patch-with-next-dlc-allows-offline-community-level/#comments Sound Shapes gets patch on DLC day, allows offline community playWhen the Sound Shapes DLC drops on March 12 - whatever it may entail - it will launch alongside a patch for the game, PSN Stores reports. The patch will add the ability to download community levels and play them offline, a handy trick for anyone with a wifi-only Vita and who enjoys the multitude of user-created levels in the Sound Shapes universe.

The Sound Shapes DLC will support Cross Buy, meaning a purchase on Vita transfers to your PS3 version of the game, and vice versa. Sony will release more information about the DLC itself "soon."

JoystiqSound Shapes patched with next DLC, allows offline community levels originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCpatchplaystationplaystation-vitaps3SONYsound-shapesvitaSun, 24 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sound Shapes DLC landing March 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/sound-shapes-dlc-landing-march-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/sound-shapes-dlc-landing-march-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/sound-shapes-dlc-landing-march-12/#comments Queasy Games has announced that a new bundle of Sound Shapes DLC has had its debut performance scheduled for Wednesday, March 12, and that said DLC will indeed be Cross-Buy enabled. It's sort of like when you buy a modern album on vinyl, but it also comes with a code for a digital copy.

Unfortunately, Queasy neglected to mention what the DLC actually is, and instead only revealed its release date, saying that more information will be forthcoming. Personally, we're hoping for an "all MIDI dog sounds" pack.

JoystiqSound Shapes DLC landing March 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Queasy-GamesSCEASony-Computer-Entertainment-Americasound-shapesvitaSat, 23 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: JC's picks of 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/best-of-the-rest-jcs-picks-of-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/best-of-the-rest-jcs-picks-of-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/best-of-the-rest-jcs-picks-of-2012/#comments Joystiq is revealing its 10 favorite games of 2012 throughout the week. Keep reading for more top selections and every writer's personal, impassioned picks in Best of the Rest roundups.

Best of the Rest JC's picks of 2012
Kid Icarus Uprising
I tried not to push Kid Icarus Uprising on my coworkers, despite enjoying it more than anything else I played this year. It's ... not the friendliest game, and requires an investment to enjoy that maybe I wouldn't have put in, had I not reviewed the game. I hated it until I loved it.

The insane, uncomfortable control scheme is a massive turnoff for the first few hours of gameplay, though I swear it clicks later (and is deeply customizable). The script is goofy to the point of being embarrassing, though it also swung to "hilarious" as the game went on. And the multiplayer takes a lot of "training," being based on the same weird control scheme as the ground battles from the single-player game - and it became the only online multiplayer game I cared to put hours of my own time into in 2012.

Kid Icarus Uprising's high barrier to entry makes it very un-Nintendo-like, and the kind of game I usually wouldn't deem worthy of a second look. I'm the kind of person who doesn't want to play a game if I have to wait for it to get fun. But Uprising's payoff is so worth it.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: JC's picks of 2012

JoystiqBest of the Rest: JC's picks of 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbest-of-2012best-of-the-rest-2012kid-icarus-uprisingmicrosoftnew-super-mario-bros-unintendopersona-4-goldenplaystationplaystation-vitaps3sound-shapestheatrhythm-final-fantasytokyo-junglevitawii-uxboxThu, 03 Jan 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Sinan's picks of 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/01/best-of-the-rest-sinans-picks-of-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/01/best-of-the-rest-sinans-picks-of-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/01/best-of-the-rest-sinans-picks-of-2012/#comments Joystiq is revealing its 10 favorite games of 2012 throughout the week. Keep reading for more top selections and every writer's personal, impassioned picks in Best of the Rest roundups.

Best of the Rest Sinan's picks of 2012
Dragon's Dogma
There are so many things wrong with Dragon's Dogma, as noted in Joystiq's scathing review. For starters, its unwillingness to offer guidance makes the Souls games look helpful, its dialogue repetition is nothing short of maddening - yes I freaking know wolves hunt in packs - and no game has ever made fast travel more of a chore. But when it's good, oh how good it is. Combining in harmony with my troupe of automated pawns to take down giant foes in simplistic yet epic, challenging combat is just too delectable to exclude Dragon's Dogma from mention, flaws or no.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Sinan's picks of 2012

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Sinan's picks of 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jan 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsasuras-wrathbest-of-the-restBest-of-the-Rest-2012borderlands-2dragons-dogmamicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3sound-shapestheatrhythm-final-fantasyvitaxboxTue, 01 Jan 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sound Shapes Holiday Sound Pack is a free gift to you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/sound-shapes-holiday-sound-pack-is-a-free-gift-to-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/sound-shapes-holiday-sound-pack-is-a-free-gift-to-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/sound-shapes-holiday-sound-pack-is-a-free-gift-to-you/#comments

Sound Shapes developer Queasy Games wrapped up a present for everyone this holiday season, and this package is simply stunning. Look at the care that went into that tape, the love in the creases, the compassion in the folds - oh, fine, rip it apart. Just tear it open. You animal.

The Holiday Sound Pack has five new, Christmas-themed instruments from classic carols, and it's an automatic addition to all Sound Shapes games, whether on Vita or PS3, that are connected to the internet. If you're so overwhelmed by this act of kindness, you can give back to the Queasy team by uploading your own holiday level with the tag #XMAS for them to play over the break.

That will almost make up for your treatment of the wrapping paper. Almost.

JoystiqSound Shapes Holiday Sound Pack is a free gift to you originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Christmasholidayholiday-sound-packplaystationplaystation-vitaps3sound-shapesvitaxmasWed, 19 Dec 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sound Shapes Music Shop launches with 3 sound packs, terrain pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/sound-shapes-music-shop-launches-with-3-sound-packs-terrain-pac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/sound-shapes-music-shop-launches-with-3-sound-packs-terrain-pac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/sound-shapes-music-shop-launches-with-3-sound-packs-terrain-pac/#comments
Sound Shapes is expanding today with the launch of an in-game music shop. Up for grabs are three new sound packs, the Acoustic Sound Pack, Drum Kits Sound Pack and 8-Bit Sound Pack. The packs will be available for $0.99 each, and all feature five new instruments, their own Beat School Levels and Trophies. Also available today will be the free Curved Terrain Pack.

Furthemore, Sony has revealed a new feature set to debut later this month called the Community Milkcrate. The Milkcrate will showcase curated albums of user-created levels, each centered around a specific theme. Next year will see the release of special Milkcrate albums curated by "entertainment industry luminaries including game developers, music composers and other notable fans of the game." New vehicles will be introduced next year as well.

Check out the trailer above for a peek at the new sound packs.

JoystiqSound Shapes Music Shop launches with 3 sound packs, terrain pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Dec 2012 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-vitaqueasy-gamessonysound-shapesvitaTue, 04 Dec 2012 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[The Sound Summer of PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/the-sound-summer-of-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/the-sound-summer-of-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/the-sound-summer-of-psn/#commentsYou're reading Reaction Time, a weekly column that claims to examine recent events, games and trends in the industry, but is really just looking for an excuse to use the word "zeitgeist." It debuts on Fridays in Engadget's digital magazine, Distro.
Remember when the summer lull signaled a blissful break from the year's onslaught of new games? July was the perfect pitstop, where you'd catch up on that bloated backlog and shake off that vague, gnawing stress that comes from wanting to play everything and knowing you never will. There used to be a gap, right over here.

If things felt lethargic to you in August, you must not have been too keen on the downloadable games finding their way to the PlayStation Store - or the ones getting horribly lost and asking for directions to some nested nightmare in the current Xbox 360 dashboard.

Sony's efforts this year have been especially strong, with several standout games forming a loose alliance around music. The PlayStation Network hosted the debut of Dyad, a tumultuous, trippy shooter that puts your brain in a slingshot and fires it straight down a LED-lined tunnel. It's a product of Toronto's indie game scene and designer Shawn McGrath, who says it was relatively easy to gain Sony's stamp of approval.

Continue reading The Sound Summer of PSN

JoystiqThe Sound Summer of PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dyadmicrosoftplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psnreaction-timeretro-gradesound-shapessummer-of-arcadevitaxblaxboxFri, 31 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sound Shapes review: A live concept album]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/09/sound-shapes-review-a-live-concept-album/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/09/sound-shapes-review-a-live-concept-album/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/09/sound-shapes-review-a-live-concept-album/#comments Sound Shapes reviewSound Shapes is definitely a music game, but it doesn't fit into any existing music game framework. Your movements aren't judged by their adherence to the rhythm of the in-game music, nor do your movements create the music.

Instead, the world is literally made of music.

Gallery: Sound Shapes (8/9/12)

Continue reading Sound Shapes review: A live concept album

JoystiqSound Shapes review: A live concept album originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-vitaps3queasy-gamessound-shapesvitaThu, 09 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Sound Shapes, The Walking Dead]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/psn-tuesday-sound-shapes-the-walking-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/psn-tuesday-sound-shapes-the-walking-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/psn-tuesday-sound-shapes-the-walking-dead/#comments It's a great week for PlayStation Plus subscribers, who can grab the first two episodes of Telltale's The Walking Dead adventure game for free on the PlayStation Store today. As we noted earlier, Sound Shapes ($15) also launched today, and those that buy the PS3 version of the game get the Vita version for free. Oh, and PS Plus subscribers also get that game 20% off.

Joining Sound Shapes are Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2 ($50) and The King of Fighters XIII ($30). Payday: The Heist's Wolfpack DLC is out this week for $10 as well, and can be purchased with the game in a bundle for $20. Sound Shapes launches as part of the PSN Play promotion, which includes a bonus theme for those that pre-order Papo & Yo ($15), next week's PSN Play game. What's more, PS Plus members can do just that for 20% off.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Sound Shapes, The Walking Dead originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyperdimension-neptunia-mk2king-of-fighters-xiiipapo-and-yopayday-the-heistplaystationplaystation-plusplaystation-vitaps-plusps3PSN-Storepsn-tuesdaypspQueasy-GamesSCEAsonysound-shapesthe-walking-deadvitawalking-deadTue, 07 Aug 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sound Shapes coalescing into an available game today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/sound-shapes-coalescing-into-an-available-game-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/sound-shapes-coalescing-into-an-available-game-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/sound-shapes-coalescing-into-an-available-game-today/#comments Sound Shapes
Sound Shapes will be released today on PS3 and Vita whenever PSN is updated. Soon, these soothing tones and beautiful landscapes will be something you can actually play. For now, they're a new trailer you can stare at.

JoystiqSound Shapes coalescing into an available game today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-vitaps3sound-shapesvitaTue, 07 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You must watch Jon Mak build this super hot Sound Shapes jam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/you-must-watch-jon-mak-build-this-super-hot-sound-shapes-jam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/you-must-watch-jon-mak-build-this-super-hot-sound-shapes-jam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/you-must-watch-jon-mak-build-this-super-hot-sound-shapes-jam/#comments You must watch Jon Mak build this super hot Sound Shapes jam
Could you refer to Jon Mak's on-the-fly Sound Shapes level as a "club banger?" Why yes, yes you could. We'd even go so far as to say you should refer to it that way, but you may just call it "that really impressive thing that convinced me to buy Sound Shapes."

JoystiqYou must watch Jon Mak build this super hot Sound Shapes jam originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplayjon-makjonathan-maklevel-editorplaystationplaystation-vitaps3queasy-gamessound-shapesvitaWed, 01 Aug 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hear and see Beck's voice in Sound Shapes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/hear-and-see-becks-voice-in-sound-shapes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/hear-and-see-becks-voice-in-sound-shapes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/hear-and-see-becks-voice-in-sound-shapes/#comments Hear and see Beck's voice in Sound Shapes
Would you like to hear a new Beck song? Of course you would. Would you like to see a new interactive music video for said song, with art by Pyramid Attack? It's very likely you would.

Would you like that song and music video to actually be a level in Sound Shapes, in which you literally travel along Beck's lyrics (like taking a trip through the Becktionary)? You're really going to enjoy this video.

JoystiqHear and see Beck's voice in Sound Shapes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jul 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beckplaystationplaystation-vitaps3sound-shapesvitaFri, 20 Jul 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Odelay! Beck conributing three new tracks to Sound Shapes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/odelay-beck-penning-three-new-tracks-for-sound-shapes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/odelay-beck-penning-three-new-tracks-for-sound-shapes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/odelay-beck-penning-three-new-tracks-for-sound-shapes/#comments Odelay! Beck penning three new tracks for Sound ShapesThe synaesthetic platforming of Sound Shapes is getting bolstered by three tracks from pseudo country/hip-hop/folk/whatever artist Beck, Billboard reports. "Cities," "Spiral Staircases," and "Touch the People" will apparently each get their own levels in this August's PlayStation 3/Vita game. All three tracks are brand new for Sound Shapes, rather than from Beck's lengthy discography.

Beck joins co-developer I Am Robot and Proud (Shaw-Han Liem), Sworcery composer Jim Guthrie, and notoriously game-centric DJ Deadmau5 on the game's soundtrack, which, like, it's gonna be a super good soundtrack, right? We totally agree.

When the Deadmau5 collaboration was announced, Queasy Games told us that his tracks weren't just implemented into game levels, but also part of the game's level editor, allowing players to break apart the track and use it to create a soundscape behind the platforming. It stands to reason that Beck's tracks will also get this functionality, making this news all the more thrilling.

[Image credit: Flickr user 'lizzk']

Gallery: Sound Shapes (7/18/12)

JoystiqOdelay! Beck conributing three new tracks to Sound Shapes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beckdeadmau5musicplaystationplaystation-vitaps3queasy-gamessound-shapessoundtracksuper-freshvitaWed, 18 Jul 2012 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA['PSN Play' launches Sound Shapes, CS: GO, Papo & Yo, and The Expendables 2 across August [update: release dates!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/psn-play-launches-sound-shapes-cs-go-papo-and-yo-and-the-exp/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/psn-play-launches-sound-shapes-cs-go-papo-and-yo-and-the-exp/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/psn-play-launches-sound-shapes-cs-go-papo-and-yo-and-the-exp/#comments 'PSN Play' launches Sound Shapes, CS GO, Papo & Yo, and The Expendables 2 across August
Sony is gearing up for its second annual big summer digital launch promotion, which we're dubbing "PSN Play 2: Digital Sale-a-roo." Between July 24 and August 27, the following four games will launch on the PlayStation Network: Papo & Yo, Sound Shapes, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and The Expendables 2 Videogame (yes, we recognize that one of those is potentially less thrilling than the other three).

Moreover, if you buy any combination of those games, you'll get some virtual bucks back to spend on PSN. The more you buy, you the more you get back (two games gets $3, all the way up to all four getting $10 back). And if you're a PlayStation Plus member, things get even better - each game is reduced by 20 percent just because.

Update: Sony announced the dates of all the PSN Play games in a press release (after the break). The promotion begins with The Expendables 2 on July 31. Sound Shapes follows on the previously announced date of August 7, then it's Papo & Yo on August 14 and Counter-Strike on August 21. Pre-orders for each game will be available before release, granting exclusive PS3 themes.

Continue reading 'PSN Play' launches Sound Shapes, CS: GO, Papo & Yo, and The Expendables 2 across August [update: release dates!]

Joystiq'PSN Play' launches Sound Shapes, CS: GO, Papo & Yo, and The Expendables 2 across August [update: release dates!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>counter-strike-global-offensivepapo-and-yoplaystationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitaps3psn-playpsn-play-2012sound-shapesthe-expendables-2-videogamevitaTue, 10 Jul 2012 10:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Sound Shapes coming to PS3, both versions out August 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/sound-shapes-coming-to-ps3-both-versions-out-august-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/sound-shapes-coming-to-ps3-both-versions-out-august-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/sound-shapes-coming-to-ps3-both-versions-out-august-7/#comments Sound Shapes coming to PS3 concurrent with Vita version
After a long Sound Shapes-filled commute, you can go home and play more Sound Shapes. Developer Queasy Games just announced that it'll be released day-and-date with the Vita version.

So ... when is that date? August 7, for $14.99. Best of all, if you buy it on one system, you'll get it on both. User-generated content can be shared between versions. You'll be able to see the PS3 version on Sony's livestream at about 5:30PT, and you can see the Vita version (played by composer Jim Guthrie) up here.

JoystiqSound Shapes coming to PS3, both versions out August 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-vitaps3q3-2012release-datesound-shapesvitaMon, 04 Jun 2012 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Superbrothers and Jim Guthrie make Sound Shapes' 'Corporeal']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/superbrothers-and-jim-guthrie-make-sound-shapes-corporeal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/superbrothers-and-jim-guthrie-make-sound-shapes-corporeal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/superbrothers-and-jim-guthrie-make-sound-shapes-corporeal/#comments ImageThe next artist and musician pair to create a Sound Shapes album has worked together before: Superbrothers and Jim Guthrie famously collaborated on Sword & Sworcery EP, and now they've made "Corporeal," a series of levels for Queasy Games' Vita platformer.

"After some initial discussion with Queasy," Craig "Superbrothers" Adams said on the PlayStation Blog, "we chose to explore some of the concepts in prior Superbrothers films including Children of the Clone and Dot Matrix Revolution, so our levels are populated by computers, mainframes, office workers and water coolers." The level design is modeled on "something like Impossible Mission for C-64 & Spectrum," though still within the mechanics of Sound Shapes.

Adams didn't offer a specific release date for Sound Shapes, but he did say it'll be playable at Sony's E3 booth. Good news ... for us!

JoystiqSuperbrothers and Jim Guthrie make Sound Shapes' 'Corporeal' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>corporealjim-guthrieplaystationplaystation-vitaqueasy-gamessound-shapessuperbrothersvitaFri, 18 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Deadmau5 and Pixeljam make beautiful Sound Shapes together]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/deadmau5-and-pixeljam-make-beautiful-sound-shapes-together/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/deadmau5-and-pixeljam-make-beautiful-sound-shapes-together/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/deadmau5-and-pixeljam-make-beautiful-sound-shapes-together/#comments Image
Sound Shapes' levels are presented in an "album" format, with each collection of levels having a distinct look and sound. This video features a demonstration of an "album" whose sounds are provided by Deadmau5, a musician respected enough to get away with having a number in his name, and whose shapes are designed by indie developer Pixeljam.

Check out the collaboration above, and start thinking of how you can use those visual and musical elements to make your own levels.

JoystiqDeadmau5 and Pixeljam make beautiful Sound Shapes together originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Deadmau5pixeljamqueasy-gamessound-shapesMon, 16 Apr 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Sound Shapes getting pre-release demo, still looks fantastic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/sound-shapes-getting-pre-release-demo-still-looks-fantastic/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/sound-shapes-getting-pre-release-demo-still-looks-fantastic/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/sound-shapes-getting-pre-release-demo-still-looks-fantastic/#comments
Here's something you shouldn't be surprised at all by: Queasy Games' upcoming PlayStation Vita music-driven platformer, Sound Shapes, still looks absolutely delightful. As demonstrated in the above video to the PlayStation Blog by Jason deGroot, the game's art style has evolved more naturalistic looking environments which help all the more to showcase the game's synaesthetic approach.

Beyond the new footage, Queasy confirmed a pre-launch demo of its new game, though the indie studio and its publisher remain mum on a solid release date.

JoystiqSound Shapes getting pre-release demo, still looks fantastic originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demogameplayplaystationplaystation-vitaqueasy-gamessound-shapesvitaMon, 12 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shuhei Yoshida expects a focus on new IP for Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/shuhei-yoshida-expects-a-focus-on-new-ip-for-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/shuhei-yoshida-expects-a-focus-on-new-ip-for-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/shuhei-yoshida-expects-a-focus-on-new-ip-for-vita/#comments Sony president of Worldwide Studios Shuhei Yoshida has expressed his love for Queasy Games' Sound Shapes over the rest of the PlayStation Vita's lineup, and offered a couple hints as to the future of the new handheld's software lineup.

"When we introduce new hardware with unique interfaces and network options, it is almost easier to work on something completely new," Yoshida said in a recent interview with Sony's EU PlayStation blog. "Take rear touch on PS Vita - we'd rather be thinking about how we can make fresh games using that feature than figuring out ways to add it to something that already exists." This concept is already reflected by games like the aforementioned Sound Shapes, as well as Escape Plan and Gravity Daze, while the opposite is reflected in entries like Uncharted, Resistance, and Killzone. That said, Sony's plans extend at least a few years into the future.

"Generally we look three years ahead when we work on games. We have a fairly firm plan right up to 2013," Yoshida told the blog. He also admitted that, with PSP, the company's attention shifted dramatically to the PS3 when it launched, leaving the portable handheld somewhat in the dark -- something he promises won't happen with the Vita. "In the past we launched PSP and then shifted our attention to PS3 when that came on the horizon, which we now concede was a mistake. So with PS Vita we are working on this huge range titles and planning ahead for a constant supply of excellent games." Fingers crossed, folks!

JoystiqShuhei Yoshida expects a focus on new IP for Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-vitaqueasy-gamesshuhei-yoshidasound-shapesvitaThu, 22 Dec 2011 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Made in Toronto: Deadmau5 collaborating with Queasy on Sound Shapes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/made-in-toronto-deadmau5-collaborating-with-queasy-on-sound-sha/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/made-in-toronto-deadmau5-collaborating-with-queasy-on-sound-sha/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/made-in-toronto-deadmau5-collaborating-with-queasy-on-sound-sha/#comments When electronica artist Deadmau5 isn't busy hanging out with famed game developer Shigeru Miyamoto, or tricking tweeters into thinking he lost an early retail PlayStation Vita, he's teaming up with Queasy Games to handcraft tracks for upcoming Vita game Sound Shapes. He likely does other things, sure, but we're not privy to that.

An announcement this morning revealed the partnership -- apt given the studio's Toronto roots alongside Deadmau5. As if the collaboration couldn't be more serendipitous, Queasy Games head Jonathan Mak has been building Sound Shapes alongside Shaw-Han Liem, otherwise known as "I Am Robot and Proud," a Toronto-based electronic music artist. When asked about the collaboration, Liem was modest, telling Joystiq, "There is no special history between myself and Deadmau5, other than the fact that we both come from the Toronto/Canadian electronic music scene, which is quite small!"

He related the collaboration to Queasy's work with Capy Games, the indie studio responsible for Critter Crunch and Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes, among other things. "We know that he plays games, and indie games in particular - he's a fan of 'Sword & Sworcery'," Liem told us.

It's not clear how many tracks from Deadmau5 will end up in the title, but we'll find out in the not-too-distant future as Sound Shapes launches some time in 2012 for the PlayStation Vita. It also sounds like players will have a chance to cut up said tracks for level creation, as Liem concluded, "We've always had the goal of making the musical 'toolset' something that is flexible and that people can use to make different kinds of music. Adding Deadmau5 to the mix gives people a whole new set of musical tools to work with, which is totally exciting to us."

[Image credit: Facebook]

Continue reading Made in Toronto: Deadmau5 collaborating with Queasy on Sound Shapes

JoystiqMade in Toronto: Deadmau5 collaborating with Queasy on Sound Shapes originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deadmau5jonathan-makmusicplaystationplaystation-vitaqueasyqueasy-gamesshaw-han-liemsound-shapesvitaTue, 13 Dec 2011 15:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Groove to the beat of this new Sound Shapes trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/groove-to-the-beat-of-this-new-sound-shapes-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/groove-to-the-beat-of-this-new-sound-shapes-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/groove-to-the-beat-of-this-new-sound-shapes-trailer/#comments
Here at Joystiq, it's our job to know what you want. We've heard your cries for more trailers featuring attractive 20-somethings playing Sound Shapes, so here you go.

JoystiqGroove to the beat of this new Sound Shapes trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescom-2011playstationplaystation-vitaps-vitapspQueasy-Gamessonysound-shapesvitaFri, 19 Aug 2011 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sound Shapes preview: Run, jump, dance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/sound-shapes-preview-run-jump-dance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/sound-shapes-preview-run-jump-dance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/sound-shapes-preview-run-jump-dance/#comments Do you own any of the following?

A. Very flexible, DJ-quality headphones
B. A messenger bag sized specifically for vinyl records
C. A modded Game Boy/Game Boy Color/etc. for creating music
D. The freshest styles and moves, straight from Planet Funketron

If you answered "Yes" to any of the above, and you also share my love for precision platforming in video games like N+ and Super Meat Boy, then Sound Shapes is gonna be your jam.

Gallery: Sound Shapes (E3 2011)

Continue reading Sound Shapes preview: Run, jump, dance

JoystiqSound Shapes preview: Run, jump, dance originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onjonathan-makmusicnew-york-cityplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitapsvpsvitaqueasy-gamesshaw-han-liemsonysony-computer-entertainment-americasound-shapesvitaMon, 25 Jul 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Capybara, Metanet helping to develop Sound Shapes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/capybara-metanet-helping-develop-sound-shapes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/capybara-metanet-helping-develop-sound-shapes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/capybara-metanet-helping-develop-sound-shapes/#comments This morning, while thoroughly enjoying a preview of Queasy Games' next project, Sound Shapes for the PlayStation Vita, I had a chance to chat with project leads Jonathan Mak and Shaw-Han Liem. Given Mak's past with game development (Everyday Shooter), I wondered how much his team had grown since its first Sony game -- and accidentally stumbled on a really exciting detail about the forthcoming music/platformer. "It started with us two, then there were four of us, then there were six, then there were eight," Liem told me.

"We have some people helping, on contract," said Mak. "Capybara Games is helping us, Metanet is helping us. We're all friends in Toronto." It seems that, beyond the small group of people employed under the "Queasy Games" umbrella, folks from acclaimed indie dev houses Capybara Games (Critter Crunch) and Metanet (N+) are putting work into Sound Shapes.

Mak further noted, "A lof of these levels are actually Capy," referencing the levels I played in the preview build on-hand. He also explained to me that the folks at Queasy iterate on the levels before they make it into the game. Which isn't to say that the only folks working on Sound Shapes are Queasy Games and the aforementioned duo of dev houses.

"All the indie game companies in Toronto hang out together and help each other out," Liem explained. "For us, I think a lot of the stuff that we're doing is new to us, or stuff that we're doing for the first time. So to be able to draw upon the people who've gone through it before is really great."

Gallery: Sound Shapes (E3 2011)

JoystiqCapybara, Metanet helping to develop Sound Shapes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capybara-gamesmetanetplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitaqueasy-gamessonysound-shapestorontovitaWed, 20 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sound Shapes heading to NGP from Everyday Shooter dev Jonathan Mak]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/sound-shapes-heading-to-ngp-from-everyday-shooter-dev-jonathan-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/sound-shapes-heading-to-ngp-from-everyday-shooter-dev-jonathan-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/sound-shapes-heading-to-ngp-from-everyday-shooter-dev-jonathan-m/#comments It's been four years since Jonathan Mak released his last game on Sony's PlayStation Network, Everyday Shooter, to critical acclaim. In that time, Mak has been working on a variety of projects -- 10 (failed) games with a Toronto-area musician, for instance -- but today he's unveiling his next major release as Sound Shapes for Sony's NGP.

Like Everyday Shooter took a basic shooting concept and added a musical twist, Sound Shapes aims to do as much with platforming, it seems. VentureBeat explains the gameplay by saying, "You manipulate a sticky ball through a two-dimensional landscape and create music as you interact." According to VB, the objects in the game's 2D world all correspond to different sounds, forcing players to move based on the beat of the music. Mak, and his dev studio Queasy Games, are bringing Sound Shapes to E3 next week where we'll check it out more thoroughly.

Update: Mak notes in a separate US PlayStation blog post that Sound Shapes can also be used to make music, "but then you can 'play' that music like it's a video game." He also notes that the game will be playable at E3.

Gallery: Sound Shapes (NGP)

Continue reading Sound Shapes heading to NGP from Everyday Shooter dev Jonathan Mak

JoystiqSound Shapes heading to NGP from Everyday Shooter dev Jonathan Mak originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2011jonathan-makngpplaystationplaystation-vitaqueasy-gamessonysound-shapesvitaThu, 02 Jun 2011 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Feast your eyes on a menagerie of new NGP game images]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/feast-your-eyes-on-a-menagerie-of-new-ngp-game-images/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/feast-your-eyes-on-a-menagerie-of-new-ngp-game-images/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/feast-your-eyes-on-a-menagerie-of-new-ngp-game-images/#comments We may not know much about Sony's NGP (or is it PlayStation Vita?) just yet, but we do have a whole mess of new images from its game lineup. After the break, you'll find eight (eight!) galleries of brand new screens, pulled from Uncharted, Wipeout, Little Deviants, and many more.

Continue reading Feast your eyes on a menagerie of new NGP game images

JoystiqFeast your eyes on a menagerie of new NGP game images originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hustle-kingslittle-deviantsmodnation-racersmodnation-racers-ngpngpplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitareality-fighterssony-computer-entertainmentsound-shapessuper-stardust-ngpsuper-stardust-portableuncharted-ngpvitawipeoutwipeout-ngpThu, 02 Jun 2011 12:33:00 EST