Joystiq

Crush3D: A second look in the third dimension

JC Fletcher — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST

Crush3D might be a new game to many of us, but that's only because nobody seemed to notice the original 2007 PSP game, developed back when Zoe Mode was called Kuju Brighton. And with its emphasis on constantly shifting from 2D to 3D in perspective, it seems like an idea that was waiting for the 3DS to come along.

The new version obviously uses stereoscopic 3D effects to highlight the "3D-ness" of the world, but what else has changed for the 3DS release? Well, not much. The only difference I could clearly identify is in the color scheme. While the PSP game was deep, dark and moody, painting the world inside protagonist Danny's mind with subdued colors and nighttime skies, the 3DS game is vividly colorful.

Gallery: Crush3d (E3 2011)

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Crush3D: A second look in the third dimension originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zumba Fitness Rush sweats Kinect Feb. 13

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST

The hit Zumba Fitness franchise is working out another installment next month with Zumba Fitness Rush. The game is exclusively for Xbox 360's Kinect and features "the most content of any Zumba Fitness game to date."

"This high-quality experience built for Kinect for Xbox 360 offers a wealth of exclusive content to fans, and then delivers even more post launch with multiple game add-on packs," Majesco CEO Jesse Sutton said. "The February 13 launch of Rush is the company's largest integrated marketing program to date, and we are thrilled to have Microsoft's support around the world to bring this exceptional product to market."

Rush already has two DLC packs slated, with a three-song Bollywood pack for May and another triple-pack of hip-hop songs for September. The packs will be 400 MSP ($5) apiece.

The Zumba Fitness franchise has surpassed 6 million units to date and is currently the backbone of Majesco's financial scoliosis.

Zumba Fitness Rush sweats Kinect Feb. 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crush3D trailer has a story to tell

David Hinkle — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:15:00 EST

What is it with scientists and their penchant for underage helpers? Doc Brown has Marty McFly, Mr. Wizard has a whole rotating cast of young assistants, and even Sir Isaac Newton had his lesser-known pal Gary to help out. In Crush3D, it's the same deal.

Crush3D trailer has a story to tell originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crush3D, Mario & Sonic Olympics hitting 3DS early next year

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST

Sega recently announced the launch dates of two of its upcoming titles for the Nintendo 3DS. Folks waiting with bated breath for the three-dimensional puzzler, Crush3D, will be able to exhale earlier than the original projected late-February release date -- it's out on January 10 (January 13 in Europe). Worldwide athletes, on the other hand, can test their mettle when Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games lights the torch on February 14 (February 10 in Europe).

Well, we know what we're doing on Valentine's Day: Neglecting our significant others while we try and earn the gold with Dr. Robotnik in the Rhythmic Gymnastics event. They say his supple frame isn't built to twirl ribbons, but we respectfully disagree.

Crush3D, Mario & Sonic Olympics hitting 3DS early next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Haunt preview: Spirited entertainment [update]

JC Fletcher — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:00:00 EST

During a visit to NanaOn-Sha's Tokyo headquarters, I had the opportunity to try Haunt, the company's new XBLA Kinect game. And despite the superficial, high-level similarity to Rise of Nightmares -- both are "scary" Kinect games in which you can walk around freely -- Haunt couldn't be a more different experience. NanaOn-Sha founder Masaya Matsuura classified it as more of a "haunted house" experience. Think Casper. Think profoundly charming.

The Haunt demo begins on rails, on a cart guided down a railway like a haunted house ride, but that's just to ease you into the game. And, like any good haunted house, as you're slowly clack-clacking your way through the halls, spooooooky ghosts and skellingtons jump out to scare you. You dodge and avoid taking damage by moving your body to one side.

Gallery: Haunt (TGS 2011)

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Haunt preview: Spirited entertainment [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shinobi and Crush3D delay3D

JC Fletcher — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST

Both of Sega's upcoming 3DS projects have been outfitted with new, later dates, according to a press release issued by Sega's European and American branches today. Griptonite Games' Shinobi update, initially due in September, will now be released on November 15.

Crush3D, also originally to have been released in September, is now due February 21 of next year. This delay announcement confirms a statement given at a GamesIndustry.biz roundtable by Zoe Mode's Paul Mottram, who mentioned that "we had to delay the release of that because of the success of the platform."

The solution to the problem of a platform that doesn't have enough games ... is to hold off on releasing games. Of course.

Continue reading Shinobi and Crush3D delay3D

Shinobi and Crush3D delay3D originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3DS to get 'Crush3D' on September 6

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 11 May 2011 13:30:00 EST

Sega today formally unveiled Crush3D (geddit?), the 3DS remake of 2007's perspective-shifting PSP puzzle-platformer, Crush. With the announcement, the publisher released a handful of screenshots and a debut trailer, and pinned the game to a September 6 launch in North America (September 9 in Europe and Australia).

Not only does it add 3D graphics, but this reimagining of Crush has also undergone a fairly significant aesthetic change. Gone are the dark and dreary environments of the original game, replaced by a much less stressful jewel-toned palette. Check out Crush3D's brightened-up locales in the new screenshots below and video after the jump.

Gallery: Crush3D (first screens)

Continue reading 3DS to get 'Crush3D' on September 6

3DS to get 'Crush3D' on September 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 May 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chime Super Deluxe dings PSN on March 29, includes 4-player modes

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:20:00 EST

Chime Super Deluxe, a more relaxed and docile take on thematically similar games like Lumines, will be available March 29 on PSN in North America. Depending on its reception, Developer Zoe Mode has indicated that it would like bring this upgrade of vanilla Chime -- featuring rebalanced gameplay and enhanced graphics -- to PC and XBLA "at a later date."

Aside from Super Deluxe being a "commercial" release on PSN (i.e., not for charity), the biggest change in this version of the audio/visual-focused puzzler is the inclusion of offline four-player modes. Depending on the type of trip you're looking to have with friends, you can roll smoothly with some cooperative gameplay or freak out in some versus. Let all those pretty colors and sounds wash over you, taste the purple and feel the bass.

Continue reading Chime Super Deluxe dings PSN on March 29, includes 4-player modes

Chime Super Deluxe dings PSN on March 29, includes 4-player modes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chime Super Deluxe soundtrack fully pieced together

Randy Nelson — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 07:00:00 EST

UK dev Zoë Mode is in the final stretch of completing its upgraded version of Chime for PSN, aptly titled Chime Super Deluxe. As the puzzler takes shape, its maker has revealed the remaining artists who'll feature on the soundtrack -- which remixes dynamically in the game based on the placement of blocks and completion of each puzzle.

Joining the likes of Moby, Orbital and Phillip Glass is human beatboxer Shlomo, with his track, "The Looping Song," written exclusively for the game. Electronica duo Plaid rounds out the bunch with another exclusive "Tender Hooks." Plaid says it was "keen to push the Chime engine for this composition" and that it's "based around loops written in 5/4 and 2/4 time allowing the track to switch between these time signatures to emphasize the gamers' progress through the level."

Now if only Zoë Mode would announce a release date, it'd be music to our ears. You'll find some music for your ears in the new trailer for the game, after the break.

Continue reading Chime Super Deluxe soundtrack fully pieced together

Chime Super Deluxe soundtrack fully pieced together originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New tracks and artists revealed for Chime Super Deluxe

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:50:00 EST

We already know the identities of five out of ten of the songs included in the upcoming, PSN-exclusive update to Zoe Mode's innovative puzzler, Chime Super Deluxe. Today, three more songs for the title were announced -- and my, what an ecclectic mix they are:

Chiptune artist Sabrepulse will contribute a song titled "Play With You," on which he collaborated with Jorden Milnes, previous winner of the Billboard Songwriter Of The Year Award.
Nathan McCree, composer for Tomb Raider 1, 2 and 3, will turn in a song titled "Machine Dream."
Finally, film and television composer Joe Hogan will contribute a "cinematic orchestral" tune named "Sympathy." The song was originally used in a prototype version of the original Chime, so we imagine that it's undergone quite a bit of Supering and Deluxing over the past year.

Continue reading New tracks and artists revealed for Chime Super Deluxe

New tracks and artists revealed for Chime Super Deluxe originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zoe Mode finally announces Chime Super Deluxe for PSN, coming this Spring

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 17:30:00 EST

After months of beating around the proverbial bush, Zoe Mode has confirmed that the charitable, rhythmic puzzler Chime will make its way to the PSN this Spring. Its newest iteration will actually be titled Chime Super Deluxe, which we initially believed to indicate the addition of short, super hilarious internet cartoons. No dice -- Zoe Mode explained on PlayStation Blog that the game's "Deluxeness" can be attributed to its 10-strong tracklist, as well as its two multiplayer modes, which were sadly left undetailed.

We'll let you know when firmer details crop up. For now, check out the first five songs revealed from the game's soundtrack as well as an adjective-rich teaser trailer after the jump.

Continue reading Zoe Mode finally announces Chime Super Deluxe for PSN, coming this Spring

Zoe Mode finally announces Chime Super Deluxe for PSN, coming this Spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Jan 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sounds like Chime is headed for US PSN, too

Randy Nelson — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 01:00:00 EST

Originally developed for Xbox Live Arcade as the first of OneBigGame's for-charity titles, music-based puzzler Chime is one step closer to release on PS3 via PlayStation Network. Already rated by classification boards in Australia and Germany, the game has now received an "E" rating from the ESRB.

Now this PS3 version of the game just needs to be, y'know, announced. (Hopefully with Portal's "Still Alive" included.)

Sounds like Chime is headed for US PSN, too originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chime Super Deluxe headed to PSN

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST

Good news for music-infused puzzle game fans, as it looks like Zoë Mode is giving Chime another go. According to both the Australian Classification Board and the German USK, Chime Super Deluxe was recently classified (December 10, according to the Aussie board). It looks like this version will not be published by the One Big Game charity label, but rather Zoë Mode's parent company, Kuju Entertainment.

The USK lists the title for the PS3 (likely the PSN), while the Classification Board notes the game is for multiple platforms. We contacted Zoë mode for clarification and were told that the multi platform listing was a "mistake," implying that Chime Super Deluxe will indeed be exclusive to PSN. The company added that the title "will be fully announced in the new year." Without being too presumptuous, we're going to guess it will be more "super" and "deluxe" than the previous version.

Chime Super Deluxe headed to PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chime charity drive to end Dec. 1, with XBLA update

James Ransom-Wiley — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 02:00:00 EST

Sometimes lost in the rabid daze of "good" deals this Black Friday week are genuine opportunities to spend a little money on good causes. If you've been meaning to pick up "that charity game" on XBLA -- and in doing so, donate 100 percent of your 400-point purchase to charities, including Save the Children and Starlight Children's Foundation -- you have until December 1 to do so.

Come next Wednesday, Chime's 10-month charity drive will expire, at which point the game will be updated to donate 5 percent of all $5-purchase royalties to publisher OneBigGames, which then passes the donations along to its charity partners. Additionally, the update will remove the game's high-score cap.

"Now that this cap has been removed it will finally be possible to discover the best Chime players in the world," game director Brynley Gibson, of developer Zoe Mode, said in an announcement. "This fix has been a long time coming and is absolutely one made for the fans; we hope it tides them over until we can announce our plans for where we are taking Chime next."

Continue reading Chime charity drive to end Dec. 1, with XBLA update

Chime charity drive to end Dec. 1, with XBLA update originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chime hits Steam Sept. 6 with Portal-themed level

Randy Nelson — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:40:00 EST

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

Zoë Mode creative director Ste Curran has tweeted some exciting news for PC-owning puzzle game buffs: Chime, the music-driven XBLA block-dropper it created for the OneBigGame charity project, is coming to Steam next month. The game will be available on the service from September 6, and will be up for pre-order there later today.

Chime's a great puzzler as-is, but Zoë Mode is adding something extra-special for the PC release: a sixth level themed after Valve's modern classic, Portal, featuring Jonathan Coulton's "Still Alive." As with the XBLA version, 5 percent of the Steam purchase price will go to charity. Sounds like a triumph for everyone.

Chime hits Steam Sept. 6 with Portal-themed level originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grease: The Game to utilize microphones and balance board

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 27 May 2010 10:45:00 EST

You've used your Wii Balance Board to exercise, ski, hula hoop and snowboard. Soon, you'll have the opportunity to use the peripheral in the manner God intended: To do the Hand Jive Hop. According to a press release from publisher 505 Games, Grease: The Game will allow two teams of four players to fight for "musical domination" using two USB microphones and the Balance Board. Oh, man. We've got chills, and we'll be entirely damned if they're not multiplying.

The board will be used for Grease's many minigames, which include T-Bird racing, carnival games, and singing to the title's 16-song soundtrack. Not mentioned in the presser is the minigame where you take a nice, sweet-natured young girl and transform her into a spandex-clad hussy. We'll find out if that one made the cut when the game launches on Wii and DS in September.

Grease: The Game to utilize microphones and balance board originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Developers finally selected for Grease on Wii and DS

Justin McElroy — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:03:00 EST

Hey, remember back in July of 2009 when 505 Games described its video game adaptation of beloved terrible musical Grease? Well, today -- around eight months later -- 505 has revealed who it has chosen to design that game. Wow, this is a really nice cart, what with all the flame decals and pink paint, but what's your ducktail-sporting horse doing all the way back there? (Psst, that's a cart-before-the-horse joke.)

Since we've come this far, we might as well tell you that the DS version is being developed by Big Head Games and the Wii version by Zoë Mode, which most recently developed Chime for Xbox Live Arcade. Theoretically, that musical experience should be just as useful as ... experience with musicals.

Developers finally selected for Grease on Wii and DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Chime

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST

There's something rather unique on XBLA this week: Coming from non-profit publisher OneBigGame and developer Zoë Mode, Chime is actually a game that benefits children's charities. It's a musical puzzle game reminiscent of Lumines, featuring music from several well-known artists including Moby, Paul Hartnoll of Orbital and Philip Glass. At least 60 percent of the game's 400 ($5) price will go to charity, so you can feel good about picking it up. You can also feel good because Chime is actually a pretty good game. Check it out in the latest XBLA in Brief.

Shortcut: Download the trial version of Chime [via Xbox.com]

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X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Chime originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This Wednesday: Chime for charity on XBLA

David Hinkle — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST

Today's lone Xbox Live Arcade release is Chime, the not-for-profit project from Zoe Mode and OneBigGame. 60 percent of proceeds from the 400 ($5) game will go to Save the Children and Starlight Children's Foundation, so consider it a surprisingly entertaining chance to stop being such a selfish jerk.

If you're looking for a pre-purchase glimpse, check out the trailer above or download the demo on Xbox Live. We'd ask you to chime in with your opinions, but that joke's been done. Just now.

Shortcut: Add Chime to your download queue [Xbox.com]

Gallery: Chime

This Wednesday: Chime for charity on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Non-profit XBLA game Chime dropping Feb. 3

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

Between your rampant donations to Child's Play and your support with Haiti recovery efforts, you've been stretching your altruism muscles quite a bit over the past few months. We just hope you're not all charity'd out -- Zoe Mode and OneBigGame's XBLA rhythm title, Chime, is due on February 3. In case you've forgotten, 60 percent of the game's 400 ($5) price tag will go to Save the Children and Starlight Children's Foundation.

Best of all, the game actually looks pretty fun! Check out the explanation video above to see the title in action -- it's kind of like Tetris meets Lumines meets the beneficence of the human spirit.

Non-profit XBLA game Chime dropping Feb. 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Charity XBLA game Chime's gameplay explained in latest trailer

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST

What's the only thing more satisfying than aligning colorful blocks on a rectangular grid while simultaneously recreating pleasant ambient tunes from musical artists such as Moby? Simple -- doing so while simultaneously donating to charity. That's the package that OneBigGame and Zoe Mode will offer on XBLA at some point this winter, when their music/puzzle game Chime lands on the XBLA.

Though we've known about this non-profit puzzler for a month now, we've yet to see the title in action. Fortunately, OneBigGame dropped a gameplay demonstration video earlier today, which we've posted above. Yeah, sure, it's got a few aesthetic similarities to Lumines, but considering all the proceeds from the game go to Save the Children and Starlight Children's foundation, we're not going to raise a stink about it. We think saving children is like, the coolest thing you can possibly do.

Charity XBLA game Chime's gameplay explained in latest trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zoe Mode creating not-for-profit XBLA puzzler for children's charity

Randy Nelson — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:59:00 EST

click to enlarge

OneBigGame, a non-profit games publisher founded in 2007, announced today that its first title will come from Zoë Mode, creator of games such as Crush (PSP), You're In the Movies (360) and co-developer of the SingStar franchise (PS3) with SCEE. Called Chime, the music-based puzzle game will launch this winter on Xbox Live Arcade.

The first screens, while sort of soothing in their minimalism, don't exactly explain anything about how the game's played. Thankfully, Zoë Mode goes into detail about the gameplay on its newly launched Chime site.

The developer is the first of what OneBigGame says are many others currently creating 15 titles, with at least 80 percent of all revenue made from them going to two charities: Save the Children and Starlight Children's Foundation. Zoë Mode developed Chime pro bono and has committed to giving all the royalties it receives from the XBLA game -- which it says will be around 60 percent of its purchase price -- to OneBigGame.

Other developers signed on to produce games include Shiny founder David Perry, PaRappa the Rapper creator Masaya Matsuura and prolific adventure game designer Charles Cecil (Beneath a Steel Sky, Broken Sword).

Gallery: Chime

Zoe Mode creating not-for-profit XBLA puzzler for children's charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rock Revolution for only $5, still not worth it

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:32:00 EST

This is a warning to anyone out there enticed by the image to the right: The overlords at Best Buy actually expect you to pay them five dollars for taking a copy of Rock Revolution off their hands. At first, we assumed that the company was rewarding customers for freeing up much needed shelf space. Alas, it is not so. Rather, it seems that Rock Revolution has been relegated to but one, rickety step above landfill status. It has hit the very, very bottom of the bargain bin.

We're not sure if this sale is going on at all Best Buy locations, but it might be worth checking your local store just for posterity. Bring a camera, because this may be the only time you will ever see a new, sealed game for five bucks. We're not suggesting you actually buy it, of course.

[Thanks, Bryan!]

Rock Revolution for only $5, still not worth it originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Go Grease Lightning (to the Wii and DS)

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:45:00 EST

Listen up, musical theater majors! Your time of reckoning approaches. Sure, your friends can easily best you at Halo 3 or Call of Duty 4 -- but in a short while, a title which will finally allow you to invoke your unique skill set will hit store shelves. We speak, of course, of Grease. The movie. The video game. For Wii and DS.

505 Games recently picked up the rights to adapt the musical film in conjunction with Paramount Digital Entertainment. The game will put players in the gaudy, unfortunate shoes of one of Sandy or Danny's cronies, forcing them to sing and dance using motion controls, microphones or the DS touch screen. Further gameplay details or a release date for Grease are currently unknown. C'mon, 505! Tell us more! Tell us more!

Go Grease Lightning (to the Wii and DS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zoe Mode expands to US, takes along two Sony vets

Majed Athab — Tue, 19 May 2009 18:30:00 EST

From Brighton, to London, and now San Francisco, Kuju Entertainment's Zoë Mode studio (developer of You're in the Movies, Crush and Rock Revolution) is ever-expanding. All this, despite initial foreboding that hovered over its parent company earlier this year.

At the helm of the new US Zoë Mode office in San Francisco are two former SCEA employees: US SingStar Senior Producer Sarah Stocker and former EA/SCEA employee Mark Danks. With a team like this, it seems likely that this new ZM studio will have a strong focus on music games, although ZM worldwide general manager, Ed Daly, told GamesIndustry.biz: "In addition to the increasingly crowded singing and dancing, peripheral-based music games, we are interested in exploring some new territory." Aw, and we were so looking forward to Rock Revolution 2.

Zoe Mode expands to US, takes along two Sony vets originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 May 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kuju Entertainment confirms staff layoffs

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:26:00 EST

Filed under: Business

(For the sake of the blogging community, we're going to set up a template for posts describing gaming industry firings, a topic which has depressingly comprised about one-third of everyone's news coverage as of late. By copying and pasting the following paragraph and swapping in the appropriate company name, information and nautical metaphors, we'll save time and effort which we can spend on more uplifting endeavors.)

Representatives from [Kuju Entertainment], [developer] of [Batallion Wars 2 and Geometry Wars: Galaxies], confirmed today that they have laid off [a number of employees] across a few of their studios, including [Kuju America, Chemistry, and their corporate headquarters]. In addition, [ten] employees at their subsidiary, [Zoë Mode], the minds behind [You're in the Movies and Rock Revolution], are ["at-risk"]. As always, we wish the recently unemployed the best of luck, and hope that [Kuju Entertainment] can [stay afloat in these tumultuous economic waters].

Kuju Entertainment confirms staff layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BYOG: Konami not making Rock Revolution guitar, bring your own

Christopher Grant — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Peripherals

Forced with making up for lost time in the battle for rhythm game supremacy, Konami is evidently taking the curious path of removing bullet points from the back of Rock Revolution's future box art. First, despite a corporate lineage that includes Karaoke Revolution, Konami axed the expected vocal portion, leaving just guitar and drum tracks. (Wouldn't want to cannibalize those Karaoke Revolution sales, would we?)

Now, Konami has axed the axe, telling MTV that they'll only be offering the unwieldy drum kit in mid-November, about a month after the standalone game launches October 14th. The full peripheral lineup from the Guitar Hero and Rock Band games should work just fine with Rock Revolution but, something tells us Konami's going to have a tough time leading this revolution. Well, there's always a chance of a legal payday!

BYOG: Konami not making Rock Revolution guitar, bring your own originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crush developer Zoe Mode opening new office in London

Nick Doerr — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 02:30:00 EST

Filed under: News

Did you play the game Crush? We did -- and we loved it. Now the developers, Zoe Mode (previously Kuju Brighton), are expanding their offices into London and are seeking new faces to help their staff grow. They've got two projects lined up already for their new office opening in September. It's not like this new studio is full of empty faces -- the office already has their current Zoe Mode executive producer, Nick Rodriguez, as well as a core team from their Brighton office. If you're in the London area and are qualified for the positions of producer, art manager, or senior programmer, check out their website.

[Via Gamespot]

Crush developer Zoe Mode opening new office in London originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crush gets smashed to $15

Andrew Yoon — Sat, 17 May 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Software

Unfortunately, the incredibly innovative 2D/3D PSP-exclusive puzzle game Crush never met the sales it quite deserved. That's a shame, because we really enjoyed the detailed graphics, the quirky story, the impeccable presentation ... and most importantly, the gameplay.

Check out our review, and some videos of the game in action. If you haven't checked out Crush yet, maybe this $15 deal on amazon.com will convince you to pick up one of the most original PSP exclusives ever.

[Via CAG]

Crush gets smashed to $15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 May 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq hands-on: Rock Revolution

Randy Nelson — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Rhythm

click to ~~enlarge~~ biggie-size

In the latest round of the great "our drum kit is better - or at least bigger - than your drum kit" conflict of ought eight, Konami definitely comes out the clear winner with Rock Revolution. However, we don't necessarily know if that's a good thing, based on our experience playing the title at its formal unveiling.

Despite the fact that it will offer support for lead and bass guitars, Rock Revolution is very much a drum-centric game. The behemoth of a drum controller has six pads and a pedal, looking like something Darth Vader would have lying around in his hyperbaric chamber.

Gallery: Rock Revolution

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Rock Revolution

Joystiq hands-on: Rock Revolution originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 May 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Konami announces revolutionary Rock Band competitor, Rock Revolution

Dustin Burg — Fri, 16 May 2008 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: News

As if the Rock Band copy-catting market wasn't getting saturated enough with Activision's Guitar Hero IV and it's peripheral additions, Konami thought it to be a good idea to get in on the musical fun by announcing their own clone of sorts called Rock Revolution. How revolutionary.

As far as specifics go, we know that Rock Revolution is being developed by SingStar creators Zoe Mode and is planned for a Fall release on all major platforms. Details are light though, but we we can confirm the game will feature at least 40 tracks, the ability to record your own songs, online co-op, online versus, some money making DLC is planned and a behemoth of a drum set (which we're calling "the beast") will be included. Really, this drum peripheral has six pads, a pedal and looks like ... well, we aren't sure what it looks like but it looks daunting. Go ahead, check it out for yourself. Revolutionary, no?

[Thanks, Matt H]

Konami announces revolutionary Rock Band competitor, Rock Revolution originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 May 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Konami's Rock Revolution drums revealed

Jason Dobson — Fri, 16 May 2008 08:40:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Rhythm

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Harmonix must be beside itself with this last week finding not one but two companies hopping on the developer's coat tails and revealing a pair of drum kits that bear more than a passing resemblance to those used in Rock Band. However, while Guitar Hero IV's kit still carries some basis in reality, the kit revealed by Konami for the company's newly announced Rock Revolution looks to be designed for players with extra appendages or other rhythm enthusiasts who are not quite human.

With six face pads of three different sizes, as well as a kick pedal, Konami's kit is certainly the most complex of the three. However, according to MTV Multiplayer blogger Patrick Klepek, the drums carry what sounds like a much more forgiving difficulty curve than those in Rock Band, which while great are almost unapproachable by rhythm game newcomers even on the easiest setting. By contrast, and according to his admittedly brief time with Konami's offering, the game doesn't penalize players for improvising during a song, and also features five difficulty settings with the lower two removing the foot pedal entirely. Still, the question remains as to if there is room enough for another peripheral-heavy rhythm game, not so much in the genre but in our own living rooms.

Konami's Rock Revolution drums revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 May 2008 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rock Revolution bringing the whole band to DS

Chris Greenhough — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

In a bid to capture itself some of the lucrative Guitar Hero/Rock Band pie, Konami has announced ~~Guitar Freaks~~ Rock Revolution for the Nintendo DS and numerous home consoles. The game, currently in development at UK-based studio Zoë Mode, was revealed at the opening of Konami's 2008 Gamers Day, and is expected to hit stores this October.

Understandably, the DS version differs somewhat from the home console editions, relying solely on stylus-based play for each instrument, and with vocals being handled by the handheld's built-in microphone. It also lacks the online play and track creation mode that appears in the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, but does support local multiplayer battles and cooperative play, much like Guitar Hero: On Tour.

We've heard nothing about the track listing yet, though a Gamers Day demonstration of the (PS3) title reportedly included covers of (note: Rock Revolution won't contain any master tracks) of "Blitzkrieg Bop" by the Ramones, "Chop Suey" by System of a Down, "Run to the Hills" by Iron Maiden, "Cum On Feel the Noize" by Quiet Riot, and Wolfmother's "Joker and the Thief."

Rock Revolution bringing the whole band to DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 May 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Konami reveals Rock Revolution

JC Fletcher — Thu, 15 May 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

If Guitar Hero is the result of crossing Konami's original GuitarFreaks game with Frequency, Konami's newly-announced Rock Revolution is a hybrid of GuitarFreaks and Guitar Hero/Rock Band -- which looks as derivative as it would sound.

Rather than localizing Guitar Freaks, Konami and developer Zoe Mode have created a new game that combines the graphical look of Rock Band with the vertical scrolling interface of the Bemani series. The new game features drum and guitar gameplay, but the Wii version is not slated to use any peripherals. The screen above is clearly not from the Wii version, but we wouldn't expect it to look too different (just lower-res). Rock Revolution is expected to release in October.

Konami reveals Rock Revolution originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Konami jumps on the 'band' wagon with Rock Revolution

Randy Nelson — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Rhythm

click to enlarge

When Guitar Hero first hit PS2, we thought: "Wow, this is like Konami's GuitarFreaks ... and that's been around since the original PlayStation. Why don't they release it here?" Well, our question was answered at yesterday's Konami Gamer's Night 2008 with the unveiling of Rock Revolution. Taking the "Revolution" suffix naming scheme of its other music genre (bemani) cousins, the game, from SingStar developer Zoë Mode, is set for a fall release on PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, and Nintendo DS. We have the first screens of the HD offerings, along with some salient details:

The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions will feature:

40 songs on the disc, with DLC tracks planned
Record your own songs in a "Jam Session" (8 separate tracks)
Online co-op, versus, and battle of the bands modes
Crazy big drum set with six pads, plus pedal

The Wii version adds the ability to play "air guitar" using the Wiimote and nunchuck; and the DS version includes a "Vocalist" mode using the built-in microphone. Check back for our hands-on impressions of Rock Revolution for Xbox 360 -- and be sure to peep the debut trailer after the break!

Gallery: Rock Revolution

Continue reading Konami jumps on the 'band' wagon with Rock Revolution

Konami jumps on the 'band' wagon with Rock Revolution originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 May 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Playboy: Crush one of '07's most innovative games

Chris Powell — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

There is perhaps no other PSP title as innovative and quirky as Zoe Mode's Crush, a puzzler that successfully implemented 2D and 3D gameplay like we've never seen before. And although the game never sold as well as it should have (Boo Sega's marketing department!), it has received the proper recognition from the critics that it deserves.

To add one more accolade to the list, Playboy has chosen Crush as one of its runners-up for 2007's most innovative game. Being included among such wonderful games as Rock Band, Portal, Super Mario Galaxy and Assassin's Creed is no joke ... well, maybe the joke is that Assassin's Creed actually made the list in the first place. Nevertheless, it's great to see one of our favorite PSP titles getting a little more love.

If you still have yet to play Crush, then shame on you. However, there's still time to rectify this gross oversight by picking it up today and experiencing one of the most original games ever to grace a handheld.

Playboy: Crush one of '07's most innovative games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crush wins Develop Award, is best New Handheld IP

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, Crush

Congratulations to Zoe Mode and Crush -- the game just scored the best New Handheld IP award from the Develop Awards. The Develop Awards are focused on European companies and were judged by almost 100 "industry experts."

In addition to Crush, PSP fans will be glad to hear that Sony Computer Entertainment of Europe (SCEE) picked up the biggest award of the evening: the Grand Prix award for their efforts with PlayStation 3.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

Crush wins Develop Award, is best New Handheld IP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metareview: Crush

Steven Bailey — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: Metareview, Crush

It's obvious from our review of Crush, that we think it'll be a worthwhile experience. Does the game press agree with us, or do they think Crush is a bomb? Let's find out!

GameSpy (90/100) got certifiably addicted: "With levels that build on each other in terms of complexity (and, thusly, difficulty), the game inspires that kind of 'just one more level' feeling of addiction that may result in you freeing Dan from his insomnia but earning yourself a nasty case in return."
1UP (95/100) loves the originality: "Most games can be described as an amalgam of others, as borrowed game mechanics and thematic elements bounce from game to game within a genre. Crush might have a recognizable aesthetic (think Psychonauts in a dark alley), but it's gameplay is wholly -- and compellingly it's own."
EuroGamer (80/100) appreciates the challenge: "There's a genuine sense of achievement and enjoyment when a seemingly impossible level suddenly clicks (or crushes into place, and the confident way the game uses its central conceit as more than just a gimmick is undeniably reassuring and appealing."

If only being correct on game quality was like unhatching an evil plan, we'd laugh maniacally right now. Heck, we'll do it anyway. We were right! MWA HA HA HA HA!

Metareview: Crush originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crush producer considers multiplatform release, level editor

Ross Miller — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 01:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS, Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PSP, Nintendo Wii, Action

Sixty reasons not enough to convince you to buy a PSP? This interview with Crush senior producer Paul Mottram will only serve to justify your stubbornness. Speaking to Sega Nerds, Mottram expresses interest in taking the game to other platforms.

"There is no reason why it couldn't be transferred to multiple different platforms especially the Wii, DS and PS2," he said, "and this is something we are thinking about." Discussing a potential sequel, Mottram said "It's something we'd all love to do since there are so many features we didn't get the opportunity to put into this version."

Consideration is at least six degrees away from confirmation and execution, but it does seem the folks at development studio Zoë Mode aren't feeling compelled to keep the franchise PSP-exclusive. Should a sequel or new release come out, it will give Mottram and co. a chance to implement a level editor, one of the big ideas that they had but never made it to the final product.

"We have a terrific in-game level editor running on the PSP which our designers used to create all the levels in the game. Unfortunately, we didn't have the time to get this running on a commercial PSP or implement all the necessary user friendly features we would have needed if it was to be shipped with the game. As you could imagine designing Crush levels can be tricky at times."

Crush designer Alex Butterfield gave a speech at this year's Game Developers Conference discussing the challenges of making levels in the game. Mottram summed it up best: "You could spend hours perfecting a level only to see someone instantly circumvent the entire level with a crush we had never considered."

Gallery: Crush (PSP)

[Via PSP Fanboy]

Crush producer considers multiplatform release, level editor originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Level editor abandoned in Crush (but could appear in sequel)

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: Interviews, Crush

This awkwardly-worded headline does a horrible job at conveying the incredible excitement that surged through me when reading Sega Nerds' interview with Zoe Mode. Paul Mottram, producer of Crush, revealed that there was an in-game level editor used by the developers, but it couldn't be finished in time:

"We have a terrific in-game level editor running on the PSP which our designers used to create all the levels in the game. Unfortunately, we didn't have the time to get this running on a commercial PSP or implement all the necessary user friendly features we would have needed if it was to be shipped with the game. As you could imagine designing Crush levels can be tricky at times."

Of course, the developers would have more time to work on such a mind-blowing feature in a potential sequel ... something Zoe Mode isn't denying. "It's something we'd all love to do since there are so many features we didn't get the opportunity to put into this version."

Level editor abandoned in Crush (but could appear in sequel) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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