Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/JoystiqThe Joystiq Podcast combines insightful commentary on the week's video game news and culture with several disembodied, often spooky, voices. Voices may or may not belong to Chris Grant, Ludwig Kietzmann, Joystiq.com editors, or their guests. Spookiness not guaranteed where prohibited, please check local laws. More information available at www.joystiq.comEurope's PS3 PlayTV records TV with no DRMhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/europes-ps3-playtv-records-tv-with-no-drm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/europes-ps3-playtv-records-tv-with-no-drm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/europes-ps3-playtv-records-tv-with-no-drm/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In a world where video providers seem to be adding increasingly disruptive digital rights management into their video streams, you can always count on video game accessories to provide a hole for unprotected video to break through. First it was the Xbox 360's HD-DVD drive, whose component output allowed for DRM-free copying of the now-defunct high-def discs. Now it's Sony's European PlayTV digital video recorder add-on for the PS3, which CVG reports can "export [recorded] videos to your PS3's XMB menu as MPEG-4 video" for free use on other devices.

At a time when everyone from Tivo to Microsoft seems to slap some sort of protection on digital video recordings, it's frankly a little baffling that Sony (itself a major video producer) would leave this hole in its digital recorder. Not that we're complaining, we're just waiting with trepidation for the other patch shoe to drop.

[Via Evil Avatar]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>accessoryadd-onDRMeuropeplaytvrecordervideoThu, 04 Sep 2008 16:00:00 ESTPS3 headset priced at $50 for North Americahttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/ps3-headset-priced-at-50-for-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/ps3-headset-priced-at-50-for-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/ps3-headset-priced-at-50-for-north-america/#commentsFiled under: ,


The PlayStation Blog has listed some details for North America about the new PS3 headset available this fall. The peripheral will be available in the $60 SOCOM: Confrontation bundle, or as a standalone peripheral for $50, similar to the price in Japan. Some features of the headset include:
  • "High-Quality" mode with use on PS3, offering noise cancellation and a better chat quality on the console.
  • The quality of the headset will allegedly allow for more accurate commands of AI-controlled squad mates in Confrontation. There will also be "voice animation" where the player's avatar will "mimic" them during voice chat.
  • There will be an in-game status indicator exclusive to the headset. It will display connection status, battery charge, speaker volume and mute status.
  • Cradling the set back on the dock will turn it into a "desktop microphone" while charging.
So, what say the headset purchasing vox populi? Is SOCOM worth spending an extra $10 for your fancy new Bluetooth PS3 headset?

Gallery: Official PS3 Bluetooth Headset

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>bluetoothbluetooth-headsetps3-headsetsocom-confrontationWed, 03 Sep 2008 19:00:00 ESTPS3 Fanboy gets its hands on Starpex's wooden guitarhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/ps3-fanboy-gets-its-hands-on-starpexs-wooden-guitar/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/ps3-fanboy-gets-its-hands-on-starpexs-wooden-guitar/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/ps3-fanboy-gets-its-hands-on-starpexs-wooden-guitar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Our friends at PS3 Fanboy recently had a chance to try out the guitar equivalent of the ION Drum Rocker: Starpex's premium (i.e. not plastic) guitar controller, which more or less looks like a gutted Fender Stratocaster. Their verdict is that the Starpex plays very well, but the $180 price tag is likely to turn off more than a few people. Bonus points for being fully compatible with both Guitar Hero and Rock Band, but no word on an Xbox 360 version. The Starpex will be available for PlayStation 3 and PS2 rockers, with a Wii version reportedly on the way later.

Gallery: Starpex Guitar

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>guitarguitar-heropeakrock-bandstarpexThu, 28 Aug 2008 10:15:00 ESTPS3 keypad listed at $49.99 on Amazon.comhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/ps3-keypad-listed-at-49-99-on-amazon-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/ps3-keypad-listed-at-49-99-on-amazon-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/ps3-keypad-listed-at-49-99-on-amazon-com/#commentsFiled under: ,


Although no official details about the PS3 wireless keypad's pricing or launch date (beyond "late November") have been released, Amazon.com is shedding a little light on the situation. The online retailer currently has the peripheral listed at $49.99 with a ship date of Nov. 30.

Although the date may be a placeholder, an Amazon representative informs us, "Pricing details come from our vendors. So that is the price that Sony gave us." Once again, Sony hasn't made any official statements about pricing, but retailers seem to be getting some details.

A recent poll on PS3 Fanboy showed that 46% of responders would pay no more than $20. Only 4% of participants would actually pay the current listed price for the peripheral.
%Gallery-30063%
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>amazonkeypadps3-keypadps3-wireless-keypadWed, 27 Aug 2008 14:30:00 ESTRumorong: New Guitar Hero peripheral not a keyboardhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/rumorong-new-guitar-hero-peripheral-not-a-keyboard/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/rumorong-new-guitar-hero-peripheral-not-a-keyboard/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/rumorong-new-guitar-hero-peripheral-not-a-keyboard/#commentsFiled under: ,


Remember when Neversoft's Brian Bright allegedly told G4 that a new peripheral was coming to Guitar Hero World Tour, and G4 speculated it would, in fact, be a keyboard? We had a chance to talk to the very same Brian Bright who told us that "a keyboard controller deserves to be introduced with its own game. This is something we're thinking about." B-b-b-but what about all the keyboard section in the song creator? Bright says, "there are reasons why we haven't included a keyboard controller." He elaborates that not all of the songs have keyboard parts so, "adding a keyboard controller would either have limited our choices, or the players."

... so Keyboard Hero: Billy Joel confirmed? Check out the full interview for more on World Tour's song creation system.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>ActivisionBreakingNewsBrian-BrightGuitar-HeroGuitar-Hero-World-TourKeyboardKeyboard-Hero-Billy-JoelNeversoftRumorangTue, 26 Aug 2008 10:45:00 ESTRumor: $199 Xbox 360 Arcade with motion controllerhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/rumor-199-xbox-360-arcade-with-motion-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/rumor-199-xbox-360-arcade-with-motion-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/rumor-199-xbox-360-arcade-with-motion-controller/#commentsFiled under: ,

arcade
Building on reports of an impending Xbox 360 price cut, which allegedly will drop the Arcade SKU below Wii to $199, comes the reemergence of Microsoft's elusive motion controller, now rumored to be included with the Xbox 360 Arcade this holiday. A source "close to Microsoft's marketing department" detailed the bundle to X3F, claiming the new Arcade system will feature a 512MB memory card (in place of a hard drive), the New Xbox Experience pre-loaded and a motion controller, along with a few compatible minigames developed by Rare.

The motion controller supposedly will be sold separately as well, in a package that includes even more minigames. The controller is said to be compatible with all versions of Xbox 360. So how 'bout it, Nintendo -- you gonna trump this by tacking on HD?
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>hardwaremotion-controllermotion-sensingrumorrumorangwagglexbox-360-arcadeFri, 22 Aug 2008 12:58:00 ESTRumor: Another Guitar Hero World Tour peripheralhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/rumor-another-guitar-hero-world-tour-peripheral/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/rumor-another-guitar-hero-world-tour-peripheral/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/rumor-another-guitar-hero-world-tour-peripheral/#commentsFiled under: ,


G4 claims to have gotten "the hot word" on a new Guitar Hero World Tour peripheral from Neversoft's Brian Bright who "wouldn't go into detail about what it will be," though he apparently said the new peripheral was "specifically for the game's Studio mode."

We've reached out to Activision for some kind of comment or confirmation; however, until then, speculation seems to be the name of the game. G4 is guessing keyboard, which is all well and good. And who knows, it may well be a keyboard. We're not oracles here. But as long as we're just guessing, why not guess a little bigger, y'know? That's why we're happy to announce Joystiq's official guess for the rumored new Guitar Hero World Tour peripherpal: keytar.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>ActivisionGuitar-HeroGuitar-Hero-World-TourRed-OctaneRumorThu, 21 Aug 2008 16:27:00 ESTWii gets first force feedback wheel from Logitechhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/wii-gets-first-force-feedback-wheel-from-logitech/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/wii-gets-first-force-feedback-wheel-from-logitech/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/wii-gets-first-force-feedback-wheel-from-logitech/#commentsFiled under: , ,

logitech
We know what you're thinking: Gawd, another Wii Wheel? But this one actually does something, we promise. Now, why anyone would jump to purchase a $100 peripheral for a $250 console is the real question that needs answering. (Cough, cough.) But if you truly believe that force feedback is necessary to impress your non-gaming friends the next time they come over, then by all means, check out Logitech's "Speed Force Wireless" Wii wheel when it goes on sale in November. (Warning: Not guaranteed to protect against blue shells.)
%Gallery-30187%
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>force-feedbacklogitechracing-wheelspeed-force-wirelessThu, 21 Aug 2008 15:58:00 ESTPlayStation Eye + EyePet = Who needs real pets?http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/playstation-eye-eyepet-who-needs-real-pets/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/playstation-eye-eyepet-who-needs-real-pets/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/playstation-eye-eyepet-who-needs-real-pets/#commentsFiled under: ,


click the monkey

Our biggest problem with Sony's AIBO robotic dog was that, well ... it wasn't fake enough! Though it wasn't able to soil the floor, you could still touch it or (perish the thought!) pick it up. So it's with great interest that we bring you news of EyePet, a "responsive virtual pet who reacts to your every move" brought to you by our friends at SCEE. All you need is a PlayStation Eye camera, a PlayStation 3, and the ability to love.

"EyePet gives you all the lovable benefits and interaction of a real-life pet without tearing up your sofa or making a mess on the rug," says the totally understated press release. With a late 2009 release date, that gives you just enough time to forget all about that real miniature monkey thing you had when you were a kid. Video footage of your new best friend can be found after the break.
%Gallery-30089%

Continue reading PlayStation Eye + EyePet = Who needs real pets?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>BreakingNewsEyePetLeipzig-2008PlayStation-EyeSCEEWed, 20 Aug 2008 18:15:00 ESTGC 2008: PS3 wireless keypad with mouse input [update]http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/gc-2008-ps3-wireless-keypad-with-mouse-input/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/gc-2008-ps3-wireless-keypad-with-mouse-input/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/gc-2008-ps3-wireless-keypad-with-mouse-input/#commentsFiled under: ,

ps3 keypad
click for extreme closeup

At its Leipzig Games Convention press conference today, Sony unveiled a wireless keypad peripheral that attaches to the top of the PlayStation 3 controller (presumably into the mini-USB port). The keypad also features a "touchpad mode" for mouse input. Pricing was not revealed, but the device will be released in 8 different languages.

It's worth noting that MadCatz released an attachable thumbpad for PS3 in April 2007.

Update: Added official keypad images (see gallery below). Does this thing double as a codpiece?

PlayStation.Blog clarifies that the Wireless Kepad includes a mode that turns the key area into a touchpad, allowing users to control an on-screen cursor with their fingertips, tapping to activate a link. The keypad also features two short-cut buttons, enabling quick access to the XMB's "Friends" icon and the "Message Box." The pad also can be paired with other Bluetooth devices (e.g., a smart phone) and will be released in late November.
%Gallery-30063%
Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>bluetoothbreakingnewskeypadleipzig-08ps3-keypadps3-wireless-keypadwireless-keypadWed, 20 Aug 2008 11:40:00 ESTEyeToy: Hero to allow 1:1 swordplay this holidayhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/eyetoy-hero-to-allow-1-1-swordplay-this-holiday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/eyetoy-hero-to-allow-1-1-swordplay-this-holiday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/eyetoy-hero-to-allow-1-1-swordplay-this-holiday/#commentsFiled under: , ,


SCE London was on hand at the Edinburgh Interactive Festival to show off two new EyeToy games that take advantage of a newfound ability to track specific colors and - as excited as we are about EyeToy: Pom-Pom Party (we don't know what it is) - it's EyeToy: Hero that we're really here to talk about. You see, the first-person game not only comes with a "real toy sword," it promises 1:1 swordplay with that sword by tracking its fluorescent-green foam.

You can use the sword to block enemy attacks, light your way in dark areas, and of course to attack. You'll even have to hide your sword behind your back in those dark areas if you want to avoid detection. Clever! The technology may sound like magic, but it's not without its limitations. Compared to Nintendo's new Wii MotionPlus upgrade, the 1:1 EyeToy tech is limited to two dimensions, has difficulty picking up subtle movements, and probably won't work in the dim light of your parent's basement. You can hit up some more pics and a full rundown of the presentation by clicking on that Source link.

[Via Engadget]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>EyeToyEyeToy-HeroEyeToy-Pom-Pom-PartyThu, 14 Aug 2008 10:50:00 ESTLet's rave over TAC's Illuminated Drumstickshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/lets-rave-over-tacs-illuminated-drumsticks/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/lets-rave-over-tacs-illuminated-drumsticks/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/lets-rave-over-tacs-illuminated-drumsticks/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


There's a part of us that wants to compare The Ant Commandos' Illuminated Drumsticks to one of those ridiculously absurd Wiimote attachments; however, there's something stopping us. It's just ... it's just ... these are drumsticks that glow when you hit them on the drum pad. Come on, that's awesome!

At $20 the price is a bit silly, but then again, so is the whole concept. We're sure that under the right chemical conditioning these things will add a whole new level of glee to drumming. There's a horrible video after the break to see how it works.

[Via GayGamer]

Continue reading Let's rave over TAC's Illuminated Drumsticks

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>ant-commandosdrumstickdrumsticksthe-ant-commandosThu, 07 Aug 2008 22:45:00 ESTIwata: Nintendo may slow down the new peripheral paradehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/iwata-nintendo-may-slow-down-the-new-peripheral-parade/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/iwata-nintendo-may-slow-down-the-new-peripheral-parade/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/iwata-nintendo-may-slow-down-the-new-peripheral-parade/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Nintendo president Satoru Iwata recently had a little chit-chat with the Wall Street Journal, letting it know that his company's plethora of purchasable peripherals polluting shelves could possibly slow down. The WSJ points out that Nintendo recently unveiled the Wii Motion Plus and Wii Speak to go with its other pieces of plastic, ready to fill a landfill near you, like Wii Fit, Wii Zapper and the Wii Wheel. Iwata states that the accessories the company originally had planned for the Wii are all out now, but that doesn't mean it's going to stop ... it just currently doesn't have plans to release many more.

Iwata also covers some other items briefly, saying that the company plans to offer the Wii Motion Plus "for as little as possible." Considering it'll be necessary for games like Wii Sports Resort and the absurd amount of money the company is currently making, that seems like a reasonable thing to do.

[Via Edge]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>iwatanintendoperipheralsMon, 04 Aug 2008 12:15:00 ESTThird-party Wii Balance Board listed on Amazon UKhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/third-party-wii-balance-board-listed-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/third-party-wii-balance-board-listed-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/third-party-wii-balance-board-listed-on-amazon/#commentsFiled under: ,


Are you one of the dozens and dozens of British citizens that wants a Wii Balance Board to play games like Skate It! or Rayman: Raving Rabbids TV Party, but also doesn't want to pay extra for the included Wii Fit game? Well you're in luck! According to a recent Amazon listing, the Njoy G-Board Balance Board will only set you back £64.99 -- a full five pounds less than the £69.99 Wii Fit package. And who needs Wii Fit's virtual personal trainer when you can look down at the G-Board's stylish LCD weight display to see just how unfit you really are?

Seriously, the one advantage Njoy's Board might have over the Wii Fit bundle is availability -- as of this writing, the game's short supply has inflated the package price to £102.99 and up on Amazon's marketplace. Penny-pinching balancers can look for their G-Board's on Sept. 12.

[Via Engadget]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>accessorybalance-boardcontrollernjoywii-balance-boardwii-fitFri, 01 Aug 2008 14:25:00 ESTLogitech crafting 'premium' Guitar Hero peripheralshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/logitech-crafting-premium-guitar-hero-peripherals/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/logitech-crafting-premium-guitar-hero-peripherals/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/logitech-crafting-premium-guitar-hero-peripherals/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In an effort to create more realistic fake instruments, Logitech is partnering with Activision on a line of "premium" peripherals for the latter's upcoming Guitar Hero World Tour. Multiple products are in development, although Logitech would not comment on exactly what they are, confirming only that the first of them will hit this year. Given that it already has the market cornered on USB microphones (nearly every music game's mic is made by Logitech) we're guessing all educated-like that guitars and drums are the core of the lineup. Also, while this news is obviously geared toward hyping World Tour, we're looking into potential Rock Band compatibility for the products.

The peripherals are being designed to work with every platform Guitar Hero World Tour is launching on, specifically PS3, 360, Wii, and PS2. Logitech gaming devices VP Bruce Lancaster likens this move to the one the company made with steering wheels for Gran Turismo, saying, "A few years ago, Logitech refined the consumer steering wheel market with high-end controllers that enhance racing games. Now we are looking forward to elevating the market for premium music-based video game controllers in a similar fashion." Here's hoping that one of the "premium" drumkit features is a steel kick pedal like the one used by our house band, the Blueberry Muffintops. What would you like to see?
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>guitar-hero-world-tourhardwarelogitechThu, 31 Jul 2008 16:50:00 ESTWii MotionPlus co-developer demos tech in new videohttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/wii-motionplus-co-developer-demos-tech-in-new-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/wii-motionplus-co-developer-demos-tech-in-new-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/wii-motionplus-co-developer-demos-tech-in-new-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

Now that E3 is over and the secret's out, middleware maker and Wii MotionPlus co-developer AiLive is openly touting what its LiveMove 2 toolset is capable of when paired with Nintendo's upcoming add-on. The above video is meant to encourage developers to adopt LiveMove 2 for creating their MotionPlus-enabled games (they can use all the help they can get, considering they didn't find out about the Wii remote upgrade until we did) but, more than anything, it's encouraging us to dream of a 1:1 lightsaber fighting game.

We bring that up because a good chunk of the video is devoted to showing one of AiLive's staff playing around with a "laser sword," demonstrating how it captures every subtle movement of the remote - the footage even shows how an on-screen "dummy" can be clocked with the sword's hilt. Impressive stuff, and we desperately hope LucasArts is taking notice.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>ailivelivemove-2motionplusnintendoWed, 30 Jul 2008 21:15:00 ESTRigopulos on why air drumming doesn't workhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/rigopulos-on-why-air-drumming-doesnt-work/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/rigopulos-on-why-air-drumming-doesnt-work/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/rigopulos-on-why-air-drumming-doesnt-work/#commentsFiled under: ,


In a lengthy interview with GameDaily BIZ, Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos offered his thoughts on air drumming - the preferred form of percussive input in Nintendo's Wii Music, skillfully demonstrated above by a professional - and explained why Harmonix felt the need for an actual drum peripheral on the Wii. After considering using the Wiimote in an air drumming capacity, Rigopulos says, "We backed away from it because we found that the tactile element of actually hitting a surface when you're drumming is a fairly critical part to the visceral feel of actually playing drums." So, with air drumming, you're missing "a critical element ... in the experience."

Not much of a surprise coming from the head of a company currently shipping a giant, plastic drum kit, sure, but we were surprised to learn air drumming was ever even under consideration at Chez Harmonix.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>Alex-RigopulosHarmonixRavi-DrumsWii-MusicFri, 25 Jul 2008 10:23:00 ESTNyko FrontMan guitar compatibility charthttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/nyko-frontman-guitar-compatibility-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/nyko-frontman-guitar-compatibility-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/nyko-frontman-guitar-compatibility-chart/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click to embiggen

During E3 we spoke with third-party peripheral manufacturer Nyko about its line of FrontMan guitars and which games the different versions were compatible with. We did a quick and dirty post on what we were told during the E3 madness, but Nyko just sent over the chart above, which, admittedly, is much easier to understand.

For first-party guitar compatibility, check out our Guitar Hero / Rock Band guitar compatibility matrix v2. We're sure to have v3 available as soon as we confirm Rock Band 2, Guitar Hero: World Tour and Rock Revolution guitar compatibility.
Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>compatibilitycompatibleguitar-compatibilityguitar-heroguitar-hero-aerosmithguitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-on-tournykorock-bandTue, 22 Jul 2008 21:57:00 ESTJoystiq E3 Hands-on: Novint's Falcon controllerhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/joystiq-e3-hands-on-novints-falcon-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/joystiq-e3-hands-on-novints-falcon-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/joystiq-e3-hands-on-novints-falcon-controller/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


You make your way down the hallway in City 17, and push open the door into the bright sunlight reflected off of concrete. A Combine soldier stands before you, so you life your semiautomatic weapon, and as you pull the trigger and fire, the gun recoils in your hand. Another Combine stands across the viaduct, and when he fires at you, you feel the bullet strike you from the left, so you turn, and feel the gun jump in your hand again as you take him out.

That's the ideal experience with Novint's Falcon controller. The controller itself is about an eight inch orb that sits on your table, with a three-inch sphere sitting on the end of three arms coming off of it -- like a Soviet satellite sticking out of the globe. The idea is that you push the little sphere around to move your cursor, and the three arms provide resistance against whatever you bump up against. We got to use the controller at E3, and the verdict is that while it does provide a nice experience, the costs might be a little overwhelming for most players. More after the jump.

%Gallery-27989%

Continue reading Joystiq E3 Hands-on: Novint's Falcon controller

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>controllere3e3-2008e308e32008expensivefalconhands-onjoystiqfeaturesnovintperipheralTue, 22 Jul 2008 18:00:00 ESTRumor: Nintendo exec hints at MotionPlus-infused Wiimoteshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/rumor-nintendo-exec-hints-at-motionplus-infused-wiimotes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/rumor-nintendo-exec-hints-at-motionplus-infused-wiimotes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/rumor-nintendo-exec-hints-at-motionplus-infused-wiimotes/#commentsFiled under: ,


Though little is known about the Wii's recently unveiled peripheral, the MotionPlus attachment, other than the fact that it will allow you to throw virtual frisbees to virtual puppies with unparalleled accuracy, Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development director Katsuya Eguchi alluded to a new Wiimote model that would include the MotionPlus technology during an E3 developer roundtable.

In Eguchi's own words, Nintendo is "looking at whether or not it will be an attachment or built in," so a MotionPlus Wiimote is far from confirmed. Still, we certainly hope Nintendo never ceases production of the attachment altogether -- forcing a populous that scrambled to acquire the Wii's elusive controller last year to chase after a new Wiimote SKU could lead to an unforeseen, if not slightly ironic, revolution against the prosperous company.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>e3-2008katsuyaeguchimotionplusnintendonintendowiirumorwiiWii-MotionPluswiimoteSat, 19 Jul 2008 20:30:00 EST