Every-Extend-Extra
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Atari announces Mizuguchi's 'QJ' for Wii, 'Q3' compilation
Atari is banking on Tetsuya Mizuguchi's next project, a music game with the working title "QJ," to reestablish the celebrated developer at the top of his, uh, game -- or to strike a chord with Wii owners, at least. The publisher announced today that it will bring Q Entertainment's QJ to Wii, but omitted further details. Marching behind a string of Lumines sequels, Mizuguchi has stumbled offbeat with his last several experiments, including Ninety-Nine Nights, Gunpey and Every Extend Extra Extreme. But QJ's music foundation suggests that Mizuguchi could be drumming up renewed inspiration from his own cult classic, Space Channel 5. Additionally, Atari announced the Q3 ("Cubed") compilation disc for Xbox 360, which will include Mizuguchi's XBLA games: Every Extend Extra Extreme, Lumines Live and Rez HD, along with all released DLC. The collection has been given a tentative price of €30 (roughly $40) and has yet to be dated for release.
Deal of the Day: Every Extend Extra for $13
Cult shooter Every Extend Extra may not have reached the same acclaim as Q Entertainment's other PSP game, Lumines, but it's a pretty solid addition to one's PSP collection. In Every Extend Extra, players must strategically blow themselves up and create chains to damage enemies. The unique visuals and hypnotic soundtrack create a surreal experience. But be warned! The game is relentlessly difficult (unlike the XBLA sequel).You can get it for $13 shipped at Play-Asia. It's a rather interesting PSP exclusive, so you may want to give it a try.[Via CAG]
This Wednesday: E4, Speedball II, and discounted Lumines
Joining the already announced Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe this Wednesday on Xbox Live Arcade is the announced-in-March XBLA rendition of Q Entertainment's Every Extend Extra dubbed, helpfully, Every Extend Extra Extreme. Both titles will be available for 800 Microsoft Points ($10). Also joining the two full games is some news on older Xbox Live Arcade titles. First, Band of Bugs has a new expansion pack out titled "Ninja Sticks of Fury" which, we presume, will be the same 250 points ($3.12) as their previous expansions. And finally, Lumines Live! will get two "skins" free for all XBL Gold members through November 14th. Don't like free? They've also got a "Rockin' Holiday Pack" available for 400 MS Points. If you're thinking, "Hey, that's great Joystiq but I was turned off by the game's initial pricing" we're pleased to relay the news that, as of Wednesday morning at 9am GMT, Lumines Live! will be permanently discounted to 800 MS Points. How about now? %Gallery-8659%
E4 and Speedball 2 dash onto XBLA this week
This week's twofer Xbox Live Arcade offerings were just announced this morning and both game should leave you with a sense of fulfillment and joy. First up is a 800 Microsoft point Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe which includes 32 teams, 2D or 3D gameplay, Xbox Live fun and more Speedball goodness than you can shake a stick at. The other half of this week's twofer is Q Entertainment's Every Extend Extra Extreme which will also be available for 800 Microsoft points and features numerous game modes, lots of enemies and allows the use of gamers' custom music tracks. This Wednesday, October 17th the Arcade world has no choice but to get extra extreme to the brutal deluxe max, yo!
Joystiq plays Every Extend Extra Extreme
Joystiq managed to get some hands-on time with Every Extend Extra Extreme from Tetsuya Mizuguchi's Q? Entertainment. Described as something of an inverse take on the shooter genre (your goal is to blow up your own ship), Joystiq notes that E4 is a marked improvement over the original PSP iteration. First and foremost, the musical nature of the game (typical of Q? Entertainment titles) is now actually integrated with the gameplay. In other words, the actions you take in the game will affect the music. The game also incorporates a new shield system that encourages faster-paced gameplay. There is a new Endless mode which, appropriately enough, goes on forever so long as players continue to acquire Extend power-ups. Boss encounters have been removed from the game, which Joystiq finds puzzling, but overall the impression is definitely a good one. Head over to Joystiq for their full impressions.
TGS hands-on: Every Extend Extra Extreme
Don't let the ridiculous title fool you: Every Extend Extra Extreme has a lot going for it. Q? Entertainment's upcoming XBLA game expands upon the ideas of Every Extend Extra and provides a refreshing twist on a familiar concept. Unlike other shooters where players must protect their ship at all costs, E4 has players actually blowing up their own ships. The explosions caused by the self-detonated destruction ripple across, creating a domino effect that destroys all enemy ships within range of the connecting string of explosions. E4 improves upon the previous titles by making true on the promise of the PSP E3. Mizuguchi's trademark music synesthesia style was merely cosmetic in that title, with almost no interactivity between the music and gameplay. E4 is different, however. As if taking a cue from Everyday Shooter, the explosions now add to the musical tapestry of the game, as they'll add an interesting and catchy beat to the music playing in the background. Detonating at the top of a beat will make the resulting blast even more powerful, so internalizing the music will only add to the gameplay experience. E4 also adds a new shield system that encourages players to pick up power-ups as quickly as possible before they become vulnerable once again. The balance created by the new shield system creates a much faster-paced game than before, one where players will opt to trigger explosions more frequently -- it also makes the game a lot more accessible than the PSP title, which was somewhat notorious for its difficulty.
Rumor: Every Extend Extra Extreme Extricated in August for $10
In concluding a rather positive preview of rhythmically exploding retina melter, Every Extend Extra Extreme, IGN seems to casually pin down the game's release window and pricing. Article author, Douglass C. Perry, writes that Q? Entertainment's next Xbox Live Arcade game will be in one piece "and cost about $10, or 800 Microsoft points" when it arrives this summer, "probably August." When queried about this information, a Microsoft spokesperson couldn't determine its exact origin, offering that "Microsoft hasn't announced anything about the title at all, other than it exists." Though it seems possible that Q? Entertainment simply informed IGN directly, prefacing the information with words like "about" and "probably" seems to indicate that nobody really knows for sure. Mizuguchi fans looking forward to the more Extreme version of Every Extend Extra will have to extend their patience just a bit more.
GDC 07: Every Extend Extra gets more extreme ... but not for us
The PSP puzzler Every Extend Extra was plenty extreme as-is: but that's not stopping Mizuguchi-san and his Q? Entertainment cohorts from amping up the game in an XBLA follow-up to this oft-neglected puzzler/shooter. This is not the first time that one of Q? Entertainment's PSP titles has jumped ship to Microsoft's home console: Lumines released on the digital distribution platform, fueling an incredible controversy over the value of microtransactions.Considering the game's lackluster sales performance on Sony's handheld, it shouldn't come as surprising that the game would move to another platform. The game joins an increasingly growing list of once-exclusive titles that have moved on: Tekken: Dark Resurrection and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories being just a few notable examples.Joystiq Gallery: Every Extend Extra Extreme (E4)
Every Extend Extra Extreme Arcade bound
According to the 'stiq, the next title from Tetsuya Mizuguchi expected to hit XBLA is Every Extend Extra Extreme. E4 is going to be an updated version of the PSP's E3. The freebie PC version of Every Extend was originally developed by Omega. From the sounds of the press release, it looks like you'll be able to play with your own music, along with playing a versus mode online. Unfortunately, the schedule for the release is later this year, so don't expect it to be showing up as a surprise download during GDC. Have you played Every Extend before, on either the PC or PSP?[Thanks, Jonah Falcon]
Mizuguchi's Every Extend Extra Extreme announced for XBLA
It was never going to be Rez, and we knew it -- not unless Q has surprises for us -- but Tetsuya Mizuguchi's next bound-for-XBLA opus does have sufficient neon-on-black to make us very happy Marketplace campers. Every Extend Extra Extreme, or E4 for short, is a new take on E3 (which Q developed for the PSP last year). The original Every Extend game was developed by Omega for the PC (the freeware version is here). Described as a "trippy visual journey of self destruction," E4 will enable you to play with your own tunes -- or, according to the peoplespeak of Q's press release, "wiz ur muzik" -- and against others in an online versus mode. If you're hooked on the PSP version (and if not, do get hooked), you'll know that the gameplay is all about chain reactions. Pretty chain reactions. But this XBLA version also offers Leaderboards and Achievements to keep the chain junkies flying. When, you ask? "Later this year." %Gallery-1918%
PSP Fanboy review: Every Extend Extra
Although Every Extend Extra has been available in the US and Japan for many months now, Europeans have had to wait ever so patiently for this strange puzzle-shooter game. The game is finally releasing this Friday for European audiences, and it comes highly recommended. Every Extend Extra contains all of the gorgeous visuals, fantastic soundtrack, and interesting gameplay of other Mizuguchi-produced games (such as Lumines).So why hasn't the game amassed the sales and fan following that it deserves? Although the game's technical merits are outstanding, the gameplay is certainly not as accessible as Lumines. The game's premise is rather unique, turning around a traditional videogaming convention on its head: unlike other shooters, you'll have to blow up your ship.
Exclusive: Every Extend Extra fan pack
While America has been able to enjoy Every Extend Extra for months now, Europe will be getting Mizuguchi's latest PSP-exclusive effort this Friday. This unique game fuses an interesting shooter-like concept with Q? Entertainment's trademark music synestesia.In preparation for the game's European release, Buena Vista has prepared a new trailer and a few new wallpapers for you to download to your PSP. You'll learn how to play this puzzling game, and find some sweet designs for you to plaster your system with. Expect our full review of the game in next few days. Download See also:Heavenly Star fan pack
Metareview: Every Extend Extra
Every Extend Extra started as a freeware PC app that was transformed by the music-loving Q? Entertainment folks. With flashy skins, and groovin' music, does Every Extend Extra continue the music puzzling legacy of Mizuguchi, or does it fall flat on its face? Let's see what the critics have to say: CVG (90/100) thinks the game is just as good as its Lumines predecessor: "With all the impressive music and visual tech pushing Every Extend Extra, its easy to forget that when you strip it all away there's a unique and addictive shooter lying underneath. As with Lumines, E3 is a game for those who appreciate a simple yet brilliantly-realised, score-driven experience - otherwise you might just be put off by the limited amount of raw content the game has to offer." IGN (81/100) thinks the game's a bit too short-lived, but its pretty looks keep it coming back for more: "Nine stages may not sound like a lot, and truthfully, it's not. But for some cosmic reason it satisfies nonetheless. Each one provides such a distinct arena, complete with unique musical tracks and background animations, that moving through the game gives players an actual sense of accomplishment." The Mizuguchi-worshipping 1UP (60/100) gave a surprisingly low review, saying the game's flashy nature is a bit too distracting: "It's extra flashy, extra chaotic, extra confusing. Q Entertainment's unique sense of style is in full effect, but for once that's maybe not such a good thing. All of Mizuguchi's trademark flash and pizzazz actually detract from the experience." With the exception of 1UP, it appears that the critics enjoy the E3 experience. And although it might be too short, or too flashy, the original Every Extend is included as a nice bonus. The game is now available for the budget price of $30. I'm buying it just for the awesome box art.
Every Extend Extra to feature new song in US
Siliconera has just secured an interview with Every Extend Extra's producer, Linda Jo. For the most part, it repeats many details we already know (such as how music and timing functions into the game). However, Linda let slip a few interesting tidbits. Firstly, she confirms that the game is a PSP-exclusive, and won't receive a Lumines-like PS2 port (for now at least). She also reveals that "one of the bonus drives in the game includes an original music track that is exclusive to the version published by BVG."Considering Buena Vista Games is owned by Disney, maybe we'll get some hardcore Mickey Mouse music in our game. That'd be crunk. The game hits stores in November.
TGS 06: Gunpey & Every Extend Extra media
Gamespot has just posted up new media of the upcoming Q? Entertainment games, Gunpey and Every Extend Extra. Of note is the comprehensive interview that goes over the features of the PSP version of Gunpey. The interview reveals there are 5 artists contributing music to the game, each with their unique genre. One of the new features for the PSP version is the 10x10 mode, which has you creating a horizontal line twice the length of the original. (Trust me, that won't be easy!) According to the interview, the beginner gamer can squeeze out about 20 hours of gameplay out of this title. But, can you really quantify the amount of time you spend with a puzzler? Hell, I still play Lumines.Watch - GunpeyWatch - Every Extend Extra
Every Extend Extra video blowout
As if going crazy with Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins wasn't enough, Gametrailers.com has posted three new videos of Every Extend Extra on their site. (And you can download the iPod-formatted videos to your PSP!) You may have already seen 1UP's beautiful coverage of the game, but unless you've imported the game, videos are the best we have until the game ships in a month (for only $30, too!). From what I've played, the game isn't that much better than the original Every Extend, but it certainly is a lot of fun regardless. Spencer Yip, from Siliconera, seems to agree with that sentiment as well. After watching these videos, feel free to read his extensive import review.
Every Extend Extra import video preview
We've brought to you quite a bit of news on Every Extend Extra, but just in case you're bored over the weekend, here's a bit more. The crew from 1up liken some of the gameplay to Bomberman and explain how to build up a lot of points. Enjoy![Note: There is some potty mouth in the video, so beware.][Via Gamevideos]
Behind the Music: Q? Entertainment
1UP's continuing coverage of Q? Entertainment has been awesome. Yesterday's update provided us a look into the musical talent behind Lumines and Every Extend Extra. The video chronicles musical legends, including Mondo Grosso. Here's a sample:1UP: Mizuguchi, what sort of special persuasion did you have to provide to Osawa in order to reassure him the music would be used well? Tetsuya Mizuguchi: Well, the first occasion that we met was in a café like today, and, going back to when we were talking about demonstrating the game on laptops since we didn't have an office, I showed [him] my bio and what I was trying to make of this upcoming game. So I showed it, and [Osawa] was like, "Oh, this could work." But it wasn't an instant stamp of approval; he made a face, because it wasn't quite clear how it all worked together. But at the same time, as a musician, even though Osawa-san doesn't completely exist in the videogame industry, a lot of the visual styles in his videos look like [they] could blend together in this interactive world. So to me it wasn't like he was a complete outsider to the interactive arena, [and] I felt like this could still work even though there might be some challenges we still had to overcome. This is a MUST-READ and watch for any Lumines fan out there!
More Mizuguchi previews on Gamespot & IGN
Q? Entertainment is just everywhere these days, huh? As if the astonoshing 1UP coverage wasn't enough, Gamespot and IGN both have extensive hands-on and new videos with both Every Extend Extra and Lumines II.Every Extend ExtraGamespot: Preview | VideoIGN: Preview | Video"From what we've played, Every Extend Extra has all the makings of another Lumines-style piece of gaming crack. The gameplay is accessible, with just the right hooks to be addictive, and the visuals are clever and interesting."Lumines IIGamespot: Preview | VideoIGN: Preview | Video"Given how well the original Lumines came together and how promising Lumines II already looks, we're confident that Q's follow-up will stand as one of the better PSP games this year. The gameplay is as addictive as ever, and the presentation has benefited from the new multimedia approach."Also check out:Q&A with Q? Entertainment
Every Extend Extra exposed
Every time I see Every Extend Extra, my desire for it increases. 1UP continues their expose on Q? Entertainment by revealing their upcoming shooter bomber. The article reveals key gameplay elements, such as the "Quickens" which increase the pace of the game, increasing both the difficulty, but potential to create massive chains. There are massive bosses in each stage, similar to classic shooters, and using a limited number of lives and a limited amount of time, it is your goal to create chains that destroy the boss. Interestingly, there appears to be an intense ad-hoc only multiplayer mode, which looks to be as fun as Lumines' not-often played multiplayer mode. Check out the video above, and don't forget to read the complete 1UP article for more details, screenshots and an interview as well. The game comes out in November.
