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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]
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.
Interview with the Lumines team
1UP: How did it feel when you left Sega? Was it like "We're gonna do this and make our own company" like The Three Musketeers? TM: Huh? This week's 1up cover story focuses all on Q? Entertainment, the minds behind Lumines and the upcoming Every Extend Extra. You'll learn interesting tidbits from today's interview, like how Lumines was created in a karaoke room. You'll also learn how the team wanted to portray something artistic on the PSP's beautiful 16x9 screen. Your fears about short battery life in the upcoming video-intensive Lumines II will be relieved: it seems like the video won't cause too much of a hit on battery life. Your thumbs will get weary knowing that the maximum possible score in Lumines II is now 10 times higher. Finally, you can also read about Q? Entertainment's plan to save the world with downloadable music packs: TM: Yeah, a Relief pack. Within a couple of weeks, we could make a specialized pack -- maybe it costs $5 to download, but it would benefit the victims [of disasters]. There's a ton of really interesting info in the interview. In fact, there are 7 pages to read through, so you better get started now.
Every Extend Extra trailer reveals gameplay
You may remember that I was absolutely confounded in my last post about Mizuguchi's upcoming music shooter for the PSP, Every Extend Extra. To quote myself, "My best explanation of the game involves explosions, geometric figures, numbers and vectors." Yeah. That was really helpful, wasn't it? Thankfully, through the magic of the internet, a new trailer for the game has surfaced, showing us how you must detonate your ship to create massive chain combos of destruction. Once you start seeing the gameplay in action, the demo becomes a bit more clear. The prospect of setting up chains, while fighting bosses in a psychadelic environment, with techno music thumping in the background, has propelled this game to great heights on my most wanted list.
Play Every Extend Extra... on your PC
The Mizuguchi news continues here at PSP Fanboy. The esteemed creator of Lumines and Rez is fusing music and shooters yet again in Every Extend Extra. What is it, you ask? It's pretty hard to explain what this upcoming PSP game is about. My best explanation of the game involves explosions, geometric figures, numbers and vectors. If that doesn't help you at all, don't fret: 1up has discovered a playable demo of the game on the official Japanese website, but it's not for your PSP. Rather, the demo is for your PC. Sure, it would've been nice to play with the grooves on the go, but I'll gladly take this replacement... for now.If your nihongo isn't sharp enough to understand the website, you might just want to click this link to download the demo directly. Unless your computer was made in the stone age, it should be able to run perfectly fine, but you can run this application to find out if your system is up to snuff. Once you get the demo up and running, remember this: press Z. I don't have any other tips to give you, but I'm sure once you master the game, you'll leave some comments here
Lumines Plus to drop on PS2
In addition to Lumines II, confirmed for PSP, Buena Vista Games will publish Lumines Plus for the PlayStation 2. Plus will be a new version of the original handheld title. Buena Vista Games will also publish two more forthcoming Q Entertainment puzzlers, Every Extend Extra (PSP) and the newly announced Meteos: Disney Edition (DS).Pictured: Lumines II.
