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An appreciation of the PlayStation Vita on its 10th birthday
The PlayStation Vita was powerful, beautiful and less popular than the 3DS. Join us as we celebrate our favorite titles on Sony's last handheld.
Nintendo Switch's 2018 indie roster is looking strong
A year ago, Nintendo followed the launch of the Switch with a bold proclamation: The console would get a new indie game every week. This signaled a new era and approach to welcome third-party games, which previous Nintendo systems had failed to court well. Today, it seems like indie titles are lining up to jump on the Switch -- and the company announced a dozen new and remastered games will be headed to the console this year.
These are our favorite video game soundtracks
Music can tame the most savage beast, but when you're slinking around a cargo ship as a super spy, playing cowboy or making your way toward a massive mountain in the distance, sometimes you don't want calm. You want dirty, wistful or haunting tracks to fit the action onscreen. The best video game scores stick with you long after you turn the TV off, though, and that's what we want to highlight here. We're pretty big fans of how they've progressed throughout the years from simple beeps and boops to full-blown symphonic masterpieces that've traveled through concert halls around the world. Just below you'll find the scores the Engadget Gaming crew's most fond of and one that we don't particularly care for but felt like calling attention to anyhow. Have a favorite of your own that didn't make the list? Hit the comments below.
Lumines changes hands, returning on iOS and Android
Mobcast acquired the Lumines and Meteos properties from Q Entertainment, the Japanese smartphone game developer announced this week, as translated by Gematsu. Additionally, a new Lumines game is on the way for iOS and Android, and will be a collaboration with the colorful puzzle series' creator, Tetsuya Mizuguchi. Mizuguchi will work on the latest Lumines at his new California-based studio, Enhance Games. The Rez and Space Channel 5 creator co-founded Q Entertainment in 2003 following his departure from Sega. Mizuguchi left the developer in March. The last Lumines game to launch was 2012's Lumines: Electronic Symphony (seen above). [Image: Q Entertainment]
Rez and Child of Eden creator Mizuguchi steps away from game development
Tetsuya Mizuguchi, the man behind Rez, Lumines, and Child of Eden, isn't currently developing games at Q Entertainment. Company director Nobuhiko Shimizu told Eurogamer that Mizuguchi is taking on a "spokesperson" role, having become more involved with "academic work."Mizuguchi's game development career began at Sega in 1990. There he created Sega Rally, Space Channel 5, and Rez, before moving to Q Entertainment in 2003. At Q he designed Lumines, Ninety-Nine Nights, and most recently Child of Eden. While Mizuguchi didn't oversee Q Entertainment's latest game, Lumines Electric Symphony, he was heavily involved with its development.
Lumines Electronic Symphony asks you to spam Ubisoft for classic DLC
Q Entertainment, the developer of the Lumines franchise, would love to launch a DLC pack including an HD remake of the classic PSP level "Shinin'" for Vita's Lumines Electronic Symphony. Ubisoft, however, controls Electronic Symphony's content – so Q Entertainment is asking fans to tell the publisher they want some DLC. This is what your mom was talking about when she said the "good" kind of peer pressure."Who wants some DLC?" Q Entertainment writes on the Electronic Symphony Facebook wall. "To be clear: This is not something that's planned at the moment, but if enough people say 'yeah!' maybe Electronic Symphony's publisher, Ubisoft, will greenlight a high-def Vitafied recreation of 'Shinin''? Dare to dream."Almost 100 people have said they "Like" the idea of Vita DLC, and others have added variations of "Yeah!" to the post's comments. Q Entertainment knows we can't all get what we want – unless we all want it, that is.[Thanks, Mike J.]
Lumines Electronic Symphony's 34 tracks revealed
Ask any musician and they'll tell you the set list is crucial; it's a diverse collection of tunes meant to elicit specific emotions from the audience. The track list for PlayStation Vita launch game Lumines Electronic Symphony is no different.Electronica fans (electronicistas?) will notice some great acts like LCD Soundsystem, The Chemical Brothers, Aphex Twin, Goldfrapp and Mark Ronson & The Business.In addition to the track list, the PlayStation Blog also has a brief Q&A with some of the musicians in the game. If you want some insight into their songs and why they were chosen for the game, hit up the source link below.
Lumines: Electronic Symphony includes bonus MP3s at Amazon
Though it's totally convenient to buy all your Vita games on PSN, there is sometimes an advantage to buying them retail. In the case of Lumines: Electronic Symphony, when ordered from Amazon, that advantage entails three exclusive MP3 downloads.Purchases of the puzzler from Amazon will come with three MP3s by composer Makoto Asai, from the game's "secret unlockable stages." Amazon has the release date listed as February 14, in time for the early First Edition Bundle.Aside from the Q? produced tracks, artists with music in Electronic Symphony include "Kaskade, LCD Soundsystem, Chemical Brothers, Bebel Gilberto, Goldfrapp, Josh Wink, Safri Duo, Amon Tobin," and more.
Ubisoft announces development of six Vita games, including Assassin's Creed and Lumines
Ubisoft is coming out strong in support of the PlayStation Vita, because it's a video game system and that's what Ubisoft does. In advance of Sony's Gamescom presser today, the company announced development of six titles for the handheld, including an Asphalt racing game, Assassin's Creed, Dungeon Hunter Alliance (above), Rayman Origins, and Michael Jackson: The Experience. Perhaps most exciting, the PSP launch standout Lumines is returning on PlayStation Vita. Along with the announcement, Ubisoft shared screens of Rayman, Asphalt, and Dungeon Hunter. No dates were provided for any of these, but expect at least a few of them at the system's launch, because, again, that's what Ubisoft does.%Gallery-130765%
Q? Entertainment: Music licensing, other issues keeping portable Lumines off PSN for now
Lumines was one of the most popular launch titles for the PSP -- but Q? Entertainment's puzzler is notably absent from the PSP Go's initial lineup. Q explained the reason for the non-downloadability succinctly in a Tweet."We would love to bring Lumines/Lumines II to the PSN store," Q's rep said, "but there are complications, music licensing, was published by Namco, etc." However, "That said, we're obviously looking into it. :)" Q went on to single out the songs "Shinin'" and "Lights" as requiring new licenses for digital distribution, and clarified that it would be Bandai Namco's decision to publish the first Lumines on PSN, since it published the game on UMD (in Japan).While the licensed music in Lumines makes it even harder to republish, this is starting to sound really familiar. As Sony's Eric Lempel told us, it's especially difficult for publishers of older PSP games to go to PSN, because licenses will have elapsed, and won't have covered digital distribution in the first place. And Sony isn't requiring third parties to pursue digital distribution, so unless they see significant revenue potential from, say, PSP Go sales, many publishers just won't. That said, it's hard to imagine a PSP without Lumines, and we're confident it'll happen eventually.[Via PSN Stores; thanks, Kassatsu]
Lumines coming to iPhone, console versions getting price cut
According to a recent dispatch from Q Entertainment producer (and former EGM editor-in-chief) James Mielke, a huge marketing push for Lumines is set to kick off in September. As part of this bold movement, both Lumines Live and Lumines Supernova are set to have their prices cut in the near future -- but arguably more exciting is the news that the trance-inducing puzzler will be making its way to the iPhone sometime in September or early October.Though an exact release date and price have yet to be announced, Mielke did confirm that the game would hit the App Store with brand new skins and music. Awesome -- nothing makes early morning commutes go by faster than a good case of rhythmic synesthesia.
Q Entertainment files trademark for 'Guardian Hearts'
Japanese developer Q Entertainment has mostly stayed out of the limelight since releasing Lumines Supernova for the PSN last year, though a recent trademark filing may hint at the developer's plans for the future. The relatively young company just filed its sixth trademark ever, reserving the title Guardian Hearts for future use in a video game.We usually remind our readers that not every trademark a developer files ends up turning into a game, but in Q Entertainment's case, they actually do. We've contacted Q to find out whether this might be the moniker of a forthcoming project, and whether the actual game will be as RPG-ish as the aforementioned appellation.
Lumines Supernova 'Classic' pack coming to PSN Feb. 12
Lumines Supernova may have only just released in Europe last week, but those who've had it for a while -- we're looking at you, North America and Asia -- will be receiving some new downloadable content for the PSN game this Thursday. The"Classic Skins Pack" will offer 20 skins from the original PSP version of Lumines at a price of $4.99. We've asked Q Entertainment for a list of the skins, if only to confirm the presence of "Shinin'" and yell at / praise the company accordingly. With the release of this DLC pack, the regular LittleBigPlanet update, rhythm game add-ons and ThatGameCompany's zen-em-up, Flower, the 12th is looking to be quite expensive. Judging by Sony's "Spring Fever" lineup, these bulky updates will continue in the upcoming weeks. %Gallery-44489%
Lumines Supernova hitting Euro PSN on Feb. 5
Block-dropping synaesthesia news now, with Q Entertainment confirming the European PSN debut of Lumines Supernova. Launching this Thursday, February 5th, Supernova enhances the puzzle game's blend of beats 'n' bricks with new modes (including "Dig Down"), 40 psychedelic skins, a make-your-own-medley Sequencer and, of course, Trophies. Unfortunately, the 14.99 Euro asking price does not net you the US PlayStation Store's free, 20-skin "Holiday Pack." We've queried Q about the add-on's European fate -- and why it's always 4AM when we stop stacking squares.
Joyswag Holidaze: Lumines Supernova (PSN)
WINNERS: Steve, Imi, Brandon, AAAChampions, JayJust in time for Christmas, we're giving away five codes for Lumines Supernova on the PlayStation Network. The classic PSP puzzle game is now on PS3, with fancy 1080p graphics and Trophy support. Oh, and a LittleBigPlanet skin. Leave a comment telling us if you'll be giving the code away as a gift -- or keeping it for yourself! You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec) Limit 1 entry per person This entry period ends at 12 pm ET on Thursday, December 25th. We'll randomly select 5 winners at that time to receive a code for Lumines Supernova (ARV: $15.00). Please check your e-mail! For a list of complete rules, click here %Gallery-31089%
Lumines Supernova priced and dated
Q Entertainment is bringing us an early Christmas present -- they have just announced that Lumines Supernova will be released on Tuesday, December 23rd and priced at $14.99. The game will feature two brand new modes: Dig Down Mode, where you attempt to reach the bottom of a playfield already filled with blocks, and Sequencer Mode, which allows you to create your own music utilizing different sounds and loops. Another highlight, of course, is the LittleBigPlanet skin that will be included in the Challenge Mode. Finally, Trophies will be supported at launch -- check out the list right here.[UPDATE] Sadly, Europeans will have a little longer to wait. They won't be getting the title until "early 2009."[Via press release]%Gallery-31085%
Lumines Supernova dropping on PSN Dec. 23
Rejoice, fellow and completely willing synesthesia sufferers! Q Entertainment has replaced its vague "Winter" release window for Lumines Supernova in favor of something more precise. The rhythmic block dropper will be available on the North American* PlayStation Network on Tuesday, December 23rd, just in time to drown out those obnoxious family members who only bother to drop by when there's a free Christmas dinner involved. Ignoring them should be particularly easy given the bevy of distractions packed into Lumines Supernova's $15 package: 40 skins; a new "Dig Down" mode; a Sequencer mode for creating your own background music; Time Attack and Skin Edit modes; Puzzle and Mission levels; Trophies; and a local 2-player Battle mode for those sharing types who ignore the "mine" in Lumines. And hey, don't forget the LittleBigPlanet skin, which will join a free "Holiday Pack" of 20 additional skins. The latter is available for a limited time only -- just like Christmas. %Gallery-31089% *Europe, you're getting it in "Early 2009." :(
Release date update: Lumines & Savage Moon
So many of y'all are like "where's Lumines?" We're wondering the same thing too. Although the PlayStation site still says Lumines is out "next week," the video was actually created in the future, a future in which Lumines is only a week away. "We're targeting later this month, but not today and not next week," Q Entertainment's Kyoko Yamashita told us. There aren't that many weeks left in December, so the wait shouldn't be too long.In addition, Savage Moon was incorrectly listed as being ready for release on December 23rd. SCEA's Scott Goryl confirmed that the date has been pushed back to January. The game is close to ready, but isn't quite there yet. You'll be able to find out more in our hands-on impressions soon.Crash Commando, reported for release next week, will still arrive on time.
Lumines Supernova, Crash Commando and Savage Moon all coming this month
December 11: Lumines SupernovaDecember 18: Crash CommandoDecember 23: Savage MoonThree weeks. Three games. The PlayStation Network is getting a huge update in December. All of these downloadable games come with Trophies, and they'll make sure that you'll be having fun in December, even if Santa doesn't get you exactly what you want. Enjoy![Thanks, Patriotbball5460!]Update: Release dates have been changed. Read more here.
Lumines Supernova dropping this 'winter'
Following today's earlier revelation of an LBP skin for Lumines Supernova (watch it in action above!), Q Entertainment has officially dated the PSN game for "winter." In fact, a press release claims Supernova is "arriving this month" (December), despite another listing, in the same release, suggesting a more general time frame: Winter 2008/2009. Originally slated for fall, Supernova brings a pair of new modes to the familiar puzzle, Sequencer and Dig Down, along with several "fresh skins" (ew, that sounds kinda gross). While network play has been ruled out, Supernova includes a local 2-player battle mode, and hunting down its Trophies -- confirmed! -- should keep the blocks droppin' and beats poppin' for quite some time. %Gallery-31089%
