lumines
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Ankh and Luminator coming to British DS
Xider Interactive, who we previously reported as not actually bringing Sam & Max to the DS, have announced their real DS releases for the UK. The titles, which are probably familiar to German PC gamers but definitely not familiar to us, are: Luminator DS (May) Ankh 1 (August) Ankh appears to be the first in a series of Egyptian-themed adventure games-- and there's no part of that description we don't like. Luminator (PC version shown above), from what we can tell, is ... let's say a faithful tribute to Lumines.We don't know if either of these games will be headed to the US. Have any of our European friends played either of these? We need to know about the quality of Ankh before we get too excited about OMG ADVENTURE GAME.[Via Cubed3]
Play Lumines-clone, for free, on your computer
Lumines goes to Xbox. Every Extend Extra goes to Xbox. Now, Lumines goes to the computer, thanks to the efforts of Bradley Eccles. Lumineccs is a pretty faithful Lumines clone, playable on your Flash 9-enabled computer. For those of you that havent played the PSP classic, you must drop blocks and arrange them to create solid 2x2 blocks. Sounds easy: but wait until it gets faster! Use the arrow keys to move your block, and the spacebar to turn. It's so easy--I know this is going to ruin a couple of productive days at the office.[Via digg]
Mizuguchi to reveal new XBLA game
CVG reports that Tetsuya Mizuguchi and Q Entertainment are set to unveil a new title for Xbox Live Arcade at this week's Game Developer's Conference in San Francisco. Of course, the word "new" is relative when it comes to the Xbox 360's download service, leaving the door open for an enhanced version of Q's Every Extend Extra, released in November on PSP. Whatever it ends up being (the reliable internet says: Rez!), you can likely expect catchy J-pop tunes, hypnotic lights, plummeting blocks and, with any luck, ludicrous amounts of unintentional gyration.
Mizuguchi launches in style
While the rest of the world has had the ability to enjoy Mizuguchi's Lumines II, Japan only recently got access to the puzzler. Unlike America and Europe, where the game was published by Buena Vista Games, this Q Entertainment effort is self-published in Japan, marking it as a huge milestone for the once-smalltime developer.To celebrate the launch of Lumines II, Mizuguchi held a massive party in Air, a famous hot spot, a few blocks south of Shibuya station. Famitsu was on hand, offering tournaments, and the alcohol flowed freely. Check out IGN to see more pics and details from a night of puzzle-inspired debauchery.See also:PSP Fanboy review: Lumines II
Lumines invades MMO
Game Watch is reporting that popular Asian MMO Angel Love Online is receiving the Lumines treatment. While you won't be clearing blocks to music, you can alter your health bar face image to one of the very recognizable Lumines avatar or icon things. This team up is meant to help sell copies of Lumines 2 since owners of the sequel get the code for the icon off the Lumines 2 packaging. I personally would rather have my MMO avatar wear a Lumines shirt than a health bar face image, but I don't play MMOs, so my opinion on the matter is as useful as a queef.
Mizuguchi-produced single to grace Japanese phones
"Chaku-song" and "chaku-movie" represent Japan's most popular system for getting full songs and music videos to replace traditional ringtones on cell phones. And now Tetsuya Mizuguchi is in on the game, with the release in Japan yesterday of his Genki Rockets' "Heavenly Star" track in the "chaku-song" and "chaku-movie" formats. Phone users in Japan can download the soaring technopop of "Heavenly Star" (vocal and all) to their handsets for just ¥105 (US$0.88), with the music vid going for ¥315 (US$2.64). Welcome to synaesthesia, indeed.
Japanese release day highlights: 02.15.07
It's another game release Thursday in Kyoto, and the chilling haru ichiban wind is a-blowin'. Time to get the fire going, pour a hot cup of green tea, and make ourselves comfortable in that red leather armchair. It's time like these when games like Layton (see above) are most welcome. And alongside the noble Professor Layton's latest adventure with Level-5, we're happy to stuff a few other portable gems inside our carrier bag today: Bleach DS 2nd (more Treasure love; DS) Professor Layton's Mysterious Town (the talk of Kyoto town; DS) Lumines II (Japan has been very patient with you, Mr. Mizuguchi; PSP) Tales of Destiny 2 (because Namco doesn't know when to stop; PSP)
The Joystiq Weekend: February 10 - 12, 2007
Danny, the gaming geek caught his sister, the bride playing Lumines at her wedding. It really is that great of a puzzle game. Check out the highlights for this weekend: JoystiqueryRing of Death: An Xbox 360 story -- Part 2Today's most held in place video: Hori Play Stand DS Lite video reviewWeekly Webcomic Wrapup: have a heart editionNewsOblivion: Downgraded for PS3, not happening on WiiManhunt 2 on Wii: A true murder simulator?Activision sues to protect Guitar Hero investmentSony's Jack Tretton and the $1200 quoteColumbia Pictures acquiring Metal Gear movie rights, Ghost Rider producer onboardLost Planet producer: "western developers are leading the industry"NBA Live '07 1000 man achievement chance now!Lego Star Wars producer unlocks secret of gaming successFactor 5's Lair almost complete, Turrican PS3 possibly nextNintendo VP on corp. differences: Nobody got shot for WiiCultureCrackdown the world overEmerson student org. looks to make game in semesterJade is Latina, Asian, Black ... who knows?
Import game releases for the week 02/11/07
Another week, another week of import games to feature. For those not in the know, every week we profile the coming import games for that week. It's an interesting list this week, we have the Japanese version of Lumines 2 and multiple RPGs and an anime visual novel. Will you import any of these games? Check the list and let us know. Continued after the jump ...
How different is Lumines on PS2?!
I love Lumines on my PSP and between all Lumines 1 & 2 had to offer, I didn't think the PS2 version of Lumines could get me to buy it. That is until I got an e-mail from Sony's Playstation Underground describing what Lumines Plus was like. The description says "Based on the film, a trio of unique characters use their skills to solve puzzles & succeed in combat." What a departure! Not only that, but this means there's a Lumines film in the works. Strange that the game is being released before the movie. I can only hope a combat laden version of Lumines hits PSP someday!
Deal of the Day: Lumines II, now only $20
Did you miss out on Lumines II? Most likely. Although we praised the video-enhanced puzzler, the game didn't seem to be different enough from the first Lumines to warrant a purchase for many. However, those of you that missed out on this great game now have no excuse: Lumines II is only $20 at Best Buy.From our review: "Although the core mechanics of the game remain unchanged, the new skins, and sleeker presentation make it more than a worthwhile purchase, even for people that played the original extensively. However, with no infrastructure option, and some puzzling user interface issues, it's sad to see that Lumines Ii isn't as perfect as it could have, should have, been."[Via CAG]
Lumines Live add-on packs now available
This morning the Lumines Live add-on packs are available from the XBLM. Last week we found out that these all new add-ons would not only be coming, but would be discounted for a month. The VS CPU Pack and Puzzle/Mission Pack are only 100 Microsoft Points (originally priced at 300) and the Heavenly Star Skin is free (regular price 150). Remember, these prices are only good until February 21st when the original prices will go in effect. Need more info? Head on over to Xbox.com for all the add-on details.
New Lumines Live! content out next Wednesday
When Lumines Live! emerged in October of last year, it ran headlong into a pack of outraged gamers who felt that the game's fragmented content and costs introduced an unwelcome element to the Xbox Live Marketplace -- a roving pickpocket you bump into between fruit stalls. New downloadable content is a touchy subject then, but it appears that next week's Live! offerings are a bit less backward and a bit less, well ... Evil!Three new packs will be available this coming Wednesday, the first of which contains the Heavenly Star skin. Perhaps the fact that it will be free to Gold subscribers until February 21 is to be interpreted as a sign of atonement. The other two, namely the VS CPU pack and the Puzzle/Mission pack fill up the gaping holes in the base download, each costing a not entirely outrageous 100 points ($1.25) each. That lasts until February 21, after which the price goes up to a thoroughly questionable 300 points ($3.75). Why raise the price after a month? The Gamerscore Blog labels these as "special promotional prices," which really just comes across as a temporary and thinly-veiled apology cringed out by the marketing department. So, why retract the apology then? The quest for more money seems tied to the obvious answer, but that's only if you felt that Lumines Live! got microtransactions completely wrong in the first place. All things considered, the game makes for a balanced example of what's wrong and what's right in the world of pint-sized payments:
Cheap Lumines content arrives next week
How many MS Points does it take to say, "I'm sorry?" Any 360 gamer worth his or her salt will remember the Great Lumines Catastrophe of '06. Allow us to explain ... no, there is too much. Let us sum up: Lumines Live launched on Xbox Live Arcade for 1200 points. The catch here is that the 1200 point purchase did not get you the full game. There were myriad reasons for this (stay under the 50MB limit, etc...) but the end result was that we were expected to pay for things like Vs. CPU mode and an expanded Puzzle mode and more skins for the solo mode. After the already large asking price, many felt insulted or even outraged. Well, kiddies, it looks like MS and Q? were listening, as new Lumines content arrives next Wednesday, and it's cheap! There are three pieces of content arriving next week. The first is a new video skin called Heavenly Star (sounds familiar) which will be free to Xbox Live Gold Members. The second is the Vs. CPU pack that will be available for 100 points. The third is the Puzzle/Mission pack which will also cost 100 points. These promotional prices are to be offered between January 24 and February 21. After February 21, the two content packs will cost 300 points, and we're not really sure what happens to the Heavenly Star video (presumably it will disappear or cost points). A tip of the hat to MS and Q? entertainment for heeding our call and slashing these prices. Will you grab this content now that it will be available at a discounted price?
Why don't portables get more respect?
The DS sells more than most consoles. The PSP has some games that look better than many PS2 games. Despite this, there are few magazines or websites devoted to portables. When the web or a mag do focus on a portable, it always seems to be to a lesser degree. If you need any proof, just look at the number of portable games that go un-reviewed compared to consoles. But when the sales are up as is the quality of the games, why do handhelds still get shafted? They're a substitute It seems as though some gamers and press view portable games as a substitute for "real" gaming. Just something to pass the time when you're somewhere unpleasant and unable to play a console game. While it is true that the very nature of a portable game is to give you gaming on the go, it doesn't necessarily mean it isn't as fun or as valuable of a gaming experience as console games. Anyone who's gotten sucked into Lumines or Vice City Stories for hours can attest to that. Kid Stuff While it's true that many games aimed for children have been released for portables through the years, there's no shortage of great games for any age. Especially this generation of portables, it seems more and more portables are aiming their sights for older gamers. Brain Age, Metal Gear and GTA are proof enough that in no way are portables just for the playground. Less vocal fan community One thing that hurts the portable gaming community is that despite the great sales for systems and games, the fan community is far less vocal than the typical console fan base. Of course part of this seems to be self perpetuating since if there aren't many online or print sources for portable gaming, there are obviously less places for those fans to express their feelings. Not as many huge titles Some would say that the portables lack blockbuster titles and that is why they garner less attention. This hardly seems like a good excuse though since at this point nearly every blockbuster franchise has a version on handhelds. From Metal Gear to Mario, if there is a big game on a console there is typically a counterpart on the portable. Not only that, but some portable games consistently sell better than most console games. So while there may be no good reason portables get overlooked, it does seem like they're on there way to reversing this fate. With the increased importance of blogs and forums in the gaming world, it seems like only a matter of time before portable games do get the equal respect they deserve. Until then, the average gamer may just be too busy playing their PSP to even care.
Best of the rest: Ludwig's picks
Sam & Max Episode 1 : Culture Shock (PC)I never thought I'd actually be grateful to LucasArts for assassinating their sequel to Sam & Max: Freelance Police. Now residing in the capable hands of Telltale Games, the series is setting the standard for episodic content and adventure gaming. Complete failure to laugh at Culture Shock's absolutely brilliant writing, memorable characters and off-the-wall puzzles indicates one of two things: either you're a robot, or you've recently discovered a dead kitten in your lap. (See also: My reviews of Culture Shock and Situation: Comedy.)
Best of the rest: Ross' picks
Lumines Live! (XBLA) On a big screen with surround sound, Q Entertainment's Lumines Live was easily the most-played game in my library (if you stretch the definition of library to digitally distributed titles). Although I railed against how microtransactions were implemented in this title and still think the extent to which they disclosed the dearth of features was misleading, both the Basic and Advanced Pack got more than enough play time, as did the multiplayer. It is the best Xbox Live Arcade title since Geometry Wars.
Heavenly Star: From Lumines II to iTunes
Q Entertainment recently announced that Heavenly Star, an original song from the recently released Lumines II, is now available on the iTunes Music Store in the U.S. and Japan. What's more, five remixes of the song will be coming to Apple's download service soon, and the song and video will be available as part of the "Heavenly Star Pack" for the Xbox 360's Lumines Live in January. Because, really, who doesn't enjoy paying more for content that should have been in the original game. Cheap gamers who want to sample the Miziguchi-produced song and video without paying can check it out below. Hopefully this announcement will open the floodgates and lead to a wide variety of original game music being made legally available through simple download instead of expensive import. We'd personally love to see some OSTs for Super Mario Bros., Final Fantasy and DDR, thrown up on iTunes. Until then, I guess there's always OCRemix. What game soundtracks would you like made available on iTunes?[Via GameSetWatch]
Wannabe DJs compete Lumines-style
Who's Junkie XL? I don't know either. But, if you're in the DJ scene, you may be familiar with him, and the Winter Music Conference. Buena Vista Games wants to take you (yes, you!) to this event in sunny Miami, and all you have to do is play with the Lumines II video mixer. Looks a little familiar to me... Even if you don't want to enter the contest, it might be a good way to pass the time.[Via Joystiq]
Remix Lumines II's 'Breezer' track
Wanna hang with Junkie XL at the Winter Music Conference in Miami next year? We don't either. But Buena Vista's Lumines II Video Mixer is a fun diversion for wannabe DJs anyway. The mixing program is free to use and you aren't obligated to enter the contest (unless you want to). We just wish this thing had a chop n' screw button...
