Mizuguchi
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Limited edition 'Rez Infinite' includes the vinyl album it deserves
Much like the game itself, Rez Infinite is being released in a very unorthodox manner. Alongside a digital launch and physical copies, iam8bit is publishing a special edition with a vinyl soundtrack, special T-shirts, and collectible pins all included.
Child of Eden takes retail trip on June 14 to Xbox 360
Psychedelic audiovisual experience Child of Eden will be available on Xbox 360 on June 14, a launch date for the PS3 will be made later. Ubisoft representatives at PAX East confirmed the date today at the show, currently taking place in Boston. There's still plenty of time to discover the pleasure centers you want to attach those four vibration devices to. Update: The June 14 date is only for Xbox 360.
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." :(
Rumors: Rez sequel, Spielberg's LMNO on hold and more from EGM
Beyond Gears of War 3 for 2010, the January 2009 issue of the future-uncertain EGM contains a handful of other rumors to pique your interest (via NeoGAF). Top of that list? A spiritual sequel to Rez is coming from creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi, who can't make an actual sequel beacuse the IP is owned by Sega. Mizuguchi's Q Entertainment recently announced a music-infused project codenamed "QJ" for Wii, though it may be unrelated.Additionally, the issue also asserted that Spielberg's mysterious EA Project LMNO is on hold at the moment. At the end of October, EA denied speculation that there had been layoffs related to the title. The remaining rumor-mongering includes a new Rifts-licensed game in 2010 (the last one was on N-Gage) and a large co-publisher for Tecmo's PlayStation 3 exclusive Quantum Theory.
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%
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.
Lumines Supernova to fall this fall on PSN
We're doubtful the release of Lumines Supernova on PSN this fall will be met with the sort of stellar explosion the game's title implies, but a revered action puzzler -- with "block-dropping beats" to back it up -- can only be a good thing for PlayStation 3's downloadable games service. Still, there's not much about Supernova that could justify a purchase for current owners of one (or more!) of the franchise's iterations aside from a pair of new modes: Dig Down Mode: Using the falling blocks, erase squares from a playfield already filled with blocks as you dig down to the bottom. Show off your digging skills as your completion time is ranked based on clearing 20 consecutive stages. Sequencer Mode: Create your own background music using the sound loops provided in the "Sound Bank" -- drums, bass, synthesizer 1, synthesizer 2, and effects each come with 20 different loops. In addition, Supernova will feature 40 unlockable skins in Challenge Mode, plus Skin Edit, Time Attack, and Puzzle / Mission modes, and a 2-player versus mode. Q Entertainment has yet to set a firm release date or price for Lumines Supernova, but it does appear to be a more complete game than the core experience on Xbox Live Arcade. %Gallery-31089%
The Genki Rockets promote new album in Shibuya
Fans of Tetsuya Mizuguchi's Lumines games should be familiar with The Genki Rockets. The group of unnamed artists, including Mizuguchi himself, has performed a number of Lumines tracks, the most familiar of which is "Heavenly Star." The group is preparing a new album, creatively titled Genki Rockets 1. To promote their new album, the group played a show at the Shibuya Apple Store and performed various songs from Lumines II.Songs from their performance will be available on iTunes later next month.
Tetsuya Mizuguchi doesn't rule out Wii for next project
But, he doesn't exactly say his next project will be on Nintendo's console, either. Such is the pain we're all forced to endure for the moment. Miziguchi's next game will be themed around music, however, providing his old-school fans of his Rez and Space Channel 5 games with some hope that he could be making a similar product (although he does shoot down the idea of remaking Space Channel 5). When grilled about his latest project, Miziguchi did say that he is "keeping an eye on several platforms - not just game consoles." He meant this to say that he was also looking at the mobile space, but that's a good thing. The more he looks at his options, the more viable solution the Wii will become in his mind. Because, let's face it, you can't be alive today without the Wii interacting in your life somehow, whether it be through television commercials, subway ads or other promotions.
Sega squelches Space Channel 5 rumor
Unfortunately for those of us who were excited about getting back in the groove with Ulala's Swingin' Report Show, it looks like it may not be. While N-Zone seemed to imply that they'd received an announcement from Sega about a Wii remake of Space Channel 5, a Sega rep told IGN something different. Specifically, something bad -- they denied the story. This doesn't necessarily mean the game's not coming out -- just that Sega hasn't made any official announcements about it. Combined with Tetsuya Mizuguchi's assertion to Game|Life that he didn't know anything about any new Space Channel 5 games, the rumor is seeming pretty debunked right about now.
Rumor: Space Channel 5 coming to Wii, other systems
Between Nights and the upcoming Samba de Amigo, Sega seems pretty committed to remaking their classic franchises on the Wii. Soon there might be a third series to add to the list, as Japanese news site The Magic Box is reporting that Sega has announced Space Channel 5.0. The Wii remake of the stylish, rhythmic original will feature licensed songs from series fan Michael Jackson, according to the extremely brief report. The lack of detailed information and a Sega denial via IGN make us less than certain on the validity of this information, but we wouldn't be surprised (or sad) if this turns out to be true.Don't own a Wii? Don't lose hope! In an interview with Wired, SC5 creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi hinted that he might be interested in bringing the Dreamcast game to modern download services, a la the upcoming Rez HD. "If I had a reason to remake Space Channel 5 on the new platforms, I will do that," Mizuguchi said. Of course, for that to work, he'd have to get the rights for the game back from Sega. Maybe if we all sing in unison the company will be convinced to make it happen.
Mizuguchi: 'Nintendo games are too strong'
Know who we'd like to see developing on the Wii? Tetsuya Mizuguchi, that's who. Some of his games would work beautifully on Nintendo's console. We can totally picture ourselves playing through a motion-based Space Channel 5, or using the Wii Remote to point and shoot in Rez.Wii owners who also happen to be Mizuguchi fans shouldn't get their hopes up, though. Mizuguchi seems keen enough on the Wii itself, but confessed in an interview with Wired that he was a "little bit worried" about the strength of Nintendo games. We presume this is a reference to an increasingly common complaint from publishers and other industry folk that Nintendo's first-party titles are hogging sales.Looks like an Ulala appearance in Sega Superstars Tennis could be the closest we get to grooving with Space Michael. Cry.
DS Daily: Heroes
No, we're not talking about the heroes you might be thinking of. We're talking about the heroes behind the heroes. The names and faces that make our games come alive. The visionaries, if you will.Yesterday's unveiling of a release date and the official website for Flower, Sun and Rain inspired a chat amongst the staff about the game's creator, Goichi Suda. You see, around these parts, we simply can't get enough of Suda's work: the wildly imaginative concepts, that inimitable visual style. Hand on heart, Suda's mere involvement in a project means a sale to this blogger is more than likely. We only wish others felt the same way.But what about you, reader? Is there a particular development guru you look up to? Are you more about Sakaguchi or Shiggy, Molyneux or Mizuguchi? And do you ever purchase a game solely because they played a part in its creation?
No More Genki Rockets
You'll be able to acquire VHS cassettes featuring music videos in No More Heroes, for viewing back at Travis's nerdtacular home (on an apparently tiny TV, judging from our hero's posture.) The first such video to be revealed is Genki Rockets' "Heavenly Star," which is appropriately nerdy for inclusion in the otaku-fronted game.How nerdy is "Heavenly Star?" Well, the song's not about Doctor Who or anything, but it is performed by a group of fictional musicians who are from the future. Like the Gorillaz, the Genki Rockets manifest as holograms in live performances. And this (gorgeous) video was produced by Q? Entertainment's Tetsuya Mizuguchi for inclusion in Lumines II. Of course, you don't need to wait for No More Heroes or go buy Lumines II to see the video; we've embedded it after the break.
Mizuguchi doesn't say much about Wii Lumines
We've got a little theme going of Tetsuya Mizuguchi providing non-answers to speculation about Wii versions of his most popular franchises. First it was Space Channel 5, and now it's his puzzle game (and first PSP killer app) Lumines. The discussion in this Game Informer interview turned to new mechanics in a possible Lumines sequel, and then to putting that new sequel on the Wii or DS, since the game has been ported pretty much everywhere else by now. Mizuguchi responded "I can't say which is first. Maybe we will be inspired by the platform. With these powerful machines [gestures at PS3 and 360], we can use many effects and sounds. With the DS and PSP, you can have them any time, anywhere or touch the screen." Um, okay.At the end of the interview, the Miz threw in some bonus not-saying-much about Space Channel 5, in response to the question "Is 2008 going to be the year Ulala returns?": "Maybe I should send her an e-mail-"Please answer sometime!" [laughs] It would be really good timing to make a Space Channel 5 sequel, in general. I think the Wii would be a really good fit, with the special controls. The audience is wider, too. I think casual players would like it, too."The moral of the story: Tetsuya Mizuguchi is leakproof, and won't reveal anything about anything until he is good and ready.
Mizuguchi doesn't say much about Wii Space Channel 5
Kotaku's Brian Ashcraft interviewed Tetsuya Mizuguchi during a demo of the Xbox Live Arcade version of Rez, and managed to talk about the Wii. We're grateful for this, for two reasons: It allows us to link to this interview about a possible Rez sequel and other general Miz wonderfulness, and we have been reminded that Space Channel 5 exists, and there is an extremely slim, but non-zero, chance that a sequel could come out. About a possible Wii sequel to Space Channel 5, Mizuguchi said-- well, nothing about Space Channel 5, just a general outpouring of love for the Wii. However, we'd like to posit that since the Miz has partnered with Sega again for Rez, there's a ray of hope for future Mizuguchi games in Sega-owned properties.We'd also like to mention that this slim chance of a Space Channel 5 sequel would be an absolute certainty if more of you had bought the Dreamcast game, or the Playstation 2 rerelease. We've seen Space Channel 5 Special Edition brand new for $5, just sitting on the shelf. That's on you. Space Channel 5 owners: we're cool.
Angel Love Online brings cuteness to PS3
Tetsuya Mizuguchi is known for creating some off-the-wall games. I mean, this is the same guy who helmed Space Channel 5, Rez and Lumines, but Angel Love Online could be the strangest one yet.While the free-to-play MMO features the standard RPG knights, mages and robots, you'll also apparently be able to command humanoid pigs, cats, dogs, zombies with candles on their heads, Native Americans and several creatures the English language has no names for.Although, it's difficult to understand what's going on in the video since it's all in Japanese and the screen is obscured by disturbingly cute characters, Mizuguchi and his team definitely know what they're doing ... at least we think they do.
Tetsuya Mizuguchi to build Virtual Tokyo in Second Life
Like everyone else, we're pretty sick of all the Second Life coverage; it seems like buying real estate in the massively multiplayer non-game is the modern, big-business equivalent of setting up a website for your dad's repair shop. Still, it's one thing when Mercedes sets up a virtual dealership, and a very different matter when Lumines and Rez's Tetsuya Mizuguchi decides to build a re-imagined Tokyo for the denizens of Linden Labs' mammoth world.What makes Mizuguchi's Tokyo different than other architectural projects in Second Life is his intent in building the city. 1UP reports that rather than building an exact replica of the Japanese city, Mizuguchi wants to fashion his facsimile based on the perceptions of both locals and visitors. Speaking to 1UP, he states his hope that the project, which is a collaboration between himself and advertising firm Dentsu, can become a "museum of Japanese pop culture." We might need to dust off our Second Life avatars just to check it out when it launches.
Download new Lumines Live! content, save the world
Lumines Live! (that's the name, we're not shouting) debuted on Xbox Live Arcade last October in a fragmented state, chopped apart by the 50MB file size limit enforced at the time. With several of the game's modes offered as optional and costly additions, it quickly became the hideous poster child for monstrous microtransactions. If you still feel that way, look away before we discuss two new downloadable content packs, one of which is designed to save the Earth. Q Entertainment has announced that purchases of the SOS Charity Campaign Pack made between June 27th and July 17th will go towards climate protection organizations and causes. A remix of "Heavenly Star", the embarrassingly catchy tune by Japanese group Genki Rockets, is included in the pack as a celebration of the group's upcoming appearance at Al Gore's Live Earth musical event. If you haven't heard the song yet, consider that Lumines and Rez designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi came up with it as an answer to the question, "What kind of song would a 17-year old girl from outer space who has never landed on Earth sing to those living on Earth?" For 350 MS Points (a rather awkward $4 and 37 and a half cents), you'll also receive "House66" by Sugiurumn, "Cosmic Humming" by Muku and the excellent "4x4 Bricks" by Techriders. Joining the SOS Charity Campaign pack on June 27th is the Booster Pack, more suited to those happy to sit in front of the TV and rearrange squares while the world outside melts. The Booster Pack contains 20 additional skins and features a "must-see" collaboration between Lumines, "Bloomy Girls" and Japanese "visual artist/musician" Masakatsu Takagi. It'll set you back 600 MS Points, or $7.50 in your pre-apocalyptic Earth money. [via Q Entertainment press release]
Lumines II downloadable demo
Longtime PSP Fanboy readers know that we love Lumines II. For the unacquainted, this puzzler from game guru Mizuguchi combines music and highly addictive gameplay for a truly mesmerizing experience. Try this new demo, fresh from the game's Japanese website.1. Download the demo EBOOT file.2. Connect your PSP to your computer using a USB cable. 3. Go to the PSP/GAME folder.4. Create ULJM05232 folder. 5. Copy EBOOT file into the ULJM05232 directory. Check out our new demos site:demos.pspfanboy.com
