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Down down: No Contra 4 at PAX
My PAX expo hall map showed a small Konami booth toward the back of the hall. Just small enough, I thought, for a couple of DS demo stations showing off a certain side-scrolling sequel. I was sure I'd come back a hero, having gotten my hands on Contra 4 for real, and bringing back hyperbolic froth based on real playtime rather than screenshots and video. You can imagine our disappointment when we saw the actual Konami booth, then. That's it above, occupied by Derrick and Garrett from Mega64. ProTip: it's not Contra 4. Okay, I'm exaggerating. That's not the whole Konami booth. There was another DDR machine behind it.
Tell me now, how do I feel about the DDR: Hottest Party track list
We remember when US-released Dance Dance Revolution games had no licensed music whatsoever, filling their track lists with selections from in-house Konami artists. We soon learned to get over the lack of Captain Jack in our home games; and, in fact, grew to appreciate the work of Konami's composers, especially when they started putting music from other Konami games into rotation.Now that music games are actually popular, Konami can afford to license some recognizable music, which means that your Hottest Parties will be accompanied by appropriately hot music, including the tracks named by Siliconera's Spencer Yip. During his time with the game at E3, he wrote down all the track titles he could. Highlights include C&C Music Factory's Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now), Dead or Alive's You Spin Me Round (Like A Record), and, of course, New Order's Blue Monday, the in-game remix of which had better be shortened significantly.
Hottest Party boxart uses a cool color scheme
Konami has a weird idea of how to make a party look hot. It's not that this isn't a nice enough boxart-- it's attractive, and is a good color scheme for their basic "woman in silhouette on neon dance pad" boxart formula. We're not saying that the boxart suggests a bad party, although if Konami's idea of the hottest party is two people playing DDR ten feet apart in a dark room, then they must attend even fewer parties than we do.All we're saying is that it's just not hot. The colors, by definition, are really more on the cool end in all but the logo. We were struck by the cognitive dissonance between the hottest party and this very icy-looking box. The boxart-inside-the-boxart thing is also great, but they've been doing that for bundles since Charleston Charleston Revolution.
Wii Warm Up: Warming up to Wii Fit
Wii Fit may seem shiny and new, but not only is it a concept that console-makers and game developers have tried before, but it's part of a philosophy Nintendo has long tried to pursue. Over at Water Cooler Games, Ian Bogost recently spent some time remembering the Joyboard, a peripheral for the Amiga -- which boasted a single retail game -- that is similar to the balance board that is set to release with Wii Fit. Of course, it's not the only example; many of us still have dance pads for Dance Dance Revolution lying around, and some of the old-schoolers may even have old NES Power Pads tucked away in a closet, collecting dust, while gamers fondly recall Dance Aerobics and Track & Field. What Bogost doesn't address -- which we think is a fascinating issue -- is Wii Fit's potential to succeed in the current market environment. Quite rightly, he calls upon gamers and critics to look back over the history of the industry in order to gain a better understanding of how we reached this point, and we agree with him that people should be less shocked by Wii Fit than they have seemed to be. Nintendo is no stranger to "non-games" and unusual peripherals. Particularly now, when the Wii has the potential to move even beyond the ubiquitous past presence of the NES and get into every home in America (and perhaps the world, huzzah!), it's no surprise that Nintendo is again angling to break the market wide open and offer something for everyone. Does Wii Fit surprise you? Obviously, we knew a health pack of some sort was coming, but this is rather expanded upon what we expected. We know some of you don't like the concept -- while others, like this blogger, think it's the bee's knees -- but does it surprise you? What other market-expanding ideas do you think we'll see from Nintendo?
Joystiq impressions: DDR Hottest Party (Wii)
If there's one series in desperate need of a revolution, it's DDR. Unfortunately, adding Wii waggle is not our definition of a revolution. In many ways, Hottest Party feels like a spiritual successor to the last Nintendo DDR game, Mario DDR. The game reintroduces many gimmick arrows, such as bomb arrows that must be avoided, and other arrows that must be stepped on twice. Of course, the most significant addition are the waggle arrows, which have the player shaking the Wii Nunchuck or Wii Remote, depending on whether or not the left or right waggle arrow appears.The new arrows don't feel like worthwhile additions. After extended play, it's clear that they're simply gimmicks. In addition, the waggle functionality doesn't feel precise enough for a rhythm game. We were also disappointed by the poor construction of the default pads, but that should come as no surprise for long-time DDR connoisseurs.For dance fans that only have a Wii, it doesn't look like there'll be too many alternatives. The game will have a variety of music from the last four decades. One surprising omission from the game has to be the lack of Mii support: why can't we have the avatars we've created dance dance in the game? At least those will have a bit more personality than the generic anime characters that Konami has been using in the franchise. Do it Konami -- the fans want it.%Gallery-4784%
Hands-on with DDR Hottest Party
If there's one series in desperate need of a revolution, it's DDR. Unfortunately, adding Wii waggle is not our definition of a revolution. In many ways, Hottest Party feels like a spiritual successor to the last Nintendo DDR game, Mario DDR. The game reintroduces many gimmick arrows, such as bomb arrows that must be avoided, and other arrows that must be stepped on twice. Of course, the most significant addition are the waggle arrows, which have the player shaking the Wii Nunchuck or Wii Remote, depending on whether or not the left or right waggle arrow appears.The new arrows don't feel like worthwhile additions. After extended play, it's clear that they're simply gimmicks. In addition, the waggle functionality doesn't feel precise enough for a rhythm game. We were also disappointed by the poor construction of the default pads, but that should come as no surprise for long-time DDR connoisseurs.For dance fans that only have a Wii, it doesn't look like there'll be too many alternatives. The game will have a variety of music from the last four decades. One surprising omission from the game has to be the lack of Mii support: why can't we have the avatars we've created dance dance in the game? At least those will have a bit more personality than the generic anime characters that Konami has been using in the franchise. Do it Konami -- the fans want it.%Gallery-4789%
Konami reveals E3 lineup
A vampire, gunner, dancer and water drop go fishing by a playground and they spot a vengeful apparition. That just about sums up Konami's announced E3 2007 lineup: Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles (PSP; Fall 2007) Contra 4 (DS; 2007) Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party (Wii; Fall 2007) Dance Dance Revolution SuperNOVA 2 (PS2; Fall 2007) Dewy's Adventure (Wii; Fall 2007) Fishing Master (Wii; Fall 2007) Hellboy: The Science of Evil (working title) (PS3, Xbox 360, PSP; 2007) Konami Kids Playground (PS2; Fall 2007) Silent Hill Origins (PSP; Fall 2007) Not listed is Metal Gear Solid 4, but we already know that a new trailer is being debuted at the Sony, Konami keynotes.
Konami announces new DDR, removes arrows (seriously)
BREAKING NEWS. Konami just sent a press release for a brand ... new ... Dance Dance Revolution game. Again. Dance Dance Revolution Universe 2 for Xbox 360 will be "the best-looking DDR game to date." In addition to the now-standard Xbox Live support and Quest Mode, the biggest addition to Universe 2 is Freestyle Mode. This new mode has all the dance-dancing of DDR, with none of the arrows, allowing players to mindlessly stomp on their pads. Konami says it's "perfect for kids or anyone with two left feet." In short, it's made for people that should have never played DDR in the first place.For those afraid that the 360 version will not provide enough challenge, the upcoming PS2 Supernova 2 will include the awesomely titled "Hyper Master Mode." Konami's E3 showing contains three DDR games: DDR Universe 2 on Xbox 360, Supernova 2 for PS2 and Hottest Party for Wii. We're hoping that the rest of Konami's E3 line up will have, y'know, some other real games too.
Dance Dance Revolution: Biggest Heads
Konami has released some screens of their new Wii-style Dance Dance Revolution, entitled Dance Dance Revolution HOTTEST PARTY. And it mostly looks like a DDR game, with some small adjustments. Hottest Party (we're going to stop with the caps, if that's all right) includes the same Free Play and Diet Modes as other DDR games, but also includes simultaneous four-player mode for people with really big living rooms.The most noticeable adjustment is head size. That's funny, and a little weird, but totally cosmetic and won't get in the way of anyone's Dance Dance Revolving. What's a little more interesting than cranial embiggening is the Wiimote/Nunchuk usage. There seem to be special arrows that instruct players to point their hands in a certain direction, much like Samba de Amigo. Sometimes even the on-screen characters hold Wiimotes and Nunchuks.The dance pad has made it to the Wii pretty much unscathed, with no Wiimote-shaped cavities or anything. It's a basic dance pad in a Wii color scheme. It appears to be wired, probably USB. We didn't need more-- with the extra waggling, this game seems complicated enough!
Five handheld accessories you should continue to live without
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gadgets/Five_of_the_worst_handheld_accessories_ever_PICS'; Portable game systems are completely self-contained. Unlike home systems, which require a TV, multiple outlets, and a separate controller unit, handhelds contain everything you need to play games, built right in to the unit. They are self-reliant. They are also-- and this goes without saying-- portable. They're designed to be small so you can carry them around.Why, then, do jackasses feel the need to make accessories for handhelds? Accessories needlessly add bulk to Game Boys, effectively exiling them from casual pocket-drops. Here are five of the most pointless things you could ever graft onto a handheld system. We're giving a lot of attention to the Game Boy Color, as it turned out to be a focal point for idiotic doodads. Hopefully, these companies are still tired from their furious crap-assembling, and will largely pass over the DS.
DDR Hottest Party site launches
The Japanese website for Konami's upcoming Wii installment in their incredibly huge rhythm-based franchise Dance Dance Revolution has launched. The Wii installment, Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party, doesn't have much going for it on its website, at the moment, but this is sure to change fairly soon. We're dying to see a demonstration of using all three peripherals at once, as we cannot possibly imagine how it could be done.[Via Go Nintendo]
Dirty Dancing, we never felt like this before
Nobody puts Baby in a corner. After 20 years, all the little girls and boys who wished they were on a retreat in the Catskills learning dance moves from Patrick Swayze will finally get their wish. Syncing up with the movie's platinum anniversary, Codemasters is releasing a Dirty Dancing ... "casual puzzle action" title?! We want the time of our life, we want to feel life we've never felt before, so we swear, and this is the truth, we want DDR Dirty Dancing. Who would even think to contain the Swayze in a "casual puzzle action" title?Anne Parducci, vice president of marketing at Lionsgate film says, "For two decades, girls and women have identified with Baby, and through this wonderful game from Codemasters, they will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in her world like never before." But what if a boy wants to dance with Jennifer Grey instead of the Swayze? Options people, give the gamer options.
BMG to distribute Konami's music online
The place may be overrun with deadly monstrosities and the overwhelming powers of darkness, but the tunes that echo throughout the hallways of Dracula's castle usually make the vampire killing ordeal worth it. Sensing that others might share the dark lord's fine taste in orchestral compositions, Konami has announced an agreement with Sony BMG Music to distribute its library of tunes through mobile service providers and online music retailers, including iTunes and Rhapsody. The deal encompasses soundtracks beyond those belonging to the obvious Dance Dance Revolution franchise, even catering to those that find the clanging pipes and grating gears of Silent Hill preferable to the latest Ashlee Simpson squealfest.Konami also promises to make its vast history of music available for purchase on its official website, though specific release dates have yet to be announced. [Via Konami press release]
Today's most flailing game video: Boogie
We're a little confused by Boogie. Is it a singing game? A dancing game with a lip-syncing character? Both? Where are the DDR-style arrows? While we soon anticipate getting some hands-on time with the title for our own opinion and overview, GameTrailers shows the game in action with a developer interview.The possibly-not-Wii-exclusive title is different at the very least. We hope the risk pays off. See the video after the break.%Gallery-2230%
Laser dance matrix lets you rock out right on the floor
Dragging dance pad tech out of the PowerPad age, Applied Sciences' Laser Dance Matrix eliminates all the moving parts (except yours). The "pad" features four laser diodes interfaced with the guts of a Logitech Gamepad, triggering a buttonpress when your foot breaks a beam. The designers say that gameplay is similar to any other dancepad, with the notable difference of dancing on directly on the floor, which seems like a huge improvement to us. We just hope they take the next logical step and combine this with one of those LED dance floors that keep popping up -- talk about an instant party. The unit is just a prototype for now, but Applied Sciences is gauging interest to see if they should build them -- hit the read link to demand your laser dance upgrade.[Via Hack A Day]
Behold the Laser Dance Matrix (it ain't no "pad")
Frustrated with your flaky roll-up dance pad? Intrigued by things with lasers in them? Alright, we're all in the same boat then. The Laser Dance Matrix (cause it's not really a "pad") was designed to work with any dance game that supports USB input and uses the aforementioned laser technology to register button presses. Breaking the beam = pressing a button. The writeup does not detail how to build one yourself, but they do have a poll asking if there's interest in either purchasing one, either in kit or fully assembled state. Our (imaginary) sources inform us that West Virginia is interested in placing a rather large order.[Via hack a day]
NY Times: W. Virginia schools begin adding DDR to curriculum
Over a year ago, West Virginia announced plans to incorporate Dance Dance Revolution into the physical education curriculum in all of their 765 public schools. Today, the New York Times takes a look at their progress, with nearly all of the state's 185 middle schools already outfitted with the obesity-battling leg-shaking simulator and the remainder of the 765 due to receive theirs by next year. While the article goes over the regular praise for exergaming -- namely, getting sedentary kids off their do-nothing keisters -- it's a welcome update on one state's ambitious plans. Huge bonus points to the first state that requires kids to play Devil May Cry with that DDR pad.
Reuters: The guitar is killing your relationship
Listen, man. Reuters has been talking to your lady. No, no, nothing weird. It's just that ... well, the guitar controller is just a bit much ... and the dance pad ... and the steering wheel. She's alright with the games, but the specialized peripherals are just too much. It's not just that they're hard to hide, they're messing up the room's feng shui and -- they're dangerous.Sure, this article may seem like your typical "Hey Gladys, can you believe what the kids are into?" piece that dots the mainstream gaming journalism landscape, but there are some real gems here, including: A gamer named Festus explaining why girls don't like games, a woman who curbed her gaming after a guitar controller fell on her head and an analyst providing the following quote: "With the rise of certain game genres and, as they get more realistic looking, you have to have a different type of controller." If that's not worth a click, we just don't know what is.
Motivatrix's MX9 Workout Master replaces aging stationary bike
Dance Dance Revolution has certainly helped pave the way for the health-conscious set to exercise whilst gaming, and even the Wii has sparked an outbreak of get-fit kids who endure hours of Wii Sports just to melt off those pounds, and now Motivatrix is hoping to get its exercise / gaming machine hybrid into your fitness room in place of that not-so-thrilling elliptical. The MX9 Workout Master mimics existing DDR systems in design, but it manages to feature a number of internal games inside to keep your workout sessions fresh. Additionally, the machine not only recognizes fancy footwork, but built-in sensors can understand arm flailing as well, and you can even "jam out to your own music" while breakin' a sweat. Most interesting, however, is the fact that its also an internet-enabled machine, meaning that exercise freaks across the land can compete against one another, giving even the least motivated individuals something to work for. No timetable was noted as to when we'd see these things hitting sporting goods sections, but until we get a crack at "Calorie Killer," we'll just stick with Simmer Down Sprinter.[Via CNET]
Wii Warm Up: Words and guitar
No, not the simple-yet-catchy Sleater-Kinney song, but in this instance, it's how you'll be using your Wii in the near future. Whether you want to dance, sing, or thrash, there's something on the Wii for all you musically-inclined gamers. And think -- this is only the beginning. By this time next year, how will the music-themed game scene look? We can only assume Guitar Hero love will expand tenfold when it hits the Wii, so we're curious about your predictions now about music games in the future. Will we move beyond guitars and DDR? Boogie is trying for something new, but again, we're talking tip of the iceberg. Let's do the future instead. What do you see?
