Rez
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Wii Warm Up: Rhythm-based downloads
The news that Helix would be gracing WiiWare got us to thinking about other rhythm-based titles on the download service. It seems like all the competition gets the love when it comes to the genre. Steam has Audiosurf. Xbox Live has Rez. Even iTunes has Phase. Guess we'll see if Helix becomes the Wii's killer music-based title ...But, we digress. Aside from the obvious (uh, Rez), what music-based game would you like to see available for download on WiiWare? Any of the ones listed above? A different franchise? Lay it on us!
Rez, Ikaruga hold record for best XBLA launches
In news post yesterday, Penny Arcade's Gabe revealed the top four best launches ever for Xbox Live Arcade, with the launch window being the first three days of availability. The list is as follows: Rez HD, 25k units Ikaruga, 22.5k units Penny Arcade Adventures Episode 1, 16.5k units N+, 13k units Honestly, we're a bit surprised by the initial success of Rez and Ikaruga. Not that we didn't want them to succeed (they really are awesome games), but we didn't expect to see Xbox Live community rally so quickly around years-old re-releases. Now, if we could only see data for worst XBLA launches, or even total Rez playtime using multiple controllers as trance vibrators.%Gallery-12973%[Via X3F]
Autofollow + AFK = bad idea
Many thanks to Agate of Eldre'Thalas for providing us with the video! So I was out working on heroic Steam Vaults with some friends last night. Like usual Hydromancer Thespia was being a pain, and we wiped a couple of times. On one of the death walks back, fellow guildie Agate and I meet up with another group of ghosts running over to Coilfang Reservoir. Nothing new there.Except Agate noticed a couple of guys running behind him. After a bit of moving around he confirmed that they were in fact on auto-follow. "Hahaha, look at this, these two guys are following me. Should I have some fun?" he asks over vent.
Hail Mandy: The Druid's Soulstone
We've all wiped in an instance from time to time. It is significantly easier to keep going when a rezzer has a self-rez ability so the group doesn't have to waste time running back to the instance. Soulstone and Reincarnation are wonderful things. The Druid's Rebirth spell can also be used occasionally to save the party the walk of shame back to the instance. I call this maneuver the "Hail Mandy." I started doing this when I was multiboxing my Paladin and Druid. When the Paladin, who was tanking, died and the Druid was going down, I would cast rebirth on the Pally. Then after the Druid was killed and the mobs reset, I would accept the rez. This allowed me to raise both characters and start back up on my merry, dualboxing way- just like using a Soulstone.
Rez HD Standard Mode is 4:3
Keen observers on the official Rez HD forums are up in arms about the output of Rez's standard mode on Xbox Live Arcade. Instead of scaling the game to widescreen, the title outputs its standard signal to a 4:3 aspect ratio. While some are calling it the biggest meh of the year by saying the Standard Mode is supposed to output as 4:3, forum comments reminded us that Rez always scaled to fullscreen on the Dreamcast and PlayStation 2. The worst offender seems to be playing Rez on a standard definition television where black bars are visible around the entire image. This may or may not be big issue but we all remember that some people really care about those missing pixels. We'd be wondering what happened too but we're a little busy taping multiple controllers to our bodies.[ThatGameCalledRez.com forums. Image via flickr user Pryii]
Rez HD and Chessmaster Live land on XBLA
If you've been waiting impatiently ever since Rez HD was first announced for Xbox Live Arcade, then today is your lucky day because it's finally here. If, on the other hand, you haven't been waiting for the game with bated breath, then we'd say it's still probably your lucky day because Rez just so happens to be a good game. We suggest you crank up the synesthetic, vibratory goodness as soon as possible. If, however, all that sounds like too much stimulation, perhaps you'd rather play a leisurely game of chess. It's still your lucky day then because Chessmaster Live is also available today. Both games can be yours if the price is right. The right price, incidentally, is 800 MS Points each.%Gallery-13037%%Gallery-14900%
Rez HD and Chessmaster Live storm XBLA this Wed
In a big old Xbox Live Arcade letdown, this week we get two games that we raise one less then enthusiastic thumbs up to. Yeah, we know we've been covering the release rumors a whole bunch last week, now they're officially confirmed and ... well, whoopee? We're of course talking about Chessmaster Live and (big yawn) Rez HD releasing to the XBLA this Wednesday, January 30th. Yup, sad huh? We know, we know, weeks like this really suck and you'd think Microsoft could wrangle together at least one enjoyable Arcade game a week, but we've been screwed again. You'll just have to settle for a 800 Microsoft point game of Chessmaster Live or (eww) Rez HD. On behalf of Microsoft, we're sorry.KIDDING! Rez freakin' HD is coming to the XBLA in two days kids! Hear that? Rez HD is coming Wednesday! Free drinks on Richard! Get pumped up fanboys and put fresh batteries in those controllers, because Rez HD is but a few days away ... ZOMG! W00t!
This Wednesday: Rez, Chessmaster come to XBLA
OK, OK, so we basically knew that the beautiful, inspiring Rez was coming to the Xbox Live Arcade this week. But we were still relieved to see official word come down from on high, and we're betting you will be too: The newly-updated, fully-trance-vibrating Rez will be available this Wednesday.The best thing? It's only going to run you 800 points (or 10 Earth dollars). If you've never played the game before (or even if you have) you need to take our word on it that a ten-spot (especially when you consider the newly added sounds and visuals) is nothing short of a steal. The other (criminally, but for a different reason) $10 release this week: Chessmaster Live, which is like chess but ... live.%Gallery-12973%
Joystiq plays Rez HD, releases next week
If, like us, you missed out on Rez the first time -- it was originally a PS2 and Dreamcast title -- then you may want to check out Joystiq's recent hands-on session with Rez HD (complete with extra vibrating controllers). For those that are unaware of the trappings of Rez, it is one of several musically inspired games from Tetsuya Mizuguchi and Q Entertainment. 360 owners would know their work from the Xbox Live Arcade game Lumines Live. Imagine the musical qualities that Lumines applied to the puzzle genre and then imagine the same properties being applied to an on-rails shooter and you'll have some idea of what Rez HD has in store for XBLA. If that sounds like fun to you, head over to Joystiq to learn more.Oh, and we should probably mention that the game is releasing on XBLA next week (January 30 to be precise).%Gallery-13037%
Joystiq hands-on: Rez HD
As vector-like throwing-star enemies corkscrewed towards me, I defended myself with a gun that made electronic clapping sounds. I fired the gun. Clap. I fired two quick shots. Clap Clap. My applause aligned with the electronic beats spilling from the speakers. It was Korg-like synth-aesthesia, and almost immediately, I cared more about clapping in-time to the music than shooting back. Rez HD surrounded me in a coordinated, sensory bombardment. The controller in my hand shook and bobbed with the beats while controllers under my feet and on my back vibrated a counter-tempo pattern. 5.1 surround-sound flew from all directions, and the neon-sharp HD game-world pulled me into its reality. In my brief time with Rez HD, I decided that it wasn't a game as much as an experience. There's a game inside somewhere, but the title feels like a journey, rewarding meandering through levels instead of racing to the end. And even though it's a linear shooter, Rez HD hides a lot of exploration; I look forward to moving slowly through the game after its January 30 release. %Gallery-12973%
Rumor again: Rez hits XBLA next week
When rumors begin to pile up, you begin to ask yourself whether it's because the rumor is true or because you want it to be true. Keeping that in mind, we present you with a modified rumor, the original version of which we ran earlier this week. The rumor goes a little something ... a-like-a this: Rez HD could be hitting Xbox Live Arcade next week. Yes, only two days ago we were reporting that Rez could have been out today, but this time ... we're serious. A Q Entertainment spokesperson recently told Eurogamer that the game is "being prepped" and only awaits the proverbial green light from Microsoft, to which the spokesperson added, "Maybe next week?" Could it be true? Yes. Do we want it to be true? Affirmative. Thus, a rumor it remains.%Gallery-13037%
Register, wait and win Rez HD from Q Entertainment
Adding to the ever growing Rez HD hype machine is news that Q Entertainment is giving away 50 Marketplace codes to download the full version of Rez HD. Confused about winning a download code for a game that isn't released yet? Shh young one, just follow along ...To try your hand at winning a copy, simply head over to the official Rez HD website, register by January 27th and wait. 50 lucky registrants will then be sent a code 72 hours after the contest closes which means one very big thing. Rez HD is guaranteed to release next week to the XBLA, w00t! Now run along kids, go register and be happy knowing that even if you don't win, you'll be able to purchase Rez HD next Wednesday.[Via Joystiq]
Register and ye shall REZ-eive (a free game)
Not content with merely updating their hypnotic trip-out sim REZ with fancy high-definition graphics and stimulating surround sound for its Xbox Live Arcade debut, the folks at Q Entertainment have decided to gift upon the world 50 free copies of the Mizuguchi masterpiece (no, not that one). To potentially grab one of 50 prepaid Xbox Live Marketplace codes, you need only visit the official REZ HD website and enter your details into the registration page.Do that between now and Sunday, January 27th, and you might just REZ-eive a free copy of the game within 72 hours of the closing date. Don't fret if you lose out though -- with the game launching before the end of the month, we're all winners here.%Gallery-12973%
Rumor: Rez and Chessmaster to release this week [update]
Update: Major Nelsons says no Rez HD or Chessmaster Live this week. Maybe next Wednesday?There are whispers around the internets that both the long awaited (and vibrator equipped) Rez HD and Chessmaster Live will be making a release to the Xbox Live Arcade this week. CVG mentions the rumor coming from a tip they received, but as with all anonymous tips ... it could be hogwash.We know there are hundreds if not thousands of fanboys who are super excited and anticipating Rez HD's XBLA release and we doubt anyone would complain about a Chessmaster Live twofer. And for whatever it's worth, both games have been promised to be January XBLA releases. No matter, we'll be able to valid or discount this XBLA release rumor within' a few hours when Microsoft announces this week's XBLA games. So, sit tight and countdown the minutes until either a Rez HD announcement or a total disappointment. How fun!
Readers pick best webcomic: Synesthesia, revisited
Sure, many argued that this wasn't the duo's strongest game-related comic of the week (most cited Rigorous Scholarship as the better choice), but Penny Arcade nonetheless took top honors in this week's webcomic wrapup for their Rez-inspired strip.Second places goes to Digital Unrest and third to Ctrl+Alt+Del. Thanks for your feedback on the new polling system, which is here to stay although adjustments will be happening (such as including the strip name in the choices to make an easier connection). Thanks to everyone who voted, and be sure to let us know of any game-related webcomics you stumble upon this week!
Hold on! Rez HD releases to the XBLA this month
Q Entertainment just shot an email out to our iron-fisted rulers at Joystiq to tell everyone that Rez HD will release to the Xbox Live Arcade in "only a few weeks" and that it'll be priced at a soothing 800 Microsoft points.Q also sent some new in-game screenshots which show off its trippy visuals (we've added them to the recently created gallery) and confirmed that Rez HD will sport updated 5.1 audio, new visuals and a Replay Theater to further induce brain seizures. Joystiq also confirmed that Rez HD on the 360 will feature its own version of the infamous PS2 Trance Vibrator where you'll have the option to enable rumble on three additional Xbox 360 controllers, place them wherever you choose and let the Rez vibrating bliss ensue. And yes, we're afraid to see how people will use that "feature"%Gallery-13037%
XBLA screeny blowout: Rez, Tron and Poker Smash
After sniffing through the deep, dark and musty bowels of Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade marketing materials, not only did we get a nasty sinus infection, but we came across spiffy new screenshots from a few upcoming XBLA games. What Arcade games? Well, you're jumping the gun there stallion with all your questions as we were just about to tell you. Ahem. Screenshots from XBLA games including Rez, Tron and Poker Smash which can all be viewed in the galleries posted after the break. So please do us a favor and make our sinus infection worth getting by viewing as many screenshots as possible. We read somewhere that the only way to cure a blogger's sinuses is to view their screenshot galleries ... just saying.
Rez HD arriving this month for 800 MSP
Good news for synaesthetes and fans of all things awesome: a friendly press release from Q Entertainment informs us that Testuya Mizuguchi's Rez HD will be landing on Xbox Live Arcade in "only a few weeks," for the very reasonable price of 800 Microsoft Points. Along with the highly-anticipated "trance vibration" support, the enhanced port of the Dreamcast/PS2 classic will include a high-definition upgrade to the visuals, and feature 5.1 surround sound. The game will also introduce new audio and visual effects, a new Replay Theater for re-watching play data, and the usual suite of XBLA leaderboards and achievements. Check out the gallery below for some gorgeous new shots of Rez in all its trippy, HD glory. %Gallery-12973%
Reminder: Rez HD is a trip
If you were one of the many shmucks who didn't pick up Rez when it came out on the Dreamcast and PS2, you can redeem yourself in our eyes when a visually souped-up version of the game drops on the Xbox Live Arcade sometime in the (hopefully) near future. Yes, it might be sans one unintentionally stimulating peripheral this time around, but it still feels like playing an absinthe-fueled round of Panzer Dragoon in the middle of a warehouse rave. Hopefully the surfacing of the above gameplay footage from the uncleverly titled Rez HD is a sign that we'll find what we really want under our tree this holiday season -- a good case of synesthesia.
Microsoft reveals XBLA games coming in December and January
As anyone who follows the new releases already knows, the quality of retail releases has been dropping precipitously since November. Thankfully, we spotted some help on the horizon when Microsoft recently released a list of XBLA games that will be coming to the 360 this month and next.We already knew that Sensible World of Soccer was coming on Dec. 19, but we also have games to look foward to like N+, Arkadian Warriors, Rez HD, Brain Challenge, Omega Five, GripShift and Poker Smash. So keep up the the faith, even as only The Golden Compass stares up at you from the new release shelf: Fun is on the way.
