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Riccitiello: Skateboarding genre is dead, but music games will survive
EA CEO John Riccitiello has bad news for fans of skateboarding games: The genre is dead. Action sports games still have a place in players' consoles, he says, but "for the level of excitement out there, skateboarding seems to have run its course as the representative example in that broader genre." Too bad, Tony Hawk players -- the competitor of the company that makes your games says they're not exciting. Though in his defense, EA's own Skate 3 wasn't that exciting either. But there's good news, according to Riccitiello, for another flagging genre. Music games can possibly make a comeback, the CEO says, though even he isn't sure how. "I think the music genre is going to recover ... It could be based on some new innovation. Maybe it all becomes dance-based." Oh, that's rich, Riccitiello -- a super-popular dance game based on some kind of innovative technology? If only that "falling knife" Harmonix made something like that.
Word Up: it's Dance Central DLC
Get out your bright red codpiece for this week's Dance Central DLC. Cameo's "Word Up!," whose video features the aforementioned junk accoutrement, is one of the three songs that will be available for your download-and-dance pleasure tomorrow, November 23. The other two songs include Tag Team's classic "Whoomp! There It Is" and The Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling." We've included links to each song's music video after the break, so you can learn some of the moves already associated with the songs, which will likely be worked into the Central routines. For example, the LeVar Burton Seethe.
Free Dance Central with $25 purchase at Old Navy this Black Friday
The holiday season brings all kinds of happy traditions. For us, those traditions include dusting off the rarely used "old-navy" tag. Like last year, the clothing retailer is offering a free Harmonix game with a $25 purchase on Black Friday. This year, the Harmonix game in question is Kinect standout Dance Central. If you're a Kinect owner interested in this offer, and you need some pants or something, we suggest getting to your local store long before it opens at midnight on Friday, November 26 (or Saturday in Canada). We heard reports last year that the free games were limited to the first 25 shoppers to come in. The good news is that if you wait in line and miss out on a copy, you won't feel much like dancing anyway. So that kind of works out. [Thanks, Aaron!]
Rock Band, Dance Central DLC 'ongoing work' not affected by Viacom sale
After seeing this morning's news of Viacom selling developer Harmonix, many of you were concerned about the company's persistent work in supporting its products with downloadable content. Harmonix has responded to our inquiry, stating, "This morning's announcement does not affect the ongoing work at the studio as we continue to support our existing franchises, Rock Band and Dance Central. As stated earlier, Viacom is in discussions with several potential buyers and will continue to fully support the business until a sale is completed." The developer plans to continue answering outstanding questions on its forum on this thread. We also contacted Viacom and MTV Games regarding the status of the licenses for the music store and whether they'll transfer with Harmonix once the company is sold. A Viacom spokesperson informed Joystiq, "All we can say at this point is that Rock Band and Dance Central DLC will continue as planned and we will continue to fully support their releases." Update: Added Viacom quote.
Harmonix details design process behind Dance Central's Kinect UI
Creating a functional user interface through Kinect can't be an easy task -- how do you make waving your arms around mean something, after all? Harmonix was confronted with exactly this problem in developing Dance Central, and judging by reviews, the developer figured it out just fine. So what's the secret? The team had to actually teach players how to gesture, using visual and even aural feedback in the game when players got it right. Developer Ryan Challinor told the Montreal International Games Summit this week that in testing, player swipes varied widely across both speed and position, and so the final solution was to make the players react to the game, rather than programming the game to react to the players. A few different solutions were prototyped, however, including the utilization of a cursor, which was dragged around the screen and planted in "notches" to choose the game's songs or options. The team also tried to get players to interact in 3D space, either "pushing" on virtual buttons or "grabbing" and pulling a scroll wheel around. In the end, Challinor said, simply iterating these ideas was the key to solving the Kinect conundrum: The team implemented idea after idea, and then polished the one that worked best. Of course, not every development team responsible for the first batch of Kinect games took this approach. At least one studio seemingly went with its first idea, and then made it as raw as possible.
Jimmy Fallon gives everyone in his audience a Kinect
Giving out Kinect to a studio audience just seems like the classy thing to do these days. Oprah did it, and now Jimmy Fallon is doing it too. Last night on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, after demoing Kinect Sports and Dance Central with Microsoft's Kudo Tsunoda and Harmonix's Naoko Takamoto, the affable host announced that everyone in the audience would be leaving with an Xbox 360 Kinect bundle. We're happy for the audience, but the event was overshadowed by another occurrence. It was something rarely seen on the mortal plane, something more precious than a unicorn: Kudo wasn't wearing sunglasses. Jimmy and Kudo actually discussed the missing eyewear before staring their play session, and it turns out he took off the shades for his mother. Say it with us: Awwwwwww.
Dance Central DLC tracks priced at $3, available now
We knew that Dance Central DLC would cost more than the $2 standard charged for Rock Band tracks, but how much more? According to Harmonix, tracks for the game will run at $2.99 (240 MS Points) each. The first three DLC tracks were announced during a Dance Central launch event last night, including Ne-Yo's "Because of You," Lady Sovereign's "I Got You Dancing" and Sean Paul's "Temperature." All three tracks are available now.
Dance Central review: Body movin'
The first hour of Dance Central will sell you on not just the game, but Microsoft's shiny new camera peripheral. Kinect is put into great effect here, enabling wannabe performers to go well beyond Just Dance-ing. For the first time ever, a dancing game requires you to do exactly that, and this singular achievement makes Harmonix's effort an instant success. Like Rock Band 3 before it, Dance Central is undoubtedly the "greatest" game in its genre, with a level of polish and creative ingenuity unseen in any of its competitors. But unlike its predecessor, Dance Central lacks the depth to make it the only dancing game "you need to own." Although it's literally easy to get into the game -- just jump in front of the camera at any time -- Dance Central is probably the most intimidating dancing game ever made. Unlike Just Dance and its countless rip-offs, you'll really need to swing your hips and move your legs. No flailing here, folks. Considering the complexity of the moves you must perform, it's overwhelming to jump into a routine blind. For the uninitiated, mimicking the on-screen dancer whilst trying to read the cue cards can seem impossible. Thankfully, the "Break It Down" mode allows you to learn the individual moves that comprise the routine. You'll watch the dancer perform a single move, and then you must mimic the same move three times. If the move is too difficult, you can slow it down. As you practice, the on-screen avatar will highlight parts of your body that aren't in sync. In short, thanks to Kinect, Dance Central is the smartest dancing game of all time.%Gallery-106493%
Dance Central 2 in 'basic pre-production'
With everyone focused on Microsoft's gamble on Kinect, it can be easy to forget that there are other companies with a lot on the line as well. Harmonix is one such company, one arguably producing one of the most buzzworthy Kinect titles, Dance Central. Assuming Dance Central maintains said buzz and generates significant sales after launch, it shouldn't be surprising to know that Harmonix has big plans for the series. CEO Alex Rigopulos recently told MCV that Dance Central could "spark a phenomenon, much like the original Guitar Hero did," adding that he "sure as hell" hopes Harmonix can produce a sequel. It certainly seems like the company has faith in the game, with Rigopulos admitting that "basic pre-production" for a sequel is already underway, though Harmonix is currently putting most of its focus on DLC.
Dance Central pre-release copies recalled, should still make launch [update]
Pre-release copies of Dance Central sitting in retail warehouses have been recalled, but MTV Games tells Joystiq that the Kinect launch title will be available for next week's November 4 release date. Thanks to a source, we obtained a note detailing the recall by Microsoft due to "a misprint in the owner's manual." According to the document, new copies of Dance Central, with a new SKU/UPC and, we're guessing, manual, should be shipped to stores by next week. A good thing, too, considering the Harmonix title is one of the Kinect games generating mainstream buzz. It's not like Ellen DeGeneres dances on her show all the time or something -- wait, bad example. Update: Microsoft has provided a statement. Please find it after the break.
Ellen DeGeneres steps up the Kinect marketing
We can't be certain how many more Kinect purchases Microsoft will score by targeting Ellen's demographic. What is certain is that Ellen has scored major props for putting down some "flawless" Dance Central moves. Step your game up, Kietzmann. While not exactly an Oprah-caliber performance, with the help of Microsoft, Ellen is getting DeGenerous in her own right by offering up a chance to win one of ten Kinect units (personal information required to enter the giveaway) on her site -- where you can also check out her full dance clip (completely anonymously).
North American Kinect launch window games rounded up
When you get your shiny new Kinect, what games will you get with it? Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb has provided a handy guide to the full Kinect launch lineup -- including launch day games and those arriving soon after. If you wagered there would be four sports minigame collections (Kinect Sports, Deca Sports Freedom, Game Party In Motion and MotionSports), you win! The seventeen-game lineup also includes three dancing games (Dance Central, Zumba Fitness, and DanceMasters), four exercise games (Your Shape: Fitness Evolved, The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout, EA Sports Active 2.0, and the aforementioned Zumba Fitness), and two 'boarding games (Adrenalin Misfits and Sonic Free Riders). See the full list after the break. Major Nelson notes that the Xbox 360 launched in North America with 18 games, just one more than Kinect is launching with -- bearing out Shane Kim's comment that Microsoft would treat the Kinect launch like a new system. Or, it would, if this list didn't count the Kinect games coming out weeks after the Kinect release date as "launch games" vs. the 360's 18-game launch day. In any case, the Kinect has a lot of choices, even if they're all within a few categories.
The complete Dance Central track list drops it like it's hot
We write up rhythm games' soundtracks pretty frequently, but it's rare for one of these lists to possess the kind of hypnotic power to send us into dancing fits by simply reading the songs therein. That's what's happened to us after reading the complete Dance Central tracklist posted after the jump, which, as you can imagine, is making it awfully hard to type right now. We can usually get in a few words before our very spirit compels us to do more popping and locking. Seriously, you have to check out the list of songs posted after the jump -- but only if you're in a dancing-appropriate location, like your home, or a ballet class, or an old, abandoned factory. If you're not too busy moving uncontrollably to that funky beat, we suggest watching the Poisonous trailer posted even further down.
'Push It' real good, win Dance Central
Do you lack both the money for a Kinect and Dance Central, and shame? Harmonix and Truth have a Mephistophelian offer for you. Their "Killer Routine" contest asks fans to submit 10-30 second videos of themselves dancing to this clip of Salt-n-Pepa's "Push It." Those videos will then be posted, with the most popular video earning its creator a "House Party with a Dance Central choreographer" and Xbox/Dance Central/Kinect bundles for themselves and five friends. "You must be participating in some recognizable form of dance for at least 75% of the video," the rules warn. If you are dancing for the whole time and you're disqualified for this rule ... that's going to sting. But if you're confident enough in your dancing to show the world, you have until November 25 to get up on this!
Get a 'splode of this: 'Splosion Man playing Dance Central at PAX
We've already established that the Xbox 360's Kinect can handle a seated person when the application supports it. But what about a grinning, highly combustible bug-eyed being and his entourage of faceless scientists? You may be surprised by the answer -- and how closely this resembles an actual Lady Gaga music video.
The Engadget Show - 012: Omar Khan talks Android and teases Galaxy Tab, Harmonix shows off Rock Band 3 and Dance Central, and more!
Get ready humans, because we have an all new, amazing Engadget Show fresh out of the box (for the second time this month!). For your viewing pleasure, we sit down with Samsung CSO Omar Khan to get the inside scoop on everything from Galaxy S, Android strategies, whatever is happening with Bada, the upcoming Galaxy Tab, and much more. Next, we check in with Engadget investigative correspondent Rick Karr who scales a skyscraper to chat up the man tasked with improving New York City's data infrastructure for AT&T. Then, Josh and Paul welcome fellow editors Joanna Stern and Chris Ziegler for an unforgettable roundtable before inviting Harmonix to the stage to show off Rock Band 3 (featuring a cameo guitar performance by the inimitable Ross Miller) and their first Kinect title, Dance Central. Thrill as Josh and Ross bust a move to Lady Gaga and watch with envy as a bunch of audience members walk away with big time giveaways. If that's not enough, we also have a mind-bending set of live chiptunes music from Zen Albatross with visuals by invaderbacca that you do not want to miss. What are you waiting for? Watch it now! Hit up the stream after the break! Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Paul Miller, Joanna Stern, Chris Ziegler, Ross Miller Special guests: Omar Khan Produced and Directed by: Chad Mumm Executive Producer: Joshua Fruhlinger Edited by: Michael Slavens Music by: Zen Albatross Visuals by: Invaderbacca Opening titles by: Julien Nantiec Taped live at The Times Center Download the Show: The Engadget Show - 012 (HD) / The Engadget Show - 012 (iPod / iPhone / Zune formatted) Subscribe to the Show: [iTunes] Subscribe to the Show directly in iTunes (M4V). [Zune] Subscribe to the Show directly in the Zune Marketplace (M4V). [RSS M4V] Add the Engadget Show feed (M4V) to your RSS aggregator and have it delivered automatically.
The Engadget Show Live! with Omar Khan, Rock Band 3, and more!
Keep your eyes tuned to this post -- because at 8:00 PM ET, we'll be starting The Engadget Show live, with Samsung CSO Omar Khan, Rick Karr, Rock Band 3! Nilay's on vacation, but Josh and Paul are on hand with Joanna Stern and Ross Miller, plus we'll have music from Zen Albatross and visuals from invaderbacca and much, much, more! You seriously don't want to miss it! Check out the live stream after the break!
Tsunoda, Harmonix address Kinect player limit, but questions remain
It seems like Microsoft's Kinect has been dogged by rumors of its limitations since day one. Some rumors have been busted -- you can play Kinect while seated, for instance -- but others are still nebulous just two months out from launch. Speaking to Kinect boss Kudo Tsunoda, VideoGamer attempted to clarify whether or not Kinect is limited to two "active" players, as was reported earlier this year. Tsunoda's answer: Look at Dance Central. Said Tsunoda, "Dance Central is already incorporating a lot more than two players," adding that "it's not necessarily any kind of limitation as much as it is developers just trying to customize the experiences around what they think is the best way to play." Furthermore, Tsunoda noted that it can be difficult to work loads of players into a game's design, but reiterated that Dance Central is "already incorporating more than two." Not satisfied, we contacted Harmonix for further clarification on this issue. Read the response after the break.
Dance Central's Battle Mode revealed, new songs announced
Dance Central is fun! But you already knew that, having read our extensive preview of Harmonix's Kinect launch game. What you may not have known is that it's hella fun once you add someone to compete against. Dance Central's Battle Mode was easily the highlight of the many features showcased during a recent Harmonix preview event. In this mode, two players switch off during a song, and each attempts to best the other's score. The song routine is broken up into parts, and players are scored based on how closely they can mimic the on-screen moves. Beyond a traditional points-based HUD, Harmonix has cleverly designed sound and environmental cues that indicate how your performance is going. If you're not quite hitting the moves, then the bass will start to drop out of the audio track and the game image will become washed out. However, nail a string of moves to earn a multiplier, and the bass will grow louder and eventually the entire stage will transform. In the demo we saw, the environment turned black as a laser show and stage lights kicked in. When you're doing well, you'll know it. Dance Central has the high level of polish we expect from a Harmonix game and is shaping up to be the closest thing to Kinect's "killer app" at launch. Of course, what's a dance game without good music? Take a peek at the newly announced songs after the break. %Gallery-99228%
ESRB reveals unannounced Dance Central tracks by warning about lyrics
The ESRB, in its noble quest to protect young ears from potentially offensive songs that were on the radio twenty years ago, has inadvertently revealed some unannounced Dance Central tracks. The ratings board identified several problematic lyrics, which Siliconera matched with their origin songs (warning: we're about to reproduce the offensive lyrics!) "Did your girl's butt" and "You're bound to get shot" can be found in Craig Mack's "Flava In Your Ear," "Meet him at the door with nothin' on" comes from Christina Milian's "Dip It Low," and, best of all, "Body is soft, makin' me wanna squish her" means that Wreckx-N-Effect's "Rump Shaker" is in the game (yessssssss). Other cited lyrics that Siliconera didn't identify include "The interior like suicide wrist red" (from Snoop Dogg's previously announced "Drop It Like It's Hot") and "Remove your underwear," which we can't quite identify either. We Googled it, but ... yeah.
