Toshio Iwai
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Yamaha's TNR-i app lights up iOS with its musical stylings, dashing looks
We've seemingly unearthed a whole lot of alternatronica in the past few days (not that it's a bad thing), so you'll understand when we enter yet another combatant into this abstract ring. Looking more like a complex game of Simon and almost playing like it too, Yamaha's TNR-i app apes the functionality of the Tenori-on for your iOS instrument of choice. Ringing in at a hefty £11.99 (that's $19 bills, yo), this 16 x 16 grid of orchestral lights crams six performance modes and online multiplayer functionality that more than justifies the price tag. Considering this is a CliffsNotes version of the real thing, you'll feel right at home in that amateur robot drum circle. Hit the source to get your own melodious light bright on.
Electroplankton makes weird noises on Japanese DSiWare this week
Nintendo continues to release bite-size portions of old DS games as DSiWare games, which may rankle some, but we think its latest broken-up DS game makes a lot of sense. The company plans to release Electroplankton in Japan as ten individual 200-point downloads, each consisting of one of the "plankton" instruments from the "game."This Wednesday, Tracy, Hanenbon, Nanocarp, and Beatnes will be available on Japan's DSi Shop. On July 22, Rec Rec and Lumiloop will be released. Finally, in August, Sun Animalcule, Luminaria, Marine Snow, and Volvoice will be available.This could be the perfect venue for creator Toshio Iwai to release future musical toys. Could Electroplankton continue this way, with new instruments being released periodically? It's probably not wise to hope for anything that isn't a segment of an existing game, but it's possible!
Gaming to Go: Electroplankton
"Wha? Who is this impostor in my beloved column," you ask? Well, I kindly asked Matt if I could step in and guest write the column this week. Luckily, Matt is a fan of not working and allowed me to do so. I imagine he's sitting on a beach right now, complaining about the salt in his drink.So, Electroplankton. Many of the longtime readers will know it's one of my favorite DS games. But, what's it all about? Well, it's a pick-up-and-play music game by Toshio Iwai, where you can create a variety of looped tracks for your listening pleasure. And utilizing the headphone jack, you can take your musical creations and export them to your computer or some other device for saving. For those who crave an overall goal or some end to work to, then Electroplankton might not be the game for you. The game may seem a bit shallow to those that aren't intrigued by the prospect of simply making music, but I assure you it's a charming and fun game, and one that is perfect for gaming on the go for any lover of the quirky and unique. If there's one thing you can say about Electroplankton, it's that there isn't any other game on the planet like it. #ninbutton { border-style: solid; border-color: #000; border-width: 2px; background-color: #BBB; color: #000; text-decoration: none; width: 100px; text-align: center; padding: 2px 2px 2px 2px; margin: 2px 2px 2px 2px; } .buttontext { color: #000; text-decoration: none; font: bold 14pt Helvetica; } #ninbutton:hover { text-decoration: none; color: #BBB; background-color: #000; } NEXT >> %Gallery-34381% Tick tock of the clock ringing in your ears? Tell your timepiece to shove it! We live busy lives, but remember this: there's always time to game. Check back with Gaming to Go every week for the latest and greatest titles you should spend your precious few minutes with. And if you're looking for more original content from DS Fanboy (bless your heart), then check out our Point/Counterpoint feature and Bury the Shovelware.
Introducing Tenori-On, from the mind that brought us Electroplankton
Toshio Iwai has been busy designing a musical instrument for the future. Dubbed 'Tenori-On,' Iwai's creation is a melding of light and sound contained in a portable matrix of LED switches used to draw musical compositions -- there's even a 2-player mode (with two Tenori-Ons).Reception of Iwai's previous project, Electroplankton, was a mixed bag. But will distancing himself from his 'gaming' identity help Iwai and his latest invention appeal to the mainstream?
Joystiq Review: Electroplankton (Nintendo DS)
"What happens when you combine a microscope, a tape recorder, a synthesizer, and an NES? Electroplankton!" - Toshio IwaiNintendo promised new methods of gameplay, and in turn whole new gaming experiences, when they introduced their Nintendo DS handheld system. Using the touch screen and the microphone to create an interactive mix of sight and sound, Nintendo’s latest title, Electroplankton, is a poster child for their cause, even if it’s not a traditional “game.” While being uniquely suited for the Nintendo DS, it is very much a niche product reflected in Nintendo's decision to distribute the game solely online. For gamers interested in experimental art or music, Electroplankton is probably already on their shortlist of games to buy; but for most others, it might not offer enough to hold their attention long.
