Some people might think that interest in music games have peaked. Many "band" games are just focusing more on content and gameplay rather than peripheral innovation, which initially made the mystique of guitar controllers exciting in the beginning. Don't fret (pun intended). Boston-based developer and publisher Seven 45 Studios has unveiled a real guitar as the controller for their upcoming PowerGig: Rise of the SixString video game for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and we recently had the opportunity to check out the game and peripheral in a closed doors meeting this week at GDC.
Seven 45 Studios might not be a household name yet, but the company's actually a subsidary of First Act, a company known to sell a majority of real electric guitars at major retailers like Wal-Mart. The company's mission to "evolve the music genre," according to VP of marketing Jeff Walker, stems from rampant cries of gamers and musicians alike looking for a product that "bridges the gap of games and actual music playing."
Other than being able to play the game, the guitar has a special switch that will allow the guitar to go into "real guitar mode" and operate like a real electric guitar when plugged into an amp. It allows the gamer to take what they learned in the game and apply it to making real music. Being a huge music lover myself, it's nice to know that getting yet another guitar peripheral won't be for naught.
For starters, PowerGig's gameplay isn't too different from our usual Guitar Hero and Rock Band counterparts. After all, the developer is trying to make the game accessible, but also stressing the innovation of its new controller. In fact, the guitar is actually backwards compatible with existing guitar games, and other guitar controllers will work with PowerGig as well. Five colored notes come down on the screen and a player must strum corresponding to the color representation on the guitar. However, instead of strumming on a plastic flipper switch, gamers will be strumming actual strings.
A "mojo meter" can also be toggled with good guitar play, giving the in-game character bonuses and environmental effects to indicate their success at rocking out. As far as musical content, Seven 45 Studios promises a varied amount of music in the game, comparable to the songlists of similar big name music titles.
We weren't able to actually try the game for ourselves yet (we've been told E3 is when we'd get our hands on the gameplay experience). However, judging from our private demo, it seems that the game will truly teach gamers a lot of the core mechanics required for playing an actual electric guitar.
The Power Chord play mode is what these developers are most excited about. Instead of simple color variations for chords, each color circle will also be labeled with a number, 1 through 6. As all guitarists know, these numbers indicate the exact string that you'll have to strum to get the chords exactly right. The beauty of this mode is really shown when the game is turned off and the same exact thing is played when plugged into an amp. It's the same chord, which then becomes a great way for beginners to learn how to play songs on their own after a certain level of practice.
Executive producer Matt Sughrue also mentioned that PowerGig will revolve around a story narrative, complete with heroes and villains. Considering that no other true music game - not counting Brutal Legend - has done it this way, it's a fresh sight to see for those looking for a more engaging experience.
The game was only in its pre-alpha state, but the company plans to show more things around E3 time, including the game's offline co-op mode for three players (vocalist, guitar and the yet to be unveiled drum controller). PowerGig, according to Sughrue, will also be competitively priced. "We're in this for the long haul and hope that this franchise will live on for years," he said.
I've always wanted to buy an electric guitar, just for jamming sessions and expanding my musical horizons, but it looks like my plans for buying one might be on hold for awhile. If Seven 45 Studios can capitalize on their goal to truly revitalize the music genre, then this game should turn some heads and ears when it releases this fall.
The Kartel crew is here at the 2010 Game Developers Conference in San Francisco once again and we've got some interesting stories to tell! GDC 2010 is as rampant and engaging as ever, especially with the immense popularity of social media games and innovative gaming peripherals. Get your coverage here!
You'll find daily updates right here on this page from everything GDC. However, those who need to know things right on the spot should frequently check our Twitter feed atwww.twitter.com/thekartelmob. We guarantee you'll find many of our pictures from the expo floor and closed door meetings rather interesting.
There's also an OFFICIAL GDC 2010 Thread in the forums, so be sure to praise/vent your personal opinion for the numerous game impressions and announcements during the week there!
Here's several of our highlights from the show thus far:
Find out what the buzz is all about in the videogame racing world this morning. The upcoming Blur game has garnered plenty of attention around the net and the online beta for the game starts today!
Fortunately, Activision has given us plenty of Xbox 360 beta codes for the Bizarre Creations' racing game, due out this spring for the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. For a game that was once called by Activision CEO Mike Griffith "to do for racing what Call of Duty did for shooters", Blur should get more attention leading to its release.
INSTRUCTIONS:
To get in the Xbox 360 online beta, you will need to take one of the redemption codes below and enter it at www.BlurTheGame.com/beta. You'll receive an email with your actual Xbox 360 beta code soon after.
Remember, these codes are NOT the ones you'll be putting into your Xbox 360. You have to take a redemption code and enter it at the website above to receive an email reply with your real one.
As a kind gesture, please comment on this post which redemption code you end up grabbing for the beta and let us know how you like the game!
The redemption codes for the Xbox 360 online beta:
4RL7-2LNT-CYPC-CQ6F
GURQ-7434-UVRL-ZEFN
DHYM-F6KE-LD42-HAF9
FDVQ-XC93-FHEY-R6KM
DWC2-F3DG-6DTU-2LCU
PNPE-QXRD-UPQ6-NRM6
EHYV-KQ2C-QEVT-GAYL
F7FJ-RG2V-DW24-7QWZ
U7KV-2LE4-UUTU-2DRJ
67RU-HRP9-3MVL-W4MF
ZM6H-PPX9-UFCG-39V7
94C2-XD2D-6ED7-Y2GC
WH6M-7CX6-HG49-QMPF
FCCF-HWHL-F2DZ-39NU
DRZV-M4KV-VNFK-UP6L
ZUEQ-YCKM-FU4U-UYGD
C9ZH-AKF6-NDFJ-NMET
K647-RC7W-V6DU-XDTG
EVLR-96F2-Q4WR-CY26
T7U2-DYJ4-7UCU-WLTM
R6MW-Q6UX-97LD-KH2T
DWME-LRPV-VWZD-TPK9
HWGT-42ZL-LEH6-4LEG
7TVT-QCXM-VDUD-RW6A
P3XY-TNLQ-7KMT-PJ73
PU9Y-G2XQ-WHHX-79DY
GMFK-J7ZY-QXJT-9QYY
EG99-ULE7-GFPW-T6EG
WWGR-QDCG-FLMF-PFJJ
DHNU-FZ7A-7UTM-LUEG
R96K-RJ9U-9L9G-XML4
NYTQ-RRUY-WKK4-RFR2
QVCD-UUDT-P77H-2K7R
AUVE-N9R6-9GVY-74AK
FG4F-4KJ6-PZFX-VZGD
AF2N-UUMH-9M7U-4U9G
YGVK-DU2T-UT4E-FNVG
QYKG-6UMH-FKMX-JW2H
RE6Z-YG23-RC67-2TK2
GCKJ-KWCG-LLEZ-XXC9
AT9J-R3FM-N7FT-29CA
JPK3-TPKC-34EQ-4A7L
WYAF-UUEG-D92V-YC7H
6D2L-M39H-YZ2C-AZ4A
E7AQ-24U6-LFVY-VRAJ
RMEM-GZDH-URLQ-T4TU
3YET-GKEY-DHJU-HQLX
EC32-9JXV-P3C9-FWKH
UAM7-YYUN-E32Z-JCL3
TEAG-9E77-QQ2C-94EA
And here's another 50 redemption codes (Updated: 3/8/10: 4:00pm PST)
49FY-PEDN-9MFD-ZYKM
CA4N-3XHN-EFKQ-DJN9
PGE9-GQRH-DUZ4-KPRW
T2VL-X79Q-XFLJ-TGYU
P6TC-ZQDE-7XRT-WU9C
JL44-CV4R-KCJD-EZTC
7P7E-FKDM-4LV3-HEC4
M9KN-XUCY-6YXP-247C
MGV2-WU9T-7H6K-UNMV
PPGZ-N669-JPMY-PCU3
HZKY-J4WW-ZAWM-KYNR
NCXY-X9YM-MJNQ-RQAU
2CT4-NPMG-R7PR-MZUA
GLN7-QA6K-ENAW-RPN9
6MJN-WVVG-9RPK-PYAE
RX6H-D42R-YG36-ZJPJ
DVD4-QJGA-T6L4-3JJP
44ED-JCTK-YNGP-KKHT
H3GP-2M2K-2K7C-PHYE
E49V-V9EF-E47D-QG44
2V79-6Q2G-ZKQD-YPRT
YQDZ-M4LM-QXMP-PJNG
JTZ3-DJ6U-EKH9-2FQ4
QGNP-F9WQ-AVQP-N9TU
NNVM-G4T7-27Y7-TWZR
AWDH-UZXH-F3CJ-TAWV
EU4V-JDX4-9M3H-PCRA
RHWU-47TU-3P2N-RMMP
R7QJ-ZZGA-QTCG-HPTL
YNEP-97XY-R43K-M44P
3WJM-CZVR-AQPT-LZDU
AADZ-PXAX-UAND-PQ9P
YE3K-LKXP-JCF4-PNFP
PT2K-PAGV-NMNZ-322V
YZEU-6KXK-CZ2C-7YK6
CAPD-HLFL-TRND-RGZP
UCP3-JA9U-RPK6-QTFR
6WQL-GRJU-CHFL-294E
XM9F-JMC4-ZNFA-N6AJ
9NTL-6UM3-D47N-723P
Y47H-NNNP-QFWG-6JLF
XCCV-7CZA-2ZE6-LLMQ
A49Z-9NEC-DMTR-2KDK
2ZUL-29WM-HGHP-67TW
2VLK-TCMK-2FNA-WU3P
VGXA-MKCL-2M2V-NX9N
FE6P-CTFK-3EXH-CNM3
HHAZ-K7EE-K943-KPGX
M3HV-F39A-DERT-9ZZE
44V4-AZMF-RCXE-HPNC
And another 50 redemption codes! (Updated: 3/9/10 - 2:50pm PST)
QJHF-R6Z7-GXFN-ZHPE
GYW9-YVAJ-JUXR-N2TA
EDF2-UDUD-6J3X-K9WY
DYN4-X62F-HJ2N-PW72
XDGT-3XFN-V6P2-PLVX
ACTJ-MCUM-JECV-E76A
GWTU-AUDK-PYWR-DF27
A6CM-QL3H-GANL-GQWF
G3HZ-YFXT-23YH-KR6T
EX4P-VADZ-74UL-PP7E
PP9J-KKZV-4ENG-J7R4
KHG4-CVWZ-DGEN-Q2JK
Q4N3-XHHE-GMQX-XAAN
739L-MW2A-AVEP-QTDJ
NEDK-GWC9-PD4A-T4QC
N7KY-R2NP-GJYJ-MFMT
ZJ73-FHJJ-4UYJ-92K4
2V32-ZCYU-9GHE-6HR2
JYAA-FU34-ZR34-EJKK
XPRZ-F4LL-2T4P-M9CA
W3RD-UG2V-6PZK-L3QH
KQ7M-2DPT-QWE9-HYTF
P7Q4-3FQ9-JXVK-MTX3
FNZC-L346-FFJX-FPJY
JPGX-RZUX-GX4T-UYJX
N7M3-J76U-3ZTU-CJAY
9YZX-ZH2A-T67H-DND6
3TLY-DKXZ-CE44-GJCR
9UTH-PN63-4NT6-62CG
9G4G-6NMK-KWQR-QUMG
9E29-7MYR-NDE7-WTPR
4XFU-VV4K-YNE2-9CC6
HUJL-42JV-L9QA-AFPX
2D6U-FUE9-M9LV-VU6P
QAJE-J7DQ-3VEE-K6U3
TQMK-DEH9-LKY3-AJCN
JWV7-KMYZ-NNCW-3YGN
JVEG-KRXK-CTRD-3JWQ
4V3J-GHZC-9TK4-2RRD
2TXD-YPJF-3TM3-PHQ7
E7PG-JDQF-A6AW-RPZL
JEH6-7QKF-3EYH-4UCF
PMCT-LFDF-GWCN-62K7
EGMT-NQDR-GWUH-LQMM
FWGF-Q96M-D34M-XZ77
QVCD-3CNH-H2E9-VJE3
9TU2-TWR3-YAVV-T2TC
TM7D-PT2C-4HGT-VLUE
CFV2-9MM3-V7DA-U7MY
4ZVJ-YD9J-EQ2E-M34E
And another 100 codes! Happy racing! (Updated: 3/12/2010 - 4:30pm PST)
Most people have been scoffing at the DSi XL because of its bulky size, hence eliminating any sense of portability for the Nintendo handheld. A fellow blogger here on The Kartel recently highlighted the reasons not to get a DSi XL here. However as Nintendo products are concerned, there's always going to be certain people that just have to get everything. Remember the Game Boy Micro? People bought that system because of its sleek portability despite sacrifices with the screen size. The DSi XL is no different. There's definitely something cool about this handheld, and I for one love it.
Here's five reasons why I love the DSi XL.
1.) DS games are easier to play
The DSi XL is big, yeah we know. But that's because the screen is actually 93% bigger than the original DSi. Not only will many of your games be easier to see, but they'll be a lot easier to play too. Platformers like New Super Mario Bros, where pinpoint precision for jumps can be difficult, is a lot easier with the bigger screens. Games with touch-enabled sensitivity also become less prone to accidental stylus slips. This especially favors fans of the DS' myriad of puzzle and brain buster games. Even those who complained that the Trauma Center and Contra series were too hard on the system can finally breathe a sigh of relief. 2.) Better, louder speakers
For me, one of my biggest gripes with the DS handhelds is the low amount of volume that the speakers can output. Playing without headphones in a noisy city environment or at family gatherings can be near impossible. On any airplane ride, even when you got the volume cranked all the way up, there is no way you can hear it over the jet engine noise. For games like Rhythm Heaven and Elite Beat Agents where sound volume is crucial to the gameplay itself, this was an annoying trait for the original DS systems. Fortunately, the DSi XL has much improved, virtual-surround speakers that blow its predecessors out of the water. Sound volume is a little more than double and a lot more crisp. Finally people won't have to be crowding around you anymore just to get a little bit of the same experience you're having on the DS.
3.) Bigger and better stylus
Another complaint that some people have, especially those with big hands (no innuendos please), is that the DS stylii are just too small, making fast paced games almost impossible to play for hours on end. That's leads to Crab Claw Syndrome, something I just made up, which affects 95% of all DS users. The DSi XL comes with a bigger stylus that is wider and resembles more of a pen, which provides a more natural and comfortable feel. This prevents cramping and also allows for more control if you're playing your handheld in a moving vehicle like a car or airplane. Even better, the system also comes with the traditional stylus, which fits into the system, and is a welcome option for traditional DS owners.
4.) Accessibility in the house
Although it might not seem like a convincing reason to get the system, some people will welcome the DSi's functionality when used at home. First off, households will be able to take advantage of its Wi-Fi features without having to sign up for subscription-based hotspots or guessing passwords of restricted networks. Also, non-gamers such as parents, grandparents and relatives should easily get attracted by the system's large screen and multi-functionality. It's much easier to demo games on the system from a visual standpoint. It's also important to remember that the DSi comes with pre-loaded software (Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Math and Photo Clock, along with the free Nintendo DSi Browser and Flipnote Studio applications), which show off some of Nintendo's latest into their foray of bridging the gap between gamers and non-gamers. To top it off, the system's studier frame should be able to resist most kitchen spills. You might not be able to put it into your back pocket, but you have to admit the DSi XL makes for a great distraction next to the coffee table.
5.) Much improved battery life
The DSi XL's battery life is rated at 13 to 17 hours at minimum brightness while the DSi can go for 9 to 14 hours. That's impressive when you got a much larger screen and more powerful speakers that needs powering. The improvement allows for better Wi-Fi connectivity, especially since the DSi OS is better experienced by checking out the DSi Ware store and downloading new applications and games for your system.
Hopefully these reasons help in your decision to consider purchasing a DSi XL, especially if you haven't owned a DSi unit yet. Although this might be the fourth upgrade in Nintendo's DS line, there's still no sign of Nintendo changing its portable gaming business anytime soon with a brand new system. This increases the DSi XL's perceived value for the long-term. Those who enjoy playing their portable systems mostly at home should certainly give the DSi XL a long look, because sometimes bigger is better.
Capcom's recent fighting entry Tatsunoko vs. Capcom was definitely a risky move by the gaming mammoth, due to the unfamiliarity that Westerners like us had with its character roster. However, the move paid off big time. This is one of the best fighting games we played in a long time. The plethora of characters is one thing, but the mixing of two very different universes continues to be a fun way to spice up old school fighting.
The game has us abuzz at The Kartel, and we started to come up with our own ideas of what we'd like to see for an inevitable sequel. Some of these selections may just be wishful thinking, and others are downright silly, but hey, if it all comes to pass, we guarantee BLOCKBUSTER! Here's our top 10 Capcom Vs. sequels we'd like to see:
10.) Sega Vs. Capcom
With so many nostalgic titles and a roster of iconic characters around its back, this one shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. Sega seems to be on a bend recently mixing their characters with other gaming franchises, so this seems like a natural extension. Shenmue's Ryo Hazuki and Toe Jam and Earl anyone? In addition, Sega was once the king of fighting/beat-em-up games as well, and characters from Virtua Fighter to Eternal Champions could make an appearance. Something tells me that Ecco the Dolphin, Ristar and Seaman would be great assist characters as well. Because of the large roster that SEGA would bring, the possibilities could be endless for this one and we're sure that most people agree. 9.) Disney Vs. Capcom
Disney now owns Marvel, which already had its time to shine with Marvel Vs. Capcom. Although someone raised this battle royale in jest, the more we thought about it, the more we liked it. After all, we all scoffed at the concept of mixing Disney charaters with a Final Fantasy setting when Square Enix brought up Kingdom Hearts. And now that Disney has been more open to making a more colorful and mature themed Mickey game with Epic Mickey, I think they could take it a step further and create Capcom vs Epic Disney. Imagine some of the teams that could be formed. Mogli and Baloo? Lilo and Stitch? Woody and Buzz Lightyear? Simba with Timon and Pumbaa? Even the humorous Genie from Aladdin would make for a great assist character. We can certainly dream.
8.) Simpsons Vs. Capcom
The Simpsons certainly aren't new to the video game industry. From bowling to wrestling and racing, having the Simpsons as a Vs. Capcom title would be interesting. Considering how many fighting characters exist in Capcom's world, only the Simpsons' cavalcade of character could even match that. With assist characters like the drunks at Moe's Tavern coming to Moe's aid, or Mr. Burns affectionate lackey, there's already enough flavor to make this possible sequel tasty. The best possible super combo? We're liking drunk Barney's gaseous burp. 7.) Namco Vs. Capcom
The two publishers have been fighting for fighting game supremacy for the longest time, though one has squarely moved into the 3D space, while the other is dominating in the 2D fighting arena. Believe it or not, a Japan-only game pitted the two in Namco X Capcom, an action RPG. Time to mix and match again. Not only would the Soul Calibur and Tekken characters get into the mix, but classic characters like Pac-Man and Dig Dug should also be in there. Well maybe not Pac-Man. He has no arms and legs right? After all, he did top our Top 10 most ridiculous videogame mascots of all time list. It's going to be interesting to see how well Namco's characters makes the transition from 3D environments into the 2D world. With that being said, the following selection is even more of a no-brainer. 6.) Mortal Kombat Vs. Capcom
We've always wanted to see a Mortal Kombat Vs. Street Fighter game, but never got it. Why this hasn't happened yet is beyond us. There's no doubt that reviving the inevitable series battle from the 90's would hold a special place in gamers' hearts and it isn't too late. We're not talking about the recent Mortal Kombat games, which have really strayed from its roots. We want the old school MK. We've always wanted to see Kano try to perform his famous heart-ripping finishing move against someone like Dhalsim from Street Fighter. Mortal Kombat can still be a series of relevance. But if this one is too far from happening... 5.) DC Universe Vs. Capcom
The recent Mortal Kombat Vs. DC Universe was a god-send for many gamers hoping to play as Superman or Joker in a well-developed fighting video game. Not only did the game sell well, but the cross-over fights implemented well with a combination of both 2D and 3D views. Not straying away from anything completely new, this would be the second time Capcom would be pitting its characters against another comic brand. This game should be on Capcom's drawing boards already. Batman vs. Ryu? Joker vs. M. Bison? Chun Li vs Catwoman? Yes. Purrrty please. 4.) Congress Vs. Capcom
Enough of these potential series choices. Many of us want to see games that would have us beating up characters that just deserve a good beating. Why can't the U.S. Congress be training fodder for the likes of Mega Man's beam and Sagat's tiger uppercut? Sometimes political frustrations need to be taken to the next level. Let's be real, Congress is already half filled with cartoon characters, now it's just time to have them move from debating to dragon punching. We can't help but imagine what the special powers of both political party symbols, the donkey and elephant, would be. 3.) Sanrio Vs. Capcom
Some would argue that the fighting game genre is one that is barely hanging from its heydays back in the 90s. We got the solution to expand the fanbase... Capcom vs Sanrio. It'll pull in a whole new demographics of potential fans, which includes the millions of gals who will collect anything with Hello Kitty on it. The game will guarantee to sell 10 million copies. You did know that Hello Kitty was the 3rd most popular character in the world, generating over a $1 billion revenue, right? But this fighting game wouldn't just be about Hello Kitty. We'd want to see the whole Sanrio line-up, Badtz-Maru, Keroppi, Kuromi to My Melody. As cute as they are, it'd be for an interesting fight since many gamers will be longing for turning each of these character's sometimes sinister smiles around. Sanrio's cute characters just might go all Happy Tree Friends on Capcom's ass.
2.) Jersey Shore Vs. Capcom
Jersey's Shore is one of those reality shows that has exploded simply because of the ludicrous and snooty attitude of its characters. I mean, who wouldn't want to teach "The Situation" and "Snooki" a lesson they won't forget? Considering the guys get into a fight every episode, and act like one-dimensional wackos, they seem real like video game characters as it is. I'm certainly not a fan of hitting girls, but maybe punching Snooki in the game could unlock some bonus YouTube material. Forget another season of the show. This is the sequel we truly want. Even better if it's on Wii for motion-control realism. For those of you interesting in seeing a video game parody video involving the cast of Jersey Shore, be sure to check this out. 1.) Chuck Norris Vs. Capcom
Chuck Norris' name oozes the word "action-packed". So having a Capcom Vs. game against a roster of Chuck Norris' greatest characters could be a game all in itself. As a one man "Wrecking Crew" (which so happens to be one of Norris' early nicknames starring in a movie of the same name), we can't help but recognize the pure awesomeness of fighting against Chuck Norris from Delta Force or Chuck Norris from Walker, Texas Ranger. Heck, the man almost beat Bruce Lee himself in Way of the Dragon. Just knowing that, it seems that Street Fighter character Fei-Long vs the ageless action star wouldn't be so far-fetched after all. The only problem with this game: It would be horribly unbalanced, because we all know that Chuck Norris would eat the Capcom crew for breakfast, and squeeze them out through his cheeks of fury. Yes; Chuck Norris would have to be nerfed for this game.
It looks like it'll all be in Capcom's hands from here, but we're sure they're listening! And when it comes to fighting games, they haven't disappointed us yet. If you got some other rampaging idea, share your thoughts in our forums.
Well, I figured since theres a Best DLC topic...why not a worst?For me it may be Mad Moxxi's Thunderdome for Borderlands. ALl you do is arena fights and you dont even get exp for the fighting itself. ANd if you die at you get resorted back to an earl
I think its more of teh fact that teh PC games are just sitting there. Wait til other PC games sell before adding more. HAlf the swag is pretty much PC games. And they will more than likely just sit there. SPore has been up for quite a while now.
More retro buys. I'm still up on all of my current games so I feel like fleshing out my retro collection. This time I satsified two passions, my love of video games and Star Wars. I found the original NES Star Wars game and the Return of the Jedi
