Archive for the ‘Game Talk’ Category

By Jeffrey Matulef

Epic Mickey may have been a flawed game, but it was still one of the most interesting releases in the last few years, if only because Disney allowed Warren Spector and his team at Junction Point to play fast and loose with the empire's canon. They redesigned Mickey into a new retro form that was scrappier and more ratlike than his cheery modern doppleganger, and more importantly, the game represented the first time Mickey and his forbear, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, had been united.

This time out, they're taking further liberties by giving Oswald a voice for the first time in a Disney project (he'd previously been voice by numerous voice actors at Universal, including Mickey Rooney). Unlike Epic Mickey, this sequel will feature a fully voiced cast, which will come in handy as the whole thing's set to be a musical.

Other new additions include co-op play, Oswald's remote that can manipulate machinery, and the game will be available on HD consoles (the previous game was a Wii exclusive). Take a look at it in action in this new "behind the scenes" trailer.

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two is scheduled for release this fall on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PC, and Mac.

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Kinect Star Wars Composers Gordy Haab and Kyle Newmaster

Kinect: Star Wars was supposed to take players to a galaxy far, far away in ways unlike any other game. While the overall reviews were mixed, the game definitely had some high points, and some low ones – coincidently, the game's music happened to fall into both categories. While many critics, fans, and Star Wars enthusiasts took a bit of exception to the Dance Central-inspired, Galactic Dance-Off mode, the rest of the game's soundtrack was outstanding. It may have not been composed by the immortal John Williams, but two long-time Star Wars fans and franchise veterans, Gordy Haab and Kyle Newmaster, evoked the essence of the movies, while maintaining the fresh feel of the game. In case you missed out on the epic music from the game, never fear, you can give some of the best tracks a listen here while getting an inside scoop on the process that went into creating it straight from the composers themselves.

MTV Multiplayer: How influential has Star Wars been on your careers up until now?

Gordy: Star Wars has been very influential for me. It's been my favorite film series since I was a kid and is also one of my favorite film scores. So being musically inclined as a child, it was hard not to be inspired by it. I believe many composers are affected by the music John Williams wrote for Star Wars. But I'm from a very fortunate generation - one whose childhood was essentially scored by this music. And such, it's become not only a huge influence on my music, but ultimately a part of who I am.

Kyle: I grew up as a huge fan of Star Wars and of course the Star Wars soundtracks. The movies had a big impact on my life and definitely inspired me musically along the way. I would say that Star Wars was one of the main reasons I chose to become a composer in the first place! After moving to Los Angeles I focused on scoring more sci-fi related projects and looked to Star Wars fan films as an outlet for writing this type of music. I scored a couple of popular Star Wars fan films, "Forced Alliance" and "Ryan vs. Dorkman 2" (RVD2). These films received great attention online and in the Star Wars community and the music from both fan films provided substantial orchestral material in this style of music for my demo. Also, RVD2 was the first time Gordy and I co-scored a film together, which led to me eventually working for Gordy on Star Wars The Old Republic and co-scoring Kinect: Star Wars. It was my initial passion for Star Wars that led me down this path so I can definitely say that Star Wars has had a big impact on my career opportunities.

MTV Multiplayer: What is it like to create a new soundtrack for a property that holds a huge place in the hearts of its fans?

Gordy: Exciting - and scary! Getting to live inside of the Star Wars universe that has been such a big part of my life for as long as I can remember is truly an honor and somewhat surreal. Much like my experience scoring Star Wars: The Old Republic and Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings, in my score for Kinect: Star Wars I was able to compose in the style of the very music that inspired me to become a composer in the first place. I don’t know of too many composers who wouldn’t consider writing for Star Wars to be the pinnacle experience. On the other hand however, it’s quite intimidating as well. Not only did I have to pay homage to one of my favorite composers, but the task also carried the daunting awareness of a built-in audience of literally a billion Star Wars fans - kind of a scary thought!

Kyle: It's an honor to write music for a Star Wars project, but also very intimidating. John Williams has written some of the best film music of all time for the Star Wars franchise and he's a pretty tough act to follow! Also, I am one of those über-fans myself so I know first hand how critical fans can be of anything Star Wars related. As I wrote music for Kinect: Star Wars I constantly thought about what I would expect to hear as a Star Wars fan while playing the game. It was a balance of creating new musical material while keeping it in the Star Wars sound sonically. Overall, it was a lot of fun writing the music and hopefully the fans will feel it fits well into the Star Wars universe!

MTV Multiplayer: Was John Williams or George Lucas involved at all in the creation of the tracks for the game? How was it working with them?

Gordy: John Williams was not involved, other than being an inspiration to my work on the game. George Lucas is highly involved in everything that has to do with the Star Wars franchise. Which is what makes Star Wars so great...it's his baby! Although I have met him a few times, his involvement usually filters through various departments at Lucasfilm and Lucasarts before getting to me. But, indirectly as it may be, it's amazing working for him.

MTV Multiplayer: Was there any one section of the game that was more challenging to write for than the rest?

Gordy: Every section of the game had its own challenges. Podracing was challenging because of the fast paced music we had to write (lots of notes!). And Jedi Destiny was challenging because of the weight we knew it would carry in the game. But I'd say the most challenging mode for me was Rancor, because our directive was to make the music lighthearted, yet monstrous. And of course it had to live within the Star Wars sound even though there really isn't much music in the original soundtrack fitting this description. To do this, I had to imagine how John Williams might approach such a challenge. The result was a playful take on Star Wars-meets-old school monster movie (King Kong, etc.). I'm very happy with how it came out, and despite the challenges we faced creating it, I think it's the music in the game that's most unique.

Kyle: Almost all of the music we wrote for Kinect: Star Wars was intense action music and typically action music is the hardest to write! So, overall most of the modes were challenging to write technically. However, conceptually the Rancor mode was probably the toughest to nail down. We needed to blend that rampaging monster sound with a little bit of comedy. We also wanted the music to take out some of the terror during that part of the game. Musically it was a like blending Bernard Hermann with early Danny Elfman. For additional inspiration, we also studied some of Williams’ comedic scores such as Home Alone or parts of Indiana Jones.

MTV Multiplayer: What were your first impressions of the Galactic Dance-Off mode?

Gordy: When I first heard about this mode, I thought it sounded hilarious, and I couldn't wait to try it - in the privacy of my own home!

Kyle: My first impression was that it would be a big hit at parties! I know many people that would enjoy the dance-off mode!

MTV Multiplayer: If you could have created something for the Galactic Dance-Off what would it have been?

Gordy: Hmm, tough one. Perhaps an LMGAO song ("G" is for Galactic) Maybe, "I'm Chewy and I Know It" - with such lyrics as, "Wookiee, Wookiee, Wookiee, Wookiee, Wookiee...Yeah!" Then again, maybe It's better for everyone if I just stick to orchestral music.

MTV Multiplayer: How does the creative process of crafting an orchestral score for a video games differ from crafting an orchestral score for a movie?

Gordy: For me the creative process is essentially the same. I still try to create themes that allow characters to develop and write music that enhances the user experience rather than calling too much attention to itself. The technical aspects are very different however. In film, the timing of the music is dictated by the timing of the picture. So the challenge is to build music within the framework of concrete time parameters. With games, one of the many technical challenges is to create music that can loop seamlessly. This is particularly tricky with music in the style of Star Wars, because the original music was created for a film. So in order to accompany the film, the timing of the music jumps sporadically and rarely stays in the same key for very long. As a simple example, if I start a piece of music in the key of C but end in the key of D, I have to figure out how to transition back to C before it loops back to the beginning, so it's not jarring. Tougher than it sounds.

MTV Multiplayer: What is your favorite instrument to compose for?

Gordy: The orchestra. I hear the orchestra and the sum of all its parts as a homogenous sound, where no one instrument is more or less important than the next. That said, more often than not, the instrument that gets featured in my scores is the trombone and the french horn. Horns have an undeniably epic quality. And trombones have unmatched power. One trombone can reach decibel levels that rival a commercial airliner's jet engine! Oh, and I play the trombone.

Kyle: As a trumpet player, you would think my answer would be writing for the brass, but my favorite section to write for is the strings. There are so many amazing colors and dynamic possibilities when writing for a string ensemble. Also, the larger the string ensemble, the greater the sonic possibilities. In the case of the London Symphony we had about 30 violins, 10 violas, 10 cellos and 6 basses. It was a powerful sound!

MTV Multiplayer: What is your favorite piece of the Star Wars franchise?

Gordy: Empire Strikes Back. No contest. But I really do love the entire series.

Kyle: I am a big fan of the original trilogy and The Empire Strikes Back is my favorite of the bunch. This would be followed at a close second by A New Hope. The Empire Strikes Back was one of the first movies I ever saw in the theatre and I remember waiting in a line that went around the block to see it when it opened. The anticipation leading up to the film's release and the excitement of seeing it for the first time in the theatre is something I will never forget.

MTV Multiplayer: Does the music from any one Star Wars movie in particular stand out as an influence for Kinect: Star Wars, The Old Republic, or for you personally?

Gordy: For me, personally, Empire Strikes Back. For The Old Republic, the original three films. But the music for Kinect: Star Wars is probably more inspired by the prequels than anything. In fact it was our goal to match the sound of the prequels as best as possible. To accomplish this, we recorded the same orchestra in the same studio, using the exact same layout in the room, microphones, instrumentation, etc.

Kyle: With Kinect: Star Wars we chose to go with more of a prequel musical approach. John Williams' sound definitely changed between Return of the Jedi and The Phantom Menace. He still had that signature melodic approach, but his harmonic language and orchestration was a bit different from before. We studied and analyzed quite a bit of John Williams' music to help get close to this sound. The orchestra was also recorded a bit differently for the prequels and we tried to match that sonically. It's somewhat of a bigger orchestral sound and the close microphones are not as featured. However, there is quite a bit of original trilogy musical influence In Kinect: Star Wars as well. The Cloud City Pod Racing mode is a good example of this and contains some clear Empire Strikes Back musical quotes.

MTV Multiplayer: Are there any other video game franchises that you think could improve by being set to a full orchestral soundtrack?

Gordy: I'd love to re-score my favorite game, Q*Bert with a full orchestra. Imagine the overwhelming sense of doom the orchestra could create when Coily hatches from his purple egg and stomps on your head! Games are always striving to be more realistic and to come closer to the real human experience. Using live musicians is an excellent way to accomplish this. There's an unmistakable organic quality to live music. It has always set great films apart from mediocre films. It's exciting to see this trend in games, and it appears as though it's here to stay!

Kyle: It seems to me that nowadays most of the big video game franchises that feature orchestral music on the score are being recorded with a live orchestra. I hope this trend continues so that high quality orchestral scores are always an important part of the video game experience!

MTV Multiplayer: Is there anything from the scores of the movies that you would change, or have approached differently yourselves?

Gordy: No. They define my childhood and I suppose I hold them too sacred. Now that said, had they never existed, and had I been asked to score the films - I'm sure I would have approached them differently. Knowing my typical aesthetic, they probably would have been darker in nature. But certainly not better - just different.

Kyle: It's pretty hard to be critical in any way about the Star Wars scores. They're such powerful soundtracks and I can't really imagine the movies scored differently.

MTV Multiplayer: Putting Star Wars aside, are there other films or video games that have influenced you over the years?

Gordy: I've always been inspired by Hitchcock films and likely this is why I've always trended towards scoring horror and suspense films. Also, at a young age I was very taken by the score to E.T. In fact, it was this score that started my interest in writing music. When I was just 6 years old, I can recall figuring out all of the themes and melodies from the film on my dad's guitar, long before I could even recall the names of the characters. As far as video games go, I recall being really impressed with Clint Bajakian's score for Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb. I think it was the first time I really noticed a score for a game being recorded with an orchestra (although it was not the first). And it inspired me later when I was writing my score for Indiana Jones and the Staff Of Kings.

Kyle: I was a kid in the 80's and there were so many epic films at that time that inspired me. E.T., the Indiana Jones Films, Star Trek, Close Encounters, The Goonies, etc. Most had really memorable scores as well. Musically I've also been really inspired by Jerry Goldsmith's score to Planet of the Apes (1969). It has such a dark, haunting and uncomfortable sound, which really sets the tone for the movie. In the video game world I grew up a big fan of games playing a ton of the classic Nintendo, Sega, IBM and Atari games. Old School games like Double Dragon, Super Mario Brothers, The Legend of Zelda and Space Quest were some of my favorites. Actually, I probably shouldn't forget to mention I think I learned most of my driving skills on driving games like Rad Racer. Scores weren't as big of a deal back then though and nowadays it's pretty amazing how epic video game scores have become. Some of my favorite video game scores are for Call of Duty, Lair and Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire.

MTV Multiplayer: Why do you think that the Star Wars soundtrack has stood the test of time so well?

Gordy: Melody. John Williams has a special talent for creating great themes for his film scores, and Star Wars is no exception. And it certainly doesn't hurt that it was attached to such a great film - one strong enough to strong the test of time as well. The depth in the stories and characters, combined with the great accompanying musical themes, is a recipe for success.

Kyle: I think the Star Wars music has stood the test of time because it is amazingly well crafted orchestral music with very memorable themes. Also, Williams' music is very deep harmonically and in orchestration. Something new is heard each time in listening to the scores. Being attached to the most epic franchise of all time probably doesn't hurt the music’s lasting impact either!

MTV Multiplayer: How did you approach The Old Republic and Kinect: Star Wars differently?

Gordy: Quite a bit of the music I wrote for Star Wars: The Old Republic was created to play underneath character dialog and story driven drama, so I approached it more from an emotional angle. Kinect: Star Wars is much more about action and excitement, battles, races and chases - so the music we wrote for this game was almost all high energy, fast-paced action music. Both brought their own challenges. But I think I can safely say that writing the music for Kinect: Star Wars was more challenging from a technical standpoint. Put simply, writing action music is hard! Add to that, a pretty short composing schedule - about 6 or 7 weeks to write 120 minutes of this type of music. Hence asking Kyle to join me in the task of creating this score. Together we were able to each separately tackle about an hour of music. This allowed us to spend the amount of time each cue in the game truly deserved in order to pay homage to our favorite films and their scores.

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The noted writer makes his first in-game appearance minus his famous cap and suspenders.

Even if the critical response hasn't been kind, the Game of Thrones game is out there in the wild. And for the fan of the series (either the novels or the hit HBO series), developer Cyanide Studios has included a treat with author George R. R. Martin making his video game debut as a Maester (usually an adviser to a noble or king) in the game's campaign.

If that is the author's voice, this represents his second acting gig since his cameo as a patron in the 1980's Beauty and the Beast series for which he was a writer and producer.

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Bonus multiplayer content and an extended version of the upcoming Forward Unto Dawn web shorts make of some of the extras in the upcoming Limited Edition set.

Over on Halo Waypoint, 343 Industries released the details of the stacked Limited Edition that will be available alongside the standard edition of Halo 4. The whole shebang will run you $99.99 and is available for preorder now. Normally, these things come in threes, though: a standard, Limited, and Legendary edition, usually including something nuts like a cat-sized helmet. Can we expect another announcement in the near future?

Here's the full list of features in this set:

War Games Map Pack Access

The competitive multiplayer modes of Halo 4 are known as War Games. The Limited Edition includes access to nine maps - three future competitive multiplayer map packs, each including three locations, available for download post-launch on Xbox LIVE. Yes, you read that correctly; you get nine maps in the form of future DLC with the purchase of the Halo 4 Limited Edition. Score!

Specializations

Everyone will have access to select Specializations, but those that purchase the Halo 4 Limited Edition will receive the ability to unlock six Specializations early, available at launch on Xbox LIVE. You can use them, one at a time, to achieve higher ranks in your Spartan career. In addition to gaining access to new ranks, Specializations unlock new customization options. We’ll be releasing more information about Specializations at E3, so expect additional details about this particular feature then.

UNSC Infinity Briefing Packet

The UNSC Infinity Briefing Packet includes a Spartan armor customization schematic, information about UNSC weapons, an introduction to the massive ship UNSC Infinity, and insight into what it means to be one of humanity’s finest warriors: The Spartan-IVs. Story lovers will especially enjoy this in-fiction offering that provides a glimpse into the indoctrination of Spartans aboard the Infinity.

Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn Special Edition

The Special Edition of Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn is a 90-minute extended version of the live-action digital series which will take fans back to the terrifying beginning of the Human/Covenant war, when the Master Chief inspired a young cadet who would eventually become a leader aboard the UNSC’s greatest vessel ever: the UNSC Infinity.

Digital content also includes in-fiction bonus content that expands the characters and stories of Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, special featurette Bringing Gaming into Reality, and a behind the scenes look at the making of Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn.

Bonus digital content through Xbox LIVE

The Limited Edition includes the following bonus digital content through Xbox LIVE: unique in-game Spartan-IV armor skin, unique in-game weapon skin for the Assault Rifle, an exclusive in-game emblem, Xbox LIVE Avatar prop, and Xbox LIVE Avatar Spartan IV armor set.

Halo 4 will be available November 6th.

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By Jeffrey Matulef

Capcom has announced "EX-Troopers," a spinoff of their Lost Planet series for PS3 and 3DS.

This information comes courtesy of Japanese gaming magazine, Famitsu (translated via Andriasang), where it's revealed that the game will be developed by Monster Hunter producer, Shintaro Kojima.

While EX-Troopers takes place in the same world as Lost Planet, it will have a completely different anime visual style and be centered around a school. Also, it will use "manga demo" cutscenes ala the forthcoming Gravity Rush. Despite this change in tone, EX-Troopers will still be a shooter, albeit one originally conceived as a "beginners' action shooter," according to Kojima.

You'll play as a Bren Turner, a new recruit at the academy who's recently arrived on planet EDN-3rd after coming from EDN-2nd. Another announced character is Teekee, a female snow pirate who can communicate the Akrid i.e. giant bugs the snow pirates are at war with. Finally, an AI vital suit named Gingira will come into play, calling Bren its master.

EX-Troopers is currently 60% complete and due for release in Japan later this year. It will be playable at the Capcom Summer Jam event June 30 - July 1 at Tokyo Big Site.

[Source: Andriasang via Eurogamer].

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Square Enix to release a stacked and packed "Mastery Edition" for the Disney/Final Fanstasy mashup sequel on the 3DS.

With this being the 10th anniversary of the Kingdom Hearts series, what better way to celebrate the second full sequel than with a nearly 10-minute long trailer featuring the characters and settings (TRON!) from the game? And in case you're wondering/forgot, that vocal track playing throughout the first half is Hikaru's "Passion" (should you wish to scramble to the search engines to find out its name).

With the July release bearing down upon us, Square Enix has also announced details of Kingdom Heart 3D's "Mastery Edition," pictured below. Retailing for $54.99, it will contain the game inside of a magnetic box and include a set of art cards and a Kingdom Hearts-branded hard skin for your 3DS. The set will also include a collection of AR cards featuring some of the creatures from the game and a viewing stand for your 3DS so you can check out those Dream Eaters in a full 360-degree range of motion.

Behold:

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance will be available July 2nd.

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Follow @MTVMultiplayer on Twitter and be sure to "like" us on Facebook for the best geek news about comics, toys, gaming and more! And don’t forget to follow our video gaming and TV writer @TheCharlesWebb.

Square Enix to release a stacked and packed "Mastery Edition" for the Disney/Final Fanstasy mashup sequel on the 3DS.

With this being the 10th anniversary of the Kingdom Hearts series, what better way to celebrate the second full sequel than with a nearly 10-minute long trailer featuring the characters and settings (TRON!) from the game? And in case you're wondering/forgot, that vocal track playing throughout the first half is Hikaru's "Passion" (should you wish to scramble to the search engines to find out its name).

With the July release bearing down upon us, Square Enix has also announced details of Kingdom Heart 3D's "Mastery Edition," pictured below. Retailing for $54.99, it will contain the game inside of a magnetic box and include a set of art cards and a Kingdom Hearts-branded hard skin for your 3DS. The set will also include a collection of AR cards featuring some of the creatures from the game and a viewing stand for your 3DS so you can check out those Dream Eaters in a full 360-degree range of motion.

Behold:

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance will be available July 2nd.

Related posts:

"Theatryhthm Final Fantasy" Goes Chaotic In New Screens
'Darksiders'' Joe Madureira Talks Death, War, And Comics

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Follow @MTVMultiplayer on Twitter and be sure to "like" us on Facebook for the best geek news about comics, toys, gaming and more! And don’t forget to follow our video gaming and TV writer @TheCharlesWebb.

Square Enix to release a stacked and packed "Mastery Edition" for the Disney/Final Fanstasy mashup sequel on the 3DS.

With this being the 10th anniversary of the Kingdom Hearts series, what better way to celebrate the second full sequel than with a nearly 10-minute long trailer featuring the characters and settings (TRON!) from the game? And in case you're wondering/forgot, that vocal track playing throughout the first half is Hikaru's "Passion" (should you wish to scramble to the search engines to find out its name).

With the July release bearing down upon us, Square Enix has also announced details of Kingdom Heart 3D's "Mastery Edition," pictured below. Retailing for $54.99, it will contain the game inside of a magnetic box and include a set of art cards and a Kingdom Hearts-branded hard skin for your 3DS. The set will also include a collection of AR cards featuring some of the creatures from the game and a viewing stand for your 3DS so you can check out those Dream Eaters in a full 360-degree range of motion.

Behold:

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance will be available July 2nd.

Related posts:

"Theatryhthm Final Fantasy" Goes Chaotic In New Screens
'Darksiders'' Joe Madureira Talks Death, War, And Comics

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Follow @MTVMultiplayer on Twitter and be sure to "like" us on Facebook for the best geek news about comics, toys, gaming and more! And don’t forget to follow our video gaming and TV writer @TheCharlesWebb.

Plus new screens from the upcoming survival action game from Sony and Naughty Dog.

It's been a little quiet since we last heard from The Last of Us back during its VGA debut six months ago, but this in-game cutscene gives us a little more of the flavor of the next game from the Uncharted Studio. What we get: leads Joel and Ellie dealing with post-apocalyptic traffic congestion followed by something a little more dire. And all set to Hank Williams' "Alone and Forsaken," for added flavor.

Here's the synopsis for the game:

The Last of Us is a genre-defining experience that blends survival and action elements to tell a character driven tale about a modern plague decimating mankind. Nature encroaches upon civilization, forcing remaining survivors to kill for food, weapons and whatever they can find. Joel, a ruthless survivor, and Ellie, a brave young teenage girl who is wise beyond her years, must work together to survive their journey across what remains of the United States.

You can check out some images from the video below:

The Last of Us will be out sometime in 2013 for the PS3.

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Follow @MTVMultiplayer on Twitter and be sure to "like" us on Facebook for the best geek news about comics, toys, gaming and more! And don’t forget to follow our video gaming and TV writer @TheCharlesWebb.

Plus new screens from the upcoming survival action game from Sony and Naughty Dog.

It's been a little quiet since we last heard from The Last of Us back during its VGA debut six months ago, but this in-game cutscene gives us a little more of the flavor of the next game from the Uncharted Studio. What we get: leads Joel and Ellie dealing with post-apocalyptic traffic congestion followed by something a little more dire. And all set to Hank Williams' "Alone and Forsaken," for added flavor.

Here's the synopsis for the game:

The Last of Us is a genre-defining experience that blends survival and action elements to tell a character driven tale about a modern plague decimating mankind. Nature encroaches upon civilization, forcing remaining survivors to kill for food, weapons and whatever they can find. Joel, a ruthless survivor, and Ellie, a brave young teenage girl who is wise beyond her years, must work together to survive their journey across what remains of the United States.

You can check out some images from the video below:

The Last of Us will be out sometime in 2013 for the PS3.

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Review: "Starhawk" (PS3) Takes the Battlefield To Space

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Follow @MTVMultiplayer on Twitter and be sure to "like" us on Facebook for the best geek news about comics, toys, gaming and more! And don’t forget to follow our video gaming and TV writer @TheCharlesWebb.