Kotaku
While I can pick up a guitar or sit down at a piano and work my way through rudimentary renditions of just about anything, I've never managed to learn how to read music. It's one of those things I really regret not getting around to. There may be hope for me on the horizon however, for Agetec is releasing the educational music game Rhythm 'N Notes on the DS this fall.
Rhythm 'N Notes aims to teach players the fundamentals. Reading music and identifying complex chords on the piano as well as keeping time and advanced rhythmic patterns while banging on your drum. It really does sound like a perfect solution to my particular problem, even if it does feature a main character with stag beetle pincers on his head. Either way, I'm glad the DS's educational potential is starting to get tapped outside of Japan. Learning is fun!
Agetec's Rhythm 'N Notes To Strike Chord With Nintendo DS Handheld Players This Fall
Real Music Training In The Palm Of Your Hand
SUNNYVALE, CA - June 1, 2007 - Agetec, Inc. announced today that they will be releasing Rhythm 'n Notes for the Nintendo DS handheld game console this fall. This unique title offers tonal and rhythmic music training in the form of entertaining piano and drumming games. No matter what your musical background or tastes, Rhythm 'n Notes is for you!
A perfect mixture of fun and education, Rhythm 'n Notes has something to offer gamers and musicians of all ages. A wide variety of note lessons encourages players to recognize and identify not only notes but also complex chords. Rhythm exercises teach and test the fundamentals of keeping time as well as advanced rhythmic patterns. Starting lessons initiate the beginner from start to finish while advanced levels keep experts on top of their game. Open practice mode allows players to familiarize themselves with all notes and chords, both by name and sound.
"Educational games that are truly fun are hard to come by," said Mark Johnson, Producer at Agetec, Inc. "Rhythm 'n Notes gets it right with addictive, enriching play."
There is a mix of gameplay elements as players learn the fundamentals of music composition. Drumming consists of actual tapping on the DS touchpad with the stylus to the beat of the rhythm in order to succeed. When it comes time to tickle the ivories, then a good ear is needed to match the proper tones. Work your way through all the levels and unleash your inner maestro!
Comments
I just can't force myself to give a shit about games like this.
I think I can force myself to give a shit about this game. I will be checking it out to see how well it teaches. I also like the music/rhythm games.
Yoou can, however, force yourself to comment about games you don't give a shit about. Funny how that works.
This sounds great! I've always wanted to be able to read music...just normal tuition methods bore me!
I'm soo gonna get this O.o Hopefully I can learn something from it, as I've always wanted to play an instrument D:
This is sick, I've been meaning to learn to read actual music for a while since I'm pretty decent at guitar.
They really do need more games like this, especially in interesting topics. I can see this being recommended to kids in school
this actually seems really cool. first, beat this games, beat guitar hero, then get the real instrument, and bang! already a pro!!
If the game can teach me perfect pitch, I will totally get it. I've made so much music in my head with absolutely no good outlet (Band Bros. was almost there, but it's just not flexible enough) that at least learning the notes and chords in there can get me to put this stuff down in some music program.
@DaveKap:
Band Bros not flexible enough? The biggest limitations were the number of available octaves to a given staff, and the lack of time signature options, which you could make up for. When I was studying music theory in college, I'd use Jam with the Band to "sketch" out theory assignments when I had down time.
As for learning perfect pitch, I don't think its something you can learn. Relative pitch is different, and you can learn that pretty easily.
Just pick up a book with unfamiliar songs (a Hymnal or sight singing book) and have at it. The only pitch you get is tonic. If this game has aural training, that's awesome for learning that sort of thing.
As for mastering this game and Guitar Hero and then picking up a guitar and playing. No. Just simply... no. That's about as absurd as saying you can use Grand Theft Auto to learn how to become a sniper.
@Zelyre:
I thought Grand Theft Auto was a trainer for bilking hookers out of their "service fee"...
I will be buying this the day it comes out---I've always wanted to learn more about music theory, and this is the perfect way. Here's hoping it's a huge hit, and that it, along with Ubisoft's upcoming titles, gets more publishers interested in DS edutainment.
So, when do we get Oregon Trail: Dysentery Saga?
I'm pretty much on the same boat with the other comments here. I'm definitely into checking this out!
Whoa, that game is being brought to the US?
I actually wanted to comment that the little stag beetle boy is actually a little stag beetle girl. Her name is Kuwagata Tumami and she has her own set of animated shorts online. I never expected to see her game over here!
Meh.. I will also pass. looks why to cute for me.
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