I think most dramatic and thematic games exist, and it's really hard. This is for an example: it's really hard to cry if you play a game. You can cry when you watch movies. I have, and everyone has that kind of experience. This is an emotional movement, very strong. But we can't cry when we play a game. This is a different catharsis. This is a physical reason. This is like a basic instinct. I think the game is designed as an experience. It's designed as a catharsis experience.

You have some accomplishments all the time, but accomplishment is a very strong keyword. It's a very strong factor of the game. I think in our 40 year history, we may [continually] redesign this, maybe. But in the last five years, you can get the resolution. This kind of resolution makes you have a very effective emotional possibility, with music, effects, hi-def movie effects. I think there can be growing, growing, and growing. There's some games coming in that class.

Well worth a read through, though be prepared for more talk from the interviewer than usually shows up in interviews.

Expressing The Future: Tetsuya Mizuguchi [Gamasutra]

The PC version comes with the now standard stuff, including Skin Edit, Puzzle and Time Attack modes. Lumines is available to Windows users on a pay per play basis, free with a healthy does of advertising or for download at $19.99. It's also available on just about everything else.

PC Release of 'Lumines' Brings Music Mayhem to the WildTangent Games Network

WildTangent and Q Entertainment Deliver Game's PC Debut to Online Gamers

Redmond, Wash. - December 3, 2007 -WildTangent, Inc., the fastest growing online game property in the U.S., today announced the PC launch of Q Entertainment's award-winning puzzle game, Lumines, on the WildTangent Games Network. The PC version of Lumines comes packed with the challenges and excitement from the console version, and now makes its online debut exclusively on WildTangent at www.wildgames.com.

WildTangent is rapidly adding console-quality games to its catalog of more than 450 games from nearly 200 developers. Lumines indulges the fusion of puzzle play, stylish visuals and upbeat music from a variety of genres that is dynamically synched with gameplay. The player must maneuver falling blocks to create 2x2 squares in the same color or pattern as the vertical timeline wipes away the squares to allow more room on the playing field. The addictive title, which was originally released on the PSP (PlayStation Portable) and later on the PlayStation 2, Xbox LIVE Arcade and mobile devices, offers up to 40 different skins and five single-player modes to keep players coming back for more. While providing audio and graphics on par with the enthusiast category, Lumines for PC is easy to learn and can be played with a simple mouse click.

Additional key features of Lumines include:
• Skin Edit Mode: Customize your Lumines experience by creating your own play list with your favorite skins that you have unlocked
• Time Attack Mode: Test your skills and see how many blocks you can erase in a given amount of time and compete with your own record
• Puzzle / Mission Mode: Twist your brain and strategic thinking to create specific shapes (such as a dog, heart, or number) using the blocks
• Detailed play history: Analyze your play style with detailed play history such as the number of erased blocks, highest scores and more

"We continue to focus on bringing console-quality games, like Lumines, to the PC in an ad-supported model that offers gamers unmatched choice in how they play the games they love," said Alex St. John, CEO of WildTangent. "Lumines is one of many console-quality, enthusiast game titles we will be offering our customers in the weeks and months to come."

Consumers can purchase the game for $19.99, pay on a per-session basis using the company's innovative WildCoinsTM arcade-style payment system, or play for free when sponsored by one of WildTangent's advertisers. Lumines is rated "E" for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). To play Lumines, visit www.wildgames.com.

About WildTangent
Founded in 1998, WildTangent is the fastest growing online game property in the world with 11.5 million
unique monthly gamers (comScore - July 2007) offering hundreds of the most popular online and
downloadable games from the world's top developers and publishers including its own WildStudios which
publishes Polar Bowler, Penguins, Fate and many more.

The WildTangent Games Console ships directly on the desktops of leading PC manufacturers including
Dell, HP, Gateway and Toshiba, representing more than 25 million new consumer PCs annually in North
America. Gamers of all ages and demographics play more than 250 million game sessions a month across the WildTangent game network.

For more information visit www.wildtangent.com.

About Q ENTERTAINMENT, Inc.
Formed in 2003, Tokyo-based Q ENTERTAINMENT, Inc. creates, produces, and consults in digital entertainment content across multiple game consoles, PC broadband and mobile units. It is best known for their critically acclaimed music and luminary action puzzle game series "Lumines," which was released
worldwide in 2004/2005 for the PSP® system (PlayStation®Portable) and has now developed into mobile
("Lumines Mobile"), Xbox Live Arcade ("Lumines Live!") and PlayStation®2 ("Lumines Plus") platforms.
Q ENTERTAINMENT's impressive line-up also includes the action puzzle title "Meteos" for the Nintendo
DSTM and fantasy action title "Ninety-Nine Nights" for the Xbox 360TM.

Founded by principal game creator and Chief Creative Officer Tetsuya Mizuguchi ("Sega Rally" franchise,
"Space Channel 5," and "Rez") and industry veteran and Chief Executive Officer Shuji Utsumi (Sony
Computer Entertainment America, Sega, Disney), Q ENTERTAINMENT is comprised of experienced
designers, programmers, and producers. Q ENTERTAINMENT collaborates with other creators, artists and development studios in Japan and overseas. With a large network and enthusiasm, Q ENTERTAINMENT is always on the "Quest for the future entertainment," anticipating the trends and changes in times to come and brings new value to the game industry with fresh new content. More information can be found on the Internet at http://www.qentertainment.com.

Arcade Hits [Xbox]

Going to meet Yoko Ono was inspiring for me.

Please note the picture above is from the Xbox Live Arcade version, Lumines Live.

ESRB Game Ratings

Not unlike Q?'s Gunpey and Every Extend Extra, Space Invaders Extreme adds layers of trippy effects, filling the screen with an excessive amount of visual noise. Even more suspect, your shots will trigger sound effects that I could swear were ripped straight from Rez.

Gameplay-wise though, it does add a handful of fresh elements to make the constant shooting a bit more exciting. You'll get bonuses for destroying invaders by column, by color, by shape, or by row and be rewarded for doing so with points and alternate stages. There's a Fever Mode that's essentially a point grabbing free for all and a Roulette Shot that awards you with extra lives.

With the slight sketchiness of latching on to the Q? schtick of success, it may seem like Space Invaders Extreme is a me-too gimmick filled attempt at bringing relevance to a 30 year old arcade game. It was enjoyable for the first fifteen minutes, but it's unclear whether this simple enjoyment will last beyond that. We'll know more when the game hits early 2008.

During our meeting with Q Entertainment today they let spill that the company is working on releasing two new skins for Lumines Live! on the 360.

The company is planning to give away the skin Heavenly Star and Breeze for free to gold members of Xbox Live for a limited time in mid-October.

Gamefest 2007: XBL Arcade on PC by Holidays [1UP]

My work all these years has been to entertain people through video games, but this virtual Tokyo concept could be the next step and path... The Tokyo we are trying to create is based on the image of city. How do people in Tokyo perceive the city? How about foreigners? That's what we want to express.

Escape to block-busting puzzles and pulsating beats in this exciting new puzzle game for your PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system! Be entranced by brilliant, interactive evolutionary backgrounds from cells to dream-like landscapes in four unique themes over 40 levels.

Puzzle Scape [Got Game via GameSetWatch]

Want to play homebrew something on your PSP, but also like to keep up with your firmware updates? Buy Lumines! The game features a recently discovered exploit that will allow for the running of homebrew code with a simple press of the Start button following the load of a modified game save. The new avenue for emulation enthusiasts, despicable pirates, and homebrew coders will surely turn into something magical for PSP owners looking to get more out of their systems than what is legally and officially available.

Obviously, anyone looking to run homebrew code on their PlayStation Portable will do so at their own risk, voiding warranties and running afoul of copyright law doing so. There may also be some finger waggling aimed in your general direction. Michael McWhertor

Booster Pack (600 Microsoft points): More skins to fulfill your LUMINES addiction! Presenting the latest addition to the Challenge Mode, this Booster Pack features 20 stylish skins including some brand new, never before seen designs. A must-see is the unique collaboration between LUMINES and "Bloomy Girls," a colorful and lively piece created by striking Japanese visual artist/musician Masakatsu Takagi.

Tokyo Club Mix Pack aka SOS Charity Campaign Pack (350 Microsoft points):Experience the Tokyo club scene through LUMINES! Bringing you the beats and visuals from four of the hottest DJs, artists and VJs, this Pack is truly one of a kind. Pack includes "Heavenly Star - SOS Remix" by Genki Rockets, "House66" by Sugiurumn, "4x4 Bricks" by Techriders and "Cosmic Humming" by Muku.

Proceeds from the latter will go to charitable organizations that help fight global warming. Sure, you're still getting the screwjob, but this one will feel slightly less painful and possibly a few tenths of a degree cooler. More details at XBLArcade on additional downloadable content for Lumines Live! Michael McWhertor

Buy Lumines Live! Skins, Save the Earth [XBLArcade]

Don't you wish game designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi would've brought PSP game Lumines to the DS, instead? He doesn't have to. Germans are doing it for him! Well, not exactly. Germany's bhv Software is releasing Luminator DS third quarter 2007 in Europe. This DS title has only fifteen skins and 15 "CD quality" songs. I'm no lawyer, but it seems as though we've moved beyond flattery into the gray area of copyright infringement. Brian Ashcraft

Luminator DS [Siliconera]

It's inevitable. Make a puzzle game, and you're bound to be compared to Tetris. Namco's Trion Cube for the DS doesn't just have players clear lines, but build combos by forming 3x3 squares on a grid. Sounds different enough from Tetris. Still, let's compare! Kouji Asuna,the game's designer, points out:

Having Trion Cube compared to Tetris is rather honourable considering its place in history of the puzzle game genre. However, Trion Cube has its own unique features not seen in Tetris, so I hope many players will be able to get their hands on the game to experience the differences themselves.

It can be said that inspirations has come from all the puzzle games available to date. Since I tend to play a lot of overseas titles as well, I have been inspired by both Japanese and non Japanese titles.

Asuna Talks Trion Cube [Spong]

The X-girl PS Pictogram Genki Rockets Porter PSP case and purse are now on sale for the low, low prices of 9,975 yen and 16,800 yen respectively. Together, that'll set PSP fans of the female persuasion back about $220 USD. Now, that's a bargain. Did I mention each comes with buttons?! Buttons!!! Michael McWhertor

X-girl PS Pictogram PORTER [PlayStation.jp]

It was... weird. It's been quite some time since I've been singularly so focused on one game, not really giving it much thought until I dreamt about slaying Castlevania monsters last night. It's rare that I'll even finish a game (and not that uncommon to leave games unopened for months) so to focus my attention on one title, accomplishing (almost) everything is rare. The only other videogame to so completely suck my time was Advance Wars Dual Strike. My game clock sits at about 150 hours, not including aborted missions.

I'm not sure what does it. Why some games click and some don't. Anyone out there go throught this? What games have you been unhealthily obsessed with? Michael McWhertor

Adding more fuel to the fire that Miz and Q? Entertainment will be bringing a version of the previously-for-PSP game Every Extend Extra is today's report from CVG that reveal this week's GDC will be the time and place for a new XBLA announcement from Q. Could it be Gunpey? Meteos? What will it be?!

We'll let you know if we corner Miz! Michael McWhertor

GDC: Mizuguchi's new XBLA game [CVG]

Now, that's what I'm talking about. Too bad it didn't come with the price of admission for the base Xbox 360 model of Lumines. Brian Crecente

It's widely known that the Lumines Live! screwjob from last year didn't sit well with Xbox 360 owners. Releasing a hobbled version of the game on Xbox Live Arcade with the promise of future through-the-nose payments rightly warranted some gamer finger wagging (and poisonous Kotaku comments).

But next week's Lumines Live! download packs might just make that bitter microtransaction pill a tad easier to swallow. For a limited time (until February 21), the following add-ons will be available at a reduced price.

- VS CPU Pack (100 MS Points)
- Puzzle/Mission Pack (100 MS Points)
- Heavenly Star Skin (Free for Gold Members)

See? Q Entertainment loves you. Of course, once that period of goodwill is over, the regular screwjob price for each will creep back up to 300 MS points.

Unless you want to be reminded how you shouldn't have snoozed from your Live peers, make sure you're ready to download these packs starting January 24 at 1 AM PST. Michael McWhertor

Get a Deal on Lumines Live! Add-On Packs [Xbox.com via Gamerscoreblog]

While the American version of Lumines II featured the likes of Beck, Gwen Stefani and New Order, the Japanese release looks set to have totally different tunes. The game's creator Q Entertainment just announced that Japanese reggae band Def Tech will be lending it its tune "KONOMAMA" to the game. Never thought of it before, but Def Tech's music should vide well will Lumines puzzling. Hit the jump for the band's smash hit tune "My Way," which won't appear in the game but is still kewl. Brian Ashcraft

Def Tech Lends Tune To Lumines II [Famitsu]

Friday night. I was just wrapping up a handful of posts, ready to head to the Spike TV Video Game Awards. Despite my personal feelings for the VGAs, I was excited to attend. I'd get to talk to some famous and semi-famous folks on the red carpet, slip Rachel Leigh Cook my card, then watch Tenacious D rock out and bask in the insanity of the show. As I put away the laptop, my stomach warned me something was wrong.

I hadn't eaten but a handful of random snacks all day, so I assumed it was just hunger. Better eat a proper meal, I though. After heading down to the Galen Center at USC, I decided "I should get a Fatburger and put something in my stomach." One third of a Fatburger later, I threw in the napkin. Or towel. Back to the VGAs!

That's when, to my surprise, I saw Tetsuya Mizuguchi (of Rez and Lumines fame) walking out of the VIP area with two lovely ladies, one decked out in an Every Extend Extra t-shirt by Beams. I yell "Mizuguchi! Can I get a pic?" He complied, giving me his best goblin face. I thanked him, we shook hands and Miz sped off to catch up with CliffyB. They hugged! So sweet.

As I approached the two, ready to grab a shot, my stomach gave me the signal: this Fatburger is scheduled to launch within the hour. Shit. I grew more delirious as fever took over, but had the common sense to stay away. If I approached the two, I was sure someone would wind up with vomit splash on their red carpet walking shoes. And I wanted to prevent being blacklisted from press access at all future events.

That was it. I knew my night at the VGAs was over. I handed my tickets to Freeloadin' Scott Andrews, sped home, car window down just in case, waiting for my digestive system to go in reverse.

Didn't take long, but I took comfort in the fact that I'd met one of the few game designers I've always admired. It's a shame I didn't have the strength to stay, as I'd have like to chat him and Cliff up a bit. Plus, if I got Mizuguchi sick, I'm going to feel awful. I was also bummed that I didn't get to retell a full night of adventure to the Kotaku readership.

Hopefully, I'll be back next year in full health to absorb the full impact of the VGAs and give Miz a big old mancrush-style hug. Michael McWhertor

Microsoft announces the Xbox Live Arcade Challenge, a gaming tournament that focuses on games downloadable through Xbox Live. There are actually two different competitions. The Lumines Live! challenge will run from the 17th to the 23rd of December, with the Small Arms tourney running from the 24th to the 30th. When the competitions end, the top 105 people on the leaderboards are winners.

What do they win? 1st place walks away with a 42inch Hitachi Plasma HDTV, with four runners up receiving an HD-DVD bundle, a wireless headset, and the ultra-pricey 360 wireless racing wheel. The remaining 100 ranking players for Lumines get '500 MS Points Tokens to be redeemed for Xbox Live imagery', with the Small Arms players getting a game theme plus 100 of the point tokens. Point tokens? Xbox Live imagery? Are these not just standard Live points? Confusing. Frankly doesn't seem worth downloading the full version of either of these if you aren't in the top five, so play to win, damn you. Make us proud.

Registration is set to start today, so keep an eye on the link below if you want a chance at delicious plasma TV goodness.

Xbox Live Global Tournament Registration Site [via Eurogamer]

While Lumines II may not be winning the hearts and minds of PSP gamers quite like the first one did, at least you can maybe get a free trip to Miami out of it. All you need to do is suffer through the Lumines II Remixer at the official site then send in your remix.

What do you get if you win? Sadly no games! Instead the winner will receive a trip for two to Miami for the Winter Music Conference, a VIP "experience" with Junkie XL (hopefully no awkward passes from the artist), hotel accommodations, round-trip airfare, car rental and $500 spending cash. I suppose you could do worse. If only Tetsuya Mizuguchi were there I'd spend all night on my remix.

Go on aspiring DJs! Get your virtual wiki-wiki, scritch-scratch on. Michael McWhertor

Lumines II Video Mixer

Microsoft's Major "Larry" Nelson and 1Up's woolly Andrew Pfister talk about the current micro-transactions brouhaha. Both make good points, but man, Lar gesticulates like crazy. Brian Ashcraft

Micro-Talk Micro-Transactions [Destructoid]

Finally downloaded Lumines Live!, and it was pretty much like the version on my PSP, but bigger. Thing is, the game on my UMD is a full game, not a crippled download—this all, ironically, has given the PSP and UMD the best press it has had in months!

At E3, Microsoft touted the music video element of Lumines Live!, an element not found in the current half-baked version, but an "Artist Pack" available next year. The initial purchase leaves gamers with a mere 12 skins, five puzzles, five missions and one CPU opponent. Xbox 360 owners are pissed.

Microsoft's Gamerscore blog is running damage control, stating:

The material posted on Xbox.com, and that was sent out in the media alert wasn't detailed enough, and believe me, the message is being heard. When we said 'full version,' we didn't make what that meant clear enough. You are getting all of the 'modes' that are in the game, but the base version includes only some of the skins, puzzles, missions, or CPU opponents. There will be future content you can choose to buy. Just like other games with downloadable content, you can choose what you might enjoy the most, or stick with the base game.

Eh? Isn't that what my PSP is for? Brian Ashcraft

The Message Is Being Heard [Gamerscore via 1Up]

Late last night, I was all raring to download Lumines Live! So much so that I stayed up late, waiting for the Xbox Live maintenance to wrap up. It did, but not in Japan, where I can home.

I woke up early again today. Still, wonk city, couldn't log on.

Lumines Live! reviews had already hit the internet, and the overwhelming reaction: Hate. Micro-transitions up the whazoo keep what was the most enjoyable PSP puzzler from creating a satisfying 360 experience. The game's creator, Tetsuya Mizuguchi, has already offered his two cents on possible criticism the XBL version might get:

Lumines has this image... It came in a package, it came on a UMD. And now it's not. So now people are worried. And maybe even upset that they can't even get the full pack in one software product. But really, it's just changing the way we provide the content... So, in our eyes, the game doesn't have to come in a package. We just feel like we're shifting our audience and we're starting to deal with different people. That's not to imply the PSP and Xbox Live users are that much different, but naturally, the way we are accepting media, goods, music, and games, we ourselves are changing our attitudes. So we're trying to follow a new path. So at the same time the audience is changing, we're changing along with it. We think this is the way of the future.

And that future is paved with streets of gold. Miz is slightly off here. Micro-transitions aren't exactly "the future." In a way, they're the past. Publishers have figured out a way to put arcade cabinets in the home and connect them with a money train leading right to the company coffers.

Still, I'm kinda excited to play Lumines on my big ass TV. Brian Ashcraft

Miz Talks Micro [IGN, Thanks Dix!]

Greeting me from the tips inbox today was an email so full of white-hot rage, profound spiritual hurt, and f-bombs that I thought I was getting Florian's fanmails by accident again.

But soft! I was wrong. It was just the Ineffable Jut, weighing in on the bumblefuckery that is the Lumines Live microtransaction stack:

They fuck you just a little at a time, so you don't feel your asshole tearing.

I just downloaded Lumines live. It's a good game, but it's right full of fucking microtransactions. Puzzle-mode; 5 levels until you buy the puzzle pack. Mission-mode; 5 levels until you buy the mission pack. This pisses me right off! Minus the online, the PSP version has more to it than the XBLA version.
I don't want to get this excited about a fully awesome XBLA game only to find out it's only partially awesome unless I plop down another $25 to get the full package.

If more games are going this microtransaction route, I'm going to flip my proverbial lid!

Stickypig was likewise incensed, and spent several hours this morning shoving slices of sandwich meats under my door while muttering ancient invocations to demons. Each slice had the name of an Xbox Live employee written on it. I think he's under the impression that I am some flesh-hungry devil godling who can grant wishes.

But really, anyone could've made that mistake. Eliza Gauger

Major "Larry" Nelson announces that Lumines Live! is going to hit Xbox Live. Major gives all the skinny on the eagerly awaited XBL titles, dishing:

'Lumines Live!' for Xbox Live Arcade brings exciting new music, new video content, and 12 different skins, for hours of fun. The Xbox Live Arcade game features exclusive Xbox Live online multiplayer play, allowing you to play against your friends in head-to-head battles. "Lumines Live!" includes:

• Full online multiplayer play over Xbox Live—battle your friends head-to-head
• Classic Lumines gameplay, including Challenge, Puzzle and vs. CPU modes
• All-new Skin Edit Mode allows you to re-mix the order of your unlocked skins to create a custom Lumines experience
• All-new Mission mode presents player with pre-designed Lumines puzzle scenarios
• Dynamic skins, sound effects and music optimized specifically for Lumines Live! in high-definition graphics and 5.1 channel surround audio
• Extensive downloadable content support over Xbox Live Marketplace—add new skins, puzzles, missions, artist packs and more
• Full suite of online leaderboards

• The full version of the game will be 1200 points. Plus an optional pack for 600 points will also be available that will allow gamers to change their music scene as well as choose from 22 new skins.
  

It seems that Xbox Live is under maintenance at the moment! But, Major will post the nanosecond Lumines Live! hits!! Looking forward to it!!! Brian Ashcraft

Lumines! Live! [Major! Nelson! Thanks! Eric!!]

The release of Lumines Live! for Xbox Live looms every closer, now that we have the list of achievements. While the release date is still TBD according to the official Lumines Live! Web site, gamers can look forward to going through the following motions for a total of 200 Gamer Points.

1. Clear "Base" - Clear one round of Challenge Mode "Base".
2. 20K - Play Challenge Mode "Base" and score 20,000 points.
3. Time Attack 60sec. : 30 blocks - Play Time Attack Mode 60sec. and erase 30 blocks.
4. Time Attack 180sec. : 90 blocks - Play Time Attack Mode 180sec. and erase 90 blocks.
5. Time Attack 300sec. : 150 blocks - Play Time Attack Mode 300sec. and erase 150 blocks.
6. Time Attack 600sec. : 300 blocks - Play Time Attack Mode 600sec. and erase 300 blocks.

7. Time Attack 60sec. : 70 blocks - Play Time Attack Mode 60sec. and erase 70 blocks.
8. Time Attack 180sec. : 200 blocks - Play Time Attack Mode 180sec. and erase 200 blocks.
9. Time Attack 300sec. : 300 blocks - Play Time Attack Mode 300sec. and erase 300 blocks.
10. Time Attack 600sec. : 600 blocks - Play Time Attack Mode 600sec. and erase 600 blocks.
11. Half Million - Play Challenge Mode and score 500,000 points.
12. Single Lap Quarter Million - Play a Single Lap of the Skin Edit Mode and score 250,000 points.

I'm really looking forward to this release and recommend anyone who didn't get in on the PSP version hotness download this as soon as it's live. Michael McWhertor

Lumines Live! [Achieve360Points]

In this 17 minute interview from September (but posted today), Lumines creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi talks music, sequels and Pong. And all in a pink shirt! Brian Ashcraft

He Makes Puzzle Games [VGB]

Lumines Live willbe free when it's released to the Live Arcade, according to Xbox Live Pipeline, Microsoft"s email marketing newsletter for the Xbox 360.

in the description of the game on the Pipeline website it clearly shows that the Arcade Live game will be free, while other Live Arcade games have the proper amount of Microsoft points listed.

It could just be some sort of Msoft snafu or it could be that they will be making all of their money off of the game throught downloadable expansion packs and songs. I have an email into Microsoft to figure it out. Brian Crecente

Update: It looks like dreams of a free Lumines Live were in vain. My Msoft man inside just dropped me a line to let me know that both the price and rating were typos.

Hey Brian, The information posted about Lumines Live on XboxLivePipeline.com is inaccurate and we apologize for any confusion. Lumines will be available later this Fall on Xbox Live Arcade and more details will be shared closer to its launch. However, the title will not be free and the rating is still pending.

D'oh!

Swedish game site Spelbeber shot this video of Lumines luminary Tetsuya Mizuguchi playing Lumines II at Nordic Game 06. Here, Miz shows never-before-seen tracks. Very cool, even if Lumines II still looks like, well, Lumines. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Spelfeber]

In Lumines, the music matters. A lot. Game site 1Up has a peak at the sequel's soundtrack with this track called "Heavenly Star." While the video was inspired by A-ha's "Take On Me" music vid and was designed by Japanese visual artist Glamoove, the song is sung by the Genki Rockets and was co-penned by game creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi. This must be twenty colors of coolness. Brian Ashcraft

Eds Note: 1Up sent word that the video had to be taken down.

More Here [1Up]

It's a desperately slow news Friday. Ashcraft and I spent the morning viciously snarling over the smallest scraps like rabid mongrels. But even if it wasn't a slow news Friday, this Lumines Video Mixer would be pretty neat. As a sneak preview of Lumines 2, mix together some funky beats along with some Lumines video and a molten dancing girl. You just drag and drop the songs, videos and dance moves, then hit preview. You can even share them with some friends. Worth at least thirty seconds for even Lumines' non-fans, if there is such a thing. Florian Eckhardt

Edit: We got an email from Ayzenberg, the guys who are making this for Buena Vista Games. Long story short: this is a leaked internal project and no one's supposed to be looking at it yet. So they pulled it. Oh well, things to come!

Lumines Video Mixer

You're a big, powerful game designer with smash hits under your belt. What to do for funsies? Well, if you are Tetsuya Mizuguchi, you commission Nike to make one-of-a-kind sneakers with rainbows and rhinestones patterned after your PSP puzzler Lumines. But, if you're DoA's Tomonobu Itagaki, you drink. A lot. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Game Girl Advance]

The first batch of Greatest Hits titles have been announced for the Playstation Portable. For just $20 you can land yourself a copy of Ape Escape: On the Loose, Offroad Fury: Blazin' Trails, Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee, Twisted Metal: Head On or Wipeout Pure.

Why on earth would Sony put together such an atrocious list of bargin bin games for their "Greatest Hits"? Are they trying to get people to give up their Playstation Portables? Where's Lumines? Where's SOCOM? Where's GTA?

I know these games are all selling well, but come on you need to do something to spark PSP sales.

The next batch to get the price drop hit later this year. Fortunately, Lumines did make this cut. Hit the jump for the list and needless quotes.

With more than 5 million units sold, the PSP system remains North America's top-selling next-generation handheld in the period since its record-setting launch in March 2005. These first "Greatest Hits" games defined the PSP experience at launch and have contributed to the overall success of the system. "The PSP system has truly arrived with the launch of its 'Greatest Hits' collection, which we expect will drive consumer interest in the device and strong hardware growth, just as the 'Greatest Hits' programs have done for other PlayStation platforms," said Peter Dille, senior vice president, marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Summer is typically the industry's lightest season for new titles, so releasing the PSP 'Greatest Hits' now benefits many consumers who find themselves with more downtime, whether they're on a plane headed on a vacation or simply trying to beat the heat at home." Later this year, additional third-party games will go "Greatest Hits," including Lumines(TM), Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition, Star Wars Battlefront(TM) II, Tony Hawk's Underground 2 Remix, and Untold Legends(TM): Brotherhood of the Blade(TM).

Big-in-Japan Korean pop princess BoA apparently didn't make the final cut for Lumines II reports game site Siliconera. At E3, the songstress's tunes appeared on the floor demo for hip designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi's latest puzzler. Logic tells us that her music should find its way into the finished product, but Buena Vista Games PR says this isn't going to happen. As the US version and the Japanese version could be different, there is a chance BoA could still make an appearance. She's a logical choice as the singer appeared on Mizuguchi's Ninety-Nine Nights for the Xbox 360. And we all remember how that turned out. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Siliconera]