Kotaku: Q Entertainment

Miz: No Reason For Space Channel 5 Remake

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 05:30:00 MDT

Remakes are all the rage these days! Whether it's literally remaking a classic, or just putting out "reimaginings" of long-running franchises, we can't get enough of the good old stuff. By re-releasing Rez on XBLA, you'd think Q's Tetsuya Mizuguchi would be big on the idea of remaking more of his classic titles, right? Like...Space Channel 5, maybe? Sadly, he's not, telling Eurogamer there's no "really special reason to remake Space Channel 5 now". Reason being that Rez was an experience, which could be improved upon with HD graphics, 5:1, etc, while SC5 is "funny, like a comical TV show. I don't feel the need for much more resolution in that!". Oh dear. Just because YOU don't need to see Ulala in a higher resolution, Miz, doesn't man WE don't need to.

Tetsuya Mizuguchi Interview [Eurogamer] [Pic]

Rock Band Turning Japanese With Q Entertainment

Mike Fahey — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:40:00 MDT

Well here's an interesting turnabout. Harmonix and MTV are partnering with the company that brought us Lumines and Rez to bring social rhythm and music game Rock Band to Japan, the birthplace of rhythm and music games. Announced this weekend during the MTV Video Music Awards in Japan, the new game will feature all of the gameplay of Rock Band with added Japanese elements, assets, and most importantly - music. As long as it works with all the standard North American peripherals I plan on importing the living hell out of this game.

And what better company than Q Entertainment to handle the localization? I'm hoping this alliance between Harmonix and Q is only the beginning of what could be a very fruitful relationship for the developers and gamers alike. Hit the jump to read the full press release while I queue up my J-pop Winamp playlist and get incomprehensible for a bit.

Rock Band Goes to Japan

Harmonix and MTV to Partner with Q Entertainment for Rock Band: Japan

CAMBRIDGE, Mass - June 2, 2008 – Harmonix Music Systems, the leading developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), announced today that they will team up with Q Entertainment, a leading Japanese music game designer, to bring the best-selling music videogame Rock Band to Japan. The two studios will work together to develop the title, marking the first US-originated rock music game to be heavily localized for the Japanese market. The game will feature Japanese musical acts as well as other localized assets.

Rock Band’s return to the birthplace of rhythm games will
benefit from Q Entertainment’s experience designing progressive and engaging games many of which have a heavy focus on integrating music elements into gameplay. Since its founding in 2003, Tokyo based Q Entertainment has become a leader in rhythm oriented titles, including the critically acclaimed music and luminary action puzzle game series Lumines,and the recently released Extend Every Extra Extreme (E4) and Rez HD for Xbox Live.

Today’s announcement was also featured Saturday at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards - Japan, where a Rock Band trailer was presented.

The US-version of Rock Band was also prominently featured backstage and at the afterparty, giving Japanese attendees a taste of what’s to come in the newly announced title.

Rock Band, which has sold over 3 million units in North America and Europe, is an all-new platform for music fans and gamers to interact with music. The game challenges players to put together a band and tour for fame and fortune, mastering lead/bass guitar, drums and vocals.With more master recordings than any other music game, Rock Band features some of the world’s biggest rock artists and spans every genre of rock ranging from alternative and classic
rock to heavy metal and punk.

Rock Band is a true music platform, with over 12 million songs sold as downloadable content since its initial release. There are currently over 140 songs available for download in the Rock Band Music Store and Harmonix continues to release new music every week.

Since its North American release in 2007, Rock Band has garnered over 40 awards including Game Critics Award: Best of Show E3 2007and three awards at The 11th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards including Outstanding Innovation in Gaming, Family Game of the Year, and Outstanding Achievement in Soundtrack.

For more information on Rock Band and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockband.com and www.harmonixmusic.com .

Lumines Gets Steamy

Mike Fahey — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:00:00 MDT

Q Entertainment and Valve have announced that henceforth the brilliantly addictive puzzle game Lumines shall be available for purchase via Steam. Much like the Xbox Live version of the game, Lumines is available as a base pack for $9.95, with an Advance Pack containing 21 new challenge mode skins, 60 puzzles for puzzle mode, and 35 stages for puzzle mode setting you back an additional $7.95, or you can grab the whole thing for $14.95, which is a much better deal, especially when you factor in the extra 10% you get if you purchase the game before Friday April 25th. I wonder if it will have the Heavenly Star stage? Just thinking about it makes me want to listen to the song 200 times in a row.

Tetsuya Mizuguchi on Rez HD, Game Design, the Future

Maggie Greene — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 12:30:15 MST

Gamasutra has an interesting (if spotty at points) article up with Tetsuya Mizuguchi, the man behind Rez and Lumines (Lumines Live! is one of those games I have to be careful about playing, since I find it oh—so—hard to put it down), talking about proper vibrator placement while playing Rez, the future of Dadaist games, and emotional depth in games:

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]

Mizuguchi: I'm Too Artistic, I Know

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:40:00 MST

Tetsuya Mizuguchi, founder of Q Entertainment and best known for his work on Rez, Space Channel 5 and Lumines took the stage at DICE today to talk about the future of gaming and give attendees a quick history lesson on all things MIzuguchi. His talk, titled "Art vs. Commerce" focused on his career-long struggle to balance the artistic and the fiscally responsible. From the wildly successful Sega Rally—which sold 20,000 full-sized arcade units and 1.5 million on consoles and PCs—to the commercial underperformer Rez—a game for which he declined to offer sales data.

Mizuguchi explained he was inspired by games at a young age, fascinated by Atari's dedicated Pong platform. He says he also discovered the music of The Beatles at the same time, combining the two experiences in a visual and emotional way.

He says he later was motivated to join Sega when he saw the Sega R-360 arcade cabinet for the first time. The enclosed, fully rotating cabinet gave developer AM2's G LOC a more realistic flight simulator experience (and surely induced plenty of nausea). When Mizuguchi saw the R-360 for the first time, he thought "Wow, who did this?"

His first project at Sega, arcade racer Sega Rally, got its own answer to the R-360 later, with a full-sized rally car chassis that sold a total of four units.

Moving on to the console division, the producer went to work on Space Channel 5. It was the result of his fascination with MTV culture as a child and his first foray into merging the emotional response from music with interactive entertainment.

His next was Rez.

The game, once known as K-Project was not just inspired by the paintings of Wassily Kandinsky, a Russian painter who had experience with the condition known as synesthesia. It was also partially inspired by Mizuguchi's early fascination with the Sensorama, a multi-modal device that promised an experience combining wide vision, motion color, stereo sounds, aromas, wind, and vibrations. "Wow," Mizuguchi said, questioning "What is this? What's happening inside?"

Combining those two motivators with Mizuguchi's interest in understanding why people, regardless of region, reacted to music at clubs and festivals physically—and vocally, as Mizuguchi said "Waaaaagggh!", arms stretched high.

These combinations continued, with games like Lumines, which recreated the "play with music" gameplay design and Ninety Nine Nights, Q Entertainment's attempt to combine action games and movies. NNN, Mizuguchi explained, was heavily influenced by Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon. Lumines II, which felt to many like a retread, was an attempt to more heavily incorporate music videos into the gameplay.

All of these marriages of medium are just portions of what Mizuguchi feels will bring to game development, now, according to him, still in its infancy. The "Big Bang" he says will be a hybrid product for a mass audience that combines online connectivity, video games, music, movies, community and advertising.

Since moving to Q and partnering with friend and now CEO, Shuji Utsumi, Miz says he's begun to come to terms with balancing art and commerce. Utsumi, he says, has been a good influence, especially when Mizuguchi becomes "too artistic." "Games," he says "are entertainment, not just art."

Chessmaster LIVE (And Rez HD) Coming to XBLA

Mark Wilson — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:40:19 MST

You probably already know that Rez HD is coming to Xbox LIVE this Wednesday (don't forget to read our impressions, btw), so we'll refrain from rehashing what is now a nugget of your wisdom in snarky blogger format. Instead we'll just mention that Ubisoft's Chessmaster LIVE is coming this week as well. With a multitude of boards, online play (surprise) and extra game modes, chess players can decide whether or not it's worth their 800 points.

Because while Chessmaster LIVE looks good and everything, it's no Battle Chess.

A brand new recreation of the cult-classic shooter created by Tetsuya Mizuguchi, "Rez HD" launches on Xbox LIVE Arcade this week. In addition to "Rez HD," chess fans and newcomers alike will enjoy checkmating friends with "Chessmaster Live" on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Both games will be available on Wednesday, January 30 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (1:00 a.m. PST).
"Rez HD" is a frenetic, wire-frame adventure set to industrial beats and rhythms that match the action. The story of "Rez HD" takes players deep into the world's computer network where they must hack the system, alter the visual output and take over the music, creating unique rhythms and eye candy as they dig deeper into the cyberworld.

Developed by Q Entertainment ("Lumines Live!" and "Every Extend Extra Extreme"), "Rez HD" for Xbox LIVE Arcade is a high definition update of the original game with brand new elements such as new visuals and sound effects. The game features five levels, each with its own unique visual theme, style and musical track, as well as three modes, including Easy, Main and Score Attack. "Rez HD" will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

A downloadable version of Ubisoft's hit "Chessmaster" series, "Chessmaster Live" allows players to test and tune their chess skills against the AI or opponents of all aptitudes around the globe via Xbox LIVE. "Chessmaster Live" features five original chess variants, including a Message Chess option, which allows gamers to engage in matches over the span of several days, weeks or even months. The title boasts both beautifully crafted 3D chess sets inspired by luxury chess board designer House of Staunton. "Chessmaster Live" will be available worldwide (with the exception of Japan and Korea) for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

Three Vibe Hands-On With Rez HD

fdemarco — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 09:03:12 MST

A few days ago I headed to downtown San Francisco to meet up with the Tetsuya Mizuguchi and the folks from Q Entertainment as they did their final push for Rez HD before it officially hits XBLA this coming Wednesday. I was ushered into a hotel room and seated on a comfy couch in front of a nice big screen displaying the familiar beats and graphics of Rez. The next thing I knew I was being handed three different controllers: one was placed behind my back, one on the floor under my feet and the third in my hands to control the game. This, I was told, was "the Miz way" to play. As it turned out, the Miz way was the way to go.

They fired up the game, I chose my level and as soon as it started I could feel the first pulses of vibration at the small of my back, at my feet and in my hands. As the level progressed the vibration became more intense and the controllers did not always vibrate in tandem, sometimes they ping-ponged back and forth creating a unique sensation. Having only played the Dreamcast version and not being among the small number of people to have actually gotten a hold of a trance vibrator, I had no idea how immersive having all that extra vibration could be. If you have played Rez before and were on the fence about getting Rez HD, the multiple controller vibration (it can support up to four) should be enough to push you over the side.

When we saw the game demoed in Tokyo last year, they were still undecided on how they would incorporate the vibration into the game. One thing they didn't want to have to do was design a new peripheral, so they needed to come up with something else as Mizuguchi explains..

In this game, the vibration is really important. The mix of sound, music and vibration is like a chemistry. I didn't just want to have controller vibration, I wanted to do the Trance Vibration again and that kind of thing is difficult to reproduce. So one day, one of the game designers came up with the idea of the multiple controller vibration since most people have more than one 360 controller. We all thought it was a really fantastic idea.

Since the announcement that the PS3 controllers would once again feature rumble, I asked is they had considered bringing Rez HD to the PSN Store as well and Mizuguchi said that yes, it is definitley something they would like to do and have considered. So if all goes well, PS3 owners could well see Rez HD arriving on their consoles in the near future. For 360 owners just a few more days and you'll be playing Rez HD in all its vibrating glory. Remember, one controller at the small of your back, one at your feet and one in your hands, that's the Miz way. As to where you put that fourth, that is entirely up to you, just remember to wipe it off when your done.

"If I Have A Reason, I Will Remake Space Channel 5"

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 01:30:34 MST

Rez HD? Can't wait. The game is getting released next week on Xbox Live Arcade. What does that mean for folks who don't own an Xbox 360? Tetsuya Mizuguchi (Rez, Space Channel 5, Lumines) says:

We started on Xbox 360, but we have no reason not to provide this game to other platforms.

So, while we're in this share-the-love frame of mind, how about Space Channel 5 HD?

If I had a reason to remake Space Channel 5 on the new platforms, I will do that.

Oh, but you do, you do!
Miz Interview [Game|Life]

Want Rez HD Free?

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:00:00 MST

If 800 Microsoft Points is "too much" for a hi-def remake of one of the best video games of all time, by all means, go ahead and register to win one of fifty copies of Rez HD. It's no skin off my back if you want to fill out a registration form at the official Rez HD site and skirt the payment, you cheap son of a bitch. However, if you do have the gall to weasel your way into a free code for the Xbox Live Arcade version, do me a favor and don't tick the radio button on the survey that says "I'm a fan of Tetsuya Mizuguchi" because you'll be lying. The man's got kids to feed and you're trying to shortchange him and the rest of the underpaid Q Entertainment staff. People like you make me sick.

Rez HD Official Site

Work and Play: A Peek Inside the Lives of Gaming's Greatest

Brian Crecente — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:00:32 MST

I've had a pet project I've been working on for years, three of them if my memory is right. It started as a simple idea: You can judge a lot from a person's desk. I bet you could judge just as much from their home entertainment system. So I decided it would be fun to try and track down some pictures from the work desks and home gaming set-ups of the people who work in and cover the video game industry. Simple right? Not so much.

Turns out that many of the people are either too busy or too private to want to participate in such a project. To make matters worse, there's always fear that something sitting on someone's desk, that ends up in a photo, could actually be news worthy. Like a secret project or the next big thing. But I didn't give up and about once a year I'd harass a bunch of game developers for photos. Finally, this year, the harassment paid off.

What started as a trickle of photos turned quickly into the collection of galleries you'll find on the jump: More than 40 different photo galleries from 17 studios, seven publications, two industry movers and shakers and a couple of fun surprises.

You'll get to see the desk of such greats as Sid Meier, Peter Molyneux and Tetsuya Mizuguchi along with plenty of others. Remember you can comment both on the next page and on each individual photo if you click on them.

If I find there is interest, I will try to periodically update this gallery of galleries with more developers, journalists and industry movers and shakers. Have fun.

DEVELOPERS
2K Games

ASTRO Gaming

Buzz Monkey Software

Capcom

Eat, Sleep, Play

Electronic Arts

Firaxis Games

Flying Lab Software

Gearbox Software

Harmonix Music

Incognito Entertainment

Insomniac Games

Kojima Productions

Lionhead Studios

NanaOn-Sha

Naughty Dog

NCSoft

NetDevil

Neversoft Entertainment

Ninja Theory

Pandemic Studios

Petroglyph Games

THQ

Q Entertainment

JOURNALISTS

Blue's News

BoingBoing

EGM

The Escapist

GameLife

Joystiq

Kotaku

MTV

Slashdot Games

VE3D

VH1

INDUSTRY FOLK

MISCELLANIES
I AM 8-BIT

Penny Arcade

Whorecraft

Video Games Live

Rez HD Gameplay Blowout

fdemarco — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 09:00:00 MST

As some of you may well remember, the Kotaku Team got a chance to pay a visit to the Q Entertainment Studios whilst we were in Tokyo for TGS. After meeting the amazing Miziguchi we were treated to a glimpse of some of their upcoming games including Every Extend Extra Extreme and Rez HD. I had the good fortune to be the first person to check out Rez HD and it was awesome. If you never picked up this title on Dreamcast or PS2 and are curious what it's all about, GameTrailers has been kind enough to upload four gameplay videos for your perusal. Ok course, you can't see the full HD effect in these videos (unless you go to GameTrailers where they have HD versions), but it should be enough to whet your appetite until the game shows up on Xbox LIVE sometime in the coming weeks.

Make the jump for the other three videos.

Lumines Whored Out To PCs Today

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 18:40:00 MST

We've known that Lumines is most assuredly coming to PCs for a few weeks now. What we didn't know was how, exactly, it would make its way to the platform. Today, Q Entertainment and its partner announced that it would come to the WildTangent Network, the online game provider famous for Penguins and Polar Bowler. Yeah! Those guys. *crickets*

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.

Lumines Coming To Windows, Too

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:20:34 MST

A new rating for Q Entertainment's Lumines has appeared on the Entertainment Software Ratings Board, revealing that a Windows version of the musical puzzle game, originally released for the PSP, is in the works. When we contacted the developer about the listing, it confirmed the title's existence and promised that details will be announced within the next few weeks. Wait, what? Confirmation? That was... easy. Almost too easy.

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

ESRB Game Ratings

New Angel Love Trailer, Miz's Free MMO in Motion

Mark Wilson — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 12:40:32 MDT

Q Entertainment's upcoming free MMO Angel Love (out for PC, coming to PS3) isn't getting anywhere near the press it deserves. Yes, that's our official biased take based upon little more than the Q? name and the word "free." Our one complaint? Why does every Japanese trailer use the same horrid female voice over? Ash, we're looking your way for an explanation on this one.

Angel Love Online [gametrailers]

Miz on Rez 2, Wii Space Channel and Al Gore

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 05:00:08 MDT

While chatting with Tetsuya Mizuguchi, we touched on a variety of things. Things that matter. Like new Rez, more Ulala and Al Gore. What would be better than Rez remake? A Rez sequel. Miz didn't explicitly mention a totally new Rez, but did hint at his interest in doing a Rez sequel. So, why start off with the HD port?

I've heard from many who want to play the original Rez, but couldn't buy it in stores anymore. I feel that's the big reason why we're releasing Rez now. I can't say we're doing Rez 2. I am ready to go to the next level. Sequels are a good approach, and Rez is a life theme for me.

Does that mean Rez 2, Rez 3 and Rez 3? Who knows! Miz does! And another thing he might know about is a Wii version of Space Channel 5. Just think of Wii-mote dancing possibilities. When we put the question straight to Mizuguchi, he seems geniuely surprised, stating:

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh... (grabs heart) Give me water... The Wii is special. It's not such a high def direction, but it's a fun direction as a future toy. That kind of idea always stimulates us in our ideas. This [the Wii] is another direction.

When pushed, he would neither confirm or deny a new Wii version of the game — instead, choosing to sweat it out. But hey, Miz can take the heat. He's worked with Al Gore. For the recent Live Earth concert, Mizuguchi filmed a hologram clip with the former Vice President to be used in a Live Earth stage show with artist audio visual hybrid group Genki Rockets. Since Al Gore is a busy man, and busy men have busy schedules, he was available for exactly 17 minutes for video capture in New York City. Was Miz nervous about meeting Gore?

No, I wasn't nervous. He was nervous. During the filming, I had to give him direction like "relax."

And what did Mizuguchi and Gore talk about between takes? "Global warming."

Lumines Live! Holiday Pack Details

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 03:00:27 MDT

Nothing says Halloween like Lumines. Or Christmas. Or summer vacation. On October 17th, Q Entertainment will be releasing a "Rockin' Holiday Pack" of 20 new Lumines Live! skins for Challenge Mode. Usual Q cohorts like Keiichi Sugiyama (Rez, Area 1) and h ueda (Every Extend Extra Extreme) collaborated for this upcoming pack. Snowflakes and autumn leaves — so festive!

First Ever Hands On Impressions of Rez HD

fdemarco — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 23:00:00 MDT

It was a quick trip from our hotel to Q Entertainment where we had an early morning appointment with Mr. Rez himself, Tetsuya Mizuguchi. We discussed quite a few subjects that my esteemed colleagues will be filling you in on later, but I'm going to concentrate on Rez as, much to my delight, I was given the honor of being the first person outside of the Q offices to actually play it.

When Rez first came out for the Dreamcast, I played it extensively and still even plug the old girl in every once in a while for the sole purpose of playing Rez. I've beaten the game quite a number of times so when Mr. Mizuguchi fired up the game for us to watch I got a great rush of nostalgia as I heard the familiar music start to play. He played through the first level of the game with predictable ease and as he got to the boss he turned to me and gestured towards the controller. I was instantly filled with a mixture of elation and terror. Here I was in a room with one of my idols playing his own game in front of him, surrounded by co-workers and being tasked with a boss level. But, I rose to the occasion and took the chair offered me by Mr. Mizuguchi and went in for the kill.

I was immediately impressed at how sharp everything looked. With the relatively simple graphic style of a game like Rez, you might think that HD wouldn't do much for it, but the difference was obvious from the very beginning. The controls, while still in the early stages of development, were very smooth and I actually found them to be much easier to deal with than the Dreamcast's. Having the rumble built right in to the controls without the purchase of the Trance Vibrator was a great addition as it was something I hadn't been able to try before. The music also sounded great, and I was told that all the tracks were being remastered for the full 5.1 Dolby experience. I managed to make it through the whole boss level like a pro, only devolving once and when it was all over I was rewarded with a clap on the back and a handshake from Mr. Mizuguchi.

Rez HD is going to be a great addition to the XBL lineup and will give players who formally couldn't get their hands on it a chance to play for the first time. It will also be terrific for old fans who will be able to experience the crisp new graphics, widescreen and remastered music creating a new way to enjoy an old game.

Yet, Another Lumines Clone

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 05:00:21 MDT

And the Lumines clones don't stop! Earlier, we brought word of Luminator, a Lumines copycat made by Germans. That's not all. Already out in stores is Got Game's Puzzle Scape, which looks and sounds a helluva like Lumines. A description from the company's website:

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.

Geez, doesn't Lumines creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi have lawyers or something?

Puzzle Scape [Got Game via GameSetWatch]

Lumines Live! Microtransactions To Combat Global Warming

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 18:20:24 MDT

Next Wednesday, Xbox Live gamers who downloaded Lumines Live! will have an opportunity to turn Microsoft Points into charitable donations as Q Entertainment will release new skins for the musical puzzler, one of which will see proceeds go to aid in the fight against global warming. Two new skin packs will hit the Xbox Live Marketplace on June 27 and include the following.

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]

Every Extend Extra Extreme For XBLA

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 18:40:58 MST

Sorry, folks. If you're looking for that Rez in HD announcement, you should look elsewhere. Q? Entertainment announced today that it's bringing the PC-to-PSP musical shooter Every Extend Extra to Xbox Live Arcade in the form of (deep breath...) Every Extend Extra Extreme. We'll just call it E4.

The shoot-em-up from Tetsuya "The Milkman" Mizuguchi will feature the requisite HD graphical upgrade as well as 5.1 surround sound treatment that will provide a "clubbing experience right in the living room". However, the XBLA version will also feature a mode called "S4, Wiz ur Muzik" and will allow players to use custom tracks in-game. Wicked cool.

Leaderboards, acheivements, online play, it's all there. Let's just pray that Q will find some way to get the entire game, not a crippled, money-grubbing piecemeal version up on day one. *prays* Amen. Michael McWhertor

Most Awkward Mizuguchi Interview Ever

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 17:20:13 MST

This painfully awkward interview-slash-commercial for Q? Entertainment's Meteos cash-in for the Nintendo DS is as cringe-worthy as it is confusing. Look, I love you, Miz, but the once stellar name of Q? is desperately in need of something fresh. How about fewer ports and more original content? We're all out of Lumines goodwill at this point. Michael McWhertor

Lumines Live! Packs Hit Soon (And Cheap!)

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 18:20:15 MST

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]

Clips: Lumines II For Japan To Get Japanese Reggae Tune

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 08:22:27 MST

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]

Microsoft Getting the Message on Crap Lumines Live!

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 04:22:52 MDT

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]

Lumines Live! Achievements, Cue Puzzle Salivating

Michael McWhertor — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 12:24:19 MDT

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]

Lumines Creator Talks, Wears Pink Shirt

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 18:20:54 MDT

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]

Meteos Going Online

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 10:22:16 MDT

Tetsuya Mizuguchi's Q Entertainment is moving into the online realm. The good folks at Gizmodo Japan just kicked a press release our way, announcing Meteos Online and Angel Love Online. Previously appearing on the Nintendo DS, Meteos was described by Mizuguchi as a "mutli-tasking puzzle game." The online version will a six-player mode as well as extra content not featured on the DS version. Angel Love Online is a Taiwanese-produced MMORPG, and there are plans to do an online beta test in China. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Q Entertainment]

Miz's New Purdy Music

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 08:23:06 MDT

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]

Funky Shirt To Game & Dance In

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 04:22:35 MDT

To mark the sale of Tetsuya Mizuguchi's techno shooter Every Extend Extra, Japanese clothes retailer Beams is selling this shirt. Beams is known for its high quality, hipster duds and has done game shirts in the past for the Xbox 360 and even Rez! The US $45 tee was designed by in-house shirt maker Tsuyoshi Kusano, who also whipped up the game's logo. Trippy! Brian Ashcraft

Order Here [Beams] Thanks, Steven!

Go Deep Inside With Q Entertainment

Michael McWhertor — Sun, 30 Jul 2006 13:44:01 MDT

I'm pretty pissed at the rest of the Kotaku staff right now. The whole week went by with not a single link to the excellent in-depth feature 1UP's James Mielke published on the past, present, and future of Q Entertainment.

What? You don't know Q Entertainment?! They're the ones responsible for games like Lumines, Meteos, and Ninety-Nine Nights, founded by heterosexual man crush, Tetsuya Mizuguchi. What?! You don't know Tetsuya Mizuguchi?! He's the producer responsible for gaming mana like Rez, Space Channel 5 and Sega Rally. C'mon, guys. Pay attention!

1UP's article is a great primer on the company and their philosophy, which is to exploit the best aspects of the platform for which they are developing. A preview look at their remake of Gunpey for both the PSP and DS, each with different interfaces and visual styles is a perfect example. Taking puzzle hit Lumines to virtually every viable platform is an indicator that the company knows how to capitalize on a hit.

Don't miss Mielke's interview with Mizuguchi and Q CEO Shuji Utsumi for thinly veiled hints at reviving Rez, developing for the Wii, and so much more.

Northern Lights - A Week With Q Entertainment

Miz and Q Reveal More Portable Puzzle Ports

Michael McWhertor — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 17:23:37 MDT

Tetsuya Mizuguchi, producer of Lumines and Rez, will act as executive producer for the DS and PSP remakes of Gunpey. Originally released for Bandai's Wonderswan, we can expect Gunpey-R (the R is for Rebirth!) to hit some time in late 2006/early 2007. In the standard Miz fashion, the audio-visual presentation will be a major focus for the puzzle titles—both will feature the same gameplay, but noticeably different graphical styles and user interfaces.

Now that Q? Entertainment is freed of the soul crushing Microsoft shackles, having met their obligation to the company with the coolly received Ninety Nine Nights, it's time to focus on the stuff that made them famous. Hot puzzle X music action!

Check out the official site for screenshots, wallpaper, artist info and more. Michael McWhertor

Gunpey-R Official Site

Mizuguchi on Super Monkey Ball Creator's Insane Make-Over

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 08:22:48 MDT

The biggest mystery at E3, the thing that got everyone talking was not the Wii or the PS3. Rather, it was what the hell happened to Toshihiro Nagoshi's skin. Somewhere between bringing us classics like Super Monkey Ball and Ryu Ga Gotoku (Yakuza), the acclaimed designer got locked in a tanning booth. In the center of the Earth. For years.

Everyone's worried about Nagoshi getting skin cancer or worse yet, being mistaken for a leather coat at Takeshimiya. So what gives? We're all huge fans and dying to know! Game site SPOnG (gawd bless 'em) found out in an interview with Lumines luminary and Q Entertainment honcho Tetsuya Mizuguchi:

SPOnG: Who are you still in contact with at Sega?
Mizuguchi: Ah, Many people! Hisao Oguchi, the president of Sega, sometimes we have dinner or go out for lunch.

SPOnG: Are you friends with Toshihiro Nagoshi?

Mizuguchi: Yes, very good friends.

SPOnG: Have you noticed his image change?

[Whole room, Miz, other Q staffers, outsourced PR people, all laugh out loud]

Screw talking about Lumines 2, this is way more interesting! More ballsy interviewing after the jump.

SPOnG: We ask because the last time we met him was with you, at the VIP Sega evening. He was dressed normally, had kind of straggly hair, looked a bit hungover... We've seen him recently and he's really skinny and his skin colour is golden! The most incredible tan we've ever seen ever. Do you have any background on his image change?
Mizuguchi: I feel very, erm... negatively about this...

[Everyone now in hysterics]

SPOnG: Were you surprised?

Mizuguchi: Oh yeah! But, you know, he's a very good guy! But I told him, 'I think this is not good!". I think he knows. He made the Yakuza game, and he set his mind into the game.

SPOnG: So, he's dressed like he's Yakuza?

Mizuguchi: Yes, I think so.

Ah, so Nagoshi's like a "method actor" in the vein of Brando or DeNiro. Take back every snide remark, this man is creating art! Brian Ashcraft

Full Interview [SPOnG]

Lumines 2 & Every Extend Extra Puzzling Screens

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 04 May 2006 07:21:37 MDT

Tetsuya Mizuguchi's studio Q Entertainment sent us a couple screens from his upcoming titles Lumines II and Every Extend Extra. Lumines II is of course a sequel to Mizuguchi's hugely successful PlayStation Portable title, while Every Extend Extra is a action puzzle shooter also for the PSP. These have been floating around for a couple weeks, but are worth a look.

More Here [1Up]

Ninety-Nine Nights Composer Interviewed

lsmith — Tue, 31 Jan 2006 13:00:23 MST

Over at Just Gamers they got a chance to chat it up with Pinar Toprak, a composer dipping into video game music composition for the first time with Ninety-Nine Nights. When one considers the importance of music on other Mizuguchi titles, it's going to be interesting to hear how Toprak brings themes of warring factions together in Ninety-Nine Nights. Whenever NNN ends up coming out, that is. Patience is a virtue I lack.

Interview With Pinar Toprak [Just Gamers]

Ninety-Nine Nights Hits a Month After 360 in Japan

lsmith — Tue, 08 Nov 2005 11:40:13 MST

Tetsuya Mizuguchi's sprawling action game with tons of dudes on screen at a time sure doesn't have a release date in North America, but in Japan the game releases Jan. 12, just a month after the Xbox 360 launches in Japan. So, hurry up Q Entertainment, get Ninety-Nine Nights into North America and let some details slip on the MMO you are working on. K, thx.

Ninety-Nine Nights Dated in Japan [GameSpot]

Company Behind Lumines to Make MMOG

lsmith — Tue, 01 Nov 2005 08:40:02 MST

According to Next Generation, gamemaker Q Entertainment is planning on making an MMOG for Japan, South Korea and China. The developer, who is best known for puzzlers like Lumines and Meteos is currently working on Xbox 360 titles Ninety Nine Nights and Phantagram. No word on whether or not techno music will be the backdrop for the MMO.

Lumines Outfit Eyes MMOG [Next Generation]