Developed by Cyclone Zero and published by Arc System Works, O-D Beat Drop is your standard block-dropping puzzle game with a rhythmic twist. Players drop their pieces to the beat of music, clearing the board with combos for big points. More than 100 stages of single player gameplay and four different difficulty levels should keep the solo gamer occupied, while cooperative and versus online play for up to four players should ensure you never play alone.

The niftiest feature of the game, however, is the ability to import your own music. The game will analyze your tunes and let you play along to a beat you might be more comfortable with. Once again it is time for my Infected Mushroom collection to thrive!

O-D Beat Drop will be available on Wednesday for 800 Microsoft points.

This week on Arcade: 0D Beat Drop [Major Nelson]

It's DJ Hero day at North Carolina's Lowe's Motor Speedway this weekend, as Target and Activision bring together DJ Hero and NASCAR fans for a day full of scratching and racing, which sounds like any other NASCAR event, now that I think about it. This time around the scratching will be done on DJ Hero controllers located at The Fan Midway across the street from the track, where kiosks will be running DJ Hero all day long.

Along with wrapping his car in video game advertisements, Truex Jr. will also be appearing at The Fan Midway between 3:30 and 4:00pm to try his hand at the DJ rhythm game, no doubt some sort of contractual obligation of sorts that should result in an awkward 30 minutes of entertainment, at the very least.

"Playing videogames has always been a favorite activity of mine, and I can't wait to get my hands on DJ Hero," said Martin Truex, Jr. "We've had some great partners on our Chevy this year, including two of Activision's biggest hits, Guitar Hero Smash Hits and Guitar Hero 5. They were both awesome, but I've really been waiting on DJ Hero to hit the shelves. I know NASCAR fans are going to love both the game and our car. Target and Activision have really helped to give my Chevrolet an awesome new look that is sure to turn some heads!"

For those of you scratching your heads, trying to figure out some connection between NASCAR and DJ Hero to help make the announcement go down a little smoother, realize that both go round and round and make noise. You're welcome.

Yes, I realized I used that reference already in today's Talk Amongst Yourselves, but this story actually has Kanye in it, or at least a song featuring him. The Scratch DJ folks have been pretty tight-lipped about the music lineup for their game, revealing only four tracks so far, but things are loosening up it seems, and they've seen fit to gift us with eight more. Kanye butts into the middle of N.A.S.A.'s "Gifted", along with Santo Gold and Lykke Li, but leaves music from Murs, Kid Koala, Whodini, and Salt n Pepa alone.

Check out the full list of the 12 announced tunes below. It's filled with catchy beats, but again, only 12 of them. Either they are very good at teasing, or they need to work on music procurement.

New licensed tracks include:

* Gifted - N.A.S.A. Feat Kanye West, Santo Gold, Lykke Li
* Looking Fly - Murs
* Skanky Panky - Kid Koala
* Iced Lightning - RJD2
* They Reminisce Over You - Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth
* Friends - Whodini
* Push It - Salt n Pepa
* Life in a Cage - The Knux

Previously announced artists and licensed tracks:

Peter Piper – Run DMC
Feel Good Inc. – Gorillaz
Hot in Herre – Nelly
Mastermind – Deltron 3030

Retro/Grade takes conventional shooter mechanics and reverses them. You pilot your ship around the screen, avoiding enemy fire while making sure your ship is in the right place to catch the lasers you shot out in the first place. It's a brilliant mechanic that essentially transforms a side-scrolling shooter into a rhythm game. If that weren't confusing enough, the game also features power-ups that re-reverse the flow of time, which makes this writer extremely dizzy just thinking about it.

As you can see in the video below, the whole thing clips along at a nice pace, with music by acclaimed electronica artist Nautilis. As an added bonus, you can even play with a guitar controller if you're ready to rock out with your rocket out.

It's an amazing concept. Looking forward or possibly backwards to seeing how it does on the PlayStation Network.

The downloadable song grand total for Rock Band Unplugged rises from ten to fourteen today, with the introduction of four new songs for the single-player PlayStation Portable version of Harmonix's band game. Avenged Sevenfold's "Afterlife" , Dream Theater's "Constant Motion", Stone Temple Pilots' "Sex Type Thing", and Mötley Crüe's "Dr. Feelgood", who as we are all aware is the one who can make you feel alright.

Each of the four new tracks is available right now via Rock Band Unplugged's built-in Music Store for $1.99 apiece, the same as it ever was, only a little smaller and split up into bits.

More than 25 new artists means that we'll find at least 26 songs we've never played before included on the disc for Guitar Hero 5, which will feature master tracks from 85 of the "hottest bands of today and the biggest classic acts". Such distinctions are of course open to opinion, but Activision lists Kings of Leon, The Rolling Stones, The White Stripes, Santana, Vampire Weekend, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, and Bob Dylan. All of those, plus you'll be able to import all of your Guitar Hero World Tour tracks, because if you couldn't there would be a riot.

Most of those names we already heard in Crecente's story on Friday, which also discussed the ability to play any combination of instruments, the drop-in play, and the new Rockfest multiplayer mode.

Other new features include a new Guitar Hero Music Studio revamped for accessibility; Band Moments, in which groups are rewarded for performing special note groups together; and song challenges, which task players to perform songs in certain ways.

As for the new art style, I can't say much for it with only two screenshots to go by. Judging from the screen at the top of this post, however, I'd say it's certainly a nice deviation from what we've already seen.

The DSi, which has been on sale in Japan since November 2008, has only been available in black and white. The DSi features two 0.3 megapixel cameras, larger screens, a new SD card slot and better speakers. It does not have a Game Boy Advance cartridge slot like the DS or DS Lite.

"Ever since the arrival of the first Game Boy, consumers worldwide have turned to Nintendo for their portable gaming," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Nintendo DSi builds on Nintendo's commitment to bringing fun and creative entertainment to everyone, and will allow consumers to personalize and share their very own experiences."

The Nintendo DSiWare application will able be available in the U.S. and offers software that can be downloaded using Nintendo DSi Points directly to the portable system much like the Nintendo Wii's WiiWare. DSiWare software starts at 200 points.

Along with the DSi, Nintendo is also releasing popular DS rhythm game Rhythm Heaven on April 5. The game has sold over 1.6 million copies since going on sale in Japan last July.

Just when I thought the music genre couldn't get any stranger, this news hits. The group is looking to turn Lloyd-Webber's body of work into a series of video games, spread across multiple platforms over the years to come, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. The first titles are expected to allow players to sing-along to music from musicals such as Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, and Jesus Christ Superstar, possibly in the format of an audition.

So why now? Why are they going to make us sing showtunes with our loved ones now? Really Useful Group's Douglas Glen explains:

“With the video gaming audience having moved from its male-dominated roots towards a more family-oriented demographic, now is the perfect time for us to take some of the best-known names in musical entertainment in a more interactive direction.”

Is there ever a perfect time for this? I mean, I love singing along to showtunes as much as the guy, but in a video game setting?

Lloyd-Webber Tries Gaming; Singalong With Evita, Phantom [paidcontent.org]

Turns out that in between two meaty chunks of Unreal 3 engine powered football there will be a sliver of tasty Drumline relish. Frankly, I have no idea where I am going with this food based metaphor. Maybe there will be a side of gameplay and plenty of graphical.. cutlery? I'll stop now.

Anyway, the big news is that you will be able to join your team's drumline using the Rock Band drum controller. We have no idea if the controller will stand up to the pounding it will surely be taking, but it is a cool idea and a nice way to add value and - dare we say it - synergy between two quite different titles.

Drumline meets Rock Band, 360 in Black College Football game [Ars Technica]

Announced today, Rockfree is a browser-based game that will allow players to create their own rock avatar, open their own rock club, and engage in rock battles with up to 7 other players on any stage. Aside from three licensed songs being shown off in the sneak preview being held tomorrow - "Iron Man", "Fat Lip", and "Woman" - more than 40 new songs are slated to be produced for the game, with players having the ability to upload their own music as well.

“Acclaim Games is excited about offering an online rock game that connects people through music and a multiplayer experience. People don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars to play ROCKFREE, and because it’s free-to-play the entire world can now enjoy a music based game.” says Howard Marks CEO of Acclaim Games.

Details are scant, but won't be fore long. Closed beta kicks off tomorrow with the public preview event at http://www.rockfree.com/. Hit the jump for some images and the full release.

Acclaim Games Announces “ROCKFREE” A multiplayer online music based game

Acclaim plans Closed Beta for November 29th with an official release in first quarter 2009

Los Angeles, CA (November 28, 2008) – People around the world are playing music games like Rockband and Guitar Hero, but the price for these music based games can be expensive. Acclaim Games has the answer, “ROCKFREE”. Acclaim Games is proud to announce a free, browser-based, multiplayer, PC rock game that connects people through music and socialization.

A sneak-peak of ROCKFREE will be available to the public Saturday, November 29th at www.rockfree.com. In the game players will be able to create custom rocker avatars, open a rock club and battle against other people around the world. In the end it’s all about who rocks, who sucks and more importantly, who gets the coveted title of ROCKER GOD. This early sneak-peak will provide a taste of the music line-up to come, providing three licensed tracks; Iron Man, Fat Lip and Woman. Additionally there are more than 40 new songs being produced for this game.

Acclaim Games and WaveGroup, Warner Music, Sony and EMI have teamed up to do the music for ROCKFREE. WaveGroup, spearheaded by Will Littlejohn who is credited on Guitar Hero, Guitar Hero II and III, Karaoke Revolution Volumes 1, 2 and 3, and Blade Runner, is a integral part in the production of ROCKFREE’S music.

“Acclaim Games is excited about offering an online rock game that connects people through music and a multiplayer experience. People don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars to play ROCKFREE, and because it’s free-to-play the entire world can now enjoy a music based game.” says Howard Marks CEO of Acclaim Games.

“We’ve had a simple vision for this game… Just imagine Rocking out to really GREAT music online, for FREE, on a game that you can play anywhere, anytime, where you don’t need to buy CD’s or install anything, where the music is directed by the company the Guitar Hero team went to, where we DON’T charge for extra songs, that will quickly have over 1,000 amazing songs, as users upload new tracks, that can allow EIGHT people to compete on any stage, and that’s just about hanging out with friends and having fun. That’s our long term goal here, and here’s a sneak peek to see if were on the right track so far.” says David Perry, Chief Creative Officer.

This is your chance to be heard and have a huge impact on how the game evolves! Come and join the fun and ROCKFREE! Just follow this link: http://www.rockfree.com

Whichever of the selections is deemed unworthy of blockbuster status, one thing is perfectly clear: the demographic for this Wii and PS2 game does not include me. Should sell like hotcakes to preteen girls and their creepy admirers though.

XS GAMES TURNS UP THE VOLUME ANNOUNCING FOUR NEW BLOCKBUSTER TRACKS FOR POPSTAR GUITAR™

Master Tracks From Rihanna, The Jonas Brothers and Maroon 5 to be Featured in New Music Rhythm Game for the Wii™ and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system

NEW YORK, NY - September 10, 2008 - Videogame publisher XS Games announced today that hit songs from 2008 MTV Video Music Award nominees and performers Rihanna and The Jonas Brothers, will be featured as master tracks in PopStar Guitar, a new music rhythm game for the Wii™ and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Players will be able to unlock their inner pop star as they perform live versions of these chart-topping hits by popular artists.

Pop Star Guitar # 1 Hits include:
· Shut Up and Drive by Rihanna
· SOS by The Jonas Brothers
· See You Again by Miley Cyrus
· Wake Up Call by Maroon 5
· Makes Me Wonder by Maroon 5

"To deliver an authentic pop music experience in PopStar Guitar, we knew we had to include original music from today's hottest artists," said Steve Grossman, chief executive officer of XS Games. "PopStar Guitar's music coupled with the innovative AirG peripheral for the Wii, will enable players to jam like a real star."

In PopStar Guitar, players assume the role of a lead guitarist on a musical journey, beginning in a garage band and eventually progressing to the main stage of a worldwide "Battle of the Bands" competition. The game features twelve playable characters, 25 visually stunning venues and more than 50 pop songs, including many # 1 Hits from the original artists. Players can customize their band and give them a unique look, as well as win a number of VIP vehicles, so their band can travel like real pop stars! With three difficulty levels, PopStar Guitar will feature a single player Career Mode along with single player and multi-player mini-games.

Developed by Broadsword Interactive, PopStar Guitar will be available for the Wii™ and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The Wii™ version of PopStar Guitar will feature the AirG™, an exciting new peripheral that snaps onto the Wii Remote™ and transforms the controller into an air guitar. For PlayStation®2 system players, PopStar Guitar will function with any 5 button PlayStation®2 system compatible guitar.

Available November 2008, PopStar Guitar is rated "Teen" by the ESRB.

In a setup similar to Guitar Hero's venue progression, the squirrel-like annoyances will screech their way from high school gyms to Burning Man. Despite our once unabashed love for both the former show and movie, we're now older, wiser and way more knowledgeable about studio enhancement. You lied to us, Alvin. And we'll never forgive you for it.

Brash To Publish Alvin And The Chipmunks Rhythm Game [gamasutra]

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! Michael Fahey

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!

Rockstar has just announced Beaterator coming this summer to a PlayStation Portable near you, as well as a partnership with music producer Timbaland provide original music and a built-in sound kit for the game.

"I've always been a huge fan of Rockstar and love playing their games," said Timbaland. "I'm thrilled to be partnering with them and making music for Beaterator. I cannot wait to get this in the hands of our fans!"

If you ask me, this is exactly the type of app the PSP needs. Not just a rehash of a title already made twenty times on a console. Now if only I had a sense of rhythm. Michael Fahey

Rockstar Games teams up with Timbaland to present Beaterator for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system

New York, NY - March 14, 2007 - Rockstar Games, the world-renowned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is pleased to announce that it has teamed up with super-producer Timbaland to present Beaterator for the PSP system. Developed by Rockstar Leeds, Beaterator will be available this summer.

"Music has always been a hugely important part of everything we do here," said Sam Houser, Founder and Executive Producer of Rockstar Games. "Two years ago, we launched a web-based version of Beaterator on our own website and people really embraced it. That inspired us to build and create something very interactive and unique. Having Timbaland involved in the game is a real honor and only adds to our excitement about the title."

"I've always been a huge fan of Rockstar and love playing their games," said Timbaland. "I'm thrilled to be partnering with them and making music for Beaterator. I cannot wait to get this in the hands of our fans!"

Beaterator for the PSP system is both a powerful music mixer with robust beatmaking features, as well as a highly addictive collection of original music and rhythm games and challenge modes - all available in the palm of your hand.

For more information on Beaterator please visit www.rockstargames.com/beaterator

For more information on Timbaland please visit http://www.mosleymusicgroup.net/