<![CDATA[Kotaku: Wii Music]]> http://cache.kotaku.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/kotaku.com.png <![CDATA[Kotaku: Wii Music]]> http://kotaku.com/tag/wii music http://kotaku.com/tag/wii music <![CDATA[Let's Guess Mario Creator's New Game!]]> Shigeru Miyamoto has created a plethora of game characters and games. Many of his ideas come from his hobbies. He has expressed his desire in making an all-new character. That could mean an all new game. But what? More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5577141&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Mario Creator "Always" Has Regrets]]> You'd think that the guy who created Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda and Wii Music wouldn't have any regrets. Oh wait. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5536829&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[There May Be More Wii Music]]> It's easy to make fun of Wii Music, but remember, it still sold over two million units. Which probably explains why Nintendo are still talking publicly about the possibility of more of the things. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5406260&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[The Role of Music Games]]> I got kicked out of choir in middle school and ever since, I've limited my study of music to whatever Guitar Hero and Rock Band have bothered to teach me. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5377636&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Iwata: Remember, Miyamoto Is Not God]]> Nintendo president Satoru Iwata reminded attendees of the company's financial results briefing that it does not employ a powerful deity, as famed Nintendo game designer is not, in reality, a god walking the Earth. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5264577&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Wii Music As Teacher Shown in Action]]>
A Washington, D.C. school is one of the first in the nation to get Wii Music in their school. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5169355&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Iwata: Wii Music Didn't Reach Potential]]> Wii Music didn't become the breakout hit Nintendo was hoping for. It was a sales disappointment of sorts. Nintendo President Satoru Iwata thinks the software elicits one of two reactions. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5146918&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[The Death of Evil Obi Flies in the Face of Flush Video Game Industry]]> These are such things as dreams are made on, the colorful concepts of dying developers, the universes that will never be. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5133013&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Wii Music Coming to Classrooms]]> Nintendo is teaming with The National Association for Music Education to get the Wii and Wii Music into schools, the two announced today. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5130112&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Wii Music Pack Full Of Needless Sax And Violins]]> Wii Music challenges players to use their imagination to make their Wii remote and nunchuck into musical instruments. Accessory developer ezGear says screw imagination, here's some plastic instruments. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5100258&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Shigeru Miyamoto Didn't Think Wii Music Would Have Immediate Appeal]]> Wii Music hasn't set the world ablaze. Still, it is an "evergreen title" — to use the proper Nintendo lingo. That, and Shigeru Miyamoto developed it. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5100266&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Wii Music? Total Sales Bust]]> While it never exactly resonated with the more discerning end of the video game buying public, the average man on the street would still have put a fiver on Wii Music doing well in its first month of sale (the game was released in the US on October 20). After all, it's for the Wii, it's made by Nintendo and it's got "Wii" in the title. Not to mention the fact it was the beneficiary of a fairly hefty marketing push from Nintendo. So heads were no doubt being scratched at Nintendo HQ when the game wasn't among the top ten sellers for October. And scratched further when it wasn't among the top twenty. Instead, the game sold either a disappointing 81,000 units (according to NPD) or an even more disappointing 65-66,000 (according to Nintendo's "internal numbers"). Let's be charitable, and give them the 81,000. That means the game was outsold by Dead Space, Rock Band 2, SOCOM, the venerable Mario Kart and, yes, Kirby Super Star Ultra. I didn't see Kirby Super Star Ultra shilled on morning talk shows. Of course, Smile Machine Cammie Dunaway may have a point when she says, in the game's defence:
We're predicting that it's going to be an evergreen title. And if you look at titles like ‘Brain Age,' it's about the same as what ‘Brain Age' did during it's first few weeks and went on to sell 2.5 million copies. ‘Wii Fit' certainly had a larger launch than that. But I think that people are starting to understand ‘Wii Music.
Then again, if November passes and the game puts up similar numbers, she may not have a point, and all you angry Wii Music-hating children of the internet can spend the day basking in your own sense of smug self-satisfaction. ‘Wii Music' U.S. Launch Sales One Tenth Of ‘Wii Fit' Debut Mark, Nintendo Not Panicking [MTV] Wii Music sells under 81,000 in Oct [GameSpot] (Sorry, couldn't resist) More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5088081&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Wii Music Street Performers]]> Nintendo seems convinced that people just need to try Wii Music to be enchanted and buy the game. They're so convinced that it seems to have become a major part of their holiday push. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5086877&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Shigeru Miyamoto, Broken Record]]> Shigeru Miyamoto is a great game designer, we all know that. He's an incredibly insightful and intelligent man. Likewise, that we all know. Yet, lately his interview responses sound, we dunno, canned? Take these recent responses regarding Wii Music: More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5086702&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[RUN DMC Beatboxes Along With Wii Music]]> Cheerleaders might think it's "bullshit". Bands might think it's not the best. It might put dogs to sleep... figuratively. But Run. Run LOOOOOOVES the beatboxing, drum tapping, piano tripping tunes coming out the Wii thanks to Wii Music. Oh Run. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5077634&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Miyamoto On How His Way of Working Has Changed]]> Brain Training is really Studying: The Game. Wii Fit is Standing Straight: The Game. Wii Music is Noodling: The Game. There's nothing wrong with that approach. Those games are popular, and they've made Nintendo gobs of money. Nintendo didn't always make those kind of games. Shigeru Miyamoto explains his change in approach: More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5069081&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[The Final Nintendo Holiday Van Test: The Dog]]>
We successfully tested Wii Music against a cheerleader and real musicians, but it was the last test that took the cake. As it turns out, Nintendo wasn't ecstatic on the dog playing the Wii idea, but neither was the dog. We were however able to convince them to let us bring the dog in the trailer to see if he would react to the barking in Wii Music. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5068363&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA["We Wanted Wii Music's Music To Appeal To Very Broad Audience"]]> While Wii Music has been getting a tepid reception, at least Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto is excited. Really, really, really excited. So excited that even after working on the game all those months, he's still rushing home to play it. When he's not playing it, he's thinking about it — a sign, Miyamoto says, that he's created a fun game. Good signs! And to those who are sadden that their favorite Nintendo songs haven't made it onto the game, Miyamoto explains: More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5068127&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Wii Music Hits High Note On Japanese Sales Charts]]> Wii Music, as you may already know, topped Japanese sales charts in its debut week. While the Media Create numbers skew a bit lower than what Famitsu had to say, Wii Music won the sales chart crown handily, pushing Pokémon Platinum back to the number two spot. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5067848&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[How'd Wii Music Do In Japan?]]> Wii Music was the subject of a substantial marketing campaign that hit while we were in Japan for Tokyo Game Show. Rare was the train ride or subway station that didn't have some kind of Wii Music presence. That advertising — and Wii Fever, no doubt — translated to some pretty healthy first-week sales of the title in Japan. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5067358&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Wii Music Review: Jam With The Bland]]> Wii Music made its infamous debut at E3 2008 with a sloppy, confusing rendition of the Super Mario Bros. over world theme and an on-stage Wii Balance Board thrashing from DJ Ravi Drums. It was a frightening cocktail of hardcore and casual appeal that left many scratching their heads. But it may not be as dire as its first impression let on. With Wii Music, Nintendo is targeting the music lover who may find established gaming conventions either too difficult or too lacking in improvisation, giving Wii owners an opportunity to play as they wish, to make their own experiences with music, however unstructured they may choose it to be. Now that we've played Wii Music for a serious length of time, has it started to make any sense? Read on to see what we loved and hated about our Wii Music jam sessions. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5066687&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[The Nintendo Holiday Van, Wii Music, and Cheerleaders]]> Wii Music is an interesting breed. Not only does it allow a player to collaborate musically with their friends, but oddly enough it includes a cheerleader and a dog in its instrument database. So what happens when you bring musically inclined individuals, a cheerleader, and a dog to try out their respective avatars in the game? That's what we wanted to find out. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5066392&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Miyamoto's Credit Crisis Purchasing Advice]]> Times are tough! And when times are tough, standard theory on the essentials in life maintains that we need three things to survive. Food, clothing, and shelter. We get those three, we're doing OK. But Nintendo never got anywhere adhering to standard theories! Which is why it shouldn't surprise you too much to see/hear Shigeru Miyamoto saying that, after eating, he believes the most important thing in life is the "enrichment of our souls". Somehow, we doubt he's talking about art and the opera. So remember, kids, when the credit crunch hits your household, forget the mortgage/rent and new shoes; get yourself Wii Music instead! More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5066230&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Wii Music: What Does Cee-Lo Really Think?]]> What does Goodie Mob and Gnarls Barkley member Cee-Lo think of Wii Music? His unofficial review — courtesy of smart Nintendo marketing — rates the beat boxing as "cute" and the whole thing "the idea, the concept, it's all great." It'll definitely put smiles on faces in the Nintendo fashion. Our review is just around the corner, should you be teetering on the fence. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5066246&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Nintendo Celebrates Women's Power, Cooking Skills]]> Nintendo loves the ladies, and they'll be proving it tomorrow and Wednesday with their strong presnece at the 5th Annual Women's Conference in Southern California. Hosted by California's first lady Maria Shriver, the Women's Conference celebrates the power of women to make a difference in their communities. Let's see what Nintendo has going on at the conference: More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5065980&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[What Are You Playing This Weekend?]]> Yeah, that's right. I'm playing Wii Music. Nearly snapped these puny wrists off last night, wailing away on the Dog Suit to the tune of "Grandfather's Clock." A rollicking good time that you'll hear more about next week when the review hits. Also on deck is Midnight Club Los Angeles, which... you'll hear more about next week when the review hits. There might be a little Peggle Nights thrown in there, just for giggles. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5065155&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[More (Licensed) Tracks Ravi Can Drum Like A Madman To...]]> Here are more Wii Music tunes that Ravi can drum to — licensed tunes. The tunes that we previously posted were either public property or straight up Nitnendo tunes. The music noodling game has been released in Japan and will out in North America next week. PAL countries will have to wait until November. While Nintendo hasn't announced the full track list, hit the jump for a list of 14 licensed songs that are in Wii Music. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5064882&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[New Wii Music Screens]]> Nintendo's musical concoction will be heading to a Wii near you October 20th. In the mean time we got a few new screens featuring some of the musical instruments you can play as well as the drum tutorial, and the music quiz. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5064796&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Wii Music Is Kinda Like Rock Band...]]>
...but without the fake plastic instruments. This ad shows young hipster gathering around with their friends to play a round of "air taiko". And how doesn't love air taiko? The game is out today in Japan, and it should be interesting in seeing how it does. The game will be out in North America next week. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5064268&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Ravi Will Be Drumming Like A Madman To The Following Tracks...]]> Believe it or not, Wii Music is nearly upon us. Those still interested in picking the game up - or at least tolerating its existence - will probably want to know what kind of music it'll be shipping with. While the full tracklist is yet to be announced, the game's Japanese site has listed six songs. They are, in no particular order: More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5063529&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA["It Would Be Great If Music Education Started With Wii Music"]]> Mixed E3 impressions or not, Wii Music is coming out this October. And boy oh boy are Nintendo president Satoru Iwata and resident genius Shigeru Miyamoto excited. Thrilled, actually. In a "Creator's Voice" conversation posted on the game's official site, Miyamoto says, "I haven't really felt the happiness from making other games that I've had felt making Wii Music... I wasn't this excited while making Super Mario Bros." More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5054583&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Wii Music Blares Across America On Oct. 20]]> Nintendo is hoping that "blue ocean" lightning strikes thrice with the October 20th release of Wii Music in North America, the rhythm game that, according to the company, "builds on that inclusive legacy" of Wii Sports and Wii Fit and translates into runaway sales. With more than 60 instruments, including guitar, drums, dog and cheerleader, and over 50 songs, Wii Music aims to bring music performance to the not-good-at-Guitar Hero masses. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5052018&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Wii Music Lets You Play "The Cheerleader"]]> You know, I actually used to be a pretty good cheerleader player back in high school. Thought about forming my own band, dropping out, taking it "on the road," but couldn't hit those high "Pretty!" notes consistently. Eventually I just lost interest in cheerleader playing, because all the chicks go for the tuba player in the end, and because every composition sounded like the soundtrack of insanity. Thank God for Wii Music, which captures that dissonance perfectly. I really can't wait to play the Super Mario Bros. theme in the key of "shrill pep." More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5050315&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Wii Music Gets More Cowbell]]> We had our doubts about Wii Music after the "dog incident," but we're skeptics no longer. Nintendo, you had us at "dink dink dink dink dink dink DOONG! dink dink dink dink dink dink DOONG! dink dink dink dink dink dink DOONG!" See you there on day one. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5049346&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[R.I.P. Wii Music: 2008-2008]]> After the first, we imagined there would be more Wii Music ads. Many more. And so it has come to pass. Here's the 13th commercial. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5047062&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Get Out Your Air Guitar, New Wii Music Screens]]> Like Ashcraft said, "And so, it begins" We got some new Wii Music screenshots to fuel your harmonic needs. Soon you will be able to rock out with your Mii and your friends looking, well, ridiculous. To be honest, I am so torn on this. I want to love this game because with the right combination of friends - including Owen drunk -  Wii Music could be a lot of fun. It just feels like there is something missing - other than the fake plastic instrument. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5044426&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Wii Music Japanese Ad Onslaught START]]>
And so, it beings. Here is the first Wii Music TV spot for Japan. Ladies and gents, we present the marimba. We imagine that there will be more, many more. It won't stop, you know. Never. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5043291&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Wii Music Japanese Release Date Confirmed]]> That Wii Music release date rumor we posted were correct! The game has been dated for Japan, and it will be released on October 16th and priced at ¥5080 (US$47). The game features something like over 50 songs and over 60 musical instruments. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5029030&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Harmonix: Air Drums Totally Suck]]> Nintendo seem to think that air drumming is a good idea. After all, it was the highlight of their Wii Music presentation last week. Harmonix, though, Harmonix beg to differ. And we like to think Harmonix know a thing or two about music games. Company boss Alex Rigopulos: More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5028934&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Rumor: Wii Music Dated for Japan, Different Colored Straps In-Coming]]> Not confirmed, but Nintendo-centric Japanese blog Rambing Man has a street date for Wii Music: The game will apparently be released on October 16th for ¥5,800 (US$54) as part of the Touch Generation Series and will have Wi-Fi. Other details floating include a Japanese release date for Captain Rainbow (August 28th for ¥6,800 or $63) and Valkyrie Profile DS (October 2nd for ¥5040 or $47). Oh, new Wii-mote straps, too. Make that new, colored Wii-mote straps. Priced at ¥300 a piece, they'll come in white, pink, blue and green. All four will be available for ¥1,000. Those will be out this September, says Rambling Man. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5028537&view=rss&microfeed=true