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Mojib Ribbon Game Promises Musical Spam

Thanks to an anonymous reader for pointing to a Gamers.com report discussing the bizarre Japanese PlayStation 2 game, Mojib Ribbon, from the creators of Parappa The Rapper and this title's cult prequel, Vib Ribbon. The article says, "Like its predecessor, [Mojib Ribbon] ..is a simple rhythm game, but ..the game takes any text file and converts it into a Parappa-style rap, which players must then follow through stick inputs." Furthermore, the game uses the network adaptor and "..lets players send game data back and forth between each other. Players could e-mail especially inspiring raps to each other, or simply use their morning spam to generate a new game challenge." There's more info available via a preview at The GIA and pictures from this year's GDC.

139 comments

  1. Rap isn't music. by The1stMentor · · Score: 0, Insightful

    Ha! Rap isn't music! ..................

    --
    My Signature
  2. Great, just what I needed by Ankle · · Score: 4, Funny

    Someone rapping would I like to enlarge my penis or get bigger breasts or would I like a new credit card with a 'low' apr...

  3. What if... by crazysim · · Score: 4, Funny

    I put a text file containing the DMCA in it? Would a updated version of "Don't copy that floppy" play?

    1. Re:What if... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      insightful? maybe flaimbait in a half-retarded sort of way, but insightful? who mods these things?!

    2. Re:What if... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "insightful? maybe flaimbait in a half-retarded sort of way, but insightful? who mods these things?! "

      Why is this story full of people asking stupud questions about the moderation? Don't you know how moderatation works? you might as well say "Why is Bush president? He's an fucking idiot? Who voted him up as trustworthy?". The answer is in the question.

    3. Re:What if... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I see your point. An intelligent person would never use "an" before a noun that doesn't start with a vowel...

    4. Re:What if... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "An intelligent person would never use "an" before a noun that doesn't start with a vowel"

      Fair point. I decided just calling him "an idiot" wasn't really going to get the point across! I really, really can't believe he was voted in. Just after the election, I saw, on the net, a fake Time front page which was just all black, a picture of Bush's head and the large headlines "We're fucked". It doesn't seem quite so funny now.

  4. What about program text files? :) by gabec · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I wonder what kind of rap it would come up with if I were to pipe in my latest PERL/Python/Java/C++ program. ;) I'll bet it could do COBOL pretty well, as the creation of COBOL was to make easily readable code...

    1. Re:What about program text files? :) by CrackHappy · · Score: 2, Funny

      COBOL - easily readable code?

      I'm laughing. I'm pissing my pants. I'm dancing up and down like a monkey on crack with a "I LOVE COBOL" hat on.

      --
      1f u c4n r34d th1s u r34lly n33d t0 g37 l41d Capitalization really works: i helped my uncle jack off a horse
    2. Re:What about program text files? :) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well, when COBOL was created it was pretty much ones and zeros, so I suppose COBOL would be easier to read than anything else available.

    3. Re:What about program text files? :) by Eythian · · Score: 3, Funny
      I'll bet it could do COBOL pretty well
      COBOL+rap=Crap?
    4. Re:What about program text files? :) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Actually COBOL or COmmon Business Oriented Language was developed to be readable, that is to your average joe. With statements like

      ADD 1 TO INPUT GIVING RESULT

      they are slightly easier to understand then say

      result = input + 1;
      result += input; (i believe thats shorthand C++ code.. correct me if i'm wrong.)

      And i'm not even going to touch on LISP(LISt Processing) or FORTRAN(FORmula TRANslator) Neither of theses two were easily readable as COBOL and concidering that COBOL was created for business applications, formulas and lists didn't really work out to well.

      But where COBOL can really shine is in fileprocessing and in printed output. Somethings that to this day are more difficult to do in VB then in COBOL.

      Remember the target audience of COBOL, business people with some bit of computer savvy, not your average hard core perl coder of today.

    5. Re:What about program text files? :) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      COBOL+rap=Crap?

      If it's not Scottish, it's CLLLLAP!

  5. No wonder Japan is going to the dogs... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Jesus, what are they smoking over there.

  6. ribbon campaign by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Join the Mojib Ribbon campaign for Musical Spam!

  7. Damn. by Valar · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    You know those ideas you have, and don't bother recording anywhere, but then someone else goes and makes money off of it? ... I wanted to do something like this using libsdl. Ergad. Oh well, maybe I'll start actually doing something about my ideas one of these days...

  8. I wonder... by Pig+Hogger · · Score: 3, Funny
    I wonder what it would yield when fed with viking sagas...

    (Remember the reason why spam is called "spam")...

    1. Re:I wonder... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      > Would a pr0n spam message make a rap that sounds like most pr0n music?

      No.

    2. Re:I wonder... by kchoboter · · Score: 2, Informative

      The Reason

      But I don't get what your trying to say...

      --
      4B4556494E
    3. Re:I wonder... by Salsaman · · Score: 1

      Imagine a Beo...sorry.

    4. Re:I wonder... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      ModMeDown, but why is this insightful?

    5. Re:I wonder... by The+Notorious+ASP · · Score: 1

      I don't have a can of SPAM in front of me (sadly enough), but it was always my understanding that it wasn't "Spam" = Spiced Ham, it was "SPAM" = Specially Processed Alternative Meat... Who knows, maybe this is something I just made up in my warped childhood. Anyone know?

  9. so that means by lingqi · · Score: 3, Insightful

    if i can rap DeCSS code to neo-trance tunes, it will be a form of expression and protected under the first admendment?

    --

    My life in the land of the rising sun.

    1. Re:so that means by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No.

    2. Re:so that means by bsdfish · · Score: 1

      Well, you'd think that what you're suggesting is a novel idea, but consider this A guy already did that. Apparently, the song was removed from mp3.com though, as they wanted to avoid any legal issues.

  10. Personally... by darkitecture · · Score: 5, Funny


    Personally, I think that this simply goes to show that "no one ever went broke underestimating the taste of the Japanese public".

    1. Re:Personally... by GargoyleTS · · Score: 3, Funny

      Oh please! Are we forgetting the teen-craze Dance-Dance Revolution? No public has taste...except when cooked at 350 degrees for 8 minutes per pound and garnished with relish ;)

    2. Re:Personally... by crow976 · · Score: 1

      don't tell me about it heh, have you guys seen the trailer to "Shaolin Soccer"? ...and it says on imdb that is was a box office hit in Asia hehehe.. It even looks more stupid than Kung Pow heheh..

    3. Re:Personally... by Roxton · · Score: 1

      Yeah, a friend of mine figured she'd rent a movie she'd already seen so we could play cards during the movie. Not too bright since the damned thing was subtitled.

      It's the worst movie I've ever seen! You should watch it, if only to say that you've seen a movie worse than Manos: Hands of Fate. It has to be some over-my-head Chinese culture parody for it to have been a box office hit.

      I'm told they're going to dub it and release it in the US.

    4. Re:Personally... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I for one remain baffled why anyone would consider "copying the computer" as an entertaining experience. Simon says left, Simon says right, Simon says circle square. Where's the entertainment? "Look, Mom, I repeated everything the computer said to do, in exact time!" All I can figure is the robotic Japanese school system is responsible for this.

    5. Re:Personally... by mink · · Score: 1

      Vib Ribbon is not Parappa and I suspect this game is not like either of the others, gameplay wise.
      In Vib Ribbon you had to map button presses to shapes you were walking over, sometimes needing to hit several at a time, and keep up with the music.
      Parappa was mostly a memory/timing game and IMO simpler.
      The robotic Japanese school sytem is responsable for Cuty Honey, Dual: Parrallel Trouble Adventure, His and Her Circumstance, and Sakura wars.

      --
      Well I've wrestled with reality for thirty five years doctor, and I'm happy to say I finally won out over it.
  11. I wonder... by kisielk · · Score: 0, Redundant

    what "extend your penis size by up to 3 inches!" sounds like as music.

  12. Huh? by duffhuff · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Shouldn't this be the RIAAs job? They do a pretty good job right now, and they only look to get better in the future!

  13. Will not work by czion3 · · Score: 3, Interesting

    This is a fairly cool feature for a video game. The problem is that it requires people to own extra hardware. A tool called the Dex Drive had a similar idea but it never caught on therefor the community never grew. For this game to work there has to be a universal site where people could share raps like rapsharer.com or something and learn from the mistakes of the Dex Drive.

    1. Re:Will not work by HomeGroove · · Score: 1

      Do you mean the network adapter? Well, sure that's extra hardware, but lots of people own it. Some games even require you to have it (see Everquest Online Adventures). And true, according to the article it will also make use of the Hard Drive. I think hard drive sales will be pretty brisk with the release of FFXI over in Japan. I know I'll be getting one when it comes over here.

      --

      ----
      Spam subject of the moment: Offshore account secrets -nashville disrupt

    2. Re:Will not work by Z0mb1eman · · Score: 1

      True, games that require extra hardware never ever get popular. Like the Playstation DDR that requires the extra mats, or that weird Rez vibrator game. Nope, games like that never make it big... especially not in Japan...

      --
      ClutterMe.com - easiest site creation on the Net. Just click and type.
    3. Re:Will not work by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Dude the Dex Drive sold a well to computer owning PSX owners. the point of the DD was to be able to move data from your save cards to the pc and archive or exchange save data.

  14. Is there a way to modify this game... by Nova+Express · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...to use the ASCII-animated Star Wars as an input source? That way you could combine two inexplicable Japanese obsessions into a single tarball of inscrutable geekiness! Now if there was only a way to add tentacle porn to the results...

    --
    Lawrence Person (lawrencepersonh@gmailh.com (remove all "h"s to mail)

    http://www.lawrenceperson.com/

    1. Re:Is there a way to modify this game... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Would you idiots give it a rest already? The only people obsessed with tentacle porn are the immature adolescents right here on /..

    2. Re:Is there a way to modify this game... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I have to second this. With the fixation on tentacle schoogirl rape anime you would think /. is populated by nothing but pedophiles. All you have to do is not buy/import/download the stuff mentioned above. But then the average ./er would have nothing left to jerk off to besides pictures of the goatse.cx dude and the tubgirl.

  15. Will this ever see the U.S.? by mcc · · Score: 2, Interesting

    This game looks absolutely awesome.

    Now, here's the problem: Will we ever actually see this game in the U.S.? Or, like its brilliant predecessor Vib Ribbon (i still want to find a copy of this, somehow, i've just no idea where to look), will this game never be released to us?

    I guess there's really no way of knowing right now.

    1. Re:Will this ever see the U.S.? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'm sure it will be availible all over the Net for download.

    2. Re:Will this ever see the U.S.? by aspjunkie · · Score: 1

      You can usually get imports from places like Video Game Depot and the like. I know they import lots of japanese games into the US, not sure about those sticks though.

      *I"m not affiliated with VGD in any way, I just read about them on Penny Arcade..

    3. Re:Will this ever see the U.S.? by Tsuzuki · · Score: 1

      Europe/Australia got the first one, subtitled in five languages. It's an amazing game but I have no idea how difficult it might be to mod a US console to play PAL games. (I know it can be done for the PSone.)

      Mojib-Ribbon is interesting because it's actually tied to the writing of text, making for some interesting problems in translation. Other sites have actually shown screenshots of early Mojib demos but I think everyone forgot about them. :P

      I hope we get this sequel in English. The first one was an extra-fun buy because it was the same price as an average music CD (A$30) as opposed to the A$80-$110 we'd pay for a new release. Try eBay or an Australian/European online games shop.

    4. Re:Will this ever see the U.S.? by nekura · · Score: 1
      Europe/Australia got the first one, subtitled in five languages. It's an amazing game but I have no idea how difficult it might be to mod a US console to play PAL games. (I know it can be done for the PSone.)
      The problem with this is that PAL games are usually in 50Hz, and that produces a nasty vertical scroll for us with 60Hz TVs. Although patches are usually released to resolve this issue, it throws off alignment on the Y-Axis, something that is difficult to correct and can't be done via a generic patcher.
      --

      "Programming is like sex - one mistake and you'll have to support it for the rest of your life."
    5. Re:Will this ever see the U.S.? by blincoln · · Score: 1

      Modding them to play the games is relatively easy (I have a chipped PS2 so I can play European games). Unfortunately, as another poster mentioned, the PAL signal can't be displayed on North American TVs without a converter or patching the game.

      If you've got an svideo or composite input on your PC's video card though, you can view it that way. I use iuVCR in full-screen preview mode because it's cheaper.

      --
      "...always new atoms but always doing the same dance, remembering what the dance was yesterday." -Richard Feynman
    6. Re:Will this ever see the U.S.? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Don't your TVs work with a 50 Hz signal? Strange. Most TVs for sale in Europe certainly are able to show a 60 Hz signal, alghough the colour signal still has to be PAL. I thought the reason for this was that the manufacturers are using the same parts all over the world, and only swapping in the NTSC or PAL decoding module in different markets.

    7. Re:Will this ever see the U.S.? by Lord+of+the+Wazz · · Score: 1

      The problem with this is that PAL games are usually in 50Hz, and that produces a nasty vertical scroll for us with 60Hz TVs

      I don't know if this is true for the PS2 (which is shocking since I own one) but certainly the PAL Gamecube is capable of doing a 60Hz output if the TV and game support it. The bonus disk that comes with GC Zelda is 60Hz only. The Dreamcast was also capable of 60Hz output. I would imagine that most games these days support the 60Hz option unless the developer is too lazy to bother with it.

    8. Re:Will this ever see the U.S.? by nekura · · Score: 1
      ... unless the developer is too lazy to bother with it.
      Bingo. Back in the days of Dreamcast, developers frequently added 50/60Hz selectors on their games, but that doesn't really happen in the PS2 scene. A long time ago, someone made a website called 50Hurtz that detailed the problems with using 50Hz and why PS2 developers should start adding selectors to their games. That obviously didn't have much of an effect, unfortunately. =\
      --

      "Programming is like sex - one mistake and you'll have to support it for the rest of your life."
  16. Re:I can hear it now.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Uh oh... I think you just committed copyright infringement.

  17. I wonder... by Twintop · · Score: 5, Funny

    Would a pr0n spam message make a rap that sounds like most pr0n music?

  18. anyone got Vib-Ribbon ISO? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    please post a link.

  19. Names by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    The sequel's visual style has been vastly upgraded from the first game. Where Vib Ribbon went with simple vector graphics, Mojib Ribbon employs cel-shading to create an effect somewhat like sumi-e ink artwork. Sadly, charismatic mascot character Vibri won't be returning; Mojib Ribbon has a new and currently unnamed onscreen avatar.

    Hmmm

    How about "Mojo"?

    That seems like an utterly appropriate name

    1. Re:Names by TribeDoktor · · Score: 1

      check this site out!!

      http://www.78thlightning.com/

    2. Re:Names by BitwizeGHC · · Score: 1

      Mojib Ribbon's hero is, appropriately enough, named Mojibri.

      --
      N4st0r, trixx0r h0bb1tz0rz! Th3y st0l3 0ur pr3c10uzz!
  20. If I would want musical spam by Advocadus+Diaboli · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I would turn on MTV or VIVA.

    1. Re:If I would want musical spam by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That's TV for you. Focus group inspired nightmare. Twitching, shambling frankenstein full of carefully sharpened little hooks each fashioned to embed into the gray matter of pre-selected segments of the population.

    2. Re:If I would want musical spam by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      Dude, excellent!

      I hate MTV. Nothing but main-stream R'n'B and rap 24/7, and successfull people dancing at a beach house -- everything stirred together with commercials. The same commercials, over and over again.

      And by the way, I don't get MTV's philosophy - The censor cursing (the word "drugs" is censored, even in sentences as "don't use *bleeep*, it'll kill ya") -- but they play commercials for alcohol?

    3. Re:If I would want musical spam by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It always rocks when posts like these get modded "Insightful".

  21. Vib ribbon by Dogun · · Score: 1

    I saw the intro movie for vib ribbon game a while back - I would totally buy that game if it were in stores. As it stands, I'm waiting for a hastle-free ps2 mod so I can import the sucker. It is totally cool.

    1. Re:Vib ribbon by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      totally.

    2. Re:Vib ribbon by Dogun · · Score: 1

      Like, yeah. Totally.

  22. reminds me of simple text by cyrax777 · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Use to do the same kind of things in Apple's Simple Text for the mac.

  23. rhyme? by morgajel · · Score: 0, Redundant

    how many times can you rhyme "viagra" and "natural breast enhancements"

    The game does sound cool tho.... It would be a game in itself just feeding it different crap.

    --
    Looking for Book Reviews? Check out Literary Escapism.
  24. Groovin with the dot matrix by MichaelCrawford · · Score: 3, Interesting
    I used to type out text files that I would print with a dot matrix printer so I could listen to the rhythm as the pins struck the paper.

    To bad I don't have any of them around anymore. That was a longer time ago than I would care to admit (see my sig).

    Inkjets and laser printers just don't present the kinds of opportunities that inkjets and line printers did.

    --
    Request your free CD of my piano music.
    1. Re:Groovin with the dot matrix by krahd · · Score: 1

      Actually, there's a band from canada, called [The User], that composed (some years ago) a "Symphony for dot matrix printer).

      It sounded kinda cool, but...

      --krahd

      --
      mod me up scottie!
    2. Re:Groovin with the dot matrix by Timmy · · Score: 1

      Man or Astroman? Had some great dot-matrix songs on their last album. Really pretty songs, actually.

    3. Re:Groovin with the dot matrix by The-Perl-CD-Bookshel · · Score: 1
      "Inkjets and laser printers just don't present the kinds of opportunities that inkjets and line printers did."

      Not to mention, inkjets...

      --
      I don't keep a lid on my coffee so when I walk around I look busy -me
    4. Re:Groovin with the dot matrix by Backward+Z · · Score: 1

      There's a Canadian group called The User who have conducted one or two symphonies on something like twelve dot matrix printers.

      I don't know the mechanics of the operation, but I've heard they do live shows in the British Columbia area.

  25. Everyone likes pipes by donscarletti · · Score: 1
    The sooner this thing is ported to linux/unix the better.

    Until the game can recive its input from stin which is in turn piped from fortune, zippy or the aspell dictionary file piped through a sed routine based on /dev/random it will fall short of the nessicary geekiness required to captivate a slashdot audience.

    --
    When Argumentum ad Hominem falls short, try Argumentum ad Matrem
  26. Old? Very old? by Mathonwy · · Score: 1

    Old news maybe?

    I only ask, because the Gaming Intelligence Agency (GIA) closed it's site over a year ago... (The site was www.thegia.com) (The link in the story is just a mirror...)

  27. You got it backwards. by mdielmann · · Score: 1

    See, with RIAA, they have artists do really bad, rehashed music, and they want you to pay for it. With Mojib Ribbon, you pay to make the music, and you listen to it, or give it to your friends (or enemies?) because you can pretty much guarantee that no one wants to pay for it...now if you could sue them for not wanting to pay you, maybe it would be the same.

    --
    Sure I'm paranoid, but am I paranoid enough?
  28. Re:Get US out of the United Nations by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    You are clearly an american arent you - NO ONE GIVES A SHIT ABOUT THE WTC!!! ONLY AMERICANS.

    I refer to the US being on its last legs in terms of being world policeman. China is on the way up, not in the next 2-5 years, but soon enough - they're getting the tech. and they've *easily* got the manpower, and I could go on, but arguing with an american about US dominance is about as much fun as masturbating with a cheese grater.

    I bid you good day.

  29. MPU! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Mod parent up! +10!!! Good communication!! Would gladly buy from again!! A+++++

  30. Re:I can hear it now.... by darylp · · Score: 1

    What's Ice-'motherfucking'-T going to do? Call the cops? :P

  31. Re:I can hear it now.... by atrader42 · · Score: 1

    Just as long as he doesn't voice act in this game....he did the voice acting for a game called Sanity: Aiken's Artifact. The only redeeming quality of that game was that its inanity was mildly amusing. Ice T was mostly just irritating.

  32. Spamradio by CausticWindow · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Been there, done that.


    Check out Spamradio.


    Great fun, with great music from Mono.

    --
    How small a thought it takes to fill a whole life
  33. FInally a good use for SPAM� by foniksonik · · Score: 1

    So they finally figured out what to do with spam emails...

    they need to instantly file for a Business Process Patent on this one!

    Watch out, Microshaft is watching and they might get one in before you have a chance then monopolize it via a new browser plugin using DirectX that only works with Passport in conjunction with a Hotmail account and Internet Explorer.... or maybe Apple will append one of their many patents to show that THEY invented it in the 90s as part of the Sosumi project in response to Apple Music's lawsuit regarding never going into the music business... ;-p Just another reason Office will continue to ship for Mac. Look for the SoundTrack export plugin soon...

    --
    A fool throws a stone into a well and a thousand sages can not remove it.
  34. SPAM RAP by Aexia · · Score: 4, Funny

    You've tried the rest;
    Now try the best!
    Here's a natural way
    to enhance your breasts!

    This is great:
    Low mortgage rates!
    With deals like this,
    how can you wait?

    Credit good or credit bad
    We'll give you money, you bankrupt lad!

    This offer here is just the neatest;
    an all-natural way to enlarge your penis!

  35. MOD PARENT UP!! FRIGGIN HYSTERICAL!!! by GargoyleTS · · Score: 1

    That was awesome!! On another note, soon I am to mark the deaths of both MTV X and MUCH Music here in Cox-land. The 2 decent music video stations in existence (and Kudos Kanada for MUCH) and they drop MUCH for nothing and MTV X for MTV JAMS (it up their ass side-ways). I got nothing against rap and hip-hop, but I stopped watching MTV 1&2 cause that's all they played (that and Fake World and Road Rash). So let's all give a great big FRAG YOU to the good folks at (e)M(p)TV and the RIAA!

  36. Yeah Right! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    You know you just wanna hear what a core dump sounds like!

  37. Re:Old? Very old? by Amanset · · Score: 1

    And the UK's EDGE magazine had a feature on it ages ago, maybe even as far back as two years.

  38. One-handed by alephnull42 · · Score: 1

    From the GDC Pictures link:


    "*This game uses only the right analog joystick for control."


    If you're gonna make a game you can play with one hand, put some naked chicks in it for chrissake!

    --
    Not confused enough? http://translate.google.com/translate?u=www.slashdot.jp&hl=en&ie=UTF8&sl=ja&tl=en
  39. Encrypted files by sofakingl · · Score: 1

    Couldn't this be used to trade encrypted files, like with newsgroups?

  40. In other news, Konami... by ihatesco · · Score: 5, Funny
    to win a sleeping and important market has announced to be launching Slashdot Slashdot Revolution (also known in the european market as: DDR Nerd-News Rave)

    It will come with the following and already beloved hits:
    1. (Hot Grits) I want a petrifying gun. Natalie Portman Lovers
    2. D.M.C.A. Village People remix starring Fritz Holling and Orrin Hatch
    3. Boom Boom Dollar - Spam Attacks! (Enlarge your penis, merchant accounts)
    4. Imagine (Beowulf Cluster Techno Trance Edition) Schyld Corporation
    5. Paranoia: Spamassassin Edition.
    6. Left out in the Blizzard Bnetd+FreeCraft
    7. In soviet russia you are belong to all your base The Marx Sisters
    8. (Wednesday Trollday) The ballad of Anonymous Cowards Anonymous Cowards Commitee

    The deluxe edition will contain two green/grey dancepads designed by Italian designer Pininfarina, a replica of CowboyNeal's hat, and a T-Shirt with a random quote from memorable collection including "I'm with Taco ->" "I was flamed on /. and all I got was this lousy T-Shirt" and "Would you like to pour hot grits down my pants?".

    Preorder your copy now!

    --
    "I am slashbot, hear me roar!"
    1. Re:In other news, Konami... by Mr.+Self+estruct · · Score: 0

      I feel so sad when I point out thoughs songs and say "I love to DDR that song!" :(

    2. Re:In other news, Konami... by Erik+K.+Veland · · Score: 1

      SSR-expansion pack comes with:

      Can't copy that floppy - PowerMac 8600
      Goodbye Horror's Rose (Mourning Stephen King) - Trollaxor
      Return of the mac as rapped by the Slashdot staff
      Fear the Slashdot Effect! - Servers of the Universe (SSR to a new level with death metal!)
      BSD is Dead - Dead can dance

      --
      "I tend to think of OS X as Linux with QA and Taste", James Gosling, creator of Java
    3. Re:In other news, Konami... by mink · · Score: 1

      "BSD is Dead - Dead can dance"

      Wow, never expected to see them referanced in connection with DDR. Are they even still around?

      --
      Well I've wrestled with reality for thirty five years doctor, and I'm happy to say I finally won out over it.
  41. Hmm... by Mr.+Self+estruct · · Score: 0

    Can I play it on my new Wirless Link Calculator Cell Phone?

  42. Correction... by johannesg · · Score: 1
    Actually "result += input" should be read as "result = result + input", rather than "result = input + 1". There is no shorthand form for that last statement.

    As for readability, I find that the actual symbol used to describe a notation doesn't change complexity much. The real complexity is always in the algorithm (in other words, in what the program is trying to accomplish). How you write that down may take a few more or less characters depending on language but it does not fundamentally change the difficulty of the problem.

    That's not to say that I do not appreciate some useful tools like the C++ (I do hardcore C++ for my work so forgive me for being C++-centric) map, or string class, or even the concept of OO, and for sure, some languages tend to allow more obfuscation than others, but none of this alters the fundamental difficulty of programming (which is why you occasionally see the term "syntactic sugar").

    Of course that derogatory term is most often used by misguided academics who fail to realize that those useful tools help a great deal in scaling from a one-page example to a million line working system...

    1. Re:Correction... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "Actually "result += input" should be read as "result = result + input", rather than "result = input + 1". There is no shorthand form for that last statement"

      result = ++input;

    2. Re:Correction... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      > result = ++input;

      or even

      result = ++input--;

      possibly. on some compilers.

    3. Re:Correction... by johannesg · · Score: 1
      Sorry, but that's not the same since it also increases "input" by 1, which is not what the original statement did.

      As for the other poster, "++variable--" is illegal in C++. And let's all be grateful for that - I'd hate having to kill those colleagues that used such "gems" in their code...

    4. Re:Correction... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      is (--input)++ okay?

    5. Re:Correction... by johannesg · · Score: 1
      No. That's because "++" can only operate on an l-value. An l-value is something that can appear on the left-hand side of an assignment (in other words, it must be something that can be assigned to). "--input" is not an l-value, and thus cannot be used with "++".

      This is also true for other combinations of "++" and "--" operating on a single variable (like "(a++)++") - the language simply does not allow them.

      There are a couple of further complications too. For example, anything that takes the form of "a = a++" or "b = a++ + a++" will produce unpredictable results (that means that some compilers might do what you expect, but others could do something else). If you want to know more about this, try searching for "sequence point".

      One good place to look is here, especially in chapter 3 which deals with these issues.

  43. but, wait by chloroquine · · Score: 1

    But how long would it be before the spammers are using this game to send spam to other players? I can think of nothing more annoying than turning on my little game object only to find hours of clips from Bambi Jenkins about her excapades (rhymed of course) with her friends and/or pets. And I don't want to know what you can rhyme 4.9% with.

  44. This story would be a lot more interesting... by Gerad · · Score: 1

    if the GIA hadn't shut down over a year ago.

    That means information about the game is at LEAST a year old, if not more.

    Way to go, guys =)

    --
    Be the Ultimate Ninja! Play Billy Vs. SNAKEMAN today!
  45. Great... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Another "use" for spam.

    When spam can mow my lawn, wash my car, and take my wife out shopping, THEN I will be happy =)

  46. Re:Old? Very old? by MatSimpsk · · Score: 1

    It's back in the news because Sony have finally announced a Japanese release date.

  47. Actually by chill182 · · Score: 2, Interesting

    The first Vib Ribbon game didn't use a text file. Once you loaded the game you would replace the game disc with a music cd. Then the game levels would be created based on your music. The levels would be different for every song. I don't know where this whole text file thing came from.

    I'm hoping the sequel is the same way. Then you have a rhythm game that's only as good as your music collection.

    1. Re:Actually by mink · · Score: 1

      If you want true ultimate RSI on Vib Ribbon, try putting in Billy Idol's "Heroin".

      --
      Well I've wrestled with reality for thirty five years doctor, and I'm happy to say I finally won out over it.
  48. I played this at GDC this year by Chris+Carollo · · Score: 3, Insightful

    It was demoed at the Experemental Games Workshop, and two of the guys that help run that got to borrow a copy for a couple days.

    It was all in japanese, so none of us could read/understand anything, but it was STUNNING. Its simplicity is amazing (literlly it uses ONE AXIS of ONE STICK), but it still remains a completely compelling experience.

    First of all, the art is amazing. The calligraphy is beautiful, the backgrounds are softly moving watercolors, and the inky partical effects add to the feeling of frantic, rhythmic writing. This game is as much a work of art as any I've seen.

    Second, the music/raps are totally infectious. We'd regularly have seven or eight people in the room, with one playing, and everyone's heads would be unconsciously bobbing up and down to the rhythm. Add to that a love story (including duets and an anger-rap level when their love is on the rocks), and you have a music game with a surprising amount of variety.

    Finally, it just FEELS RIGHT. There's something about the rhythmic nature of the game, the spinning of the letters, the bouncy walk of the character, that just come together to making an amazing experience.

    If we ever get this game here in the states, I'm buying it in a heartbeat. You should too.

  49. Is it possible... by F-edz0r · · Score: 1

    To use this as your standard E-mail program? I, for one, wouldn't mind spam that much anymore..
    Are you in financial problems? (Yo, Yo) Guaranteed low rates *scratchy, scratchy* Just press this link! (Peace Out)

  50. Re:Get US out of the United Nations by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The U.S. system of government is based on the concept that rights come from God and that the sole purpose of government is to protect God-given rights.

    Riiight. And the reason homosexuals have to fight tooth and nail for their right to pursue happiness is?

    Come back when you quit sucking the shit straight from the ass of your party line.

  51. YHBT by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
  52. SPAM LIMERICK by bmalia · · Score: 1

    There once was a nigerian named Vishmay,
    Who's money was locked away.
    I tried to help out,
    I shared my bank account,
    And none of my money did stay.

    --
    There's no place like ~/
  53. Cool! Pr0n rap! by edunbar93 · · Score: 1

    So this means that I can randomly grab a story from www.asstr.org and produce some reeeeealy filthy rap?

    Oh wait, nevermind. This has been done already. Albums made and T-shirts sold.

    --
    "No problem. I have the capacity to do infinite work so long as you don't mind that my quality approaches zero."-Dilbert
  54. Re:Old? Very old? by mink · · Score: 2, Funny

    GIA may be gone, but the spirit still burns at Gameforms

    --
    Well I've wrestled with reality for thirty five years doctor, and I'm happy to say I finally won out over it.
  55. 'EyeToy ' PS2 Game - even better by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I brought a Sony 'EyeToy' last week - for the kids of course ;-), and think it is a brillant
    innovative game and interface.

    Basically a simple/cheap webcam that hooks onto the PS2 USB port, it uses image/motion detection to not only show your image embedded in the games, but also to allow you to select
    objects by waving your hands about.
    It even has a 'Minority Report' style user interface where you can move from games, enter text etc by standing in front of the screen and pointing without any physical
    controller. My wife who hates most console or PC games, loves it - we end up with exhusted/sleepy children after they have been playing for a while .

    Will be interesting to see where Sony could go with this once more PS2/PS3's are net enabled. Despite all the money MS pour into the XBox, and its network connection & HDD, I haven't see anything as innovative for the X-Box yet.

    The eyetoy is still pretty new so not much decent info on the net yet about how it works, but here is a local (to me) commerical link anyway:
    http://www.gpstore.co.nz/product.x?145770 6

    On the topic of the PS2, it amuses me to see lots of modded X-Boxes are for sale locally. The perfect excuse for having an X-Box mod chips is that they are legit requirement to run Linux on the X-Box. Now I see why Sony produced a Linux kit for the PS2 - when you can buy an off-the-shelf Linux kit from Sony, there seems to be far less interest in hacking/modding the PS2 to run Linux
    (er, that and the limited amount of RAM ).

  56. Re:You got it backwards. Rocking NTT speech engin by Solitonjoy · · Score: 1

    ...moreover, the RIAA will be coming over to rip you for the duplication and advertising costs, i.e. signing you as an artist, as a pretext to go through your stuff and sue you for impersonal use/performance of it; recursion having been realized, the legal system will arc over and virtue reign. Well, until NTT comes to collect royalties on their very nice TTS (test-to-speech) engine, which can actually sing, and seems to do a thoroughly good job of it. It doesn't sound like orthopedic devices for blind people's ugly PCs. All you need now is to hack new voices and vocal styles on your PS3 emu.