Game Buoy Podcast Episode 33B – Through the Fire and Flames: A Look at the Highs and Lows of Rhythm Gaming (B-Side)

Ahoy, mateys, and welcome to the Game Buoy podcast – your twice monthly port of call for gaming news and views that maybe aren’t on your radar, but most definitely should be! This episode is presented a little differently from usual episodes of the Game Buoy podcast; due to the scope of the discussion topic, it is split up into an A-Side and B-Side. This part, the B-Side, was recorded on Sunday, July 28, 2013 at OLR Studios. Captain Spike and First Mate Slagkick are joined by Rob Roberts of Orange Lounge Radio and Tim from Crystal Dynamics to discuss the past, present, and future of the extensive rhythm gaming genre. For follow ups, news, and other Game Buoy segments, please check the A-Side!

DISCUSSION TOPIC

The Origins of Rhythm Gaming
A look at some of the earliest examples of rhythm and music elements in gaming that served as a precursor to the genre that would develop.

PaRappa Paves the Way for Quirky Rhythm Games
Starting with the release NanaOn-Sha’s classic 1996 game PaRappa the Rapper, the genre thrived over the next decade with a string of fun, quirky, and innovative releases.

The Inevitable Rise and Fall of Bemani
When Konami started a brand new subgenre of rhythm gaming with the release of Beatmania in 1997, it was an international sensation that led to the formation of a strong community of gamers. But where along the line did Konami fail to keep the interest of American gamers?

The Plastic Instrument Wars
When peripheral makers RedOctane and developers Harmonix of Guitar Hero fame were each bought out by separate companies in 2006, it sparked a war between Guitar Hero and Rock Band that would last until the end of that decade. Who, if anyone, was victorious?

Rhythm Platformers, A Return to Innovation, and the Future
New gems on the rhythm gaming scene seek to innovate, with a recent trend towards rhythm platformers such as Bit.Trip Runner, Sound Shapes, and HarmoKnight. What does this suggest for the future of the rhythm gaming genre?

Supplemental viewing material for the Bemani discussion comes in the form of the hilarious videos from Stepping Selection, released exclusively in Japan in 2000. Thanks to YouTube user Sardius for uploading these gems!

Special theme music for this B-Side is DragonForce – Through the Fire and Flames (Miche Remix), used with permission of the remixer under fair use.

Rob’s Shout Outs: Orange Lounge Radio, Horde House, and the Voice of Geeks Network

Tim’s Shout Outs: San Francisco Mandolin Orchestra (and buy Tomb Raider!)

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