History
Taiko no Tatsujin: drumhead and rim as inputs
Drumhead and rim strikes define Taiko no Tatsujin's basic controls. Starting with the 2001 arcade debut, the article examines those actions alongside the drums, characters and song selection.
All articles (43)
History
Rez: aiming and firing through sound, light and vibration
Rez turns aiming and attacking into contributions to audiovisual rhythm. The article separates the 2001 original from the later Rez Infinite pictured in its examples.
History
DJMAX: one song, multiple button configurations
One DJMAX song can support different charts and button configurations. An examination of those choices, with the 2004 online-service origins distinguished from the later RESPECT V.
History
Guitar Hero: frets and strumming divide the performance
Guitar Hero's 2005 controller gives one hand the frets and the other the strum bar. The resulting coordination connects timed inputs to the role of an on-stage performer.
History
Rhythm Tengoku: anticipating input through sound and movement
Ready sounds and movements teach intervals in Rhythm Tengoku. Developer interviews and the official karate guide explain that approach in the 2006 GBA game.
History
Elite Beat Agents: touch location meets timing
Taps, slides and spins share the DS with a story playing on its upper screen. Nintendo's manual for the 2006 North American Elite Beat Agents explains how the controls and two displays work together.
History
Rock Band: different instruments, one performance
Guitar, drums and vocals divide the performance in 2007's Rock Band. Each part has its own inputs within a song that advances for the ensemble.
