Ben-DutkaThe world was shocked to learn of Michael Jackson's death last year but Ubisoft will honor the King of Pop's name by releasing a new video game based on the icon's music.
As part of their E3 conference, Ubisoft announced the new game that will "enable players to step into the shoes of Michael Jackson himself and relive his most iconic performances through their own singing and dancing." Yes, you read that correctly: singing and dancing. And of course, this experience wouldn't be complete without Jackson's most recognizable tunes, including "Beat It" and "Billie Jean," plus his trademark dance moves that helped cement his legendary status in the world of music. The press release goes on to relate Jackson's resume (750 million records sold worldwide, thirteen #1 singles, 13 Grammy Awards, and the American Music Award's Artist of the Century honor). But we already know all that, right?
Said the co-executor for The Estate of Michael Jackson, John Branca:
"Michael always pushed every limit when it came to technology to give his fans unforgettable entertainment experiences, whether it involved his videos, his recordings or his concerts. Now, with this interactive product, we have the chance to bring Michael, the artist, into households around the world in a perfect match of Michael's artistry and the family entertainment which he always highly valued. Kids, their parents, extended family members and friends will now have an opportunity to all come together and experience Michael's music and dance in an innovative, exciting and fun way."
Well, there's no doubt that Ubisoft really wants to push the boundaries of this industry, and we'll be very interested to see how the combination of dancing and singing will work.
First in line to buy this game. (and no, that was not a first comment remark)
I don't care how much it is, I've been waiting for an MJ game for over 15 years now.
His 1995 History tour was the greatest show I'd ever seen. Yes, I was there, right up the back, but still there.
MJ's musical legacy lives on. To learn to moonwalk, dance like Beat It or Billy Jean, his iconic dance in Thriller captured in video games, that would be my dream game. And now it is true.
In all honesty, after seeing Dance Central from Harmonix, I reckon this game would work really well with Kinect, but Move would have its advantages. However, I don't really wanna hold Move controllers in my hands while dancing in my living room to this game.
Yea, I had to admit the Kinect dancing game was cool, MJ dancing would be awesome. The rest about Kinect is stupid. What ever happened to that waving gesture to scroll through movies and photos? We have to hold out a palm and stay still 2 seconds to scroll?! The voice recognition is annoying too. There were such functions on DS games, but I refused to say anything at the mic because it's just plain stupid to call out at a dead object.
We'll see how Sony responds to the Microsoft games. I'm really excited over this year's game conferences.
Nice zombie-fest.
Oh wait, you mean they were actually trying to dance?????
As a reminder to everyone, check the forums for recent giveaway details. I'm going to Tweet the link, too, but Twitter is "over capacity" right now, so-
http://www.psxextremeforums.com/gaming-discussion/12464-virgin-gaming-giveaway-winners.html
The only problem I had with this is that I hate it when they announce stuff but show absolutely nothing from it. A bunch of people dancing on stage may make for a good show, but where's at least a video for the game.
MJ was too advanced for most "casual gamers". I can see the broken furniture and ankles now. An MJ SingStar would sell through the roof though.
I dunno, the choreographers in This Is It commented that most of Michael jackson's signature moves are really easy in how they are constructed, or developed.
It was MJ's execution of these moves on stage that made it look so darn amazing!!!
If you watch most of his videos, nearly anyone who can move with good timing and rhythm can perform his dances, just not as tightly or with as much energy perhaps.
oh dear lord as if one dancing games not enough!
i see people cant get enough of making fools of themselves.
If it's like Just Dance but with a neon MJ in the middle of the screen, or a neon random guy in the middle of the screen like Just Dance, I will torch Ubisoft's head office for destroying a beloved music icon's image.
I want it to be made from the ground up, nothing silly like Just Dance.
I was waiting for a Singstar Michael Jackson game with PSEye motion detection of his dances exclusive to the PS3, since Sony owns his catalogue and all.
i cannot believe Sony isn't making this. I still have hope for MJ Singstar though. MJ was an avid gamer and fanboy and deserves a good game.
thriller alone is worth getting this…lol
i'll wait for the special edition, that comes with 1 sparkly glove and a red leather jacket