Your music games are boring.
Enter Fret Nice. The upcoming downloadable title, set to hit Xbox Live in Spring 2010 isn't like all the other music games. Rather than timing glowing notes, players will use their favorite guitar controller to navigate the games environments. Think of it as Rock Band meets Mario -- on acid.
Featuring an unusual yet beautifully detailed art style which the developers describe as " D.I.Y./P.O.P./W.T.F. all in one splash," Fret Nice is like nothing you've ever played before. The game follows the story of the band the Vibrant Chordblasters, who have been touring the world for years -- until they meet the Hair Bangers, who spread their hateful metal wherever they go.
Hit the jump to read our interview with the team behind one of 2010's most unique titles.
XBFF: What was the inspiration behind the game? Why combine a platformer with music games?
TECMO: Not enough hip platformers out there that cool kids want to play. Didn’t you ever want to run around and shoot baddies with an electric guitar? It’s also two genres that rarely ever meet in harmony and this idea just happened to work.
XBFF: The game’s trailer mostly shows early Guitar Hero peripherals, will the game work with other controllers such as Rock Band or Guitar Hero: World Tour Guitars? If so, will the additional buttons on these controllers be factored into the control scheme? It may be hard to believe, but there are still some people without music game guitars, will there be an alternate, less awesome control scheme? How exactly will the control scheme work? Are there visual cues ala a more traditional music games or do certain combinations of notes and strumming perform different moves?
TECMO: Our default setting allows the player to control the game with a console controller, and every button will have a function. You’ll be able to move and jump and attack pressing the buttons. We’re trying different things out with the controller buttons, but it’s a secret now!
XBFF: Will the game feature any licensed music, or will it all be original compositions?
TECMO: The gameplay BGM is original music since all the notes you play are designed stay in tune with the current Key of the BGM. There’s a little musical surprise at the end though!
XBFF: The game’s visuals are quite unique – awesome but unique. What was the inspiration behind them? Were you looking to channel any existing properties with the look?
TECMO: It’s a style and a mash of images that doesn’t leave your mind and most importantly touches on what’s going on in fashion, design, and music. It’s D.I.Y./P.O.P./W.T.F. all in one splash. We knew this was the way to go!
XBFF: What kind of multiplayer/Online gameplay will Fret Nice feature?
TECMO: 2 Player offline co-op where you’ll need to help each other to access areas for special items.
XBFF: The game’s story seems anti-metal…what kind of music do the developers of Fret Nice prefer?
TECMO: The kind of music that makes you say, “Yeah!” and uncool people say, “Yuck!” We all love classic metal, just not the kind that leaves hairballs on your lawn, so someone’s got to clean it up! Basically anything Indie/Electro/Trash Core/Funk/Street/Boogie/Junk/
XBFF: When can we expect to see Fret Nice grace our Xbox consoles? How much will it cost?
TECMO: Early 2010 for 1200 MSP.
Add Us On