Lips Creator Talks Innovation in Music Games

Keiichi Yano, Chief creative officer of iNiS, recently sat down to talk about music games and much needed innovations in the genre. Yano is an expert considering iNiS has dealt exclusively with rhythm and music videogames since its inception. The company’s best known series is Elite Beat Agents, and it hopes to have as much success with its latest offering, Lips.

Yano talks about iNSi’s relationship with Microsoft and the creative process that went into Lips that set it apart from other karaoke games. Most titles only detect pitch where Lips incorporates rhythm, phoneme and vibrato detection. All this in a game you can’t fail. He also talks about his music background and how its influenced his plans for music games that can handle improvisation.

You can read the full More Than Just Lips: Keiichi Yano On Music Game Innovation article on Gamasutra. You can peruse a list of the features that set Lips apart from other karaoke games after the jump.

Features:

• Two wireless interactive microphones. Featuring stylish interactive motion sensors and lights, the microphones respond to singers’ actions and can be used as percussion accompaniments. With the freedom and encouragement provided by the high-quality wireless microphones, everyone can live their singing dreams in style.
• The best music. “Lips” will include a diverse selection of songs, including your favorite blasts from the past such as “Bust a Move” by Young MC, as well as new songs from breakout artists such as “Mercy” by Duffy and “Young Folks” by Peter Bjorn and John.
• Sing your music collection. “Lips” allows people to customize their experience with the songs that matter most to them by singing along with friends to the music from their personal collection.
• Play along. Using the standard Xbox 360 controller, up to two people will be able to join the fun and choose from a variety of percussion accompaniment to play along with the music in “Lips.” By placing control of various tambourines, claps and of course the ubiquitous cowbell at the fingertips of anyone with a controller, “Lips” creates a social entertainment experience for friends, co-workers and kids alike.
• Constant flow of new music. From the songs that will come with the game, to your own music collection and the ability to download new tracks from Xbox LIVE Marketplace, “Lips” will continually provide new music to bring people together and keep the party going.