What happens when you mix a well dressed man, a boat load of LSD, and a family gathering of Domo-Kun look-a-likes? Well, in the world of Sony, you get a game named Detuned (literally .deTuned). Released as a "demo" but titled as a full $2.99 US game on the PSN store, Detuned resembles more of a paid-for flash game than a full game. Can this cheap game offer more than what it's worth?
Sporting interesting but ugly graphics, Detuned looks like an adult's professional drawing on paper that's been ruined by a child's lack of drawing skill with random cartoony characters and tilted buildings (as well as a giant rubber duck). The game starts off with a man walking to his chair and sitting down in a very formal way. From there, you can tweak the limited options by adjusting the sound and choosing from your own music by browsing your XMB.
Moving the Sixaxis controller will move the camera around the man (who's name is apparently Rob), make circle motions with the L3 to zoom in and out (R3 to move Rob), and the four action buttons to change the type of dance that Rob will do. The shoulder buttons increase and decrease the... hallucinations that you see on screen and the special effects with the song playing in the background. There is no slowing down, speeding up, or reverse to tweak the songs (you tweak it by choosing a dance and moving L3), only pitch up, pitch down, and other strange effects.
Although there is almost nothing to do in the game with pretty much only a few minutes (or seconds) of actual entertainment, the cost of this application is almost worth the 10 trophies it contains, and the few minutes you will get with the game while trying to get these trophies will be the strangest 5 minutes you will have spent with any game on the PlayStation store.
"It’s time for another head-long dive into the strange and bizarre on Digital Delivery, kids! That’s right – we’re going into another batch of the weirdest PSN games ever! We promised you more the last time we did this, and here we are to deliver. This week, our games will be currently available, so you won’t have to wait to get your hands on some strange stuff." - Steve Perry, Stealthy Box
People continue to debate whether video games should be considered art. Opponents disagree because of user interaction, while supporters argue that games with stylish graphics and deeper experiences cross the line into artistic expression. We’re still not sure which side of the proverbial fence we sit on, but the following downloadable games could be considered works of art, thanks to unique visuals and captivating gameplay.
John Artest (RunDLC)
The site doesn't cover PC titles, so it's strictly games from Live, PSN and WiiWare
Episode 25 of Qore is all about Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, Green Day Rock Band, PixelJunk Shooter 2 and Clash of the Titans.
All subscribers can download the demoscene title “detuned” for free, and all purchasers will have access to a Clash of the Titans PS3 theme. As usual, Audrey has a rundown of the latest Blu-ray releases, and this month we spotlight our first “Geek Hero”, Gary Whitta—a PC magazine editor turned Hollywood screenwriter. Green Day fans can test their knowledge in the “Name That Tune” mini-game, and don’t forget to try the Lara Croft-themed memory match puzzles to unlock Veronica’s outtake videos.
Look for Episode 25 tomorrow on the PlayStation Store update.
Trophy whore.
;)
SOLD!
I rather enjoy the "demo scene" stuff. Linger was well worth the 2.99.