Playing Piano With An Xbox Series X|S Controller

Are you always up for new ideas in the gaming industry? Are you impressed with the outcome of the Xbox Series X|S? As bewildered as I am that my articles on what to expect in a second reboot of The Powerpuff Girls and a revival of Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends have predicted the future [9] [59] [60], I was amazed at the controller’s capability with a MIDI Keyboard application on a MacBook known as “Garbageband” over a week ago [63]. I am aware that some gamers I know, including a few I used to be allied with, have expressed disinterest in Xbox, Microsoft corrupted the legacy of Rare and that the three consoles have not been as successful in Japan [3] [15] [40] [48], but I am always up for a lack of bias. While our Nintendo nerds celebrate Princess Daisy and Shy Guy becoming new players in the first update of Mario Strikers: Battle League and our Minecrafters get ready to mine and craft under the sea with SpongeBob SquarePants [27] [28] [32] [37] [64], I shall express a little creative thinking when it comes to discussing how the idea of an Xbox Series X|S controller being used a keyboard can be adapted into a brand new video game for the platform [63].

Halo fans, please rise for a performance! We may want to go back to a simpler time [39], but proactivity is what leads to gratefulness for new things. Could a new console game focused on using a controller as a keyboard be one of them someday? [63]

The control system of playing the piano with an Xbox Series controller may seem rather complex as shown in the sample of playing a MIDI keyboard on a Mac with the controller [63], but chances are that the experience can be rather enticing with smooth controls and precise responsiveness. Despite the potential of being a potential pianist with an Xbox Series controller, it still seems much preferable to play a keyboard on a piano keys application on a tablet or smartphone for a more comfortable and realistic feeling of playing a simple melody [4] [17] [19]. Furthermore, I prefer the Touch Play Mode in Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX yet I consider the controls in Button Mode as precise [43]. In terms of alternative controls on a home console, I suppose it would make more sense to bring on a Kinect 3.0 for a more convincing feeling of playing the piano on the Xbox Series X|S. Unfortunately, there may not be motivation to produce a successor to the Kinect 2.0 due to its discontinuation in 2017 [47], but still, a Kinect 3.0 could be an example of further advancement. Primarily, playing a virtual keyboard with the controller ought to start with a simple tutorial [63]. With elevating controls, playing piano keys with a controller can be fun.

Back in the day, I saw a lot of potential in Kinect for how it would encourage gamers to be active whilst playing a game [46] [51]. However, I knew that the input device and the games that required its functions were not beyond criticism [2]. Reflecting on how it would make a little more sense to give Kinect another chance for a game focused on playing piano keys, I believe that can be an alternative controlling method activated in the settings menu. Moreover, the motion controls can be completely optional, like how the player can choose between Button Mode and Touch Play Mode in Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX [43]. [47]

But wait! In terms of reliable and realistic controls, there is a third option. Those who remember playing Rock Band 3 may remember the wireless keyboard accessory from Mad Catz that could be connected to the Xbox 360 and provide the realistic feeling of being the keyboard player in a band [12]. Most preferably, that would be the way to play the piano in a video game. However, Rock Band 3 is sadly not one of those Xbox 360 games compatible with Xbox Series X|S and the instruments would require a specially made adapter to be compatible with the system [7] [34]. Preferably, business-wise, there can be a new wireless keyboard pro for the Xbox with a vaguely updated design, but probably not from Mad Catz as the company went bankrupt in 2017 before being rebranded a year later [18]. However, chances are that a new rhythm game for the Xbox Series X|S focused on playing the piano would be established before the confirmation of Rock Band 5 [6]. Moreover, the prime focus on the controls would be making keys in a HUD rely on the functionality of the controller sometime after the release of a video of a controller being used as a keyboard [63]. Again, good controls are the key to a good experience.

This is the note! This is the note [29]! [41]

As for the gameplay experience in general, it might as well consist of vibes from Guitar Hero and DJ Hero but it should definitely feel like the Button Mode in Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX and the role of the keyboard player in Rock Band 3 in terms of the controls whilst providing a similar challenge to playing songs in Magic Piano by Smule [8] [9] [19] [20] [21] [43]. Compared to only tapping the screen within the right timing in Magic Piano [19] [20] [21], the challenge in a new game about playing the piano with a controller should be elevated with the effort to also press the correct button or key within good timing, much like the Button Mode in Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX [43]. For a collaborative multiplayer mode, Player One can be in charge of the song’s melody and Player Two can play the chords or harmony, similar to the structure of making music with a fellow Nintendo nerd in Wii Music, two arcade admirers trying to earn tickets separately at opposite ends at Grand Piano Keys and two players jamming away with their Xbox Series X|S controllers on a MIDI Keyboard software for Mac or PC [1] [31] [63]. It would be quite fun to play music with a controller during loading times in other future instalments.

A competitive multiplayer mode would be much like Donald Duck’s heated collaboration with Daffy Duck in Who Framed Roger Rabbit, but without any cartoon slapstick [52]. There also ought to be a variety of musical genres that fit the sound of an electric keyboard, quite like the variety of songs in Wii Music [31]. [63]

What other aspects could there be for a new gameplay experience on the Xbox that primarily focuses on playing a piano keyboard with the controller besides the possibility of the gameplay being like the Guitar Hero series in terms of being a console game [9]? Surely, there ought to feature a new intellectual property with a premise consisting of plenty of fantasy elements and a light-hearted tone for many casual gamers. The main character would most likely be a heroic and talented pianist. The deuteragonist can be a noble sidekick with the same passion, especially for a collaborative multiplayer mode. Since the characters’ main weapons would be electric keyboards for some modernism, the gameplay experience ought to be as electrifying as Frankie Stein’s new superheroine alter-ego, Voltageous [24] [25] [26] [42]. The keyboards in the HUD can be customisable with some of the options being unlockable as the game progresses in a story mode. How about some unlockable costumes for the protagonist and deuteragonist too? I am a sucker for those. Perhaps a star-studded IP and some more features can further increase the appeal of experiencing piano playing with either a controller or motion controls possibly at the time of the fifth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe [5]. 

I supposed the setting and art style of a concept for a game being described by yours truly might as well be either nearly as cartoony as Kyrell McKay’s Tooney Gals or kind of like something from Kingdom Hearts or Final Fantasy [22] [23] [35] [36], which would give the library of Xbox Series X|S games more credibility for being more than just gritty realism. On the other hand, life-like graphics can bring back those funky vibes of the Rock Band series [12]. [41]

I believe that a brand new rhythm game centred on playing the piano can be Xbox’s new answer to PlayStation’s PaRappa the Rapper [14] [38]. As ambitious as new ideas in the gaming industry can be, some can still be considered crazy. Please do not get me started with the Virtual Boy [45]. Remember the Nosulus Rift? Surely, that odd contraption may have been quite a torture device in association with South Park: The Fractured But Whole [44] [49], but it ought to make a comeback for a game about running a league of bakeries that is similar to the experience of playing the Nintendo Wii port of Order Up! [10]. As for mobile gaming, there is hope for the chronological sequels to High School Story and Hollywood U after they disappear from the App Store and the Google Play Store, which are what I would definitely be up for [13] [55]. I also wish some of our Nintendo nerds a great ocean tour on Daisy Cruiser from Mario Kart: Double Dash in Mario Kart Tour [30] [33]. Do you think playing a virtual keyboard with an Xbox Series X|S controller would work for a home console game, especially in the West…or should we wait until the release of Rock Band 5, along with a new keyboard accessory [6]?

Perhaps a certain Bliss can learn to play the electric keyboard if she ought to return in a hopefully much better reboot of The Powerpuff Girls [57] [58] [59] [60], which can be adapted in a new video game based on it that features the power of playing a keyboard with a controller. I know the concept for a new Xbox Series X|S game I have described is unlikely to happen, but I still enjoyed describing what elements will make it excel during the time of Disney+ going R-rated with Deadpool [61] [62]. He has been very supportive to me since the beginning of 2020 [53] [54] [55]. [63]

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The Shining Potential Of Shinies – Call Of Light

If you adore casual games that take you to a beautiful new world that provides some mesmerizingly tranquil essences if you wish to mellow out, along with a theme of friendship you can empathise with, Shinies : Call Of Light could be right up your alley [5] [6]. Two months ago, I was contacted by Tristan Edel, also known as “Asalfin” who informed me about the project on Wix.com where my portfolio and GamesEnquirer lie [14] [35]. As my curiosity sparked, I discovered that it was a crowdfunded project [5] [6]. As I mentioned when discussing my thoughts on Alice: Asylum three years ago, not all crowdfunded projects are acclaimed [39] [40]. However, Edel believes that crowdfunding can benefit creative freedom and allow the production of a project to be more laid back [5] [6]. I agree with his opinion as art cannot be rushed, according to the toy repairman from Toy Story 2 [31]. I see a lot of potential in Edel’s project as shown on his Indiegogo and Kickstarter pages [5] [6]. From what I have seen, there is a lot of dedication passionately put into it [9] [10] [11]. Moreover, a little analysis of what Shinies : Call Of Light has to offer ought to be enlightening.

Congratulations to Edel on reaching his goal to receive the budget for this project. It looks like there is a need for more currency for some upgrades though [5] [6]. Will the Shinies outshine Shiny Pokémon [2]? [5] [6] [7] [11]

Oh wow! A celestial Pac-Man [5]! [6]

The project was announced within the first concept trailer that was uploaded in 2019 [9]. The game is about two yellow beams of energy named “Shinies” finding their purpose as they face their fears in a mysterious world they wake up in [5] [6] [7]. It is not every day the main characters of a story are simply two beams of light, but there is something about such simplicity that leads to some deep potential, considering that the story is meant to be emotional. The way the Shinies slowly regain their memories and befriend creatures in the world they end up in ought to lead to some effective character development, whether there will be any voice acting in the game or not. Quite like the morals in My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic [21] [22], the story in Shinies : Call Of Light will be centred on the importance of friendship, as well as some forms of heroism, as shown by the companionship of the Shinies in samples of gameplay footage and according to some character descriptions on the Kickstarter and Indiegogo pages [5] [6]. Will they regain memories of the past? Will the call be answered? Call me weird, but I think the English theme song for Pokémon: Ultimate Journeys would suit the game’s premise to a T [17].

It sure is far more acceptable to let your imagination run wild when it comes to developing an original property instead of mooching off the appeal of an already established franchise with a knockoff slapped on a slot or ticket machine [29] [30]. [9]

The most important aspect of a game is how engaging the gameplay is. There will be puzzles to be solved [5] [6] [7], quite similar to some of the puzzles shown in the gameplay reveal of Sonic Frontiers [36] [37], which I believe would make the game seem rather casual. As for the Shinies’ abilities, they can defend themselves with a dash to dodge attacks and a shield to deflect them as part of the aspects of learning to face fears within the story [5] [6] [7].There are Energy Crystals that will grant the Shinies energy for their abilities. The way Politeness Gate requires the cooperation of the duo vaguely reminds me of the aspects of Clank cooperation with copies of himself in Ratchet and Clank: A Crack In Time [28]. How there are weaker walls and gates for the Shinies to destroy is sure to further increase their empowerment [5] [6] [7]. It would be essential to gradually increase the challenge throughout the experience to keep the player motivated, especially during a boss battle as that was an aspect Edward McMillen aimed for during the development of Super Meat Boy [18]. Besides that, the vibes of Shinies : Call Of Light’s gameplay ought to remain mostly tranquil [5] [6] [7] [10], especially for the causal players who want to chill out after a rough day.

Feedback during the alpha and beta testing of the game can help Edel figure out how to make the gameplay experience even more engaging [5] [6]. [7]

What can I say about the gorgeous graphics aside from how the two protagonists put the “shine” in Shinies? The blue beams of energy near the blue gates illuminate the paths through them, making them a real treat for dreamers [10]. The fox, lakrans and the eeloos are majestically animated, elevating the mood of a journey through a new world to discover [5] [6]. Another example of gorgeously rendered animation is the beams of purple light that gush all the way down during a scene at what appears to be a canyon [11]. According to the concept trailers, there appear to be a variety of locations, such as a void full of glowing tints of purple and a field with long grass, which leads to further creative potential [9] [10]. The colour palettes of each location are easing in association with combining a portion of realism with wonderous fantasy. The overall astrosphere of the game reminds me of Flower [27]. I do not doubt that the visuals will look more amazing with enough money for an upgrade as there are times when the visuals in a trailer are not the same as the visuals in the final outcome [5] [6]. Several changes to scenes in the first season of Helluva Boss are a prime example of that [1]. 

Although the graphics are splendidly rendered in the recent trailer and the samples with descriptions on the Indiegogo and Kickstarter pages [5] [6], I am sure they will look even more beautiful after an upgrade for the final outcome. It may not be as drastic and needed as the redesign of Sonic the Hedgehog in his first movie from Paramount, but still [15]. [10]

There are friends to aid and foes to face throughout the call of light. The way the Pronats are designed makes them resemble a futuristic version of Mr. I from Super Mario 64 [25]. The Lakrans seem to have specific traits of a wolf pack, making them appear to be menacing enemies [10]. How the fox is simply a parent yearning to find a lost child reminds me of the portrayal of Tuxie’s mother from Super Mario 64 [25]. As the only one of his kind and the King of the elks, could the character development of The Elkeran be centred on expressing loneliness? I am rather curious about the Eeloos as I cannot help but be vaguely reminded of Moltres in Pokémon Snap by how they glow and how they are animated [24]. I wonder if there will be a major antagonist responsible for the Shinies’ amnesia. Besides, one of the samples of music for the game hints that there will be plenty of boss battles [8]. As the author of two novellas set in a fictional universe [38], I shall root for the two Shinies maintaining their alliance, as well as their alliances with the other characters, especially the fox [5] [6]. 

Could the budget for upgrading the creatures result in a bigger variety of species, including more enemies to confront, besides some very slight redesigns for the already established ones? [10]

This concept art not only briefly reminds me of Stolas from Helluva Boss but is of the character who will be the first boss of the game [20]. Who knows what the other bosses will look like? [6]

What can I say about some other aspects of the project? I am unmistakably amazed that Edel can skillfully produce some original music for the game, as shown by how he can play a melody on a keyboard attached to his computer and his samples of original music on SoundCloud [8] [11]. Fittingly, the music for Shinies : Call Of Light sounds exactly like the kind of music you would hear if you were playing a game set in a fantasy world, providing that essence of stress relief as the player can tune into the adventure, away from reality for a little while [9] [10] [11]. I am rather curious about the eventual bigger upgrade for the soundtrack as it leads me to wonder if there will be any remastered recordings, a bigger variety or just slightly crisper quality [5] [6]. Considering Edel can also compose original music [8] [11], I believe that he has the potential to help compose a soundtrack for other gaming projects in a reliable manner. Perhaps the super upgrade for Shinies : Call Of Light can include a theme song with the vocals of a singer with an angelic voice and some emotional lyrics about the value of friendship [5] [6].

Aside from how impressed I am at his skills in composing music, I can empathise with Edel’s speech as someone who studied games design at college and university before deciding to become a gaming journalist and the author of two novellas [35] [38]. [11]

I am impressed by what has been revealed about Shinies : Call Of Light [5] [6] [7], from a premise of two inseparable beams of light discovering their purpose together to a soundtrack composed by a solo developer [10] [11]. The proposed alpha release date of the game is September 2023 [4]. Care to add it to your wishlists, Steamers [7]? Who knows? I might as well write a song parody about it in honour of its legacy. What else will we see at that time? The trailer for a third Sonic the Hedgehog movie co-starring Shadow the Hedgehog [25]? A revival of the Sonic Riders series with notable improvements [16] [36] [37]? A second season of Baymax! on Disney Plus [3]? Edel has mentioned a sequel to the game he is already working on, further proving his ambitious passion for developing what is best for his original intellectual property [5] [6]. As well as being infatuated with new instalments of beloved mainstream franchises from big companies, including Bowser in a new LEGO form [19], we ought to humble ourselves to brand new ideas within a brand new intellectual property from indie development teams and even a single independent creator [11]. I hope Edel will continue to follow his passions and I wish him the best of luck on the release of his project next year [4].

I am still saddened that ICU Gamer had to be shut down before being rebranded as “Games Enquirer” a year ago [12] [13], but for what we have lost, we will gain something else. Shinies : Call Of Light could be a shining example [5] [6]. And yes, the Splatoon 3 edition of the OLED model of the Nintendo Switch would be another example too [23]. Now, how about we jam to the theme song of the The Delicious Last Course, the brand new DLC for Cuphead [29] [30]? [10]

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