4 voice FM synthesizer in a cigar box

Owen writes -

"The instrument is a cigar box synthesizer. It is made out of a Critter Board, a small audio amp, and some other components we had kicking around. Since it is a synthesizer, we use the version of the Critter Board with on-board flash (no card socket).

The project utilizes all the features that make the Critter Board unique, such as the volume control header, the sound output header (you can listen on the speaker, or plug it in to a bigger amp), and most of the I/O lines.

After digging up a 12 key key-pad, we thought it would be nice to make a 1 octave synthesizer. We then added another button above the keypad as a register button. If it is held down before pressing any of the 12 keys, the key will play an octave higher. So it is really a 2 octave synth." - Link & video.

Also, check out their Video Critter -

"The video critter is an open-source audio/video platform that may be used with most any TV (any TV with composite video input).

It is a one stop solution, providing audio/video output and proccessing for your applications. Just add some buttons, knobs, or joysticks, and you´re ready to go. It is useful for a variety of embedded applications" - Link.

Related:

• Critter Board, a hardware platform for creating self-contained electronic music devices - Link.

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Alien Syndrome Coming To Wii, PSP

No, this is not a repost. It appears that another one of Sega´s "classic" intellectual properties is making its way to the Wii and the PSP. Alien Syndrome, which saw an arcade release in 1987 on the venerable System 16 platform, was a simple top-down multiplayer shooter with a clear Aliens (the movie) inspiration.

It seems that Sega´s Alien Syndrome, despite being announced the same day as Sega being granted rights to the Aliens film license, is an independent project, with no basis on the 20th Century Fox property. Confusing!

Game development for the action-RPG is being helmed by Totally Games, responsible for games in the X-Wing and Tie Fighter series, as well as, more recently, Star Trek Bridge Commander and Secret Weapons Over Normandy. I anxiously await screens, hoping that the candy-colored, 80s pastel palette will carry over.

Hit the jump for the full release. Michael McWhertor

Aliens Going Next-Gen [Kotaku]

SEGA of America, Inc. and SEGA Europe, Ltd. today announced they will be releasing Alien Syndrome, a fast-paced action-RPG set in a stunningly imaginative sci-fi universe. Developed by Totally Games, Alien Syndrome will launch simultaneously for the Nintendo Wii console and PSP system in summer 2007. Alien Syndrome offers two fast-paced action-RPG modes - the dramatic and engaging single-player campaign, plus a hugely re-playable co-op multiplayer mode where up to four players can delve into the daring quest. Derived from the classic SEGA IP, Alien Syndrome for the Wii and PSP plunges players into its easy to pick up and play action-RPG gameplay, while offering depth and a wealth of features and missions to challenge all gamers.

Alien Syndrome puts players in control of the strong and enigmatic heroine - Earth Command Trooper Aileen Harding - as she battles through a wide variety of environments including onboard infested spaceships and bizarre alien planets, taking on a mixture of fearsome aliens and colossal bosses. Players can choose from a wide selection of character specialties and skills to hone their character before embarking upon their sci-fi adventure. As they progress through the engrossing campaign, protected by different types of armour and using a variety of melee and ranged weaponry, players can improve their heroine´s statistics and discover powerful new abilities.

"Alien Syndrome is a great update of a classic franchise that has been designed to fit perfectly onto both the innovative Wii and the portable PSP," said Matt Woodley, Creative Director, SEGA Publishing Europe Ltd. "Alien Syndrome is the only fast-paced, sci-fi action -RPG for the Wii and PSP and brilliantly blends arcade-style shooter gameplay with elements from RPGs."

"Completely re-designed from the ground up for the PSP and the Wii, this new Alien Syndrome offers a refreshing blast-athon on a venerable classic," said Larry Holland, President and Creative Director of Totally Games. "As well, it has allowed us to exercise our science fiction chops to the fullest to create a totally involving futuristic action-RPG game experience."

Alien Syndrome offers 20 different weapons to use, ranging from flamethrowers, quad-barrelled lasers, nanobot swarms that dissolve enemies and incendiary grenades that unleash fire geysers from the ground. Each weapon offers different advantages and disadvantages, dependent upon how it is used and which speciality the player has chosen to adopt. With the sheer variety of weapons and abilities available to players, any number of combat strategies can be used to defeat hordes of more than 100 different alien enemies.

Alien Syndrome on the Wii will utilise the Wii remote´s unique gyroscopic feature by enabling players a full range of motion when slashing through enemies, unloading devastation on bosses, or running and gunning through hallways. Players will also be able to access various new game modes and mechanisms. These extra features include using the Wii controllers to craft new items, to enhance existing items and character abilities and to hack into computer systems.

For gamers on the go, Alien Syndrome on the PSP is wi-fi enabled so that up to four players can embark upon playing cooperatively through the alien infested levels in various multiplayer modes.

Alien Syndrome is developed by Totally Games and will be available for the Wii and PSP system in summer 2007.

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Judge to Illinois: Pay ESA Already

A federal judge told Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich that "the time for waffling has passed" and that the state needs to develop a plan for paying legal fees in a video-game lawsuit it lost.

The state has until Dec. 18 to say how they play to pay the more than half-million dollar bill.

A year ago the judge ruled that the state´s law that barred the sale of violent or sexually explicit video games to minors was unconstitutional and then in August ordered the state to pay the video game industry´s legal costs.

Last month industry lawyers asked the judge to intervene because the state wasn´t cooperating and the judge decided to do just that.

"They have answered the plaintiffs´ entreaties with what amounts to shoulder-shrugging and finger-pointing," Kennelly wrote in an opinion. "Specifically, they have made no real suggestion about what the plaintiffs need to do to collect what they are entitled to, largely leaving that up to one´s imagination."

So to summarize, Illinois is run by an idiot. Brian Crecente

Judge wants legal-fee payment plan from Blagojevich [Chicago Tribune]

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Dragon Quest IX Coming To Nintendo DS

In a somewhat shocking announcement, Square-Enix has revealed that the next chapter in the Dragon Quest series of RPGs is coming to the dominant platform in Japan, the Nintendo DS. Sorry, PS3, no Dragon Quest for you!

Admittedly, that´s not true, as this may be just the first announced Dragon Quest IX title, with Square-Enix following a business model similar to the Final Fantasy franchise, which has the Versus and Agito spin-off titles hitting alongside the core Final Fantasy XIII. Still, it´s quite a surprise to see the series jump from the PlayStation 2 to Nintendo´s nation conquering handheld.

Level 5 will once again be the developer, with Dragon Quest IX: Defender of the Starry Sky hitting Japanese retail shelves sometime before the end of 2007. The game will also feature 4-player co-op play.

With Japan´s most beloved RPG franchise making its way to Nintendo´s can´t-lose portable, I´d suggest that the readership invest in foreign hardware as soon as possible. The DS will be worth its weight in gold next year. Michael McWhertor

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