Rez HD is up on Live right now! If you have not played any of the previous incarnations of this, you owe it to yourself to grab that demo!

Go Now!

http://ve3d.ign.com/videos/play/20788/Xbox-360/Rez-HD

http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3165700
Perfect 10 on 1up.

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/848/848434p1.html
8.6 on IGN.

ive never played rez before so i grabbed the demo. i got bored after 5 minutes and deleted it from my hdd.

I can't seem to get past the third level. The end boss's little red missiles hit me constantly. I'm starting to get frustrated.

For the bosses, take your time. Put protecting yourself from projectiles above the need to take damage. Also, bosses dynamicly shift up in difficulty depending on how well you do in the level leading up to them. If you do a little worse in the level, the boss may be easier. :) Part of it is of course memorization as well. Rail-shooters tend to require you to learn the level.

Oh yeah! Practice in Travelling mode too! Same game, with no damage. Perfect for practice, or chilling out. It's a good way to figure out boss patterns.

Additional: There are 5 areas in the main game, but they seem to have changed to requirements for the 5th area. You used to be able to just beat the first 4 levels to unlock the 5th, but now it seems that there is a completion percentage requirement. Also of note is that the 5th area is about as long as the other 4 areas put together. Well, maybe only 3. :)

Anyone joining this thread, post your Gamertag so we can get some score attack competition going!

Played through the demo (made it to "Level 10") and faded it out as I was fighting the boss, so not sure if I died or if it was the end of the demo.

Considering purchasing the game based on the rave reviews, but how many more levels are in the game total?

Played through the demo (made it to "Level 10") and faded it out as I was fighting the boss, so not sure if I died or if it was the end of the demo.

Considering purchasing the game based on the rave reviews, but how many more levels are in the game total?If you were disappointed by how easy the demo was, don't expect much more from the full game. If your only goal is to "beat" the game, it won't last you very long. Back on the PS2, I finished the game in just a couple of hours after renting it.

But if your goal is to improve your scores and just experience the game, it's well worth the price.

<---buys a bottle of absynthe, downloads REZ. Review on the way

If you were disappointed by how easy the demo was, don't expect much more from the full game. If your only goal is to "beat" the game, it won't last you very long. Back on the PS2, I finished the game in just a couple of hours after renting it.

But if your goal is to improve your scores and just experience the game, it's well worth the price.

I wasn't disappointed at all, I really enjoyed it. I was just curious how long the full game was.

Can anyone post if there are differences from the original to the 360 version besides the graphical update? Also has anyone tried the "trance vibrator feature"? :P

Can anyone post if there are differences from the original to the 360 version besides the graphical update? Also has anyone tried the "trance vibrator feature"? :P

I read that the audio has been remastered to DD 5.1. Haven't played the original though, so not sure about what else has changed :)

Can anyone post if there are differences from the original to the 360 version besides the graphical update? Also has anyone tried the "trance vibrator feature"? :P

5.1 audio, and multiple controllers can be used as multiple trance vibrators each in sync with different elements of the game.

Does it render in 1080p like E4 does?

Has anybody purchased this game with a gamertag that's on a replacement Xbox?

I don't always have access to XBL on my console, and some things don't work without being connected(like Ultimate MK3). Does the full version of this game still work if you're not connected to XBL?

Has anybody purchased this game with a gamertag that's on a replacement Xbox?

I don't always have access to XBL on my console, and some things don't work without being connected(like Ultimate MK3). Does the full version of this game still work if you're not connected to XBL?
The problem is if you have a game that you bought on your previous console and you're using it on your new console when not connected to Xbox Live. If you buy this game right now on your new console, there's no issue with playing the game online or offline.

The problem is if you have a game that you bought on your previous console and you're using it on your new console when not connected to Xbox Live. If you buy this game right now on your new console, there's no issue with playing the game online or offline.

OOOH! I thought it was because I made my GamerTag on my old console...

Hmmm...so I guess Ultimate MK3 is the only game I bought on my old console.

Thanks!

I found out the answers to my question, some info on the game from the developers:
http://uga-q.net/rez.php

Can't wait to get home from work to get this game now :)

http://ve3d.ign.com/videos/play/20788/Xbox-360/Rez-HD
1280x720 Launch Trailer :)

New stuff: graphics are higher res, audio is 5.1, there is no PS2 slowdown. Additionally, there are now audio filters and graphics filters to apply to the game. Aiming is also smoother due to the 360 gamepad having better analog sticks than the DC or PS2 controllers. This is absolutly the definitive version of the game. :)

mark - There are 5 levels in the main game, with the 5th being unlocked after getting 100% analyzation in the first 4. Level 5 is huge in comparison. There is also a 6th Lost level which has a rather sharp difficulty increase. As with any rail shooter, the game is rather short (though Rez is longer than most rail shooters).

Though I actually have a copy of the PS2 Rez, I never really played much of it, probably because I always thought it was butt-ugly (Rez's style of graphics just aren't done justice at non-AA 480i), the slowdown irritated me, and I hated the PS2's analog stick so much. :p This is sooo much better from my quick playtest of it tonight. :)

On another note, I will put in another plug for Space Giraffe, since anyone that's decided they like the 'experience' aspect of Rez really owes it to themselves to figure out SG, given that the zone one gets into playing it is similar. The connection between the sound and the core gameplay is somewhat different though, in that in SG, you learn to 'see' what's going on from sound effects, as opposed to Rez's 'composition' of the music via the gameplay. ;) Both are an absolute joy once you get it though. :D

"(Rez's style of graphics just aren't done justice at non-AA 480i)"

Up until today the way to play Rez was over VGA out of the Dreamcast. That how I played it on my plasma and 640x480p VGA did a good job, plus there was no porting slowdown like in the PS2 version. Of course RezHD makes all the previous versions obsolete, with the added bonus of being available to everyone for $10, instead of only to people lucky enough to happen across a vastly marked up used copy.

I absolutely loved this game on the Dreamcast and, unlike other "old" games that dont feel so nice after time has passed, this game feels even better on this outing.

I love everything about it. The old feeling is still there and even the techno soundtrack (which, if you cant stand techno will make you nauseous) is still pretty cool.

10 bucks well spent. XBLA does ports right!:)

is it me or does the gameplay seem similar to panzer dragoon orta where you hold a and highlight enemies then release and missiles fly out? Totally different games, don't get me wrong, but this mechanic seems similar. Was it the same development team or something?

is it me or does the gameplay seem similar to panzer dragoon orta where you hold a and highlight enemies then release and missiles fly out? Totally different games, don't get me wrong, but this mechanic seems similar. Was it the same development team or something?

Yes and no. I agree the hold the button down to lock on and release is literally the exact same gameplay mechanic from PD:O, but I dont think the two teams were the same. The developer (Q Entertainment and Mizuguchi Tetsuya) have done Lumines and E4, so puzzles have kind of been their thing. Before that Mizuguchi did Space Channel 5 which I guess has a chance of also being ported to XBLA.

But honestly, thats like wondering if the COD4 team was the same team that created Quake... :p

Did the absinthe make the game even better for you?

Yes and no. I agree the hold the button down to lock on and release is literally the exact same gameplay mechanic from PD:O, but I dont think the two teams were the same. The developer (Q Entertainment and Mizuguchi Tetsuya) have done Lumines and E4, so puzzles have kind of been their thing. Before that Mizuguchi did Space Channel 5 which I guess has a chance of also being ported to XBLA.

But honestly, thats like wondering if the COD4 team was the same team that created Quake... :p

Did the absinthe make the game even better for you?

The absinthe just made me drunk, I guess you need to add sugar or something to unlock it's hypnotic effects. I game on a projector so it almost scares me to think about what this tripfest of a game would do to my brain. Since this was a dreamcast game, I thought maybe sega somehow worked on both games

The absinthe just made me drunk, I guess you need to add sugar or something to unlock it's hypnotic effects. I game on a projector so it almost scares me to think about what this tripfest of a game would do to my brain. Since this was a dreamcast game, I thought maybe sega somehow worked on both games

I bought a bottle once(without the supposedly hallucigenic Wormwood ingredient), tried a couple of cubes of sugar with a couple of small glasses. Im not a fan of the RIDICULOUSLY licorice-like taste, but I did get what I call "alert-drunk". In other words, I was drunk but at the same time fully capable of thought and unslurred speech. Rather interesting, but not enough to pay for the experience again. Its been made legal WITH the wormwood as of late last year in the US.

And yes, it wouldnt have been surprising if they both worked on the same team. Speaking of which, I would love to see an HD update of Panzer Dragoon Saga make its way to the 360. Another of my favorite Dreamcast games of all time.... or was that Saturn... dont remember at the moment...

Speaking of which, I would love to see an HD update of Panzer Dragoon Saga make its way to the 360. Another of my favorite Dreamcast games of all time.... or was that Saturn... dont remember at the moment...

That was Saturn, I still have a shrinkwrapped copy. :D

Is there any benefit for holding down and locking on as many enemies as possible before shooting? I found that just tapping the button quickly seemed to do a better job at killing everything. I couldn't tell if there was some sort of accuracy point bonus.

That was Saturn, I still have a shrinkwrapped copy. :D

Holy Ebay Gold, Fugiot! I sold my used copy about 4 years ago. Should've held onto it...:(

Flashfunk said - "Is there any benefit for holding down and locking on as many enemies as possible before shooting? I found that just tapping the button quickly seemed to do a better job at killing everything. I couldn't tell if there was some sort of accuracy point bonus."

Yes, the higher the combo number (2x,3x,4x,etc), the higher the score. Sometimes to get thru without getting killed you definitely have to forget about combos and protect your neck by quick shooting. But when possible, the more enemies looped in, the better.

I got panzer dragoon for the xbox and it is backward compatible. Still a great shooter. Some of the dialogue is pretty cheesy, but it is fun.

Aside from the visuals, I don't really see what the fuss is about with this game. Seems to me like a slower paced After Burner game with a refined lock on firing system.

I bought a bottle once(without the supposedly hallucigenic Wormwood ingredient), tried a couple of cubes of sugar with a couple of small glasses. Im not a fan of the RIDICULOUSLY licorice-like taste, but I did get what I call "alert-drunk". In other words, I was drunk but at the same time fully capable of thought and unslurred speech. Rather interesting, but not enough to pay for the experience again. Its been made legal WITH the wormwood as of late last year in the US.Actually, not totally true. The wormwood that's okay to use is not the same wormwood that's used in Czech-style absinthe. And you still can't import it; it has to be domestically distilled.

I've had Czech-style absinthe and some homemade absinthe (both with the traditional wormwood additives). "Alert-drunk" is a good description. It's the same effect I get from other (unnamed) substances.

Anyhow, I don't think the absinthe buzz would be that good for this game. I'd stick with a traditional, good old fashioned homegrown buzz.

Does anyone know if there is some what to remap the aiming to the R-thumbstick?

It is very weird for me to have to aim with my left thumb when all my shooters use the right. Somehow it's very different. Sometimes I have a tendency to aim according to "normal" and sometimes according to "inverted" which totally screws me up.

though I like this game...my aiming is just inconsistent due to my predilections.

"Does anyone know if there is some what to remap the aiming to the R-thumbstick?"
I seem to recall there being a "southpaw" option in the Gamertage Profile options. That should swap the two sticks, but it will swap them for all games.

"The wormwood that's okay to use is not the same wormwood that's used in Czech-style absinthe"
This man is correct. The stuff labeled and sold in the US as absinthe is a lie. Specificly, it has to be thujone free, which is the unique ingredient that absinthe contains versus other alcohols. US absinthe is "green alcohol".

"Aside from the visuals, I don't really see what the fuss is about with this game"
The interaction of the player with the audio is a really big part that it seems you missed. :) The way the soundtrack builds up in the background based on how well you are doing in the level, the use of vibration as an addition to the music, the player's addition to the music based on automaticly timed sampler effects attatched to your weapon... Plus, it is an excellent example of the rail-shooter genre. Easy enough that anyone can get through the first 4 levels, it requires you to learn the mechanics ompletely to finish level 5. It then requires mastery to unlock the bonuses and to do well in Score Attack. There really is alot here that is unique, wrapped within the guise of "pretty rail shooter".

"Is there any benefit for holding down and locking on as many enemies as possible before shooting?"
In the regular missions, your input to the audio changes based on how many enemies you have selected upon firing. Also it takes less button-mashing effort and is quicker once you get used to it, therefore leading to higher percentages, leading to the proper ending (if I recall correctly). The big reason to use it is in Score Attack, as Replicant said. It kind of works as a mulitplier then.

Does anyone know if there is some what to remap the aiming to the R-thumbstick?

It is very weird for me to have to aim with my left thumb when all my shooters use the right. Somehow it's very different. Sometimes I have a tendency to aim according to "normal" and sometimes according to "inverted" which totally screws me up.

though I like this game...my aiming is just inconsistent due to my predilections.

Ya, I found this kinda screws me up too. I ALWAYS play inverted during shooters, but aiming in this felt weird so I tried normal. But that increased the weirdness, so I went back to inverted.

As mentioned, this game is really about the musical atmosphere you can create. Here's a non-sex tip for the trance vibration. Use your second controller and put it behind your neck, buttons facing away from you. now lean back against your couch/chair. Instant neck massager! now add cranked 5.1 sound, HDTV, your favorite beverage (read: mood enhancer) and you start to understand why some people love this game.

Quick tip! Make sure that rumble and 5.1 is turned on in the options of this game. For some silly reason, it defaults to stereo with rumble off. Not having the rumble really takes away from the immersion in this game. :)

I totally forgot how great this game was till I played it today. :D

WOW! Downloaded this last night, bought it today. This is my first experience with Rez but OMG this game is amazing! It's an absolute trip and a really unique experience. I had my sound system turned up while I was playing earlier today, I'm willing to bet people walking past my dorm thought there was a rave going on with the blaring techno :p.

Glad you liked it, bkchurch! :)

"Does anyone know if there is some what to remap the aiming to the R-thumbstick?"
I seem to recall there being a "southpaw" option in the Gamertage Profile options. That should swap the two sticks, but it will swap them for all games.



Hmmm...good idea. I can always just swap them back to normal when I'm done playing Rez!! I'll have to give it a try.

Thanks for the tip.

Also it takes less button-mashing effort and is quicker once you get used to it, therefore leading to higher percentages, leading to the proper ending (if I recall correctly). The big reason to use it is in Score Attack, as Replicant said. It kind of works as a mulitplier then.

Actually, quick-firing will always be faster than using the lock system. It will fire pretty much as fast as you can press the button and there is no time wasted locking on to things before you fire. If you can tap the button extremely fast, that's the best way to take down bigger enemies.

But I did notice that in Stage 5, there are some round spider-looking things. If you lock all 8 shots onto one "spider" alone, you always get a power-up.

So I played this back on the PS2 and really liked the game, but this new version is amazing.

For a game that depends so much on creating an "experience," having this play in 5.1 with crystal clear visuals is a tremendously different experience.

Having leaderboards and shared videos is a nice bonus, too. :)

"Having leaderboards and shared videos is a nice bonus, too."

I have a friendly competition going with my friends list to see who can hold the highest Score Attack score. I'm in 2nd place with 183,000 right now. :)

Anyone that wants to join in the fun should add me (darklordjames3) and post their Gamertag here.

"Having leaderboards and shared videos is a nice bonus, too."

I have a friendly competition going with my friends list to see who can hold the highest Score Attack score. I'm in 2nd place with 183,000 right now. :)

Anyone that wants to join in the fun should add me (darklordjames3) and post their Gamertag here.Great idea. Just hit 200,070 on area 1. Could use some friendly competition. :D

gamertag: Hypops

I saw that you totally tore up Area 1. :) Beat me by 17,000 there! Damn! I'll have to take another crack at it tommorrow.

I'm working on getting 150,000+ on all 4 levels right now to get the achievement.

Okay, since I haven't seen it posted yet, here (http://www.gamegirladvance.com/archives/2002/10/26/sex_in_games_rezvibrator.html) is the original infamous Game Girl article that thrust this piece of code into the stuff of legend. And yes, I have tried this with the 360 controller. Between the surreal, sci-fi visuals, trance-inducing techno, and pulsing, vibro-sensation the world really does just melt away. This is the true Rez experience...aural, visual, sensual...goodbye stress-of-the-day...

Okay, since I haven't seen it posted yet, here (http://www.gamegirladvance.com/archives/2002/10/26/sex_in_games_rezvibrator.html) is the original infamous Game Girl article that thrust this piece of code into the stuff of legend. And yes, I have tried this with the 360 controller. Between the surreal, sci-fi visuals, trance-inducing techno, and pulsing, vibro-sensation the world really does just melt away. This is the true Rez experience...aural, visual, sensual...goodbye stress-of-the-day...

remember that you can add up to 3 more controlelrs and each one will vibrate differently at once.

ever see that Howard Stern movie "Private Parts" when he calls that girl (Jenna Jameson) and has her turn her subwoofer up?

Amazing game, so glad I got the full verison.

Level 5 is unreal, great experience :cool:

Well worth the $10, wasn't it? :)

the game works very well with my Virtua Fighter 5 arcade joystick, just no rumble. Maybe I'll plug in the other controller and place it in my lap while I play :rolleyes:

That's actually good to hear! It is a very "arcade" type of game, so a proper arcade joystick sounds like a rad way to play. :)

I bought this game almost 3 years ago for 70 bucks ha ha. I rented it when it came out and loved it. I was looking for it a while later to buy but couldnt find it....accept on Ebay. I love this game. I need to get a 4th 360 controller to get the full vibrating x-perience! ha ha

got my wife playing this right now with a second controller :D

got my wife playing this right now with a second controller :D

I don't believe you, got pics :rolleyes::p

That's actually good to hear! It is a very "arcade" type of game, so a proper arcade joystick sounds like a rad way to play. :)

yeah, it works really well. Again, no rumble, but it handles the task quite well. Cool game

I've been having a blast with the game... Best arcade game since Geometry Wars! I'm up to level 3!

Well worth the $10, wasn't it? :)

Absolutely and then some!

Even when you beat the regular "play mode" there's a ton of other stuff to do that unlocks as you play. I wanted to say that the achievements in this game are probally some of the best usage of them I've seen yet on any game on the 360. If you follow the guide of the achievements they point you in the right direction of what else you can do to unlock things in the game. Seems each achievement unlocks more gameplay options, and even if you partially completed with some of the achievements, other options unlock in the game in "beyond mode" which adds to your motivation/addiction even more to keep playing. :)

Best game on live, period. Love it!

Best game on live, period. Love it!

Right on! For once, I dont feel "ripped off" by the amount of money I spent. Honestly would have expected a 15-20 dollar tag on this.

Rez HD was the number one XBLA title last week (http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2008/02/07/live-activity-for-week-of-1-28.aspx) :)

Hopefully this will convince other publishers/developers to do proper XBLA versions of classic games. I missed this game back in the day and am glad to experience it now, really a timeless game.

Quick tip! Make sure that rumble and 5.1 is turned on in the options of this game. For some silly reason, it defaults to stereo with rumble off. Not having the rumble really takes away from the immersion in this game. :)

wtf! I have been a dissapointed with the surround sound, didn't know I had to turn on 5.1.... :(

I want to take some "things" that would make the game more hypnotic. Absinthe didn't give me the 3 d effect I crave. I want some 3d glasses and something that will make my brain come close to exploding! :)

I want to take some "things" that would make the game more hypnotic. Absinthe didn't give me the 3 d effect I crave. I want some 3d glasses and something that will make my brain come close to exploding! :)If you head in the right direction, the 3d glasses will be totally moot. Find the right "things" and you won't even need to turn on your TV or 360 to play the game.

If you head in the right direction, the 3d glasses will be totally moot. Find the right "things" and you won't even need to turn on your TV or 360 to play the game.

hehe ditto.. played this game a lot in college. :D

"Rez HD was the number one XBLA title last week (http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2008/02/07/live-activity-for-week-of-1-28.aspx)"

Good to see these guys finally get the piles of cash that they deserve for this game!

I feel like Im about to have a seisure. Not for me. at. all.

I feel like Im about to have a seisure. Not for me. at. all.

lol :eek: not for everyone I guess, you should know by playing the demo if the game will bother you.

I don't think the standard visual are too over the top, just perfect for me, although right now I'm currently going through different color schemes in "Direct Assault" mode and some are definately more intense, but still not too bad. :)

Right on! For once, I dont feel "ripped off" by the amount of money I spent. Honestly would have expected a 15-20 dollar tag on this.

Yeah, well worth the money! Unlike the Lumines rip-off, feature-wise, this is a complete game. I tried with 2 extra controllers: one by my feet and one on my lap, which didn't seem right so I moved it behind my lower back. :D

My wife asked me if it was some new Tron game. :) She thought it was pretty trippy.

First experience? try playing this in the dark on a large HDTV with 5.1 surround sound to get the full effect. Remember to turn the rumble on as well.

finally got my xbox back from the repair center(2nd trip). I've owned rez on dreamcast and ps2 and hopefully once I get paid friday I can get some MSPs to unlock it. But man just playing the first level again in full 720P was a blast.

To get the "direct assault trance" achievement you have to beat every single unlock under direct assault? I beat normal and ambient. I opened up "punk" Is trance the last one? :(

To get the "direct assault trance" achievement you have to beat every single unlock under direct assault? I beat normal and ambient. I opened up "punk" Is trance the last one? :(

Yep, you have to keep going and beat them all :)

The themes are:
Normal
Ambiant
Punk
Oldschool
Psychedelic
Trance

http://majornelson.com/archive/2008/03/04/live-activity-for-week-of-2-25.aspx

Rez is still selling pretty well, sitting in the #7 spot currently for Live Arcade sales.

Just a reminder: If you haven't tried Rex HD, go download the demo now!

I think we need a new article in which Miyuki "Jane" Pinckard performs, uhh, a test on the new Rez and compares it to her results from the previous one. The Penny Arcade article pointed out that up to 3 Xbox 360 controllers could be made to vibrate during the game, if I recall...