EXILE – The Hurricane ~Fireworks~ (JAPAN) (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)

Featuring the second single with the expanded version of EXILE, their single “The Hurricane ~Fireworks” features a collaboration with US hip hop artist FLO RIDA and their “Street Fighter IV” video game theme song “THE NEXT DOOR -Indestructible-”

GROUP: EXILE

CD SINGLE: The Hurricane ~Fireworks~

LABEL: Rhythm Zone

CATALOG #: RZCD-46314/B

DURATION: 35:17

RELEASE DATE:  July 22, 2009

BUY THIS CD SINGLE:

1. FIREWORKS
2. 優しい光
3. THE NEXT DOOR -INDESTRUCTIBLE-
4. FIREWORKS (Instrumental)
5. 優しい光 (Instrumental)
6. THE NEXT DOOR -INDESTRUCTIBLE- (Instrumental)
7. WON’T BE LONG [Live]

DVD: (Region 2, 4:3, Duration: 13:59 Minutes)

1. FIREWORKS (Video Clip)
2. 優しい光 (Video Clip)

EXILE, Japanese most popular and highest selling group who began the year fresh after winning the top award at Japan’s equivalent to the Academy Awards (Nihon Record Taishou) and then surprised everyone earlier in the Spring that they would combine with the group J-SOUL BROTHERS and become a 14 member group.

In July 2009, the group released their 31st CD single “The Hurricane ~Fireworks~”, the second single to feature the 14 members and would feature a collaboration with US hip hop artist FLO RIDA and also feature the theme song to the popular video game hit “Street Fighter IV”.

The single kicks off with the pop track “Fireworks” which was written by michico, P-CHO, GS, KUBO-C and TOMOGEN and featuring music by T. Kura and michico.  The song would feature shamisen playing in the background courtesy of the YOSHIDA BROTHERS and rap by DOBERMAN INC.    Overall, a fun Summer track with cool beats and the shamisen playing in the background.

The coupling song “Yasashii Hikari” features a beautiful romantic slow ballad sung by ATSUSHI (who also wrote the song) and features music by Hitoshi Harukawa.

The third track “THE NEXT DOOR – INDESTRUCTIBLE” is the group’s song that was featured as the theme song to CAPCOM’s “Street Fighter IV” and features a collaboration with US hip hop artist FLO RIDA.  Also, a song that was planned to give international exposure to the group.  The song is an all English track written by NEGIN and Tramar Dillard and music by li showy.  An upbeat track featuring electric guitar by KIKU.

The next two tracks feature instrumental tracks for the three vocal tracks and then concludes with a live version of the popular song “WON’T BE LONG” (which was a collaboration with pop diva Kumi Koda) minus Kumi but overall, a wonderful live track as you can hear the audience really getting into the song.  Awesome!

As for the DVD, the DVD features the music videos for “FIREWORKS” and “Yasashii Hikari”.

The first music video “FIREWORKS” features a girl reading a “Hanabi” storybook and all of a sudden fireworks comes out of the book and then we see a summer Hanabi festival style with people dancing and performing and then features the group performing via fire and water CG is shown all around them.  The music video is directed by Takahide Ishii and produced by Hirokazu Yukawa (Quick Magic).

The second music video is the slow jam “Yasashii Hikari” and is directed by Shigeaki Kubo (SHARKS) and produced by Hayato Murakoshi (MFG).  The music video is like a short film which features a couple in love and spending time with each other.  The couple had great times until things started to worsen in their relationship and are on the verge of a breakup.  The woman visits their old spot where they once would look at lamps around a tree, while the guy has a hard time coping without his girlfriend near him.  But he decides to make it up to her when he calls her up and ask for another chance.  And her reaction may not be what you think.

The CD insert is a trifold which features a photo of the group and the lyrics to the songs plus production credits.  Included inside is a small poster introducing us to EXILE GENERATION and the family tree.  Also, a plug for the group’s SkyPerfecTV show, “EXILE GENERATION SEASON 2″ and also upcoming Rhythm Zone releases.

Overall, I’m a fan of EXILE and with the group you know you are getting music featuring awesome vocals and upbeat tracks and the occasional slow jam.  I thought it was a good touch to include three vocal tracks of different tempos and also the live version of “WON’T BE LONG”.  The collaboration with FLO RIDA for “THE NEXT DOOR – INDESTRUCTIBLE-” was good for an English track from a Japanese group but I know that for those who played the “Street Fighter IV” video game, some had mixed feelings towards the song.

And when it comes to the DVD portion, the music videos were well-produced and higher budget than most artists or group receive for a music video.  But overall, well-done, especially for the short film/music video for “Yasashii Hikari”.  Definitely an ending that is nowhere a cliche with an ending I wasn’t expecting.

But overall, as an EXILE music fan and knowing what the guys have accomplished in Japan, “The Hurricane ~FIREWORKS~” is a solid 31st single for the Japanese pop/R&B group.

BUY THIS CD SINGLE:

Mad Catz® Announces Licensed Street FighterTM IV FightSticks, FightPads and Collectible Accessories

Mad Catz® Interactive, Inc. (AMEX/TSX: MCZ), a leading third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider, today announced a full range of licensed Street Fighter™ IV accessories which are expected to ship alongside the release of the first dedicated next generation release in February 2009.

Produced in close collaboration with Capcom®, the Mad Catz Street Fighter® IV range of accessories has been created to support the game’s unique button mapping out of the box and enhance game play for casual and dedicated fans alike.

Products expected to ship in the range are as follows:

• Official Street Fighter IV Arcade FightStick – Xbox 360® and PLAYSTATION®3

Designed to offer authentic arcade style play, the Street Fighter IV Arcade FightStick offers gamers precision control and quality engineering complete with stunning official artwork. Dual-speed Turbo functionality for each button complete with LED Indicators allows gamers to execute moves with lightning speed while the eight-button Street Fighter IV arcade configuration means that those familiar with the arcade will feel instantly at home. An integrated D-Pad switch allows gamers to alternate between D-Pad and Analog Sticks for maximum control flexibility, while the ergonomic slanted top panel ensures maximum comfort during sustained play. Start and Select/Back Buttons have been moved to the rear of the FightStick thus minimizing the risk of accidental interruption during play and specially created ‘Character Cards’ ship with the Arcade FightStick which insert into the top panel and display a selection of special moves.

• Official Street Fighter IV FightPad – Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3

Ideal for gamers favoring a traditional console controller without wishing to compromise on features, the Street Fighter IV FightPad features an enlarged circular eight-way floating D-Pad and arcade style six-button configuration. An integrated D-Pad switch allows gamers to alternate between D-Pad and Analog Sticks and combined with official artwork featuring an assortment of famous Street Fighter® characters, the Street Fighter IV FightPad is destined to be the controller of choice for discerning fans and those seeking a competitive advantage.

• Official Street Fighter IV Arcade FightStick: Tournament Edition – Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3

Designed for the serious Street Fighter enthusiast, nothing brings the arcade experience closer to home than the Street Fighter IV Arcade FightStick: Tournament Edition. Overseen by Capcom and legendary producer Yoshinori Ono, the Tournament Edition features an unparalleled level of detail and uses arcade quality components. Sourced directly from arcade manufacturer Sanwa Denshi™, the FightStick: Tournament Edition uses the same Japanese style ball-handled joystick and 30mm Action Buttons found in the official Street Fighter IV Vewlix™ arcade cabinet, marking the first time such components have been used for a commercial product outside of Japan. With the D-Pad control switch, dual Turbo functionality for each button, and exact button layout matching the Vewlix Street Fighter IV arcade panel, the FightStick: Tournament Edition delivers an experience unlike any other arcade styled controller. Complete with detailed touches such as screw on rubber feet for solid surface play, unobtrusive placement of the Start and Select/Back Buttons along with a locking mechanism preventing accidental activation of Turbo settings for tournament play, the FightStick: Tournament Edition represents the best possible choice for the hardcore and dedicated Street Fighter fan.

• Official Street Fighter IV Faceplate and Console Skinz™ – Xbox 360

Featuring custom Street Fighter IV artwork, the highly collectible Faceplate and Console Skinz allow gamers to customize their Xbox 360 console. Safe and totally removable, the Console Skinz wrap around the top and bottom of the console and when combined with the Faceplate, create a stunning Street Fighter IV backdrop. Available in a choice of two striking designs, the Street Fighter IV Faceplate and Console Skinz present an eye-catching addition to any gamer’s living room.

• Official Street Fighter IV Controller Faceplate and Console Skinz – PLAYSTATION®3

Featuring custom Street Fighter IV artwork, the highly collectible Controller Faceplate and Console Skinz allow gamers to customize their PLAYSTATION 3 consoles and official controllers. Safe and totally removable, the Console Skinz adhere to the top of the console and provide a stunning Street Fighter IV themed landscape. In addition, the Controller Faceplate attaches quickly and safely to the official PLAYSTATION 3 controller providing matching artwork to the console.

• Official Street Fighter IV Wall Scroll

A perfect finishing touch to any gaming environment, the Street Fighter IV Wall Scroll features a breathtaking intricate design utilizing official Street Fighter IV artwork. Highly collectible, the quality vinyl scroll provides a unique addition to any fan’s collection.

Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, “Street Fighter is the fighting franchise by which all others are judged. Mad Catz is excited about the opportunity to leverage our years of experience in designing and manufacturing controllers and extend our portfolio to include what we believe will be seen as market leading FightSticks and FightPads which include designs and unique feature sets, never before seen within a commercial product in the USA”

“Capcom is pleased to work with Mad Catz to provide the highest quality controllers possible to the Street Fighter community,” said Christian Svensson, vice president business development & strategic planning at Capcom Entertainment, Inc. “Capcom has a long history of supporting it’s fan base with quality content and Mad Catz Street Fighter IV peripheral controllers will astound the Street Fighter community.”

The Mad Catz range of licensed Street Fighter IV accessories is expected to be available across North America and key European territories from February 2009.

Street Fighter IV to be released for consoles in North America on Feb. 17, 2008

CAPCOM has revealed that “Street Fighter IV” will be coming to North America on XBOX 360 and Playstation 3 on Feb. 17th.  Europe will get the game on Feb. 20th.

Another “Street Fighter IV” character revealed – Sakura

CAPCOM released the latest screen images of the latest character to join the “Street Fighter IV” home version and it’s Ryu idol worshipper, Sakura.  Images courtesy of CAPCOM.

[CAPCOM] Street Fighter IV coming out for XBOX 360, Playstation 3 and PC

CAPCOM^® BRINGS MARTIAL ARTS HOME WITH CONSOLE VERSIONS OF

Xbox 360^®, PLAYSTATION^®3 System and Windows-based PC Versions of Coming for Street Fighter IV

SAN MATEO, CA — May 27, 2008 — Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced the development of Street Fighter® IV, the next iteration of the genre-establishing fighting game series, for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and , Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Windows-based PC.
Few videogame series have had such a strong impact on their perspective genres the way Street Fighter® has over the decades. Creating a global legacy spanning over twenty years of fighting games, the Street Fighter series has become a pillar in the fighting videogame genre. Street Fighter IV for Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system and Windows-based PC continues this tradition of excellence with a return to the classic 2D Street Fighter fighting action mixed with new characters, amazing visuals, and next-generation fluid gameplay.
Street Fighter IV features a mix of returning favorites such as Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li and Guile along with new characters created for this game, such as Crimson Viper, Abel, El Fuerte, and Rufus. Characters and environments are rendered in stylized 3D, while the game is played in the classic Street Fighter 2D perspective with additional 3D camera flourishes. Six-button controls for the game return, with a host of new special moves and features integrated into the input system. Mixing classic genre-defining game mechanics the franchise is known and loved for with all-new, never-before-seen gameplay systems, Street Fighter IV brings a brand new fighting game to fans the world over. With the inclusion of Capcom’s latest advancements in new generation technology, Street Fighter IV promises to deliver an extraordinary experience that will re-introduce the world to the time-honored art of virtual martial arts.

For more information, visit http://www.streetfighter.com

Features:
• Classic “2D” Street Fighter gameplay with stunning 3D characters and environments

• New special moves that go beyond any Street Fighter fan’s wildest imagination, including Focus attacks, Super Combos, and the revenged-fueled Ultra Combo system.
• Classic Street Fighter characters recreated for a new generation of gamers, including the original cast of
Street Fighter® II

• New brawlers: female super-spy Crimson Viper, lucha libre wrestler El Fuerte, mixed martial artist Abel and more!
• Amazing locations never seen before in a Street Fighter game

• New gameplay elements provide new challenges for both newcomers and the most seasoned Street Fighter pro.

[CAPCOM] FIRST STREET FIGHTER IV COMMERCIAL TO AIR DURING CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS MIXED MARTIAL ARTS (MMA) EVENT

New Trailer, Preorder Campaign Kickoff On StreetFighter.com Immediately FollowingWhen: Saturday, May 31st, 2008 at 10 P

Where: CBS (check local listings)
URL: http://www.streetfighter.com, http://fight.proelite.com/elitexc-primetime.html

SAN MATEO, CA – May 28, 2008 – Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that the first television commercial for Street Fighter® IV will debut during the CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights mixed martial arts (MMA) event. The EliteXC bout takes place on CBS on Saturday, May 31 at 9 PM EST. Immediately following the bout, the Street Fighter IV trailer will debut on the newly redesigned StreetFighter.com, along with the first chance for gamers to preorder Street Fighter IV for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system exclusively through GamesStop.

Viewers tuning in to catch the first MMA fight to ever air on US broadcast television featuring internet phenomenon Kimbo Slice battling British fighter James “The Colossus” Thompson, will be treated to the network premiere of a 60 second Street Fighter IV trailer and 30 second Street Fighter IV television spots, which feature a combination of stylized CG animation and game play, ending with a call to action that will drive viewers to the newly designed StreetFighter.com website.

On the website, players will be able to watch the new “artistic” trailer, featuring a stylized brawl between Street Fighter favorite Guile and new character Abel along with several other Street Fighter IV trailers and then immediately pre-order the Xbox 360 or PS3 version of the game from GameStop. Fans who pre-order Street Fighter IV will receive a limited edition collectable Street Fighter Tribute artbook, illustrated by top artists from the comic book and video game industries. A countdown currently running on the website tracks the time remaining until the new trailer unlocks.