Just Blaze and Chuck D Are Chosen Ones
Midway's latest arcade basketball game grabs two huge names in music.
Published: February 4, 2008
With the NBA holding strong on their policy of not allowing a single publisher to buy their exclusive rights, there is, if nothing else, an opportunity for just about any publisher to find a breakout hit with their particular approach to basketball. Midway managed to gain modest success with their Ballers series on the PS2, but for the next-gen version, they're readying the series for prime time.
Sure, NBA Ballers: Chosen One is going to have the usual PS3-level touch-ups like better animation, snazzy HD graphics and a solid online mode, but just as important -- at least to Midway's development team -- is bringing the sound in line. To this end, they've tapped the talents of Public Enemy frontman Chuck D and hip-hop producer Just Blaze to provide play-by-play commentary during games as well as studio updates and overall production of the game's instrumental soundtrack, respectively.
"The talents of Chuck D and Just Blaze will greatly enhance the NBA Ballers: Chosen One experience, as players live the fantasy lifestyle of an NBA Superstar," spat George Gomez Midway Amusement Games' executive producer. "Chuck D is one of the most recognizable voices in music history, while Just Blaze has produced multiple chart-topping hits. Together they'll ensure that NBA Ballers: Chosen One will feature a sound to match the game's amazing graphics and gameplay."
That sound, for those curious, includes more than just a bunch of licensed songs. In much the same vein as EA Vancouver's work on the early EA Sports BIG games like SSX, the music will dynamically adjust to whatever's happening on screen. Unlike EA's extreme sports games, though, the instrumental score will be mixed on the fly, lending, Midway hopes, a cinematic flair to the visuals. Given that interactive scores have been attempted in the past yet haven't quite been nailed, we're looking forward to seeing how Just Blaze's production and Midway's programmers work their magic.
Chosen One hits stores this Spring, but be sure to check out the new trailer featuring Chuck D and Just Blaze that we've kicked up by clicking the movies link at the top of this page.
Sure, NBA Ballers: Chosen One is going to have the usual PS3-level touch-ups like better animation, snazzy HD graphics and a solid online mode, but just as important -- at least to Midway's development team -- is bringing the sound in line. To this end, they've tapped the talents of Public Enemy frontman Chuck D and hip-hop producer Just Blaze to provide play-by-play commentary during games as well as studio updates and overall production of the game's instrumental soundtrack, respectively.
"The talents of Chuck D and Just Blaze will greatly enhance the NBA Ballers: Chosen One experience, as players live the fantasy lifestyle of an NBA Superstar," spat George Gomez Midway Amusement Games' executive producer. "Chuck D is one of the most recognizable voices in music history, while Just Blaze has produced multiple chart-topping hits. Together they'll ensure that NBA Ballers: Chosen One will feature a sound to match the game's amazing graphics and gameplay."
That sound, for those curious, includes more than just a bunch of licensed songs. In much the same vein as EA Vancouver's work on the early EA Sports BIG games like SSX, the music will dynamically adjust to whatever's happening on screen. Unlike EA's extreme sports games, though, the instrumental score will be mixed on the fly, lending, Midway hopes, a cinematic flair to the visuals. Given that interactive scores have been attempted in the past yet haven't quite been nailed, we're looking forward to seeing how Just Blaze's production and Midway's programmers work their magic.
Chosen One hits stores this Spring, but be sure to check out the new trailer featuring Chuck D and Just Blaze that we've kicked up by clicking the movies link at the top of this page.