Hands on with SongArc, the upcoming music jam game for Windows Phone that will be the ultimate time killer

Windows Phone Key first brought you lot the news about SongArc, a music game that'due south reminiscent of Guitar Hero and Audio Surf that will utilize your stored music for exciting gameplay. The game is the brainchild of Turtle Games, who make the popular game Rum Run and András Velvárt, who is the heed backside SurfCube 3D Browser and is an extension of the AppCampus project.

This night, nosotros can give you an exclusive first wait at the game in action.

We'll be forthright: this game has all the makings for a hitting arcade game on your phone. For one, it'southward very well polished in the graphics department, with an heart catching and intuitive UI. Next up, you tin can bring your own music to the game—who doesn't want that? Finally, if your song isn't programmed for play, you tin can simply make a "sheet" for it and you lot're proficient to go.

Music, fun and creativity? All checked off.

Every bit you lot can encounter in our video above, the game is simple to sympathise: you play your favorite song and tap the arc when the "notes" (colored shapes) cross the barrier. By holding down for extended notes or tapping for short staccato ones, users have a rainbow of colors to access for visual cues. You can fifty-fifty chop-chop tilt the device for bass/drum effects, which adds however another method for interaction.

Toss on a pair of headphones and firing up your favorite tunes with this game? Awesome. Yes, SongArc could be the next large thing for Windows Phone and is perfect for when you're on the train, airplane or just want to make your music much more interesting.

Do y'all want in on the beta? Caput to the developer's Facebook page here and follow their directions!

Stay tuned to Windows Phone Key as this game nears release—nosotros recollect yous're going to dearest it.

Xbox legend Shannon Loftis retires from Microsoft after 29 years

One of the greats

Xbox fable Shannon Loftis retires from Microsoft after 29 years

Shannon Loftis announced her retirement from Microsoft today, later on 29 years with the company. Loftis has been with Xbox for decades, having congenital franchises similar Legend, Banjo Kazooie, and many more than, and recently revived Age of Empires from its long slumber.