Jam Sessions (Nintendo DS)

Discuss Review + Want + Have Contribute

Description

Jam Sessions is a reworked and localized version of the Japan-only DS title Hiite Utaeru DS Guitar M-06. It is a rhythm/music game, but rather than only offering musical challenges like other games in the genre, it can also be used as a tool - a pocket guitar. Simulating a guitar, the game part allows players to go through a list of famous songs. The chords are selected on the D-pad while the stylus is used to simulate strumming on the screen. Alternately, the L-button can be used to strum. The details are worked out thoroughly - speed and power change the sound, and downstrokes sound different from upstrokes. With only one strum string shown, only chord progression can be performed and no individual riffing or picking. The game does not punish players for not doing well, songs just keep on going regardless of the player's performance. There is a tutorial and warm up mode to get familiar with the controls.

As a tool, it allows players to compose their own songs and add a variety of effects. These include distortion, low cut, high cut, delay, chorus and flanger with extensive settings for each of them. These can be set invariably or made touch-specific. When using headphones or external speakers, the DS microphone can be used to sing along. Additionally, the DS can be plugged in to an amplifier via the headphone jack to output a more natural sound. A US re-release include a mini-amp in the package. Instead of using a stylus, pick-shaped variants were also made available.

In the top screen, players can add a metronome, guide bars and tab guides, along with different backgrounds and templates. Up to five different compositions can be saved.

Screenshots

There are no Nintendo DS user screenshots for this game.

Promo Images

There are no promo images for this game

Alternate Titles

• "Jam Sessions: Sing & play guitar" -- European tag-lined title
• "Jam Sessions: Sing and play guitar" -- Tag-lined title
• "Jam Sessions: Deine Gitarre für die Hosentasche" -- German tag-lined title
• "Hiite Utaeru DS Guitar ''M-06''" -- Japanese title

Part of the Following Group

• Jam Sessions series

User Reviews

There are no reviews for this game.

Critic Reviews

GameZone	Oct 05, 2007	9.2 out of 10	92
GotNext	Jan 17, 2008		80
GBase - The Gamer's Base	Jan 09, 2008	8 out of 10	80
411mania.com	Sep 28, 2007	7.5 out of 10	75
GameSpot	Sep 14, 2007	6.5 out of 10	65
PAL Gaming Network (PALGN)	Oct 16, 2007	6.5 out of 10	65
Thunderbolt Games	Oct 28, 2007	6 out of 10	60
Game Informer Magazine	Dec, 2007	6 out of 10	60
Eurogamer.net (UK)	Oct 29, 2007	6 out of 10	60
Gaming Age	Oct 29, 2007	C+	58

Forums

There are currently no topics for this game.

Trivia

Advertising

Despite the game carrying a G rating in Australia the advertising for the game there was risque. In the "Sponge Cake" commercial a well behaved child receives Jam Sessions for his birthday which gives him a "rockstar attitude" which lets him go into a profanity laced tirade against his mother after she brings in a sponge cake as his birthday cake. Another commercial "Aunty" shows a child receiving receiving the game from his aunt. The child then starts making out with his aunt.

Performance Bundle

A Performance Bundle was announced that was to also include a First Act mini-amplifier along with the game. This bundle seems to have never materialized and was most likely canceled.

Version differences

Jam Sessions is based on the Japanese game Hiite Utaeru DS Guitar M-06. When Ubisoft brought the game to western regions they made some changes and additions. There are now additional Tutorial and Warm Up modes, the ability to apply effects like distortion, the ability to record and save up to five original compositions. additional aesthetic themes, more optimized audio output settings, plus more English-language songs.

Related Web Sites

• Jam Sessions (Article in the open encyclopedia)