Author Topic: Official Rock Band Thread (Read 135499 times)

CajoleJuice · « **on:** September 14, 2007, 05:43:12 PM »

This is where we will post whenever there is news. I was spurred to make this thread because I just saw

"Black Hole Sun" - Soundgarden

on the Wikipedia page. Beyond awesome.

Just for reference, the rest of the tracks announced so far (master tracks in BOLD)...

* "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" – Jet
* "Blitzkrieg Bop" – Ramones
* "Brainpower" – Freezepop
* "Celebrity Skin" – Hole
* "Cherub Rock" – Smashing Pumpkins
* "Creep" – Radiohead
* "Dani California" - Red Hot Chili Peppers
* "Detroit Rock City" - Kiss
* "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" – Blue Öyster Cult
* "Enter Sandman" – Metallica
* "Epic" – Faith No More
* "Gimme Shelter" – Rolling Stones
* "Go with the Flow" – Queens of the Stone Age
* "The Hand That Feeds" – Nine Inch Nails
* "Here It Goes Again" – OK Go
* "Highway Star" – Deep Purple
* "I Think I'm Paranoid" – Garbage
* "In Bloom" – Nirvana
* "Learn to Fly" – Foo Fighters
* "Main Offender" – The Hives
* "Maps" – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
* "Mississippi Queen" – Mountain
* "Paranoid" – Black Sabbath
* "Reptilia" – The Strokes
* "Sabotage" – Beastie Boys
* "Say It Ain't So" – Weezer
* "Should I Stay or Should I Go" – The Clash
* "Suffragette City" – David Bowie
* "Tom Sawyer" – Rush
* "Vasoline" – Stone Temple Pilots
* "Wanted Dead or Alive" – Bon Jovi
* "Wave of Mutilation" – Pixies
* "Won't Get Fooled Again" – The Who

And announced DLC:

Who's Next – The Who
Nevermind – Nirvana
"One" – Metallica
18 songs by The Grateful Dead

The Special Edition bundle will come with the game, guitar, drum kit, and microphone. The 360 guitar will be wired, while the PS3 counterpart will be wireless. 360/PS version will be $169.99, while the PS2 version will be $159.99.

360/PS3 - November 23rd
PS2 - December 10th

Robo · « **Reply #1 on:** September 14, 2007, 06:12:19 PM »

The big, huge question is: WILL THE ROCK BAND GUITAR WORK FOR GUITAR HERO III?

I don't give a shit about the reverse. If it doesn't work this way, I'm not buying GH3.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #2 on:** September 14, 2007, 06:20:10 PM »

That's precisely the same question that I've been asking for months now. The GAF consensus seems to be no, which means I'm probably just going to buy GHIII on PS2.

Robo · « **Reply #3 on:** September 14, 2007, 06:21:33 PM »

I forgot GH3 was on PS2. bubububu the achievements

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #4 on:** September 14, 2007, 06:23:38 PM »

Yea, I know. When I see people with achievements for GHII, I get kinda jealous. $:-\$

Kyle · « **Reply #5 on:** September 14, 2007, 06:52:34 PM »

i'll be busy playing halo 3 $:-\$

Robo · « **Reply #6 on:** September 17, 2007, 05:41:36 PM »

Stealing this from GAF...

http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/6cb2e985-fc46-4e15-b0f4-a873d6d006a9.htm

Quote

We spent several hours playing through the solo guitar part of Rock Band’s career mode, getting about a third of the way through it. Players who are pretty good at Guitar Hero will notice one thing almost immediately—the lead guitar sections are considerably easier than those in Guitar Hero games. While the first few song tiers are obviously geared toward getting players situated with the game, even the songs that appeared much later on posed little challenge. We’re far from guitar gods—though we’re pretty good—and even on the expert difficulty we cruised through songs, getting four- and five-star ratings on the first try. We only hit one point where we had to enter power mode, and we probably could have squeaked by without it.

With that out of the way, here’s the important part—which cannot be stressed enough—Rock Band is not Guitar Hero. If you plan on getting Rock Band just for the solo guitar parts, you’ll probably be a little disappointed on the outset. That’s because the song selection caters to the four different instruments. Guitar Hero has trained a lot of players into thinking that guitars are the only instrument in the mix, and that if your fingers aren’t twisted into pretzels by the end of a song something’s wrong. In Rock Band, some of the guitar parts are going to be kind of boring. That’s because the bass player is grooving along, taking the spotlight. Other parts might focus on tricky drum sections or showing off the vocalist’s chops.

Disappointing, of course, but it validates reasoning for the dual existence of Guitar Hero and Rock Band. I'll admit, however, that it's also making me second guess my priorities.

On the other hand, they also had this to say...

Quote

One thing Rock Band has going for it is Harmonix’s ambitious download strategy. While the current song list contained on disc is geared toward band-oriented gameplay, the company has plans to release songs and entire albums directed toward guitar parts. So shredders who feel like their best licks are going unused in the standard career path can take consolation knowing that—if Harmonix delivers on their promises—they’ll be able to show off their moves in earnest eventually. In the meantime, the song selections and guitar gameplay are a great counterpart to Guitar Hero’s digit-spraining action. And even if you don’t get blisters after a gig, you’ll still feel like a rock star

Mr. Gundam · « **Reply #7 on:** September 17, 2007, 06:11:22 PM »

I've never had any interest in Guitar Hero, but the songs that MTV/EA have managed to secure for Rock Band have me really excited.

TakingBackSunday · « **Reply #8 on:** September 17, 2007, 06:38:03 PM »

I can't wait for both. Pride And Joy, Knights of Cydonia, and Through the Fire and Flames in GH3 is so fucking awesome. And Rock Band'll be a better party game, anyway.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #9 on:** September 28, 2007, 04:18:10 PM »

http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2007/09/28/rock-band-ps3xbox360-price-set-ps2-release-moved-up-to-2007/

PS3/360 versions - 11/23
PS2 version - 12/10!

More importantly
PS3/360 full bundle = $169.99!!!
PS2 full bundle = $159.99

AWESOME

bud · « **Reply #10 on:** September 28, 2007, 04:36:11 PM »

what's the difference between the ps2 and ps3/360 version besides the price and the 360's wired guitar?

Mr. Gundam · « **Reply #11 on:** September 28, 2007, 04:37:56 PM »

Quote from: bud on September 28, 2007, 04:36:11 PM

what's the difference between the ps2 and ps3/360 version besides the price and the 360's wired guitar?

I'm guessing that the PS2 version is at least lacking:

--HD/Widescreen
--Online store functionality

bud · « **Reply #12 on:** September 28, 2007, 04:40:21 PM »

downloadable songs? nice.

have they said which ones, or is that unkown at this point?

Smooth Groove · « **Reply #13 on:** September 28, 2007, 04:45:51 PM »

Gamestop guy told me that 360 will have a wireless guitar too. It might have to be bought seperately though.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #14 on:** September 28, 2007, 04:58:14 PM »

Quote from: bud on September 28, 2007, 04:40:21 PM

downloadable songs? nice.

have they said which ones, or is that unkown at this point?

Read the OP, dude!

bud · « **Reply #15 on:** September 28, 2007, 05:07:27 PM »

Robo · « **Reply #16 on:** September 28, 2007, 05:48:59 PM »

Concerning the pricing, I think this is pretty funny:

Quote from: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=25131

18/05/2007

Harmonix art director Ryan Lesser has told GamesIndustry.biz that the company is doing everything it can to ensure forthcoming title Rock Band is affordable for consumers.

"I think when it's just rumour and no one has anything tangible to hold on to, people can be afraid - but the fact is we're very conscious of it, and we're doing our best to make it awesome and affordable."

Lesser dismissed rumours that the game will cost between USD 150 - 200, which emerged after a forum poster claimed to have taken part of a focus group for Rock Band.

"Seeing as one of my specific orders was. 'Don't let anyone know anything about pricing,' I can't imagine that was true," he said. "Because of a lot of reasons that I can't talk about, but we're far from releasing prices at this point. So I wouldn't take any of that stuff too seriously."

hur hur

bud · « **Reply #17 on:** September 28, 2007, 05:53:18 PM »

the price is pretty nice for what you get, imo.

Robo · « **Reply #18 on:** September 28, 2007, 05:54:40 PM »

It's not awful, but I read that article a few months ago and was all like

, and now I'm all like

bud · « **Reply #19 on:** September 28, 2007, 05:56:26 PM »

i just hope the drum kit doesn't break after a couple of hits.

Robo · « **Reply #20 on:** September 28, 2007, 06:00:04 PM »

I still want an answer for the BIG, HUGE QUESTION before I drop money on anything.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #21 on:** September 28, 2007, 06:04:10 PM »

I doubt we'll know for sure until the game is sent out to reviewers.

Eel O'Brian · « **Reply #22 on:** September 28, 2007, 06:37:03 PM »

The Guitar Hero II guitar works with Rock Band though, right?

demi · « **Reply #23 on:** September 28, 2007, 06:42:19 PM »

Quote from: Eel_O_Brian on September 28, 2007, 06:37:03 PM

The Guitar Hero II guitar works with Rock Band though, right?

I think that is the BIG, HUGE QUESTION - or vice versa

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #24 on:** November 01, 2007, 10:17:35 PM »

So I just played about an hour and a half of Rock Band at Best Buy.

Basically, the drums were a joke without the bass pedal. I was able to play every song on Expert handily. You can't judge the real awesomeness of the drum set from the demo. Although, the freestyle sections definitely were fun.

The guitar...well, that took a bit of getting used to. Once I got accustomed, it was just as good as any. I could never quite figure out when to use the solo buttons high on the neck, and when I did try, it was a disaster. Other than that, almost every song I played was fairly easy. There was one that was a bit tricky at one part - I forget which one. I did not play Wanted Dead or Alive on guitar, though.

Surprisingly, my hype factor really didn't go up at all. I already feel like I've had my fill of all the songs on the demo, after playing them only once or twice. I blame it on no bass pedal.

TakingBackSunday · « **Reply #25 on:** November 01, 2007, 10:37:16 PM »

Yeah TRUST me, when the pedal is in there it's fucking brutal.

Did you play Suffragette City on expert? That was pretty tough, just cause of the way you have to get used to "strumming" instead of just hitting the strum bar.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #26 on:** November 01, 2007, 10:39:17 PM »

Oh yeah, I played that. I think that was the one that gave me some trouble. Still, after GH3... nothing compares.

TakingBackSunday · « **Reply #27 on:** November 01, 2007, 10:46:00 PM »

Yeah, I figured.

And again, it's much more gratifying (and difficult!) when you're playing with a group of people.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #28 on:** November 16, 2007, 01:29:23 AM »

A stream of some dudes playing Rock Band is here:

Holy shit.

mms://stream.vg/joshieTV

Apparently they're from SA...I should just get an account there already.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #29 on:** November 16, 2007, 04:04:39 AM »

damn you bastards

This video proves just how much Rock Band shits all over Guitar Hero.

mms://stream.vg/waffle

bluemax · « **Reply #30 on:** November 16, 2007, 05:26:09 AM »

I've seen people play this game in public twice:

1. E for All
2. Campus Tour

It has to be one of the most embarrassing things to watch people do.

Eel O'Brian · « **Reply #31 on:** November 16, 2007, 05:57:30 AM »

I am on the fence about this game again. I didn't pre-order, and I hear from my manager friend at Best Buy that the low production run thing was no joke, and that his store is planning on handing out tickets for purchase. He said I might not have a problem getting it if I don't mind buying it on PS3, but I already have a GHII guitar for 360 that I was going to use for Bass, and I'm not going to buy a separate guitar in January or February or whenever the fuck they decide to release them. It's 360 or not at all for me, because I'll already have enough toy musical instruments in my living room. I'm not going to buy the game separate for $60, then drums for $80, and another guitar for $80, and a microphone for $30, and blow close to $300 total on this game either, because that would just be fuck stupid.

So, I guess I'll try Wal-Mart at midnight, then K-mart first thing in the morning on the 20th if that doesn't work out, then Best Buy as a last resort. That's already too much effort to spend $170. If, after all that I still can't find it anywhere, then I'm probably going to be irritated enough at that point to just not buy it at all. I have some friends coming into town over the holidays, and that's what we were going to get together and do during that time. I won't want it that much come January or February because it'll just be me playing it alone for the most part by then (or playing it online).

Note to EA: I'm not going to chase your game down. You knew months and months and months ago that this game was going to be big, and you've had all this time to get your shit together and ramp up production. If I have to chase it all over creation to give you my money, then it's just not worth it. This game's release is looking like it will be a clusterfuck of epic proportion.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #32 on:** November 16, 2007, 02:53:54 PM »

Quote from: bluemax on November 16, 2007, 05:26:09 AM

I've seen people play this game in public twice:

1. E for All
2. Campus Tour

It has to be one of the most embarrassing things to watch people do.

Well, I should've said...this was a stream of the actual game screen in each instance. I can't actually people play either. It's painful.

But yeah, I agree with your sentiment, Eel. I keep hearing that most places will get their initial shipment and won't get another until 2008. That's disgraceful.

As of 5:45 EST, the second stream is now up again.

disgruntled_jojo · « **Reply #33 on:** November 16, 2007, 09:57:52 PM »

Everyone here should view this as an excellent opportunity to gouge others by buying as many copies as you can on launch day and then ebaying them.

Oh wait, that's nGAF.

Eel O'Brian · « **Reply #34 on:** November 18, 2007, 03:32:02 PM »

Update:

When I was in Gamestop earlier trading in BA 2, the guy behind the counter said they had one preorder left open for the 360 version, so I went ahead and prepaid. That fucker better not have been lying to me. Looks like I'll be getting it on launch after all.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #35 on:** November 18, 2007, 03:34:19 PM »

2 dudes on GAF are saying that the downstrum on the guitar breaks after a little while. We'll see how trustworthy their stories are.

Eel O'Brian · « **Reply #36 on:** November 18, 2007, 03:40:22 PM »

Well, I still have the GHII controller to use if that happens (until I can get a replacement), but that is disconcerting for a $170 game

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #37 on:** November 18, 2007, 04:54:57 PM »

This is apparently from a Harmonix employee on SA:

Quote

For the two pre-release people that had issues with their guitar - I'd wait until Tuesday before sending your guitars back. I believe there may be a title update on day 1 that makes things happy for you again. Such is the life of retailers breaking street date and making life hard for us.

Eel O'Brian · « **Reply #38 on:** November 18, 2007, 05:09:27 PM »

That's certainly good to hear.

Howard Alan Treesong · « **Reply #39 on:** November 19, 2007, 12:46:30 PM »

Code: [Select]

The following items have been shipped to you by Amazon.com: 
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Qty      Item                           Price  Shipped  Subtotal
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazon.com items (Sold by Amazon.com, LLC):
   1     Rock Band Special Edition      $169.95      1  $169.95

Eel O'Brian · « **Reply #40 on:** November 19, 2007, 01:30:50 PM »

Did you go with the PS3 version?

Howard Alan Treesong · « **Reply #41 on:** November 19, 2007, 01:44:51 PM »

I did indeed!

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #42 on:** November 19, 2007, 02:40:07 PM »

Oh wtf Patel I guess you wanted that wireless guitar huh?

Also, be happy you didn't buy GH3 on the PS3. Apparently the Les Paul doesn't work with Rock Band on PS3.

Howard Alan Treesong · « **Reply #43 on:** November 19, 2007, 06:20:55 PM »

Quote from: CajoleJuice on November 19, 2007, 02:40:07 PM

Also, be happy you didn't buy GH3 on the PS3. Apparently the Les Paul doesn't work with Rock Band on PS3.

Wait, the 360 controller works as a second controller but the PS3 one doesn't? Ugggh.

Eel O'Brian · « **Reply #44 on:** November 19, 2007, 06:21:42 PM »

They're sort of dancing around a patch for that. May or may not be possible.

Howard Alan Treesong · « **Reply #45 on:** November 19, 2007, 06:23:54 PM »

sucks, cause I planned to buy GHIII for my secondary guitar :/

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #46 on:** November 19, 2007, 06:58:06 PM »

You're gonna double-dip on GHIII?

(I might do the same for GHII so I can get rid of my PS2 guitar and two games)

Howard Alan Treesong · « **Reply #47 on:** November 19, 2007, 08:32:39 PM »

I just called my local Best Buy and they said they're getting 12 units for PS3 and 156 units for 360.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #48 on:** November 19, 2007, 08:33:17 PM »

gtfo

hyp · « **Reply #49 on:** November 19, 2007, 08:35:16 PM »

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #50 on:** November 19, 2007, 08:39:22 PM »

I really want to know if you're being serious.

Howard Alan Treesong · « **Reply #51 on:** November 19, 2007, 08:46:02 PM »

I'm being serious.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #52 on:** November 19, 2007, 08:47:44 PM »

Is this your serious face?

So that's bundles...or bundles+game-onlys?

Howard Alan Treesong · « **Reply #53 on:** November 19, 2007, 08:48:05 PM »

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #54 on:** November 19, 2007, 09:00:01 PM »

I'm replying again so you see the little "New" notification next to the thread.

Howard Alan Treesong · « **Reply #55 on:** November 19, 2007, 09:18:50 PM »

Bundles, afaik.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #56 on:** November 19, 2007, 09:20:12 PM »

Either way, that's pretty ridiculous.

Eel O'Brian · « **Reply #57 on:** November 20, 2007, 11:42:58 AM »

I love Wilmington. I'd forgotten that no one around here really gives a fuck about rushing out and lining up for stuff like this, so when I went into Gamestop to pick it up this morning, there was only one other person there - buying GHIII for Wii. He started asking about Rock Band, and asked if there was a Wii version hahaha, enjoy your mono music game, dude.

Now I have housework to do before I can play it $:-\$

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #58 on:** November 20, 2007, 01:28:12 PM »

I highly doubt Best Buy is getting 156 units of the bundles, because it's a logistic impossibility.

First off, there aren't that many bundles out there. EA has scrapped together all they could to put as much hardware out there day one and even then, they've stated they'll be unlikely to meet demand. Best Buy will get more units than most retailers and I've implored folks to go there first to attain them, but it's going to be more like a 2:1 ratio and not a 25:1 ratio.

Second, as someone who has 20 or so total bundles sitting in my backroom (for PS3 and Xbox 360), those things are huge, and even a megastore like Best Buy would have difficulties backstocking 156 units. It'd take up a quarter of their stockroom!

Howard Alan Treesong · « **Reply #59 on:** November 20, 2007, 02:37:37 PM »

Got it for PS3. Gonna go play now. PM me for username if you're getting it for PS3.

News:

Author Topic: Official Rock Band Thread (Read 135499 times)