In case you're also unfamiliar with the band, you don't have to judge from Thorpe's vitriol or this brief IGN clip. We're delighted to bring you the full song played the way God intended: Over clips of Dragon Ball Z.
Coheed and Cambria join Rock Band
In case you're also unfamiliar with the band, you don't have to judge from Thorpe's vitriol or this brief IGN clip. We're delighted to bring you the full song played the way God intended: Over clips of Dragon Ball Z.
PS3's Guitar Hero III dongle explained, leading to more questions [update]
Before we go any further, this isn't just a GH III problem. Rock Band will also use some sort of PS3 dongle. This might also explain a lot about why there isn't a Wii version of Rock Band announced yet. Although it's completely disputable, here's our basic idea: Two USB ports on the back of the Wii for the drum and mic (which are wired on every console), then if Harmonix wants the guitars to be wireless they need to design a guitar modeled around the Wiimote to plug into so that Rock Band does the same signal hijack that GH III accomplishes.
Apparently Sony doesn't feel up to talking about why these dongles are necessary as they stonewalled 1UP when the site went looking for answers. Maybe Sony will give Red Octane and Harmonix the tools to make their guitars work dongle-less one day, but to get things done for this holiday season this was the only (or most cost effective) solution available.
Update: We were trying to avoid bringing the Xbox 360 into this, but considering there is some confusion, the Xbox 360 version of Guitar Hero III is "dongle-less." Meaning a direct connection is made between the guitar and Xbox 360. Regarding Guitar Hero I & II support on PS3, Red Octane wrote us: "In regards to your other question about GH and GHII (on PS2), they do work on PS3 (w/ both SG and Kramer), though they will require an appropriate adapter for the guitar controller."
Rock Band's virtual venues unveiled
In an accompanying interview, Rock Band's senior artist Peter McDonald explains that the fancy venues provide not only bigger crowds, but also more spectacular stage effects and sophisticated camera work (read: "crazy crane shots"). Have a look for yourself at places like "Heebie Jeebie's," "Empire Square Garden" and "The Snake Pit" by clicking that Read link.
[Thanks, Whymog]
Rock Band FAQ: Part 1
- No other hardware combinations have been announced yet beyond the standard (guitar, drum, mic) bundle. And yes, the bass guitar is just a second guitar controller which you probably have lying around ...
- ... because Harmonix will keep an "open platform philosophy" and games will be compatible with third-party controllers "that conform to the various platform controller standards."
- If you're short on guitars but want to play head to head, the online play will be both cooperative and competitive.
- The Xbox 360 gee-tar will come with a USB hub (remember the guitar in the bundle is wired).
- A Wii version has not been announced ... yet.
Confirmed: Rock Band $170 on Nov. 23 for Xbox and PS3; PS2 version coming Dec. 10 at $160
Now the big question: What were the powers that be thinking with November 23rd? Nov. 23rd is Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, the high holy "oh my gawd we're going to get trampled when the stores open" day of the year. Can you imagine what it's going to be like trying to pick up your game at retail on that day? Don't know about the rest of you, but if there were ever a time to get your game by mail -- this would be that time!
[Thanks to all those that sent info in]
Rock Band release end of November says Amazon 'oops' email [update]
Earlier this week Amazon.com dropped the ball and freaked a lot of pre-order customers out by sending emails saying Rock Band was delayed until 2008 -- it wasn't true. Interestingly, in their "oops" letter today to those same pre-order customers Amazon says: "'Rock Band Special Edition' [Video Game], Estimated arrival date: 11/27/2007 - 11/29/2007."
The person we received this info from uses Amazon Prime, which gives faster shipping on items, so those dates should be the week of release. Of course, Amazon already screwed up the year this week, so what's another week? Most guesstimates have had the release the week of Nov. 20. The official Rock Band release announcement is expected next week. Still no word yet on official peripheral pricing though.
Update: After receiving more of these letters, it turns out there are apparently two versions. One with an 11/23 date and another with 11/27 date. We spoke with Amazon.com and they say that there is an algorithm in the system that decides these dates based on location, but because there's no official date yet, these delivery estimates are still subject to change. The difference in date are not related to console platform. Boy it'd be nice to finally get a solid release date.
[Thanks Tim]
R.E.M. (orange) crushes in new Rock Band video
IGN also previews the game, noting that we shouldn't expect as many solo-centric songs as one would find in Guitar Hero, since the game's focus is on enjoyment for an entire band. That said, IGN assures there will be tracks to appeal the budding (virtual) shredder. We tend to think there are more than enough bands out there -- Mastodon, Minus the Bear, Tool, Neil Diamond, etc. -- where every instrument part is an enjoyable challenge. The article also discusses the Fender Stratocaster-inspired guitar controller and its special effects switch.
Rock Band is (still) due out sometime in November.
[Via X3F]
Harmonix confirms Amazon Rock Band delay notices are wrong
A representative for Harmonix tells Joystiq, "We have asked Amazon to address this and we'll be coming out November of this year. We've requested they update their information. We have no idea where that date came from." So all those preparing to rock, and especially those that pre-ordered their Rock Band bundle off Amazon, it looks like everything's gonna be all right.
[Thanks to all those who sent this in]
Rock Band wireless PS3 guitar gets FCC'd, mystery dongle discovered
Somewhat perplexing is the picture of a USB dongle (pictured after the break). Because of the Bluetooth technology, the guitar shouldn't need an intermediary device to connect to the PlayStation 3; however, the user manual included with the FCC exhibit clearly show the dongle as part of the setup process. Perhaps it'll become clearer closer to Rock Band's holiday launch.
[Via Engadget]
Continue reading Rock Band wireless PS3 guitar gets FCC'd, mystery dongle discovered
New Rock Band tracks: KISS a Red Hot Chili in the Soundgarden
- "Detroit Rock City" by KISS
- "Dani California" by Red Hot Chili Peppers
- "Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden
Continue reading New Rock Band tracks: KISS a Red Hot Chili in the Soundgarden
Harmonix CEO confirms Rock Band's Xbox 360 bundle guitar is wired
And no, there is no official price yet. It's starting to look like the $20 difference between the Xbox 360 wired and wireless guitar we reported after receiving an internal Game Crazy memo is holding up. So, that's that, the Xbox 360 bundle of Rock Band has a wired guitar and you'll get a little hub to plug everything in. Now comes the question if Microsoft will loosen their grip on the cost of licensing the proprietary wireless tech if the PS3 version of Rock Band sells stronger (comparatively given its lower install base) due to its wireless advantage. In the end, we don't blame Harmonix/EA/MTV for this wired issue -- although it was shady of them to hide it this long -- we're more upset that the consumer is going to get an inferior product due to an obnoxious licensing issue. It's deja vu all over again.
[Thanks sm0ke]
Rock Band tour dates across US
Big trucks, like the one seen above, will travel the country and allow people to play on a "full stage with lights and sound systems." That's much better than what you'll have in your living room. Further, "any rockers ... who play on the Rock Band tour bus stage will be captured on tape for consideration by MTV casting directors." Two bands will get picked and be flown to NYC to perform on TRL. The winning group will get to open for a "surprise super group" at the Rock Band launch concert. We don't fear the Reaper, but we do have concerns of what MTV will do to those people. We can only imagine this equation: Next + Dismissed + Parental Control + Super Sweet 16 + Rock Band = ???
Rock Band gets 18 Grateful Dead tracks through DLC
It's not yet been confirmed if fans will sell their possessions and begin following you around the country if you download the tracks. We'll keep our fingers crossed.
[Thanks, Copa]
Rock Band: The next great franchise (an interview with Harmonix)
The success was long overdue for Harmonix, having already shown off their rhythmic chops with the PlayStation 2 favorites Frequency and Amplitude. Teaming up with Konami, they quickly established their dominance of the microphone on this side of the ocean with Karaoke Revolution. With 2005's Guitar Hero, they crafted the perfect blend of boyhood dreams and American rock insanity. The next step was obvious, but how could it possibly be done?
Speaking with Harmonix CEO and co-founder, Alex Rigopulos, we look into the history of the great white hope of rhythm gaming and what goes into creating what, if everything goes according to plan, will be considered one of the greatest rhythm titles of all time. From the challenges of gathering licenses to taking on their own success, this is the story of the next great franchise.
Continue reading Rock Band: The next great franchise (an interview with Harmonix)
Joystiq hands-on: Rock Band
Jump to the present day and not only has Harmonix solved the problem of session play, but they've also produced a drumming peripheral that challenges the quality of Konami's original arcade beast.
Sticks in hand, we sat down behind Harmonix's latest kit, flipped the difficulty to hard and proceeded to lay in like few others have before. If there is any doubt as to the mastery of rhythm wielded by Harmonix, Rock Band surely squashes it.