In the latest round of the great "our drum kit is better – or at least bigger – than your drum kit" conflict of ought eight, Konami definitely comes out the clear winner with Rock Revolution. However, we don't necessarily know if that's a good thing, based on our experience playing the title at its formal unveiling.

Despite the fact that it will offer support for lead and bass guitars, Rock Revolution is very much a drum-centric game. The behemoth of a drum controller has six pads and a pedal, looking like something Darth Vader would have lying around in his hyperbaric chamber.


One look at the game in action and we were already a bit intimidated. Rather than the "approaching" notes of Guitar Hero and Rock Band, everything scrolls vertically down the screen, a la Beatmania and Konami's other "Bemani" titles. There's no solid line for the kick drum either – it's a separate "note" out of seven to keep track of.

Going with the vertical note "stream" makes sense from the standpoint of not having your game look just like its two competitors, but we wouldn't help but notice how it almost negated the on-stage antics in the background, especially when two players were at it. Not that anyone will be looking at their virtual band with the maelstrom of notes pouring towards them.

Guitar gameplay was very reminiscent of Konami's GuitarFreaks, which never saw release Stateside. It uses the same vertically raining notes mechanic as the drums, and there are held notes just like in GH and RB. In fact, the game was being demo'd using GH3 wireless controllers, although Konami won't say if the final game will offer "open" support for other music games' peripherals.

The complexity of the drum kit – for those who just have to add another to their collection, what with Guitar Hero IV's also on the horizon – seems to be the most distinguishing element of Rock Revolution so far. We're dubious whether that (and the potential for some exclusive tracks) will be enough to win the game enough fans to land it a contract with your wallet.