One of gaming's worst-kept secrets is now official: Rock Band 2 is coming. IGN has the scoop and an interview with lead designer Dan Teasdale, who reveals that all the current and future DLC will be compatible with both versions of Rock Band, as well as the same instrument controllers.
While details were scarce, Teasdale said to expect improvements for band and character customization as well as the navigation system and Band World Tour. Citing the current issues with random set lists, Teasdale said, "Nobody wants to play Green Grass and High Tides in their first random set list." Visually, the few images seen show the game has changed very little from its predecessor (and yes, it turns out the box art from a leaked survey was accurate).
As for what songs to expect, Teasdale said, "we've also secured what I can easily say is the best set list I've ever seen in a music game." He provided no examples, although we wonder if The Beatles fall onto that list. Rock Band 2 is set to debut at E3 next month.
Reader Comments (77)
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 4:23AM (Unverified) said
Hopefully this has a close to simultaneous launch in all territories. I'm glad Harmonix innovated with the first guitar drums and vocal game, but here in NZ I haven't been able to join this revolution 10 months later.
While I always said I would choose Rock Band over GH (while I enjoyed and bought GHIII, I can feel it slipping into the next Tony Hawk) it would be mighty ironic if Guitar Hero World Tour comes out (in NZ) before Rock Band 2 gets here (obviously they wouldn't bother releasing Rock Band 1 here would they? Cause I'm paying full price for an outdated game).
While I always said I would choose Rock Band over GH (while I enjoyed and bought GHIII, I can feel it slipping into the next Tony Hawk) it would be mighty ironic if Guitar Hero World Tour comes out (in NZ) before Rock Band 2 gets here (obviously they wouldn't bother releasing Rock Band 1 here would they? Cause I'm paying full price for an outdated game).
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 4:41AM whymog said
I'm really disappointed with how difficult it's been to obtain Rock Band outside of North America, both because of pricing and availability. I feel for you guys; as a rhythm game lover and musician, Rock Band provided the most fun I've ever had with a game.
Reply
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 5:03AM Premature ejaculation man said
Its pissed me off greatly. My friends were greatly anticipating Rock Band 1. If 2 isn't a worldwide release then my friends might begrudgingly have to accept GH:World Tour
;_;
Reply
;_;
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 5:11AM Taedirk said
Wake me up when they decide how they're screwing over Wii this time around.
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 11:04AM (Unverified) said
You screwed yourself by buying it.
Sorry, that's mean. But DLC is crucial to a music game, so for that reason the Wii and PS2 versions fail.
Reply
Sorry, that's mean. But DLC is crucial to a music game, so for that reason the Wii and PS2 versions fail.
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 5:12AM Vordus said
I know what feature I want most; affordability!
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 5:42AM Seroth said
This is cool news. RB1 being compatible with RB2 DLC is great. I won't necessarily have to buy RB2 now..unless the songs on the disc has stuff I really want (Megadeth plz), or the new game modes/features are really amazing (not something lame like a battle mode).
I'm also interested to see how they improve the instruments. Personally, I'm one of the few who had no problem with the Stratocaster. And I already said I'm not buying a new drum set. Still, maybe they can change my mind.
I'm also interested to see how they improve the instruments. Personally, I'm one of the few who had no problem with the Stratocaster. And I already said I'm not buying a new drum set. Still, maybe they can change my mind.
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 7:59AM cuteSAVAGE said
Something as simple as a 4 String Jazz Bass Headstock would totally make my day :P
Reply
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 6:18AM beez1717 said
and wii users get skrewed
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 6:25AM (Unverified) said
Still no Keyboard player??? :(
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 7:22AM AwesomeTown said
I just want online band world tour mode.
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 8:21AM Tegolin said
"all the current and future DLC will be compatible with both versions of Rock Band"
Harmonix you never let me down.
I loves you.
Harmonix you never let me down.
I loves you.
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 8:59AM falcomadol said
So are the old on-disc songs from Rock Band 1 going to be included on the Rock Band 2 disc, or will there be an option to drop them onto your hard drive so that they will be available in Rock Band 2 as well?
That would be the icing on the delicious Rock Band 2 cake for me.
That would be the icing on the delicious Rock Band 2 cake for me.
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 12:44PM Shagittarius said
I imagine they will make them DLC and then if you already own RB1 you will be able to DL then free of charge.
I'm just guessing of course.
Reply
I'm just guessing of course.
Posted: Jul 3rd 2008 2:12PM (Unverified) said
I don't see this happening. If it does, what's to stop a person from renting the game, DLing the songs, and then returning it?
Reply
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 9:35AM (Unverified) said
Would really like to actually get RB1 in Australia. Announcing RB2 before we get RB1 is kinda annoying
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 10:59AM (Unverified) said
I bet it'll come out before the original hits UK shores for PS3...
GO FUCK YOURSELF HARMONIX!
GO FUCK YOURSELF HARMONIX!
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 11:29AM pfox said
I just want them to include the ability to play an album, instead of having to go through the menu each time to find the songs.
Let us play them individually, but also let us play the whole album!
Let us play them individually, but also let us play the whole album!
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 12:05PM kagai said
I don't understand why people get so fanatical about a game. Any game has the opportunity to win me over, as long as it's good. God, we've got enough console war morons, do we really need game war morons? It's ridiculous. Love thy neighbor!
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 4:02PM (Unverified) said
+1 for you.
I like both Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Apparently you can't do that nowadays.
Reply
I like both Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Apparently you can't do that nowadays.
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 12:10PM (Unverified) said
I want world tour mode over xbox live since none of my real life friends are competent enough for me to actually play with outside of easy mode.
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 12:47PM Shagittarius said
I have a small request for a feature.
When I choose a random song just keep throwing random songs at me while im in the game mode, I would like not to have to return to the menu and hit random song each time.
You can have the crowd cheering and the band posturing while the new song loads or something. This would be AWESOME.
K thx Bai
When I choose a random song just keep throwing random songs at me while im in the game mode, I would like not to have to return to the menu and hit random song each time.
You can have the crowd cheering and the band posturing while the new song loads or something. This would be AWESOME.
K thx Bai
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 1:43PM AlexFirth91 said
glad my rock band is on 360 and guitar hero on ps3
Posted: Jun 30th 2008 3:50PM ZAKTMT said
Let me clarify that they said DLC is not compatible with GUITAR HERO: AEROSMITH. Nothing has been announced for World Tour regarding DLC backwards compatibility
Posted: Jul 1st 2008 6:37PM (Unverified) said
the only thing i want to know is will the wii version have DLC?
i mean come on the only reason they didnt put it in the first 1 was because they couldnt be bothered
i mean come on the only reason they didnt put it in the first 1 was because they couldnt be bothered
Posted: Jul 31st 2008 3:52PM (Unverified) said
ok multiple things you illiterate btards;
READ THE ARTICLE =
1. all songs that you have already on rb1 are upgraded for free with rb2
2. all songs are available for downgrade on rb1
3. you get over 100 songs included on new game (after dling extra 20 songs on DLC free) PLUS original rb1 **even if you didn't buy it** PLUS all DLC you have...
4. whoever said they want a PC version (I refuse to look for your name) omg die... buy a console you nublet... or go play super crazy guitar maniac deluxe 1 2 or 3... awesome game btw... for 20 minutes at least... 3 is hard to see though
5. america is awesome although we suck at the same time. go on ebay to an international shipper and buy it plus shipping.. stop whining.
6. the wii has about... two and a half games that take skill to play... the idea behind the console is for it to be a group play time activity with your parents or your neighbors who have never touched a game before. every multi platform will be worse for the wii... only exclusive games will have any thought to them at all and will most likely suck anyway... the controller has four *actual* buttons to it... thats less than the original NES controller... only knocking the wii about 90% here because some games are entertaining but not for very long
7. they said quieter instruments too, so hopefully no more clicking and the drums will no longer sound like i'm hitting one of your empty heads with a brick
8. some new features besides online world tour are no fail mode, which is sort of like practice mode, and customizable setlists... yes you can select by genre, difficulty, or pick and choose
9. learn how to read
10. and yeah you don't need to buy new instruments the old ones work fine
42. xbox360 is for gamers. ps3 is for people who don't know what to buy and regret it later after they realize there are only 10 games for it worth playing. wii is for party gamers. research it beforehand next time.
READ THE ARTICLE =
1. all songs that you have already on rb1 are upgraded for free with rb2
2. all songs are available for downgrade on rb1
3. you get over 100 songs included on new game (after dling extra 20 songs on DLC free) PLUS original rb1 **even if you didn't buy it** PLUS all DLC you have...
4. whoever said they want a PC version (I refuse to look for your name) omg die... buy a console you nublet... or go play super crazy guitar maniac deluxe 1 2 or 3... awesome game btw... for 20 minutes at least... 3 is hard to see though
5. america is awesome although we suck at the same time. go on ebay to an international shipper and buy it plus shipping.. stop whining.
6. the wii has about... two and a half games that take skill to play... the idea behind the console is for it to be a group play time activity with your parents or your neighbors who have never touched a game before. every multi platform will be worse for the wii... only exclusive games will have any thought to them at all and will most likely suck anyway... the controller has four *actual* buttons to it... thats less than the original NES controller... only knocking the wii about 90% here because some games are entertaining but not for very long
7. they said quieter instruments too, so hopefully no more clicking and the drums will no longer sound like i'm hitting one of your empty heads with a brick
8. some new features besides online world tour are no fail mode, which is sort of like practice mode, and customizable setlists... yes you can select by genre, difficulty, or pick and choose
9. learn how to read
10. and yeah you don't need to buy new instruments the old ones work fine
42. xbox360 is for gamers. ps3 is for people who don't know what to buy and regret it later after they realize there are only 10 games for it worth playing. wii is for party gamers. research it beforehand next time.
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