Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/JoystiqThe Joystiq Podcast combines insightful commentary on the week's video game news and culture with several disembodied, often spooky, voices. Voices may or may not belong to Chris Grant, Ludwig Kietzmann, Joystiq.com editors, or their guests. Spookiness not guaranteed where prohibited, please check local laws. More information available at www.joystiq.comJoystiq hands-on: Rock Revolutionhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/joystiq-hands-on-rock-revolution/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/joystiq-hands-on-rock-revolution/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/joystiq-hands-on-rock-revolution/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click to enlarge biggie-size
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.
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Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Rock Revolution

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]]>handsonkonamikonami-gamers-night-2008music-gamesrock-revolutionzoe-mode2008-05-16T19:30:00+00:00Rumorong: Rock Band tracks not on South Park: Season 11 DVDshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/rumorong-rock-band-tracks-with-south-park-season-11-dvds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/rumorong-rock-band-tracks-with-south-park-season-11-dvds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/rumorong-rock-band-tracks-with-south-park-season-11-dvds/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The website which reported that three Rock Band tracks would be packaged with the South Park: Season 11 DVDs has now taken that bit of info back. TVShowsonDVD.com says that a Paramount representative informed them the information was incorrect, but that there will be other bonus materials in the release. South Park's eleventh season had the infamous "Guitar Queer-o" episode.

Considering South Park had an entire episode about Guitar Hero, it would have been a little weird if the DVDs came with Rock Band downloads. However things got mixed up, it's a little sad to see the info turn out false -- unless the "bonus materials" end up being Guitar Hero III tracks.

[Via X3F]
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]]>guitar-heroguitar-hero-3guitar-hero-iiiguitar-queerorock-bandrumorongsouth-park2008-05-16T17:30:00+00:00Rock Band Weekly: European release trackshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/rock-band-weekly-european-release-tracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/rock-band-weekly-european-release-tracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/rock-band-weekly-european-release-tracks/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Hopefully, people have been brushing up on their non-English. This week's Rock Band Weekly brings us the songs packaged with the European release of Rock Band. We've known for a while these tracks were coming as DLC, and Harmonix has seen fit to do it the week of Rock Band's European release. Also, all DLC available in North America should be available in Europe beginning May 20.

Individual songs
  • "Beetlebum" - Blur (Cover, 160 MS Points / $2)
  • "Hier Kommt Alex" - Die Toten Hosen (160 MS Points / $2)
  • "Countdown to Insanity" - H-BlockX (160 MS Points / $2)
  • "Perfekte Welle" - Juli (160 MS Points / $2)
  • "Manu Chao" - Les Wampas (160 MS Points / $2)
  • "Hysteria" - Muse (160 MS Points / $2)
  • "Rock N Roll Star" - Oasis (160 MS Points / $2)
  • "New Wave" - Pleymo (160 MS Points / $2)
  • "Monsoon" - Tokio Hotel (160 MS Points / $2)

Le sigh, videos for all of next week's tracks can be found after the break. The DLC will be available next Tuesday and Thursday for Xbox 360 and PS3 respectively.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: European release tracks

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]]>europerock-bandrock-band-weeklyrockband2008-05-16T15:30:00+00:00Konami's Rock Revolution drums revealedhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/konamis-rock-revolution-drums-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/konamis-rock-revolution-drums-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/konamis-rock-revolution-drums-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Harmonix must be beside itself with this last week finding not one but two companies hopping on the developer's coat tails and revealing a pair of drum kits that bear more than a passing resemblance to those used in Rock Band. However, while Guitar Hero IV's kit still carries some basis in reality, the kit revealed by Konami for the company's newly announced Rock Revolution looks to be designed for players with extra appendages or other rhythm enthusiasts who are not quite human.

With six face pads of three different sizes, as well as a kick pedal, Konami's kit is certainly the most complex of the three. However, according to MTV Multiplayer blogger Patrick Klepek, the drums carry what sounds like a much more forgiving difficulty curve than those in Rock Band, which while great are almost unapproachable by rhythm game newcomers even on the easiest setting. By contrast, and according to his admittedly brief time with Konami's offering, the game doesn't penalize players for improvising during a song, and also features five difficulty settings with the lower two removing the foot pedal entirely. Still, the question remains as to if there is room enough for another peripheral-heavy rhythm game, not so much in the genre but in our own living rooms.
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]]>drumsguitar-hero-ivguitarfreakskonamirhythmrock-bandrock-revolutionzoe-mode2008-05-16T08:40:00+00:00Konami jumps on the 'band' wagon with Rock Revolutionhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/konami-jumps-on-the-band-wagon-with-rock-revolution/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/konami-jumps-on-the-band-wagon-with-rock-revolution/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/konami-jumps-on-the-band-wagon-with-rock-revolution/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click to enlarge

When Guitar Hero first hit PS2, we thought: "Wow, this is like Konami's GuitarFreaks ... and that's been around since the original PlayStation. Why don't they release it here?" Well, our question was answered at yesterday's Konami Gamer's Night 2008 with the unveiling of Rock Revolution. Taking the "Revolution" suffix naming scheme of its other music genre (bemani) cousins, the game, from SingStar developer Zoë Mode, is set for a fall release on PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, and Nintendo DS. We have the first screens of the HD offerings, along with some salient details:

The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions will feature:
  • 40 songs on the disc, with DLC tracks planned
  • Record your own songs in a "Jam Session" (8 separate tracks)
  • Online co-op, versus, and battle of the bands modes
  • Crazy big drum set with six pads, plus pedal
The Wii version adds the ability to play "air guitar" using the Wiimote and nunchuck; and the DS version includes a "Vocalist" mode using the built-in microphone. Check back for our hands-on impressions of Rock Revolution for Xbox 360 -- and be sure to peep the debut trailer after the break!
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Continue reading Konami jumps on the 'band' wagon with Rock Revolution

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]]>breakingnewsguitarfreakskonamikonami-gamers-night-2008rock-revolutionzoe-mode2008-05-15T15:00:00+00:00Survey hints at Rock Band 2 with online world tour, drum trainerhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/survey-hints-at-rock-band-2-with-online-world-tour-drum-trainer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/survey-hints-at-rock-band-2-with-online-world-tour-drum-trainer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/survey-hints-at-rock-band-2-with-online-world-tour-drum-trainer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We've received a handful of anonymous tips indicating that Electronic Arts is conducting surveys (surprise!) for Rock Band 2. From what we've seen, the survey is being conducted by Listen Research for EA. The survey breaks down as follows:
  • The sequel will be full featured and will represent a jump similar to that from Guitar Hero I to GHII, or GHII to GHIII.
  • Separate questions ask the likelihood of purchasing Rock Band 2 Special Edition (i.e. the full instrument package) for $199, $169 and $149, respectively. All current Rock Band consoles (PS3, PS2, Xbox 360 and Wii) are mentioned.
  • There are questions concerning Rock Band Track Pack: Volume 1 and how many expansion packs you are expecting to purchase in the next six months.
  • The survey asks likelihood of purchasing Rock Band over a multi-instrument version of Guitar Hero.
EA reportedly provided details on the new features for Rock Band 2 in some of the surveys, but we haven't been able to confirm this. New additions to World Tour mode are said to include online play, the recording of music videos and hiring of staff members. Other new features include Battle of the Bands, competing against other bands in daily and weekly battles, setting challenges to progress through your band's discography in increasingly harder setlists, as well as a drum trainer mode.

We've requested comment from MTV, Electronic Arts and Harmonix.

[Thanks to Andre and everyone else who sent this in!]
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]]>breakingnewsdrum-tranereaelectronic-artsguitar-heroharmonixmtvmtv-gamesrock-bandrock-band-22008-05-15T14:00:00+00:00Game Informer snags first pic of Guitar Hero IV drumshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/game-informer-snags-first-pic-of-guitar-hero-iv-drums/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/game-informer-snags-first-pic-of-guitar-hero-iv-drums/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/game-informer-snags-first-pic-of-guitar-hero-iv-drums/#commentsFiled under:

Some of you may have already received the June 2008 issue of Game Informer in the mail, but, for those who haven't, we thought you might enjoy seeing the first image of the new Guitar Hero IV drum kit one subscriber scanned. As you can see, the main difference from the Rock Band kit is that the yellow and orange drums have been turned into two wedge-shaped pieces elevated above the others.

Cool as it looks, we still don't have the most important piece of information about the kit: If it will be compatible with Rock Band, or if RB's kit will work with Guitar Hero IV. We like fake instruments as much as the next nerd, but two fake drum kits may just be more than our dens, living rooms and dignity can withstand.

[Update: Just so there's no question, you have to click the picture to see the full image. There is totally a foot pedal.]
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]]>activisiondrumsguitar-hero-ivrock-band2008-05-14T10:15:00+00:00Today in Joystiq: May 12, 2008http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/today-in-joystiq-may-12-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/today-in-joystiq-may-12-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/today-in-joystiq-may-12-2008/#commentsFiled under: ,

We'd like to extend a thanks to reader John M, who heeded our call for a new Guitar Hero IV image. Who better to replace Skeletor with than The Most Powerful Man in the Universe himself. Check out our highlights for today:

Joystiquery
Joystiq interview: GameTrailers EIC sets record straight on GRID controversy

News
Viva Piñata, Scene It? sequels revealed by Microsoft
Banjo-Kazooie 3 screens flood the net
'Lips' and 'Ninja Blade' also revealed, speculate away!
New games this week: We Ski edition?
WiiWare live, no Virtual Console update this week
Rockstar's Houser talks EA takeover
OMGS4: Guns of the Patriots gets its first 10
This Wednesday: Assault Heroes 2 shoots everything on XBLA
Pitfall Wii-vived for 'The Big Adventure'
GTA IV has 40% attach rate with new Xbox 360s, says Microsoft
GameTrailers compares PS3 GRID to 'PS3' GRID
Burnout 'Bogart' update barrels back to Live
Metal Gear Solid 4's Kojima explains PS3 comments
GameStop GTA IV data: 360 easily outsells PS3, not per console though
LucasArts planning demo for The Force Unleashed
See first screens of Skate It on Wii and DS
Agetec shows kid-friendly PS2 love in Falling Stars

Rumors & Speculation
Strong Bad could eventually check mail on Xbox Live, PSN
Pachter predicts PS3 beat Xbox 360 in April
Rumor: Microsoft's 'Lips' is an Xbox accessory
Rumor: Game Informer talks Guitar Hero IV's drums, create-a-track mode
Rumor: Sega publishing Platinum Games ... games

Culture & Community
Miyamoto: 'America has always been better at creating unique products'
For the Horde! BlizzCon 2008 invades Anaheim Oct. 10-11
NYC game development community slowly growing
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]]>dailyrecapgh4ghivguitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivhe-manskeletor2008-05-12T23:59:00+00:00Rumor: Game Informer talks Guitar Hero IV's drums, create-a-track modehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/rumor-game-informer-talks-guitar-hero-ivs-drums-create-a-trac/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/rumor-game-informer-talks-guitar-hero-ivs-drums-create-a-trac/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/rumor-game-informer-talks-guitar-hero-ivs-drums-create-a-trac/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Here we go again. Every month, someone gets an early copy of a gaming magazine, posts the highlights in a forum post, and we run it as a rumor until we can confirm its veracity. And again, we can't confirm this information, but a Neo GAF poster has claimed to already receive a copy of the latest Game Informer, the cover story being Guitar Hero IV.

Here's the alleged information. Guitar Hero IV features the requisite Rock Band features: drums, vocals, bass, guitar and create-a-rocker. Additionally (and most interestingly), there will be the option to create your own song tracks. Although vocals are excluded, all other tracks can be made and uploaded to GH Tunes for sharing and rating. We're not sure how this will apply to songs not in the game, given copyright concerns, but color us intrigued.

All songs will reportedly be master tracks, and four bands have been confirmed: Van Halen, Eagles, Linking Park and Van Halen. Is this the "significant leap" mentioned by Activision last week? Until we can obtain a copy to verify, consider this a rumor.
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]]>activisiongh4ghivguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-iv2008-05-12T19:22:00+00:00Rock Band Weekly: Sonic Youth, The Clash and Blondiehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/rock-band-weekly-sonic-youth-the-clash-and-blondie/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/rock-band-weekly-sonic-youth-the-clash-and-blondie/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/rock-band-weekly-sonic-youth-the-clash-and-blondie/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Bring out the haters for this week's Rock Band Weekly update post. The songs are perfectly fine, but considering the amount of hate there is in any given week for really good tracks, we can only imagine what it'll be like for these songs. Come on, "Random Song Lover Defense Force," where are you?

Individual songs
  • "Hanging on the Telephone" - Blondie (160 MS Points / $2)
  • "Train in Vain" - The Clash (160 MS Points / $2)
  • "Kool Thing" - Sonic Youth (160 MS Points / $2)
Videos for next week's tracks are after the break for people to make informed decisions on whether they actually hate the songs.The DLC will be available next Tuesday and Thursday for Xbox 360 and PS3 respectively.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Sonic Youth, The Clash and Blondie

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]]>blondierock-bandrock-band-weeklysonic-youththe-clash2008-05-09T16:00:00+00:00A 'significant leap' for Guitar Hero due this holiday for consoles and DShttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/a-significant-leap-for-guitar-hero-due-this-holiday-for-consol/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/a-significant-leap-for-guitar-hero-due-this-holiday-for-consol/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/a-significant-leap-for-guitar-hero-due-this-holiday-for-consol/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Activision is planning to innovate the Guitar Hero franchise. In a conference call yesterday, Publishing CEO Mike Griffith said, "For the holiday, we will provide a significant leap forward in innovation for Guitar Hero worldwide, on all platforms." That includes PlayStation 3, PS2, Xbox 360, Wii and DS. Griffith also said that more information will be provided "in the coming weeks."

We wonder if this has anything to do with those recent rumors about Guitar Hero IV going multi-instrumental. Guess we'll find out soon.

Continue reading A 'significant leap' for Guitar Hero due this holiday for consoles and DS

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]]>activisionbreakingnewsdrumsgh4ghivguitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivrock-bandvocalvocals2008-05-09T14:20:00+00:00Nintendo DS, Guitar Hero on Tour bundles coming this Junehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/nintendo-ds-guitar-hero-on-tour-bundles-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/nintendo-ds-guitar-hero-on-tour-bundles-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/nintendo-ds-guitar-hero-on-tour-bundles-coming-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: ,

For the launch of Guitar Hero: On Tour, Nintendo and Activision are planning to sell bundles of the handheld system and game. Said Activision Publishing CEO Mike Griffith in a conference call (34:50 mark), "Nintendo has been impressed with this innovation and part of our launch will include selling the game bundled with Nintendo DS hardware." On Tour has 15 confirmed songs so far and is due out this June.
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Continue reading Nintendo DS, Guitar Hero on Tour bundles coming this June

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]]>activisionbreakingnewsguitar-heroguitar-hero-on-touron-tour2008-05-09T13:45:00+00:00Rumor: Samba de Amigo for Wii getting downloadableshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/rumor-samba-de-amigo-for-wii-getting-downloadables/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/rumor-samba-de-amigo-for-wii-getting-downloadables/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/rumor-samba-de-amigo-for-wii-getting-downloadables/#commentsFiled under: ,

Since revealing intentions to charge money for some measure of online content in February, Nintendo has kept its future plans for our wallets quietly under wraps. However, new box art found on GameStop's online store seems to indicate that Sega's upcoming maraca-deficient revival of office favorite Samba De Amigo may have us praying to the microtransaction gods when the game ships for the Wii this August.

While nothing has been announced by either Sega or Nintendo, the new box art, uncovered by the sleuths at NeoGAF, carries the red "Pay to Play" program logo first shown at GDC by Nintendo to identify games that carry some sort of online fee. As our our friends at Wii Fanboy theorize, it seems likely that the game could finally introduce downloadable songs to Wii, which if true will just make the Wii versions of Guitar Hero III and Rock Band feel that much more feature bankrupt.

[Via Wii Fanboy]
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]]>microtransactionspay-to-playpaytoplaysamba-de-amigosambadeamigosega2008-05-07T02:00:00+00:00Some Rock Band tracks to go on sale this monthhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/some-rock-band-tracks-to-go-on-sale-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/some-rock-band-tracks-to-go-on-sale-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/some-rock-band-tracks-to-go-on-sale-this-month/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We know that, especially thanks to the spiffy new Rock Band in-game store, buying tracks in the game is the very height, the apex, if you will, of impulse buying. But, for a few select tracks from the game, it might be better if you can restrain yourself temporarily: A batch of songs from the game will be getting their prices slashed to 80 points ($1.00). Though only Microsoft's Major Nelson has posted about the sale, we're assuming it applies to PS3 owners as well. We've emailed Harmonix for confirmation.

The sale starts with "Crushcrushcrush" by Paramore and "Rock 'n Roll Band" by Boston, but new pairs of songs will be subbed in each week. We've put the full list after the jump so you can plan your buying accordingly.

Continue reading Some Rock Band tracks to go on sale this month

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]]>harmonixrock-band2008-05-06T14:00:00+00:00Audiosurf gets a free, audioscrobblin' updatehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/audiosurf-gets-a-free-audioscrobblin-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/audiosurf-gets-a-free-audioscrobblin-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/audiosurf-gets-a-free-audioscrobblin-update/#commentsFiled under: , ,


If you haven't taken a procedurally-generated spin on your copy of runaway indie hit Audiosurf for a while, you may want to fire it up: The game has gotten a batch of new features, referred to collectively as the "FM Update." You'll now be able to run the game as a music visualizer, make scoreboard comments and create your own mods. All the features (which we've listed after the jump) will automatically download the next time you load the game on Steam.

Perhaps most notably, last.fm audioscrobbling has been enabled in the new patch. We here at Joystiq would like to remind everyone that though audioscrobbling seems fun and a good way to really get to know people, it should only be performed by adults and only with protection.

Audioscrobblin' -- It's Worth The Wait.(R)

Continue reading Audiosurf gets a free, audioscrobblin' update

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]]>audiosurfsteam2008-05-06T08:30:00+00:00Rock Band Track Pack Vol. 1 coming to PS2, Wii this Julyhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/rock-band-track-pack-vol-1-coming-to-ps2-wii-this-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/rock-band-track-pack-vol-1-coming-to-ps2-wii-this-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/rock-band-track-pack-vol-1-coming-to-ps2-wii-this-july/#commentsFiled under: , ,


"I'm perfectly satisfied," you say to yourself as your fingers dart across spongy, fake frets. "I don't need those fancy high-definition graphics. As long as I can make out the notes, I'm happy. Heck, I can even see them when I close my eyes." Indeed, you're more than delighted with the PS2 version of Rock Band, the musical friend that keeps you company as you rock out in the basement. Alone.

EA, Harmonix and MTV Games can't help you with your graphics or self-deception issues, but they can offer you some of the downloadable tracks that Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 owners of Rock Band have been enjoying. Mind you, they won't be "downloadable" so much as they'll be purchasable for $29.99. The Rock Band Track Pack Volume 1, headed for Wii (the full game is out on June 22) and PlayStation 2 on July 15th, will contain 20 songs from such artists as David Bowie, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Weezer and Oasis.

Peer past the break for the full list and see if you go, "Ah, there's that song I like! I will gladly purchase this standalone set of tracks! I'm still talking to myself!"

Continue reading Rock Band Track Pack Vol. 1 coming to PS2, Wii this July

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]]>BreakingNewsDLCEAHarmonixMTVMTV-GamesRock-BandRock-Band-Track-PackRock-Band-Track-Pack-Vol-12008-05-05T12:56:00+00:00Activision, 7-Eleven to promote Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, quench thirsthttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/04/activision-7-eleven-to-promote-guitar-hero-aerosmith-quence-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/04/activision-7-eleven-to-promote-guitar-hero-aerosmith-quence-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/04/activision-7-eleven-to-promote-guitar-hero-aerosmith-quence-t/#commentsFiled under: , ,


While Activision's upcoming Aerosmith-centric flavor of Guitar Hero may still have some of us sitting on the fence, a new partnership between the publisher and 7-Eleven ensures that we can at least enjoy and icy cold Slurpee while considering rocking out to the "bad boys of Boston." Activision and the convenience store chain, along with Coca-Cola and Microsoft have teamed to promote Guitar Hero: Aerosmith by offering 22-ounce Slurpee cups branded in the series' artwork, though bizarrely the above art is not of the upcoming version at all.

Each the cups will include codes on the underside to enter an online contest to win the game, an Xbox 360, or Microsoft Points. According to an official announcement of the promotion, the parties plan on giving away 744 copies of Guitar Hero: Aerosmith and 711,000 Microsoft Points throughout the month of May. In addition, 10 Slurpee drinkers will walk away with a shiny new console and a copy of the game, leaving us pondering the only other question worth asking: Wild Cherry or Classic Cola?
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SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>7-117-elevenactivisionguitar-hero-aerosmithmicrosoftmicrosoft-pointsmicrosoftpointsslurpee2008-05-04T11:40:00+00:00Guitar Hero III getting triple-pack of Muse on May 8http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/03/guitar-hero-iii-getting-triple-pack-of-muse-on-may-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/03/guitar-hero-iii-getting-triple-pack-of-muse-on-may-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/03/guitar-hero-iii-getting-triple-pack-of-muse-on-may-8/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It seems that Activision has stumbled across the correct formula for getting us to drop our drumsticks and don our trusty, dusty Les Paul peripherals -- a three-song DLC pack for Guitar Hero III featuring the music of the epic British prog-rock trio, Muse. As of May 8, "Supermassive Black Hole" and "Exo-Politics" from their 2006 album Black Holes and Revelations as well as the fan-favorite "Stockholm Syndrome" from 2003's Absolution will be available to download for a heretofore unannounced price (we're assuming it will match the $6.25 price of former GHIII packs). We've got videos for all three tunes after the jump -- go decide which ones are purchase-worthy! (Hint: All of them.)

Continue reading Guitar Hero III getting triple-pack of Muse on May 8

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SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>activisiondlcexo-politicsguitar-hero-iiiguitarheroguitarheroiiimusemusicred-octanestockholmsyndromesupermassiveblackhole2008-05-03T16:30:00+00:00Rock Band ships 3 million 'bundled' units, 10 million songs downloadedhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/rock-band-ships-3-million-bundled-units-10-million-songs-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/rock-band-ships-3-million-bundled-units-10-million-songs-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/rock-band-ships-3-million-bundled-units-10-million-songs-down/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Harmonix's grand-parent company, Viacom, announced today as part of its Q1 earnings that Rock Band has shipped three million "bundled units." GameDaily reports that the company also stated that Harmonix has had over 10 million songs downloaded for the game.

The last report we had was that Harmonix hit the six million DLC song mark in mid-March, which means the new music store apparently did help accelerate sales. Viacom's CEO said that Rock Band is emerging as a valuable long-term franchise and he expects further success from the Wii and European launches.
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]]>harmonixmtv-gamesrock-bandrockbandviacom2008-05-02T19:00:00+00:00Rock Band Weekly: Fall Out Boy, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Angels & Airwaveshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/rock-band-weekly-fall-out-boy-yeah-yeah-yeahs-and-angels-and-air/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/rock-band-weekly-fall-out-boy-yeah-yeah-yeahs-and-angels-and-air/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/rock-band-weekly-fall-out-boy-yeah-yeah-yeahs-and-angels-and-air/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


This ain't a scene, it's a Rock Band Weekly update post. Next week the band that people argue whether it's emo or not, Fall Out Boy, adds its song "This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race" to the music store. Don't lie, when it's on the radio while you're driving you sing along. Actually, all the songs sound like fun if you're in a non-snob music mode.

Scene pack (440 Microsoft Points / $5.50)
  • "This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race" - Fall Out Boy (160 MS Points / $2)
  • "Date With The Night" - Yeah Yeah Yeahs (160 MS Points / $2)
  • "It Hurts" - Angels & Airwaves (160 MS Points / $2)
As usual, the tracks will be available next Tuesday and Thursday for Xbox 360 and PS3 respectively. Videos for the songs are after the break.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Fall Out Boy, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Angels & Airwaves

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]]>angels-and-airwavesfall-out-boyrock-bandrock-band-weeklyyeah-yeah-yeahs2008-05-02T14:15:00+00:00