Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mad Catz re-releasing Rock Band 3 with its peripherals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/mad-catz-re-releasing-rock-band-3-with-its-peripherals/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/mad-catz-re-releasing-rock-band-3-with-its-peripherals/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/mad-catz-re-releasing-rock-band-3-with-its-peripherals/#comments When our review called Rock Band 3 "the only rhythm game you'll ever need," we didn't know it'd be taken quite so literally. Mad Catz announced today that it would be releasing a follow-up to the Harmonix masterpiece ... in the form of Rock Band 3. Yes, the peripheral powerhouse has taken over publishing duties and will put the game back on shelves this holiday season.

The re-release may seem like an unconventional deal (and it is) but it's easy to see the logic. For starters, the game's original publisher, MTV Games, doesn't exist any more. Plus, Mad Catz is getting more involved with the publishing world and is already the official manufacturer of Rock Band instruments.

Mad Catz says it will bundle the game with its various instruments including the Fender Mustang guitar/controller hybrid, though not the drum kit as far as we can tell. We're also looking into platforms -- thus far, we know only that Mad Catz has a publisher license agreement for Xbox 360. We've reached out for comment and will let you know what we hear back. Update: For the moment, 360 is the only platform Mad Catz will confirm the rerelease for. Specific bundle details are still to come.

JoystiqMad Catz re-releasing Rock Band 3 with its peripherals originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixholidaysmad-catzmicrosoftmtv-gamesmusicrock-band-3xboxWed, 10 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Deadliest Warrior: Legends to pulverize PSN on July 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/deadliest-warrior-legends-to-pulverize-psn-on-july-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/deadliest-warrior-legends-to-pulverize-psn-on-july-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/deadliest-warrior-legends-to-pulverize-psn-on-july-26/#comments Deadliest Warrior: Legends may be old (spiked) hat for Xbox 360 owners, but for those of us with access only to a PS3, the game has yet to arrive. That's all about to change, as 345 Games tells Joystiq that its latest release will head to the PlayStation Network Store on July 26, pointy blade-equipped staff and all.

Like its XBLA launch, Deadliest Warrior: Legends will run you $10 when it arrives in the coming weeks. No explanation was offered for the disparity in launch between 360 and PS3, but we're told Sun Tzu sends his sincerest apologies.

JoystiqDeadliest Warrior: Legends to pulverize PSN on July 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>345-gamesdeadliest-warrior-legendsmtv-gamesplaystationplaystation-networkplaystation-network-storeplaystation-storeps3psnq3-2011release-datespike-tvviacomMon, 11 Jul 2011 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Harmonix on the state of post-MTV Rock Band DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/harmonix-on-the-state-of-post-mtv-rock-band-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/harmonix-on-the-state-of-post-mtv-rock-band-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/harmonix-on-the-state-of-post-mtv-rock-band-dlc/#comments In a new interview with Game Informer, Chris Rigopulos, VP of strategy and business development at Harmonix, addresses the state of downloadable content for Rock Band now that the studio is no longer under MTV. Rigopulos said that Harmonix has "effectively severed all ties with MTV, and all proceeds from Rock Band belong to Harmonix."

He explained that music selection for the Rock Band series had been a "collaborative effort between Harmonix and MTV," noting that most of the downloadable tracks we've seen this year were selected before Harmonix was sold by Viacom (last year). This month's downloadable tracks, said Rigopulos, will be the "first glimpse" at the music the company has secured without MTV. Rigopulos doesn't expect any "dramatic changes" to the music selection process, though he cheekily added, "I doubt you will see any more SpongeBob SquarePants packs."

Rigopulous also discussed the overall success of Rock Band's DLC enterprise, noting that the series recently surpassed 100 million song downloads.

JoystiqHarmonix on the state of post-MTV Rock Band DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 May 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chris-Rigopulosdlcdownloadsharmonixmicrosoftmtvmtv-gamesnintendoplaystationps3rock-bandRock-Band-3wiixboxWed, 04 May 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Harmonix says it had to 'carry' MTV's publishing operation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/harmonix-says-it-had-to-carry-mtvs-publishing-operation/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/harmonix-says-it-had-to-carry-mtvs-publishing-operation/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/harmonix-says-it-had-to-carry-mtvs-publishing-operation/#comments In a recent interview with Industry Gamers, Harmonix VP of Product Development Greg LoPiccolo remarked on the studio's time under the MTV Games banner. Though he explained he harbors no ill will towards the team's former publisher, he said MTV didn't have "a big enough publishing organization to achieve economies of scale." He added, "They had us, but essentially our games had to carry the entire publishing infrastructure of MTV games which was not particularly efficient."

LoPiccolo said he's grateful for the partnership, explaining, "When they bought us we were a little developer and in collaboration with them we achieved a lot." Despite MTV's help in turning them into the studio they are today, LoPiccolo explained he wasn't worried about the two parties' split. "I think one of the things we've demonstrated to the world at large and to ourselves is that we have a demonstrated ability to make good stuff," he added. "And I think we had a confidence that somebody would see that and have that perspective."

JoystiqHarmonix says it had to 'carry' MTV's publishing operation originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixindustrymtvmtv-gamesrhythmRock-Band-3Sat, 23 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band 3 price drops to $20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/rock-band-3-price-drops-to-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/rock-band-3-price-drops-to-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/rock-band-3-price-drops-to-20/#comments Harmonix has announced that the price of Rock Band 3 (game only) has dropped down to $20 on Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii -- great for starving, wannabe musicians looking to jam to The Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations." Or, you know, any of the other 82 songs available on the disc.

You can find the game for the reduced price right now on Amazon, Best Buy and GameStop -- or you can head into your local brick-and-mortar if you're looking for that immediate rock fix.

JoystiqRock Band 3 price drops to $20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaharmonixmicrosoftmtv-gamesnintendoplaystationps3Rock-Band-3wiixboxTue, 05 Apr 2011 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: MTV Games shut down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/mtv-games-shut-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/mtv-games-shut-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/mtv-games-shut-down/#comments MCV has reported that MTV Games has officially closed its doors. The site reports that MTV Games' international office was closed on Wednesday and "only a handful of financial staff remain in the New York office to collect or reconcile any outstanding receivables." The news comes in the wake of the recent sale of Rock Band and Dance Central developer Harmonix.

MTV Games parent company Viacom is currently involved in an ongoing legal battle with Harmonix. The developer accuses Viacom of avoiding the payment of performance-based bonuses, a claim that Viacom denies. We've reached out to MTV for comment.

[Update 2/7: We heard back from an MTV spokesperson, who told us, "MTV Games has ceased its publishing operations but has not been completely dissolved." Huh, wonder what that means. We'll let you know if MTV suddenly becomes more forthcoming.]

JoystiqReport: MTV Games shut down originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixmicrosoftmobilemtv-gamesnintendoplaystationps3viacomwiixboxThu, 03 Feb 2011 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Beefy Rock Band 3 title update does away with the eyebrow of death]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/rock-band-3-title-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/rock-band-3-title-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/rock-band-3-title-update/#comments Harmonix has been hard at work on a major title update for Rock Band 3 -- today, we finally get a look at the fruits of the studio's labor. The update -- which is live now on Xbox 360, and is expected to drop on PS3 within the next 24 hours -- addresses a diverse load of problems; for instance, pausing the game too many times while playing a song disables scoring, which prevents players from using the pause-rewind feature to artificially boost their scores. Also, that Stage Kit you dropped a Benjamin on a few years back? The game now supports it in a limited capacity.

Our personal favorite patch is one that fixes a crash that cropped up whenever the player chose a "particular eyebrow asset," which, henceforth shall be known as the "eyebrow of death." Sadly, that power has been extinguished by the update, and now rests solely in the forehead of Mr. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Check out the full list of updates after the jump!

Continue reading Beefy Rock Band 3 title update does away with the eyebrow of death

JoystiqBeefy Rock Band 3 title update does away with the eyebrow of death originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixmicrosoftmtv-gamespatchplaystationps3Rock-Band-3updatexboxMon, 31 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Rock Band Network releases to stop next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/wii-rock-band-network-releases-to-stop-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/wii-rock-band-network-releases-to-stop-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/wii-rock-band-network-releases-to-stop-next-week/#comments All Rock Band Network tracks are available for purchase through the Xbox 360 Rock Band games, and Harmonix periodically dumps some popular tracks from the DIY authoring service onto the PS3 and Wii games as DLC. Next week's set of RBN songs (after the break), however, will be the last to make the trip over to Wii.

"With the smaller online install base, limited demand for releases so far and the significant amount of work it takes for our producers and audio team to convert and process these additional tracks," Harmonix's Aaron Trites explained in the weekly DLC announcement, "we're no longer able to continue submitting RBN content to the Wii." That's not the end for all downloadable music on Wii, however: "regular Wii DLC, and RBN releases for the 360 and PS3 will continue uninterrupted."

Continue reading Wii Rock Band Network releases to stop next week

JoystiqWii Rock Band Network releases to stop next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcharmonixmtv-gamesnintendorock-band-2Rock-Band-3rock-band-networkwiiFri, 14 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Johnny Cash, free Rock Band track pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/rock-band-weekly-johnny-cash-free-rock-band-track-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/rock-band-weekly-johnny-cash-free-rock-band-track-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/rock-band-weekly-johnny-cash-free-rock-band-track-pack/#comments The next Rock Band DLC update will include a track pack from the legendary Johnny Cash and a free pack of various artists for Xbox 360 and PS3. The Cash bundle includes classics like "I Walk the Line" and "Folsom Prison Blues," while the free pack includes tracks featuring RBN and Harmonix go-to bands like Bang Camaro and The Main Drag.

The update will be available next week on Xbox 360 and Wii, while the PS3 update will also include last week's DLC, which was not added due to the holidays.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Johnny Cash, free Rock Band track pack

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Johnny Cash, free Rock Band track pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AbnormalityAnarchy-ClubBang-CamaroBreaqking-WheelDLCHarmonixJohnny-CashLibyansmicrosoftMTV-Gamesnintendoplaystationps3Rock-Band-3rock-band-weeklySpeckThat-Handsome-DevilThe-Main-DragThe-SternswiixboxThu, 30 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Harmonix retains IP rights to Rock Band, Dance Central]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/harmonix-retains-ip-rights-to-rock-band-dance-central/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/harmonix-retains-ip-rights-to-rock-band-dance-central/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/harmonix-retains-ip-rights-to-rock-band-dance-central/#comments Yesterday's Harmonix announcement of re-independence from global media conglomerate Viacom left questions hanging about the intellectual property rights to the studio's two main franchises. Joystiq has been informed by sources that Harmonix will "own the IP rights" to both the Rock Band and Dance Central franchises after the split, meaning it can continue to create new installments if it chooses.

We've also been informed that the developer's DLC support of both titles will continue "unaffected by the sale" and that its distribution relationships with EA and Mad Catz for the Rock Band series, and with Microsoft for Dance Central, also remain "unaffected."

What we currently understand of the situation, from sources involved, is that Viacom and MTV Games providing licensing muscle isn't as necessary as it once was -- before the music genre became established over the past few years. It appears relationships have been set that now allow Harmonix to license music for its games without the aid of Viacom.

JoystiqHarmonix retains IP rights to Rock Band, Dance Central originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centralDance-Central-2Harmonixintellectual-propertymicrosoftMTV-Gamesnintendoplaystationps3rock-bandrock-band-2Rock-Band-3ViacomwiixboxFri, 24 Dec 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band dev Harmonix breaks from Viacom, goes independent again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/rock-band-dev-harmonix-breaks-from-viacom-goes-independent-agai/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/rock-band-dev-harmonix-breaks-from-viacom-goes-independent-agai/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/rock-band-dev-harmonix-breaks-from-viacom-goes-independent-agai/#comments Guitar Hero and Rock Band creator Harmonix announced this morning that it's splitting with parent company Viacom and "returning to our roots as an independent and privately owned studio" -- investment company Columbus Nova helped purchase the studio and formed Harmonix-SBE Holdings LLC. Before we tell you anything else, know this: As promised, "the DLC schedule marches on for Rock Band, we will continue our support of previously released titles," wrote Harmonix PR rep John Drake in a statement on the Rock Band forums, "and we're hard at work on some unannounced projects that we think you're going to be pumped about."

The terms of the sale were not disclosed in the official announcement from Viacom, but the publisher has been looking for a chance to sell off Harmonix since at least mid-November. In the eyes of Harmonix, the partnership is ending amicably, with Drake adding, "Viacom and MTV Networks have been an amazing home for us over the past 4 years. It's where we launched both Rock Band and Dance Central, worked with The Beatles, Green Day, AC/DC, The Who and thousands of other artists. We want to take a moment to thank everyone in that organization who helped make these awesome games possible."

JoystiqRock Band dev Harmonix breaks from Viacom, goes independent again originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcharmonixmicrosoftmtv-gamesnintendoplaystationps3rock-bandrock-band-3saleviacomwiixboxThu, 23 Dec 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: John Lennon's 'Happy Xmas,' Euro singles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/rock-band-weekly-john-lennons-happy-xmas-euro-singles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/rock-band-weekly-john-lennons-happy-xmas-euro-singles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/rock-band-weekly-john-lennons-happy-xmas-euro-singles/#comments Next week's Rock Band DLC celebrates the spirit of the holidays with John Lennon & Yoko Ono's "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" and the Caesars' "Jerk it Out."

Check out all of next week's individual tracks after the break.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: John Lennon's 'Happy Xmas,' Euro singles

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: John Lennon's 'Happy Xmas,' Euro singles originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anaisbapbb-brunesCaesarsDLCHarmonixjohn-lennonLinea-77LitfibamicrosoftMTV-Gamesnintendoplaystationps3Rock-Band-3rock-band-weeklywiiwir-sind-heldenxboxyoko-onoFri, 17 Dec 2010 10:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Billy Joel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/rock-band-weekly-billy-joel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/rock-band-weekly-billy-joel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/rock-band-weekly-billy-joel/#comments Gawd bless Long Island boys and their capacity for spite, for without it we wouldn't be graced with Billy Joel's greatest hits as Rock Band DLC next week. The story goes that the piano man had his people open the conversation of being part of the video game after a critic noted such a thing would be a travesty. So, pour a bottle of red, a bottle of white, and rock out to the legend's greatest hits, because only the good die young.

Also, just to test if we have Billy Joel powers: Heaven forbid anyone should ever make a new Freedom Fighters or Alpha Centauri, that would be a sin against gaming!

Move on out past the break for the full track list.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Billy Joel

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Billy Joel originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Billy-JoelDLCHarmonixmicrosoftMTV-Gamesnintendoplaystationps3Rock-Band-3rock-band-weeklywiixboxFri, 10 Dec 2010 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Queen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/rock-band-weekly-queen/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/rock-band-weekly-queen/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/rock-band-weekly-queen/#comments
 Next week's Rock Band DLC will be two track packs that are all Queen. One pack includes some Rock Band 3 upgraded tracks from Lego Rock Band, along with some lesser-ish known ditties, while the other is an extrabonanza of the band's most popular songs (which you might already own) reworked for RB3. That means: harmonies!

So, if singing like Freddie Mercury wasn't already hard enough, you're really gonna have to work as a team to nail those tracks properly. You are the champions, my friends. The full DLC track details are posted after the break.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Queen

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Queen originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCHarmonixmicrosoftMTV-Gamesnintendoplaystationps3QueenRock-Band-3rock-band-weeklywiixboxFri, 03 Dec 2010 11:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band 3 title update fixes crashing, pause score exploit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/rock-band-3-title-update-fixes-crashing-pause-score-exploit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/rock-band-3-title-update-fixes-crashing-pause-score-exploit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/rock-band-3-title-update-fixes-crashing-pause-score-exploit/#comments At some point today, PS3 Rock Band 3 users will be prompted to download a mandatory title update -- the Xbox 360 patch is coming "in the near future". The first of two planned updates resolves some persistent glitches in the game, including freezes that take place during the amp loading vignette and when messing around with eyebrows in the character creator. " All eyebrows are now safe," the forum thread assures us.

Additionally, an exploit where players could constantly pause mid-song to inflate score has been addressed in the update. Now any performance during a song that's been paused multiple times won't have its score reported. Also, we reluctantly point out that one of the more dreaded issues, the PS3 keyboard audio glitch, is not included in today's update. Harmonix has acknowledged the issue and is looking into a fix.

[Thanks, Wes J]

JoystiqRock Band 3 title update fixes crashing, pause score exploit originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaharmonixmicrosoftmtvmtv-gamesplaystationps3Rock-Band-3title-updateupdatexboxThu, 02 Dec 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company, .38 Special]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/rock-band-weekly-lynyrd-skynyrd-bad-company-38-special/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/rock-band-weekly-lynyrd-skynyrd-bad-company-38-special/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/rock-band-weekly-lynyrd-skynyrd-bad-company-38-special/#comments
 So, next week's Rock Band DLC will include a Lynyrd Skynyrd track pack. Now, fun fact: Every time Lynyrd Skynyrd was typed in this post, I had to look up how it was spelled, out of some paranoid compulsion that I'd spelled it wrong. I wonder if "Lynyrd Skynyrd" is the music writer's version of the game industry's classic spell-anoia name: EA CEO John R-I-C-C-I-T-I-E-L-L-O.

Accompanying the "Sweet Home Alabama" band, who apparently formed in Florida, are singles from .38 Special and Bad Company. The full DLC track details are posted after the break.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company, .38 Special

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company, .38 Special originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-specialBad-CompanydlcHarmonixLynyrd-SkynyrdmicrosoftMTV-Gamesnintendoplaystationps3Rock-Band-3rock-band-weeklywiixboxWed, 24 Nov 2010 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Music game sales continue plunge down the charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/music-game-sales-continue-plunge-down-the-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/music-game-sales-continue-plunge-down-the-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/music-game-sales-continue-plunge-down-the-charts/#comments If this sounds like a familiar tune, it is: Music game sales have plummeted for a second-straight year. But this year, the tune is way more off key.

According to analysis by Gamasutra, which looked at the period from January through October in each of the past three years, music game revenues in the U.S. have taken a phenomenal nose dive from an epic height of $1.6 billion in 2008 to where they've landed today: under $250 million for the year. "Short of a Christmas miracle," concludes analyst Matt Matthews, "music games won't break $400 million for all of 2010."

Ohhh ... so that's why Viacom's hawking Harmonix.

JoystiqMusic game sales continue plunge down the charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj-hero-2eagreen-day-rock-bandguitar-heroguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockharmonixmicrosoftmtv-gamesmusicmusic-gamesnintendoplaystationpower-gig-rise-of-the-sixstringps3rhythmrock-bandrock-band-3salesseven45softwareviacomwiixboxFri, 19 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: John Lennon's 'Imagine' album]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/rock-band-weekly-john-lennon-imagine-album/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/rock-band-weekly-john-lennon-imagine-album/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/rock-band-weekly-john-lennon-imagine-album/#comments
 John Lennon's "Imagine" album will be next week's Rock Band DLC. The acclaimed set of songs joins the title track, which is one of the Rock Band 3 on-disc songs. The album's DLC launch comes about a month after the worldwide celebration of the 70th anniversary of Lennon's birthday.

No need to imagine the album's track list, it can be found after the break.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: John Lennon's 'Imagine' album

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: John Lennon's 'Imagine' album originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCHarmoniximaginejohn-lennonmicrosoftMTV-Gamesplaystationps3Rock-Band-3rock-band-weeklyxboxFri, 19 Nov 2010 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Bee Gees, B.B. King, Procol Harum]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/rock-band-weekly-bee-gees-b-b-king-procol-harum/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/rock-band-weekly-bee-gees-b-b-king-procol-harum/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/rock-band-weekly-bee-gees-b-b-king-procol-harum/#comments
 Some big news hit developer Harmonix this week as parent company Viacom revealed plans to sell the company, but that shouldn't affect the weekly Rock Band DLC releases for the time being -- they're stayin' alive, stayin' alive. Next week's DLC offerings deliver a six-pack from the Bee Gees that includes several of the band's best-known hits.

Accompanying the brothers as they deliver disco dreams are B.B. King and Procol Harum -- yeah, that's quite a combination. Now, jive talkin' turkeys, check out next week's full DLC track details after the break.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Bee Gees, B.B. King, Procol Harum

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Bee Gees, B.B. King, Procol Harum originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BB-KingBee-GeesDLCHarmonixmicrosoftmtv-gamesnintendoplaystationProcol-Harumps3Rock-Band-3rock-band-weeklywiixboxFri, 12 Nov 2010 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band, Dance Central DLC 'ongoing work' not affected by Viacom sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/rock-band-dance-central-dlc-ongoing-work-not-affected-by-viac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/rock-band-dance-central-dlc-ongoing-work-not-affected-by-viac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/rock-band-dance-central-dlc-ongoing-work-not-affected-by-viac/#comments After seeing this morning's news of Viacom selling developer Harmonix, many of you were concerned about the company's persistent work in supporting its products with downloadable content.

Harmonix has responded to our inquiry, stating, "This morning's announcement does not affect the ongoing work at the studio as we continue to support our existing franchises, Rock Band and Dance Central. As stated earlier, Viacom is in discussions with several potential buyers and will continue to fully support the business until a sale is completed." The developer plans to continue answering outstanding questions on its forum on this thread.

We also contacted Viacom and MTV Games regarding the status of the licenses for the music store and whether they'll transfer with Harmonix once the company is sold. A Viacom spokesperson informed Joystiq, "All we can say at this point is that Rock Band and Dance Central DLC will continue as planned and we will continue to fully support their releases."

Update: Added Viacom quote.

JoystiqRock Band, Dance Central DLC 'ongoing work' not affected by Viacom sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centralHarmonixmicrosoftMTV-Gamesnintendoplaystationps3Rock-Band-3ViacomwiixboxThu, 11 Nov 2010 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: All forthcoming Rock Band DLC incompatible with RB1/RB2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/psa-all-forthcoming-rock-band-dlc-incompatible-with-rb1-rb2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/psa-all-forthcoming-rock-band-dlc-incompatible-with-rb1-rb2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/psa-all-forthcoming-rock-band-dlc-incompatible-with-rb1-rb2/#comments Rock Band DLC released after October 26, 2010, is Rock Band 3 specific and will not be compatible with previous versions of the platform. This rule applies to all future Rock Band DLC, whether it's labeled "RB3 version" or not. Songs released before that cutoff date will remain available and compatible with the first two Rock Band titles. Also, new RBN tracks will be compatible with all versions.

A Harmonix representative explained to Joystiq that new tracks won't be backwards compatible "due to the new authoring standards, inclusion of new instruments, new lighting / venue cues, etc."

Although it's a bummer that owners of earlier Rock Band games won't be able to play new tracks, they won't easily be able to purchase the tracks by accident. Any songs released after 10/26 will not show up in the Rock Band and Rock Band 2 in-game store, nor will they show up in the standalone music store app or under RB1 or RB2 on the console's marketplace.

JoystiqPSA: All forthcoming Rock Band DLC incompatible with RB1/RB2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCHarmonixmicrosoftMTV-Gamesnintendoplaystationps3Rock-Band-3rock-band-weeklywiixboxTue, 09 Nov 2010 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Harmonix explains Rock Band 3 legacy track upgrades, pricing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/harmonix-explains-rock-band-3-legacy-track-upgrades-pricing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/harmonix-explains-rock-band-3-legacy-track-upgrades-pricing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/harmonix-explains-rock-band-3-legacy-track-upgrades-pricing/#comments This week's Bon Jovi Rock Band DLC will include previously released tracks that now have an "RB3 Version." There was confusion about whether these songs, which now include keyboard and harmony support, would have their previous "legacy" versions upgraded for free. That will not be the case.

Harmonix explains those who own the legacy versions will have to pay the $2 for the new RB3 Version if they'd like to have the keyboard and harmony upgrade. Also, for those who want the Pro Guitar and Bass versions of the songs, they'll have to buy the RB3 Version, plus pay another buck for the "Pro" upgrade.

A Harmonix rep explained to Joystiq that the developer hopes to have the Pro Guitar/Bass versions available for the legacy versions -- without having to pay the $2 for the RB3 Version as well -- in the future, but that this won't be available for the Bon Jovi tracks. So, the short of it is: if you want the keyboard and harmony upgrades, you'll have to pony up the Jefferson ... that's who's on the two dollar bill. Yes, there's such a thing as a two dollar bill.

JoystiqHarmonix explains Rock Band 3 legacy track upgrades, pricing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcharmonixmicrosoftmtv-gamesnintendoplaystationps3rock-band-2Rock-Band-3rock-band-weeklyrock-band-wiiklywiixboxMon, 08 Nov 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Bon Jovi, Deftones, New Order, Talking Heads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/rock-band-weekly-bon-jovi-deftones-new-order-talking-heads/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/rock-band-weekly-bon-jovi-deftones-new-order-talking-heads/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/rock-band-weekly-bon-jovi-deftones-new-order-talking-heads/#comments
 Next week's Rock Band DLC adds the Bon Jovi Greatest Hits: Rock Band Edition album. The pack includes 12 of the band's chart-toppers, with some previously released tracks re-released for Rock Band 3 with support for Keys, Pro Keys, Pro Drums and harmonies -- you'll also have the option to add Pro Guitar and Bass parts for an extra dollar. (As for why we chose the above Bon Jovi album art for this post, the particular cover and music video always seemed inspired by Ghost in the Shell:SAC's The Laughing Man; available on Netflix instant watch.)

There will also be individual songs from Deftones, New Order and Talking Heads available next week. A standalone complex of details on all the tracks can be found after the break.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Bon Jovi, Deftones, New Order, Talking Heads

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Bon Jovi, Deftones, New Order, Talking Heads originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bon-JoviDeftonesDLCHarmonixmicrosoftMTV-GamesNew-Ordernintendoplaystationps3rock-band-2Rock-Band-3rock-band-weeklyrock-band-wiiklyTalking-HeadswiixboxFri, 05 Nov 2010 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Lego Rock Band export 'temporarily' not working, 'will be soon' says Harmonix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/lego-rock-band-export-temporarily-not-working-will-be-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/lego-rock-band-export-temporarily-not-working-will-be-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/lego-rock-band-export-temporarily-not-working-will-be-soon/#commentsLEGO Rock Band track export Time for another public service announcement from your civic-minded pals at Joystiq: If you were thinking about picking up Lego Rock Band on Xbox 360 hoping to suck its delicious track marrow from that disc-shaped skeleton, you're going to want to hold off until further notice from Harmonix. Also, you're going to want to work on that metaphor.

Following a lengthy 20-page thread on the issue, Harmonix took to the Rock Band Forums to assure fans - and would-be track-suckers - that the feature would be back up and running soon. You see, the process for exporting tracks from Lego Rock Band is a little cumbersome: You enter the code included in the game onto RockBand.com which, in turn, provides you with a code to "purchase" the license from the Xbox Live Marketplace. At this point, you're able to actually download (it's not really an "export" at all) the tracks for the cool asking price of $10. The snag: Harmonix has "temporarily run out of Lego: Rock Band redemption tokens" but expects to remedy the situation "soon."

If you've already been afflicted by this issue, Harmonix has some advice for you in its statement. Everyone else, sit tight until whatever licensing nightmare that's responsible for this goes away. The statement:
Due to overwhelming demand, we've temporarily run out of Lego: Rock Band redemption tokens for Xbox 360. We're really happy so many of you were excited to bring songs from LRB over into Rock Band 3 and we're doing our best to get new tokens set up for redemption as quickly as possible. Stay tuned to this thread and watch @RockBand on twitter for updates. We'll be responding to everyone via Redemption@RockBand.com shortly, but HMXcj and I will be updating this thread to reach as many people as possible. Sorry again for the inconvenience and thanks for your patience!
[Thanks, Peter]

JoystiqPSA: Lego Rock Band export 'temporarily' not working, 'will be soon' says Harmonix originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAEA-PartnersHarmoniximportingLego-Rock-BandMTV-GamesPSARock-Band-3XBLMWed, 03 Nov 2010 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance Central pre-release copies recalled, should still make launch [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/dance-central-pre-release-copies-recalled-should-still-make-lau/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/dance-central-pre-release-copies-recalled-should-still-make-lau/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/dance-central-pre-release-copies-recalled-should-still-make-lau/#comments
 Pre-release copies of Dance Central sitting in retail warehouses have been recalled, but MTV Games tells Joystiq that the Kinect launch title will be available for next week's November 4 release date. Thanks to a source, we obtained a note detailing the recall by Microsoft due to "a misprint in the owner's manual."

According to the document, new copies of Dance Central, with a new SKU/UPC and, we're guessing, manual, should be shipped to stores by next week. A good thing, too, considering the Harmonix title is one of the Kinect games generating mainstream buzz. It's not like Ellen DeGeneres dances on her show all the time or something -- wait, bad example.

Update: Microsoft has provided a statement. Please find it after the break.

Continue reading Dance Central pre-release copies recalled, should still make launch [update]

JoystiqDance Central pre-release copies recalled, should still make launch [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centralHarmonixmicrosoftMTV-GamesrecallxboxFri, 29 Oct 2010 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: The Doors, a Rush song]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/rock-band-weekly-the-doors-a-rush-song/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/rock-band-weekly-the-doors-a-rush-song/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/rock-band-weekly-the-doors-a-rush-song/#comments Okay, Rock Band 3 owners, if you haven't picked up your three free Doors songs ("Light My Fire," "Riders on the Storm," and "Touch Me,"), now would be the time. Next week, the three tracks will cost you and be added to The Doors Greatest Hits: Special Edition album pack, which will increase in price to $20. So, get those free tracks and pick up the album for $15, before you're singing the roadhouse blues for longer than you have to.

Also, one lone Rush song, "Subdivisions," will be available next week. It will feature the option to add "Pro" guitar or bass to it for a buck. Break on through to the other side of this post (we're so sorry, again) to see track details.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: The Doors, a Rush song

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: The Doors, a Rush song originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCdsHarmonixmicrosoftMTV-Gamesnintendoplaystationps3Rock-Band-3rock-band-weeklyxboxFri, 29 Oct 2010 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band 3 peripherals tested as MIDI instruments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/rock-band-3-peripherals-tested-as-midi-instruments/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/rock-band-3-peripherals-tested-as-midi-instruments/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/rock-band-3-peripherals-tested-as-midi-instruments/#comments If you've elected to drop a few wads of cash on acquiring the new keyboard and Mustang guitar peripherals so you can enjoy Rock Band 3's newest features, you've secretly invested in a pair of fully functional MIDI instruments as well. Create Digital Music, a site dedicated to -- well, you can figure it out -- recently reviewed the two devices' capacity for real-life rocking; and surprisingly, they're both very capable in that regard.

The Mustang guitar may not have the authenticity of real strings, but at $150, it's one of the most affordable MIDI guitars on the planet. With Synth and Strum input modes, it could have some interesting applications for those creative types. The keyboard also received high marks for its ergonomic form factor and velocity-sensitive keys. In short, it's not the best keyboard on the planet, but it can (and should) be used as an actual keytar. Why haven't you bought this yet? You're wasting everyone's time.

JoystiqRock Band 3 peripherals tested as MIDI instruments originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 05:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesharmonixkeyboardmad-catzmicrosoftmidimtv-gamesmusicnintendoplaystationps3Rock-Band-3wiixboxFri, 29 Oct 2010 05:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Unofficial Rock Band catalog search app arrives on iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/unofficial-rock-band-catalog-search-app-arrives-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/unofficial-rock-band-catalog-search-app-arrives-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/unofficial-rock-band-catalog-search-app-arrives-on-iphone/#comments Here's a hypothetical situation you or someone you know has probably experienced at some point in your life: You and a friend are out at a restaurant or bar, and Wham's "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" comes on the radio. You remark how this is one of your favorite Rock Band songs, but your friend replies that this song, criminally, is not part of the Rock Band catalog. You argue about this point all night, ruining your dinner, drinks and, ultimately, friendship.

There's another way -- a better way, friends. A new, unofficial and free iPhone tool from developer Three Brothers Apps titled "RB Song List" lets you scan through the game's downloadable catalog on the go. Using this app, you could have resolved this hypothetical argument in seconds, and then spent the rest of the night talking about why the hell "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" isn't available on the Rock Band Store.

JoystiqUnofficial Rock Band catalog search app arrives on iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appharmonixiphonejitterbugmobilemtv-gamesmusicrb-song-listrhythmRock-Band-3Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band 3: how to import Rock Band 2 songs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/rock-band-3-how-to-import-rock-band-2-songs/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/rock-band-3-how-to-import-rock-band-2-songs/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/rock-band-3-how-to-import-rock-band-2-songs/#comments Rock Band 3 is ready to receive the 1.93GB Rock Band 2 song export. RockBandAide details the export process (actually a track pack download) that requires $10 and the code from the back of your Rock Band 2 instruction manual, originally used for some bonus downloadable tracks. To redeem the code, go into the "Get More Songs" menu in Rock Band 3 and head on over to the "Redeem Code" option.

The five songs that will not survive the export process are:
  • AC/DC - "Let There Be Rock"
  • Journey - "Any Way You Want It"
  • Metallica - "Battery"
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Give It Away"
  • Soundgarden - "Spoonman"
RockBandAide reports nine songs from Harmonix bands will also not make it through the journey, but don't stop believin' in the company's bands, because they'll reportedly return as free DLC packs. Also, if you'd previously paid for the license transfer for Rock Band 1 tracks, don't worry -- those tracks are all set on your hard drive and ready for rockin'.

Update: The PS3 and Wii export details will be explained once RockBand.com is live again. Also, regarding PS3 imports of Rock Band 2, users will need to wait until the PSN updates later today (same situation occurred with Fallout: New Vegas). For Xbox 360 owners who lost their RB2 manuals, there will be a code replacement service available. We'll update as we learn more.

Update 2: For those who no longer have their RB2 manuals, Harmonix tweets: "if you need a new code you can get one from EA!" (though there is currently no clear way to request a code from the support page).

Update 3: Harmonix now has all the particulars of exporting detailed in a guide.

[Thanks, Andrew K.]

JoystiqRock Band 3: how to import Rock Band 2 songs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcHarmonixmicrosoftMTV-Gamesnintendoplaystationps3rock-band-2rock-band-2-exportRock-Band-3wiixboxTue, 26 Oct 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band 3 getting John Lennon's 'Imagine' album as DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/rock-band-3-getting-john-lennons-imagine-album-as-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/rock-band-3-getting-john-lennons-imagine-album-as-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/rock-band-3-getting-john-lennons-imagine-album-as-dlc/#commentsHarmonix and MTV Games have announced that John Lennon's acclaimed 1971 album, "Imagine," will be among the first albums available for download in Rock Band 3. We imagine all the people who purchase the new keyboard peripheral will be very eager to play some of Lennon's ballads.

An exact release date and price has yet to be announced (should that have been a "Gimme Some Truth" joke?), though you can expect Lennon's nine tunes (the title track is already on the disc) to join The Doors and Billy Joel online sometime after the game's October 26 launch. And even if you buy it a bit late, there's no better way to commemorate a legend's 70th birthday. Remember how disgusted Grandpa was when you gave him a quarter of a beetle inside a velvet box?

Continue reading Rock Band 3 getting John Lennon's 'Imagine' album as DLC

JoystiqRock Band 3 getting John Lennon's 'Imagine' album as DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albumdlcharmoniximaginejohn-lennonmicrosoftmtv-gamesnintendoplaystationps3Rock-Band-3wiixboxMon, 25 Oct 2010 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band 3 review: The only rhythm game you'll ever need]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/rock-band-3-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/rock-band-3-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/rock-band-3-review/#comments The peripheral-centric rhythm genre seems like it's been around for an eternity, doesn't it? In actuality, the genre went from relative obscurity to complete and utter saturation in just five years. From deep beneath a blanket of fake plastic instruments, it can be difficult to see where the innovation is going to come from next -- or, to put it more efficiently, it can be easy to adopt the opinion that the innovation may never come. Fortunately, Harmonix hasn't capitulated quite so easily.

Though Rock Band 2 could be knocked for its lack of ambition, with its largest changes being focused on improving the user experience on a superficial level, the third generation of Harmonix's music platform has ambition to spare. Not only does it fix the few kinks left unsmoothed by previous entries into the series; it adds an unprecedented amount of new features to the Rock Band experience you, and likely your group of faux-bandmates, have come to know and love. That experience, already a relatively unparalleled source of enjoyment, is exponentially greater by the virtue of these new additions.

To put it less mathematically: Rock Band 3 is the greatest rhythm game ever made, and quite possibly the only rhythm game you need to own.

Gallery: Rock Band 3 (Review)

Continue reading Rock Band 3 review: The only rhythm game you'll ever need

JoystiqRock Band 3 review: The only rhythm game you'll ever need originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixmicrosoftmtv-gamesnintendoplaystationps3Rock-Band-3wiixboxFri, 22 Oct 2010 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Stone Temple Pilots, Jimmy Eat World]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/rock-band-weekly-stone-temple-pilots-jimmy-eat-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/rock-band-weekly-stone-temple-pilots-jimmy-eat-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/rock-band-weekly-stone-temple-pilots-jimmy-eat-world/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The other "Creep" song will be available next week as part of Rock Band's DLC. No, not the one by TLC, and, also, not the album by White Zombie -- that was Astro-Creep. Actually, there's like a hundred or something songs called "Creep." So, we're talking about the one by Stone Temple Pilots. In fact, there's a whole track pack from the band's Core album next week, in addition to "Plush" being featured in Rock Band 3.

Next week's DLC also features a second track pack from Jimmy Eat World. Check out all the track details after the break.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Stone Temple Pilots, Jimmy Eat World

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Stone Temple Pilots, Jimmy Eat World originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCHarmonixjimmy-eat-worldmicrosoftMTV-Gamesnintendoplaystationps3rock-bandRock-Band-2rock-band-weeklystone-temple-pilotswiixboxFri, 15 Oct 2010 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band DLC web widget makes sense of 2000 song setlist]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/rock-band-dlc-web-widget-makes-sense-of-2000-song-setlist/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/rock-band-dlc-web-widget-makes-sense-of-2000-song-setlist/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/rock-band-dlc-web-widget-makes-sense-of-2000-song-setlist/#commentsFiled under: , ,

So, yeah, there are a lot of songs playable in Harmonix's various Rock Band games. More than 2,000 in fact, encompassing Rock Band Network, LEGO Rock Band, Rock Band 1, 2 and soon, Rock Band 3. In an effort to help make finding out if the song you want is among those, the developer has created an embeddable web widget that lets you search by artist, song title, year and genre (then sort within those results).

It's really pretty handy -- we've embedded it after the break, actually, so you can give it a try. If you'd like to stick it on your websitethingy, grab the widget here. Those familiar with iframes and other such web two-point-oh terms will know what to do with it.

Continue reading Rock Band DLC web widget makes sense of 2000 song setlist

JoystiqRock Band DLC web widget makes sense of 2000 song setlist originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixLego-Rock-BandmicrosoftMTV-Gamesnintendoplaystationps3rock-bandRock-Band-2Rock-Band-3wiixboxWed, 13 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Jimi Hendrix's 'Are You Experienced']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/rock-band-weekly-jimi-hendrix-are-you-experienced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/rock-band-weekly-jimi-hendrix-are-you-experienced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/rock-band-weekly-jimi-hendrix-are-you-experienced/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Jimi Hendrix's exclusive Rock Band tour continues next week with the addition of the "Are You Experienced: Rock Band Edition" album. (For more Jimi, see the "Axis: Bold as Love" album that was released earlier this year.)

Also, with over 2,000 songs now in the Rock Band DLC catalog, we thought it would be helpful to share these links, which can be used for searching the regular database or the Rock Band Network for a particular artist or song: Are you experienced enough to check out next week's DLC details after the break?

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Jimi Hendrix's 'Are You Experienced'

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Jimi Hendrix's 'Are You Experienced' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Are-You-ExperiencedDLCHarmonixjimi-hendrixmicrosoftMTV-Gamesnintendoplaystationps3rock-bandRock-Band-2rock-band-weeklywiixboxFri, 08 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band catalog reaches 2,000 downloadable and on-disc tracks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/rock-band-catalog-reaches-2-000-downloadable-and-on-disc-tracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/rock-band-catalog-reaches-2-000-downloadable-and-on-disc-tracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/rock-band-catalog-reaches-2-000-downloadable-and-on-disc-tracks/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Harmonix and MTV Games have announced that the total sum of the on-disc and downloadable songs for the Rock Band franchise has surpassed 2,000 tracks. Though these songs have been contributed by over 800 recording artists and bands, Jimi Hendrix's "Are You Experienced" was the song responsible for pushing the series' catalog past the massive milestone. We find that somewhat appropriate, as if you were to play all of the Rock Band franchise's 2,000 songs, you'd be pretty experienced at playing Rock Band.

The game's creators also appear to be experienced at making oodles of money from song downloads, as the press release announcement reveals that players have downloaded over 75 million tracks from the Rock Band Store and Rock Band Network. We'd bet dollars to donuts that at least 65 million of those downloads were of Kenny Rogers' "The Gambler." Dollars to donuts, we say!

JoystiqRock Band catalog reaches 2,000 downloadable and on-disc tracks originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixmicrosoftmtv-gamesnintendoplaystationps3rock-bandRock-Band-3rock-band-storewiixboxThu, 07 Oct 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Rock Band 3 keyboard bundle won't be sold in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/02/ps3-rock-band-3-keyboard-bundle-wont-be-sold-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/02/ps3-rock-band-3-keyboard-bundle-wont-be-sold-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/02/ps3-rock-band-3-keyboard-bundle-wont-be-sold-in-us/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Recently, fans began noticing that the PS3 Rock Band 3 keyboard bundle had disappeared from US retailer listings. The $130 bundle is still available for pre-order on Xbox and WIi, and both the keyboard and game are available separately on PS3. Just ... no bundle. And that means that Rock Band 3 and the keyboard, together, are effectively ten dollars more expensive on PS3.

Harmonix addressed this baffling omission today, announcing that due to "the agreement terms for the region," the PS3 keyboard bundle will not be available in the US, though the game and keyboard will be available separately. "This does not affect European customers as the Rock Band 3 keyboard/software PS3 bundles will still be available in Europe," the announcement states. We've contacted the developer to find out what exactly this agreement entails. If Harmonix sings, we'll let you know.

JoystiqPS3 Rock Band 3 keyboard bundle won't be sold in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Oct 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixkeyboardmtv-gamesmusicplaystationps3Rock-Band-3Sat, 02 Oct 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: R.E.M., T. Rex]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/rock-band-weekly-rem-t-rex/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/rock-band-weekly-rem-t-rex/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/rock-band-weekly-rem-t-rex/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Confess! We've all sung along to R.E.M.'s "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" like this:

"That's great, it starts with an earthquake, birds and
snakes, an umm, hummy, hum, something something, something something
.... *bob along* ...
IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT!
It's the end of the world as we know it.
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine."

Well, next week's Rock Band DLC includes that song, so you've got a fantastic cheat sheet to all the proper lyrics. R.E.M. and T. Rex track packs are what it's all about next week, so head past the break for the details.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: R.E.M., T. Rex

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: R.E.M., T. Rex originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCHarmonixmicrosoftMTV-Gamesnintendoplaystationps3REMrock-bandRock-Band-2rock-band-weeklyT-RexwiixboxFri, 01 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Remix the new OK Go single for Rock Band 3 competition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/remix-the-new-ok-go-single-for-rock-band-3-competition/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/remix-the-new-ok-go-single-for-rock-band-3-competition/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/remix-the-new-ok-go-single-for-rock-band-3-competition/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As evidenced by their music videos, OK Go's one of the more creative bands out there -- that's why we weren't surprised to hear about a competition the quartet is holding in conjunction with Rock Band 3. The rules of the contest are simple: Remix OK Go's newest single "White Knuckles" using all of your musical prowess. Dave Fridmann, the band's producer, will highlight his favorite remixes every week on OK Go's website, until the contest's winner is decided Oct. 29 -- at which point it will be transformed into a Rock Band Network track. Like magic!

The creator of the winning track will also receive a 360, a Rock Band 3 full band bundle and a signed copy of OK Go's upcoming album, "Of the Blue Colour of the Sky." Would it be too much to ask that they sign the 360 and all the instruments, too? We mean, we know creating intricate internet music videos probably keeps them busy, but remixing a song for use in a video game's gotta be hard work, too.

Continue reading Remix the new OK Go single for Rock Band 3 competition

JoystiqRemix the new OK Go single for Rock Band 3 competition originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestharmonixmicrosoftmtv-gamesmusicok-goplaystationps3Rock-Band-3xboxThu, 30 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Anthrax, Doobie Brothers and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/rock-band-weekly-anthrax-doobie-brothers-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/rock-band-weekly-anthrax-doobie-brothers-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/rock-band-weekly-anthrax-doobie-brothers-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Next week's Rock Band DLC will digitally distribute a whole lot of Anthrax. A five-pack of the thrash metal band's hits will be available, with "Caught In a Mosh" held up in the Rock Band 3 disc. Individual tracks will also make it into the store from the Doobie Brothers, My Chemical Romance, 30 Seconds to Mars, Atreyu and Buckcherry. Check out the set list details after the break.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Anthrax, Doobie Brothers and more

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Anthrax, Doobie Brothers and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>30-Seconds-to-MarsAnthraxAtreyuBuckcherryDLCHarmonixmicrosoftMtv-GamesMy-Chemical-Romancenintendoplaystationps3Rock-Band-2rock-band-dlcrock-band-weeklyrock-band-wiiklyThe-Doobie-BrotherswiixboxFri, 24 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Bob Marley's 'Legend' album]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/rock-band-weekly-bob-marleys-legend-album/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/rock-band-weekly-bob-marleys-legend-album/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/rock-band-weekly-bob-marleys-legend-album/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The rumor of Bob Marley's "Legend" coming to Rock Band next week is true, reports MTV Multiplayer. The one notable song missing from the DLC album release is "Get up, Stand up." You won't be stuck waiting in vain for this uplifting track, however, it's actually on the Rock Band 3 setlist.

People, get ready, the complete "Legend" DLC details are posted after the break.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Bob Marley's 'Legend' album

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Bob Marley's 'Legend' album originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bob-MarleyDLCHarmonixmicrosoftMTV-gamesnintendoplaystationps3rock-bandRock-Band-2rock-band-3rock-band-weeklywiixboxThu, 16 Sep 2010 11:10:00 EST