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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Hacker makes mini-sized Rock Band drums]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/hacker-makes-mini-sized-rock-band-drums/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/hacker-makes-mini-sized-rock-band-drums/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/hacker-makes-mini-sized-rock-band-drums/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Want to quiet down the extremely loud clackety-clack of the Rock Band drum kit? You could simply use a few circles of foam rubber, or, if you're like hacker David Yoon, you can create your own extremely cute miniaturized drum kit for quiet, pencil-stick, desktop drumming.

The hack, which includes a foot pedal made from two sandwiched CDs, has the added bonus of being playable in an extremely enclosed space and/or by an extremely agile mouse. So if you have either of those things (and a bit of technical know-how), give it a go. If you have neither, well ... just enjoy the picture.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqHacker makes mini-sized Rock Band drums originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drum kitDrumKitdrummingdrumsEAElectronic-ArtshackharmonixmodPS2PS3rock bandrock-bandRockBandXbox-360Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band guitar gets real string mod]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/rock-band-guitar-gets-real-string-mod/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/rock-band-guitar-gets-real-string-mod/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/rock-band-guitar-gets-real-string-mod/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Practically anyone who's played Guitar Hero and/or Rock Band has probably come across that one jerk who just can't help denigrating the simple fun of the rhythm game experience. "That's not even close to playing a real guitar," he'll say in a snide, nasally voice. "The guitar doesn't even have strings!" Well, if you want to show up that pompous prick, may we suggest you queue up the below video of a modded, stringed Rock Band guitar on a laptop and then RUB IT IN HIS FACE AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Ahem. Anyway, while this single-stringed beast still has a ways to go to match a real six-string guitar, it looks like it captures the axe-grinding experience a little more authentically. Here's hoping that some sort of officially licensed, purchasable version of this type of guitar will be available soon.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Rock Band guitar gets real string mod

JoystiqRock Band guitar gets real string mod originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionEAElectronic-Artsguitarguitar heroGuitarHerohackmodMTVPS3rock bandRockBandstringWiiXbox-360Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cheaper indie Rock Band DLC raised to standard price]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/cheaper-indie-rock-band-dlc-raised-to-standard-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/cheaper-indie-rock-band-dlc-raised-to-standard-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/cheaper-indie-rock-band-dlc-raised-to-standard-price/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Update: It's been brought to our attention that Harmonix originally announced that these songs would be available "for a limited time ... at a special holiday price of $0.99." Joystiq regrets the implication that the price increase was unannounced.

Price-conscious and/or pretentious Rock Band fans were understandably giddy when Harmonix decided to release five downloadable indie tracks for the bargain price of 99 cents (or the equivalent number of Microsoft points) in late December. We hope those fans didn't procrastinate, though, because the price for all five tracks has been raised to the more conventional $1.99 as of yesterday.

While there was no indication at the outset that the lower price would be in any way temporary, (see above update) The increase has been rumored for a couple of weeks now. When Harmonix announced the Rock Band DLC program they said individual track prices would range anywhere from $0.99 to $2.99, but they also stressed that the "vast majority" of tracks would hit the $1.99 sweet spot.

Does this increase mean that future songs are less likely to be released at 99 cents? "I don't think that's necessarily what it means," said a spokesperson for MTV/Harmonix, though he added that future 99 cent releases would probably "be the same situation, with the discounted price for a limited time." We've asked for confirmation of the official policy on this score and will let you know if and when we hear back about it.

[Thanks, Keith]

JoystiqCheaper indie Rock Band DLC raised to standard price originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewscostDLCdownloadmoneymusicpricePS3rock bandrock-bandRockBandsongsvalueXbox-360Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Stage Kit coming to GameStop in June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/rock-band-stage-show-coming-to-gamestop-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/rock-band-stage-show-coming-to-gamestop-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/rock-band-stage-show-coming-to-gamestop-in-june/#commentsFiled under:


We're not exactly sure how to react to the recent announcement of the Rock Band Stage Kit, a peripheral for the already peripheral-heavy rhythm game. It's meant to enhance your experience with a (supposedly) fully synchronized light and smoke stage show -- we imagine the only thing it will truly enhance is your sense of regret, which will sink in when you realize that you'll never see that $99.99 ever again.

At the same time, the idea of complete immersion into one of our favorite games of last year excites us to no end -- we only hope they release themed stage kits shortly after the first kit tanks. Perhaps a Flaming Lips kit, complete with costumed fly dancers and two-hundred pounds of confetti? Or, better yet, a GWAR kit, stuffed full of giant rubber wangs and Hitler masks. Can peripherals get an AO rating?

JoystiqRock Band Stage Kit coming to GameStop in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FlamingLipsGWARHarmonixRock BandRock-BandRockBandStage-KitStageKitSun, 13 Jan 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Conan eases writers strike boredom with Rock Band]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/conan-eases-writers-strike-boredom-with-rock-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/conan-eases-writers-strike-boredom-with-rock-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/conan-eases-writers-strike-boredom-with-rock-band/#commentsFiled under: ,


It would seem that Conan (the Late Night talk show host, not the barbarian) had a lot of time on his hands since the Writers Guild of America put down their pencils, pens and iBooks in order to get their fair share of the royalties pie, and, as a result, put his show on hiatus for nearly two months. When he wasn't frittering time away planning his grand return to Late Night or growing an unsettling beard, the Cone Zone killed time with a game that many of us cuddled up to during the rerun-filled winter months -- Rock Band.

As seen about a minute into the video (which, funnily enough, probably isn't netting any royalties for any writers), Conan chooses to sing the Beastie Boys' "Sabotage" in the style of Edith Bunker. It's great, but we prefer our version of Faith no More's "Epic", where we do an alarmingly accurate impression of Lamar from Revenge of the Nerds. What flourishes you add to your Rock Band vocal performances to coax precious lulz from your bandmates?

Also, we missed you, Conan. Please don't do that to us again.

(Thanks to everyone who sent this in!)

JoystiqConan eases writers strike boredom with Rock Band originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jan 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ConanConanOBrienEdithBunkerHarmonixRock BandRock-BandRockBandSabotageSat, 05 Jan 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stop flubbing lines, learn Rock Band's lyrics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/stop-flubbing-lines-learn-rock-bands-lyrics/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/stop-flubbing-lines-learn-rock-bands-lyrics/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/stop-flubbing-lines-learn-rock-bands-lyrics/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Look, forgetting the lines of a song mid-show is only allowed in one of two instances. One: You, and the boys (or girls) drank Patron pre-show thinking just because the stuff was clear it was as non-alcoholic as water. Two: There is no other excuse. It's a lack of professionalism, an adherence to the creed and code of rock and roll that'll separate you from the other local dive bar bands on your way to gold plated records, "phat" cribs, and a VH1 "Behind the Music" special.

Because you might not be familiar with all the songs in Harmonix's Rock Band, we decided to take care of you, loyal readers. Beneath the break, we've linked the lyrics for the vast majority of the game's set list, minus some of the bonus songs. Well, what are you waiting for? Start learning those lyrics and paving your pathway to success.

Continue reading Stop flubbing lines, learn Rock Band's lyrics

JoystiqStop flubbing lines, learn Rock Band's lyrics originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsHarmonixMTVPS3Rock BandRockBandXbox-360Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Rock Band (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/metareview-rock-band-playstation-3-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/metareview-rock-band-playstation-3-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/metareview-rock-band-playstation-3-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Okay, ladies, time to get the spandex, tune those guitars, and get ready to melt faces -- it's Rock Band Eve, which is Christmas Eve with more metal and glitter. Tomorrow we celebrate the day when, unto us, a game will be delivered, and with it the promise of salvation from being forced to play Guitar Hero III by ourselves ... late at night ... in our boxers.

There's been plenty hullabaloo surrounding the launch of Harmonix's Rock Band, and be certain to check back tonight (11/19/2007) for our liveblogging of the launch. But what about the actual game? Is it the death nail in Guitar Hero's coffin, or does the overly ambitious Rock Band need to take some things to heart for their inevitable sophomore effort? The Metareview, as always, contains the answers you seek, dudes and dudettes.
  • OXM (95/100): "Rock Band is the ultimate role-playing game - the only way to win is to completely commit as a guitarist, bassist, drummer, or singer and do your part for the fellowship of meta-musicians sharing the virtual stage. And if you can lower your shield of shyness to let the game in, you're richly rewarded as the collective joy of making music pours back out. Unlike other games, the Rock Band payoff isn't visceral or technical; it's emotional."
  • IGN (94/100): "Metallica, The Ramones, The Rolling Stones -- these are some of the legendary bands in rock. And now, thanks to Harmonix's Rock Band, you and your friends can join the legendary pantheon of rock gods. The latest game from Harmonix ups the ante on other music titles by combining guitars, drums, and singing into one awesome package. You and your friends will rock out with some of the greatest bands in history. And Fall Out Boy. While Rock Band doesn't offer the insanely intense (and perhaps impossible) challenge of Guitar Hero III, it's a game that everyone will have fun playing. This may just be among the best party games ever released."
  • 1UP (90/100): "Its critical appraisal isn't easy; music is culturally ingrained in us, and as a tool, a relatively inexpensive gateway for people to come together and experience it together, Rock Band easily delivers on what it promises. Actually feeling like a rock star -- for most people under 40, the next best thing to a superhero or a T-Rex -- is transcendently entertaining. Guitar Hero is still the way to go for lone wolves, but if you have the space, the manpower, and the means, Rock Band unquestionably, unequivocally rocks."

JoystiqMetareview: Rock Band (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsHarmonixmetareviewMTV GamesMtvGamesPS3Rock BandRockBandXbox-360Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band impressions ... from a Best Buy kiosk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/rock-band-impressions-from-a-best-buy-kiosk/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/rock-band-impressions-from-a-best-buy-kiosk/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/rock-band-impressions-from-a-best-buy-kiosk/#commentsFiled under: ,


When we heard of the existence of a Rock Band demo station at Best Buy locations throughout the country, we knew what had to be done: find the station, rock out in torn Posion tees and acid wash jeans while refusing to give toddlers a turn, have management escort us off the premises, and report back.

We've taken care of the previous steps (who knew 50-year-old Gladys would have a gorilla grip), and now it's time for us to drop a knowledge bomb on all y'all. Here it is: Rock Band rocks.

Continue reading Rock Band impressions ... from a Best Buy kiosk

JoystiqRock Band impressions ... from a Best Buy kiosk originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsHarmonixMTVRock BandRockBandXbox-360Mon, 05 Nov 2007 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: Rock Band may face shortages through year's end]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/ea-rock-band-may-face-shortages-through-years-end/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/ea-rock-band-may-face-shortages-through-years-end/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/ea-rock-band-may-face-shortages-through-years-end/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Continuing their tradition of sitting in on droning investor earnings report calls (so you don't have to!) Gamasutra noticed EA president John Riccitiello predicting that Rock Band bundles may be tough to come by for a while. "We won't be able to put up enough inventory to meet the demand of this fiscal or calendar year," Riccitiello told the investors, adding that those who don't buy at launch "won't be getting one for Christmas, unless you know someone at one of our retailers."

While Riccitiello could be plausibly accused of simply trying to talk up demand in advance of the Nov. 20 launch -- he did encourage listeners to "get in line outside your favorite retailer, because we've got one hot product" -- we find the idea of shortages very easy to believe given the game's strong pre-order sales. With Guitar Hero III already selling out at retailers nationwide, it looks like the market for rhythm games might just be big enough for two expensive, hard-to-come-by products.

JoystiqEA: Rock Band may face shortages through year's end originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some may think Rock Band's Fender Stratocaster-inspired guitar is the sexiest thing in that $200 box [correction: $170 box!], but they're forgetting about the USB hub that Xbox 360 players will be using to plug in all those wired instruments. We have to admit, we got a little hot and bothered when we first spied the above picture of the sleek, stylishly-designed four-port hub.

1UP has even more naughty, gratuitous shots of this bad boy, and baby oh baby, they are smoking. We just can't wait until we get to fondle that hot piece of tech for ourselves come Nov. 20. *Drool*

Update: We just noticed that this hub seems to require external power from an A/C adapter wall unit. Significantly less sexy ...

JoystiqSexy shots of Xbox 360 Rock Band USB hub originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360hubrock bandRockBandUSBXbox-360Tue, 30 Oct 2007 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Impromptu E3 gathering wants Rock Band, dead or alive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/impromptu-e3-gathering-wants-rock-band-dead-or-alive/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/impromptu-e3-gathering-wants-rock-band-dead-or-alive/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/impromptu-e3-gathering-wants-rock-band-dead-or-alive/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



To anyone who might still doubt that Rock Band can instantly create a party, any time, anywhere, check out the above video of an impromptu gathering at the E3 2007's Fairmont hotel. Remember, these are highly jaded journalists and developers, coming to hang out and play a game after the formal show has ended for the day. If they're singing along, just imagine how much your friends will get into it.

JoystiqImpromptu E3 gathering wants Rock Band, dead or alive originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 07:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e307EAelectronic artsElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtsharmonixPS3rock bandRockBandWiiXbox-360Fri, 13 Jul 2007 07:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Overheard@E3: Analysts like Rock Band]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/overheard-e3-analysts-like-rock-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/overheard-e3-analysts-like-rock-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/overheard-e3-analysts-like-rock-band/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The Rock Band and Bethesda parties were crazy last night -- and everyone is ready to go back to work this morning. The analysts who look into their crystal ball and tell us the future seem to be liking Rock Band, the next game from Harmonix. This morning, outside the EA room at LeMerigot, a cluster of analysts were talking and one mentioned the game, "Rock Band, I was watching them play. This guy, on the drums, I mean, you have to be good."

JoystiqOverheard@E3: Analysts like Rock Band originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystse3e307partyPS3rock bandXbox-360Thu, 12 Jul 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Attend the Rock Band party vicariously through the magic of video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/attend-the-rock-band-party-vicariously-through-the-magic-of-vide/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/attend-the-rock-band-party-vicariously-through-the-magic-of-vide/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/attend-the-rock-band-party-vicariously-through-the-magic-of-vide/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


You've seen the pictures. You've read the psuedo sort-of liveblog. Now, check out Joystiq's exclusive video of EA/MTV/Harmonix's Rock Band Party at LA's historic Troubadour bar. Apologies for the sound and picture quality at parts -- the lighting and speakers weren't exactly specifically tuned for our pocket shaky-cam. Be prepared to turn the volume down ... to 11!

JoystiqAttend the Rock Band party vicariously through the magic of video originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e307EAElectronic ArtsElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtsHarmonixMTVPS3Rock BandRockBandWiiXbox-360Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band party: Pseudo-anti live blog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/rock-band-party-pseudo-anti-live-blog/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/rock-band-party-pseudo-anti-live-blog/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/rock-band-party-pseudo-anti-live-blog/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


This is rock n' roll! Connection is awful and we're probably going to finish this off later, but Harmonix's Rock Band party is the place to be! Energy is high, music rocks, Gamecock brings their hardcore style and it's just everything that can be rock and roll in here. Oh, and Peter Moore can RAWK! Not one pause, more on that in video form later!

Helen from Harmonix (pictured above) brought down the house with Peter, far better than what we saw in the Microsoft press conference. Jay from Gamecock says he's pro Eagles of Death Metal who are playing. We also got Andy McNamara from Game Informer who says, "Queens of Stone Age (who are also playing) are riff masters." More on all of this later.

Gallery: Rock Band Party

JoystiqRock Band party: Pseudo-anti live blog originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakinge3e307party, unbelievablePS3rock bandWiiXbox-360Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band to have weekly DLC, Full Album downloads, and Metallica]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/rock-band-to-have-weekly-dlc-full-album-downloads-and-metallic/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/rock-band-to-have-weekly-dlc-full-album-downloads-and-metallic/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/rock-band-to-have-weekly-dlc-full-album-downloads-and-metallic/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos announced that Rock Band has some serious plans for delivering content to players. First off, Harmonix plans to release new music tracks every week. They can be released in singles, multi track bundles, or more deliciously, full albums. As an example Alex announced that The Who's Who's Next would be available for download following the game's release.

As icing on the proverbial cake, selections spanning Metallica's musical career will be made available, with "Enter Sandman" playable on the retail disc. All in all, Harmonix is pushing Rock Band more as a platform than just a game, and we couldn't agree with the prospect more. We'll be back with hands on impressions and a proper tribute to Weezer as soon as we can.

JoystiqRock Band to have weekly DLC, Full Album downloads, and Metallica originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E AE3E3 07E307EAElectronic ArtsElectronicArtsHarmonixM T VMTVRock BandRockBandWed, 11 Jul 2007 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Guitar Prices PS3 vs 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/08/rock-band-guitar-prices-ps3-vs-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/08/rock-band-guitar-prices-ps3-vs-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/08/rock-band-guitar-prices-ps3-vs-360/#commentsFiled under: ,


An anonymous employee from Game Crazy sent a tip and scan to Joystiq of their pricing for Harmonix's Rock Band peripherals for both the PS3 and Xbox 360. The microphone and drum kit cost $29.99 and $79.99, respectively. Unfortunately, the guitar controller has a price discrepancy between the two platforms, with the PS3's wireless guitar costing $59.99 and the 360's $79.99, a twenty dollar difference.

As the story goes, Red Octane supposedly couldn't get a wireless guitar because using Microsoft's proprietary wireless technology would jack the price on the controller. Could the PS3's wireless technology be easier and cheaper to implement that would cause it to be cheaper than the 360's? Harmonix denied their being any discrepancy when asked that question, so we'll have to wait for either an announcement on pricing or some more concrete evidence from retailers.

JoystiqRock Band Guitar Prices PS3 vs 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jul 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E AEAElectronic ArtsElectronicArtsHarmonixM T VMTVMusic TelevisionMusicTelevisionRock BandRockBandSun, 08 Jul 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Memo shows $20 gap in Xbox and PS3 Rock Band guitar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/memo-shows-20-gap-in-xbox-and-ps3-rock-band-guitar/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/memo-shows-20-gap-in-xbox-and-ps3-rock-band-guitar/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/memo-shows-20-gap-in-xbox-and-ps3-rock-band-guitar/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Nailing down a Rock Band peripheral price has been almost as difficult as explaining how Keith Richards is still alive. An employee of Game Crazy sent us a printout of the pricing list which they received on July 3. The only thing that really jumps out is the Xbox 360 guitar price being $20 more than the PS3 (more on this in a second). Much of the information is still in line with the GameStop pricing reported months ago. Officially a Harmonix representative says, "We have not released any pricing details regarding Rock Band as of yet, but stay tuned."

The price discrepancy could go back to the issue from last year regarding Red Octane and their attempt to get a wireless guitar on the Xbox 360. Turns out to license Microsoft's proprietary wireless technology would have increased the cost of the wireless guitar and the company decided not to do it. Could $20 be the magic number being tacked on for the consumer? This would also assume, if the pricing is correct, that neither the drum set nor the microphone would be wireless given the lack of a price difference between the two systems. Although, we do have a statement regarding the price discrepancy as well. We were told by the Harmonix rep, "I am not aware of a price discrepancy." It looks like it's going to be a while before the actual, solid, final price of the peripherals gets nailed down. Right now, it's still all rumor and speculation -- officially.

[Thanks Anonymous]

JoystiqMemo shows $20 gap in Xbox and PS3 Rock Band guitar originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixperipheralpricePS3rock bandRockBandXbox-360Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Rock Band's Mississippi Queen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/video-rock-bands-mississippi-queen/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/video-rock-bands-mississippi-queen/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/video-rock-bands-mississippi-queen/#commentsFiled under: ,


Update: It looks like the video has been pulled.

Gametrailers has a new video up of a Pre-E3 Rock Band playtest, akin to the one our fellow 'Stiqqers attended, and shows off the menu UI, along with band member selection prior to the song. Speaking of which, today's performance is "Mississippi Queen", and despite Player 2 pausing twice during the jam session, it all went well, especially since the song featured more cowbell. The guitar players are using the Fender Stratocaster, and the drum kit is different than the one seen in the earlier video, as it is all black. Also, at the beginning, other songs in the play list that are different from the ones revealed earlier are David Bowie's "Suffragette City" and The Hives' "Main Offender". All in all some cool tidbits, and we can't wait to play "Say it Ain't So" at E3 next week.

[Thanks, DarkStar]

JoystiqVideo: Rock Band's Mississippi Queen originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E AEAElectronic ArtsElectronicArtsHarmonixRock BandRockBandFri, 06 Jul 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq plays Rock Band, now with cow bell!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/joystiq-gets-it-on-with-rock-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/joystiq-gets-it-on-with-rock-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/joystiq-gets-it-on-with-rock-band/#commentsFiled under:


Of all the wonderful things we've learned about Rock Band, we were completely unprepared for the bombshell dropped in Joystiq's hands-on with the game. It is truly the best thing we have heard in a long time. Yes, that's right, the microphone not only doubles as a tambourine, it also serves as a cow bell. If you're playing Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper," you can bet your booties that you'll be applying some judicious cow bell. Of course, Joystiq's hands-on preview contains much more information, and you really should read it, but it is our job to extract the essence of all that we cover. If there be anything purer than cow bell, we haven't seen it.

JoystiqJoystiq plays Rock Band, now with cow bell! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic artsElectronicArtsharmonixmtvmusic televisionMusicTelevisionrock bandRockBandFri, 06 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Rock Band video welcomes you to the Jungle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/new-rock-band-video-welcomes-you-to-the-jungle/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/new-rock-band-video-welcomes-you-to-the-jungle/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/new-rock-band-video-welcomes-you-to-the-jungle/#commentsFiled under: ,


Behold. The first gameplay footage from Rock Band. The great thing about this video is that it shows what's going on off-screen as well as on-screen. Though the people playing are a little over the top, they're also very good. That song looks incredibly hard, for all involved.

The drumset pleases us. Especially after the worries we had when we head it described as a "dinner tray stand". It's also great to see that you can use wooden drumsticks, which means that the hardware will have to be fairly well built. This game presses all of our buttons and we can't wait to see more. Here's hoping some song titles are released during E3.

JoystiqNew Rock Band video welcomes you to the Jungle originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Our friends over at Gamespot posted a video demonstrating Rock Band in all its four player band mate glory and then they quickly pulled it. But thanks to some quick saving and YouTube, we have the video embedded above. The video showcases four enthusiastic band mates jamming to Guns N' Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle" using two Guitar Hero II X-plorer controllers, the drum kit and a microphone. The screen layout is simplistic enough with vocals on top, guitars on the left and middle right, with drums placed in the right middle. Very slick indeed. Take a looksy at the Rock Band gameplay footage and get a feel for what you'll be experiencing this Fall. And please, don't make eye contact with the lead singer ... she'll turn you to stone.

Update 1: Sean, Harmonix man, posted on the official Rock Band forums that this video is a very early build used for internal purposes and isn't representative of the final game. Also, "Welcome to the Jungle" was used as a demo song and is NOT locked down to be in the game just yet. So, it's far from official, but a boat load of media will be headed our way during E3. Stay tuned.

[Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]

JoystiqFirst Rock Band demo video surfaces [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Care to see how four players jam together in the upcoming Rock Band? Gamespot has had footage of a quartet taking on Welcome to the Jungle by Guns n' Roses.

The two guitarists here aren't using the new Fender strat replicas and a microphone is nothing new, but seeing the drums in action and how they'd be implemented on screen (check out the right middle column) is interesting. And yes, you too will be required to make those faces when you play the game.

Update: The video has been taken down from Gamespot, but quazi has found a copy on YouTube. Footage embedded after the break.

Continue reading See Rock Band in action

JoystiqSee Rock Band in action originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic artsElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtsharmonixrock bandRockBandTue, 03 Jul 2007 20:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Jam out with more Rock Band instruments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/jam-out-with-more-rock-band-instruments/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/jam-out-with-more-rock-band-instruments/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/jam-out-with-more-rock-band-instruments/#commentsFiled under:


More Rock Band instruments have crept onto the internet this week. Found in the latest Game Informer, we now have our first glimpse of the drums and microphone. The microphone has a very polished and professional look to it. What's more, it looks like it can stand up to some punishment, which is good since it's going to double as a tambourine. The drums (currently a prototype model) take a step back towards a more toy-like appearance, which is unfortunate in light of the authenticity of the guitar. Each drum pad is surrounded by the corresponding color, which we definitely prefer to coloring the pads themselves. There is also what appears to be a pedal for the bass drum as well.

So, which instrument will you "play" when Rock Band makes its debut?

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqJam out with more Rock Band instruments originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic artsElectronicArtsharmonixmtvrock bandRockBandMon, 25 Jun 2007 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band drum image based on fuzzy memories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/24/rock-band-drum-image-based-on-fuzzy-memories/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/24/rock-band-drum-image-based-on-fuzzy-memories/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/24/rock-band-drum-image-based-on-fuzzy-memories/#commentsFiled under:

The latest Game Informer has a feature about Rock Band, with mockups of the controllers. Or, rather, pictures of a microphone and a Fender Stratocaster, and a mockup of the drum kit. The image may or may not resemble the final drum kit, depending on whether or not Harmonix changes the prototype and on whether or not the Game Informer team has learned the secrets of Mega Memory.

According to the caption, "This isn't an exact representation of the drum kit -- Harmonix should reveal the final design soon. We crafted this picture from memory based on the time we played with the prototype." It's got everything we need: stuff to hit and stuff to kick.

[Via Digg]

JoystiqRock Band drum image based on fuzzy memories originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jun 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the latest GameStop newsletter, we get our first glimpse of the Rock Band Fender Stratocaster guitar. It's clear that Harmonix, EA, and MTV are aiming for an authentic music experience, as the controller appears to be a genuine guitar at first glance. As we've revealed before, the controller features 10 buttons, five at the top of the neck and five at the bottom. The button colors are cleverly positioned on both sides of the neck, effectively ditching the toy-like design of previous Guitar Hero controllers. The newsletter also reveals that players will have many effects, including, "reverb, flange, wah, delay and more." We have to agree with Joystiq though, it's high time we started hearing about how much Rock Band is going to cost.

See a close-up of the buttons after the break.

Continue reading Behold, the Rock Band guitar!

JoystiqBehold, the Rock Band guitar! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harmonix was just getting us warmed up, it seems. Instead of the five fret buttons we've grown accustomed to on the past Guitar Hero series, the Rock Band official Stratocaster-based guitar controller displays ten fret buttons. On the second pic embedded below, you'll notice the five new buttons down at the base of the neck. We can only imagine what kind of sick guitar solo action Harmonix has in store for us with these.

The pics arrive courtesy of a Gamestop newsletter, which also details the new features embedded into the guitar controller. As we reported earlier, guitar effects will play a large role, allowing the player to flange, wah, reverb and delay their way into guitar gaming bliss. No official pricing was included at this time, though we wouldn't be surprised to see something closer to $79.99 or thereabouts for the controller alone. Price be damned, we're still going to have to give this bad boy a spin. Anyone else?

Continue reading First glimpse at ten-button Rock Band guitar controller

JoystiqFirst glimpse at ten-button Rock Band guitar controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We knew the Rock Band guitar was going to be based on the Fender Stratocaster and now, thanks to a GameStop newsletter, we get the clear internet-ready picture of what it'll actually look like. The ten button controller (you read that right, check out another pic after the break) has five frets at the top and another five frets of the same color below. Considering we haven't seen the in-game interface, we assume these are for the designated solo sections mentioned in the Game Informer info released last week. The button colors can not be seen from the front, but are viewable from the player's perspective when they're rocking out.

The GameStop blurb also says that the guitar will allow players to manipulate sound through "reverb, flange, wah, delay and more." This thing looks great, but there is still absolutely no word yet on official pricing. It's time to talk cheddar and unless EA/MTV/Harmonix got some insane deals in manufacturing, we're starting to be just a tad concerned about the matter. Let's hope we can put a price on this music soon.

Update: Just to be clear about pricing, it's still up in the air. We contacted Harmonix and were told, "We have not finalized any pricing or packaging details for Rock Band at this point. Any speculation at this point is just that -- speculation."

[Thanks Chris]

Continue reading Rock Band guitar shown in latest GameStop newsletter

JoystiqRock Band guitar shown in latest GameStop newsletter originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsfender stratocasterharmonixmtvPS2PS3rock bandRockBandXbox-360Tue, 19 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[It came from the internets: Rock Band info from Game Informer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/15/it-came-from-the-internets-rock-band-info-from-game-informer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/15/it-came-from-the-internets-rock-band-info-from-game-informer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/15/it-came-from-the-internets-rock-band-info-from-game-informer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A member of the NeoGAF forums has posted information on Harmonix's Rock Band that purportedly came from the latest issue of Game Informer. The article goes into some detail about the instrument controllers, including the guitar, drums and microphone.

According to the post, the guitar/bass controller in Rock Band will feature ten buttons -- five at the top of the neck and five near the body. The new buttons will be used during designated solo sections using only hammer-ons and pull-offs (i.e. no strumming). A five-way switch will let you switch between special effects that you can purchase in-game. The Xplorer 360 guitars will still reportedly work with the game, however.

The microphone is said to work as a tambourine for parts of a song where no vocals are present, and a phoneme detector is meant to judge whether or not you're singing close to the right words. The drums are described as a set of four colored pads with a stand and a kick pedal, ready to be struck with real drum sticks. Also listed in the NeoGAF post are details on how multiplayer will work and descriptions of the in-progress visuals. If that's music to your ears, you might want to go and suggest some songs to be included in the final game at Rock Band's website.

JoystiqIt came from the internets: Rock Band info from Game Informer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jun 2007 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Over at NeoGAF, Sallokin posted brand new Rockband details that come from next month's issue of Game Informer. Highlights from the article include descriptions of all the instrument peripherals (sorry, no pictures), confirmation that the microphone doubles as a tambourine during longer guitar solos, extensive character customization, and the idea that the whole band doesn't fail when one member doesn't live up to their rockstar status. Also interesting to note is that Rockband branded guitars will include five additional fret buttons (ten total) for special solo sections. The article also confirms four songs from the game (all master tracks) including Weezer's "Say It Ain't So", Black Sabbath's "Paranoid", The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again", and Nirvana's "In Bloom". Make the jump for random tidbits of Rockband info that may make you say "Guitar Hero III who?".

JoystiqFresh Rockband details simply rock originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jun 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For a game which we've known very little about since it was announced, having so many Rock Band details elucidated so suddenly is like Christmas come early. Except, if that were the case, we'd have the game by now. There's too much for us to discuss fully, so we'll focus on the points we find most interesting.

Emphasis is on the online play, with a strong community based system (read: Myspace clone) for finding other bandmates, the ability to create a band logo and to customise your avatar. There is no clarification of whether PS3 and 360 users will be able to play together. We strongly hope they will. Due to Microsoft requiring special circuit boards for their peripherals, the controllers will be console specific.

The guitars will have ten frets. The normal five near the top of the neck and an extra five near the bottom, used exclusively for solos. There is also a five-way effects switch, with purchasable effects such as Flange and Wah. We've always wanted to fit those words into a post. USB microphones will be supported, giving us another reason to pick up Singstar when it's released. The drum controller promises to be a "TV dinner tray stand, only cooler," which could go either way, really. We hope it'll be a decent sized piece of equipment. It will come with wooden drum sticks and have four pads to hit with them.

Check out the rest of the details at NeoGAF and, if you want to see the accompanying images, pick up the latest issue of Game Informer. We certainly will.

[Via CVG]

JoystiqA deluge of Rock Band details courtesy of Game Informer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jun 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In an interview with IGN, Alex Rigopulos (CEO of Harmonix) revealed some details about the development process of Rock Band. Despite remaining tight lipped regarding actual specifics of controller set-ups, pricing, songs or gamplay he still managed to say enough of the right things to get us sufficiently excited for the game. Again. Sounds impossible, right? Read on.

When asked whether Rock Band would feature strong single player gameplay for each instrument Rigopulos responded, saying "I can't speak to what Activision has planned for future versions of Guitar Hero, but what I can say is that Rock Band's guitar game alone will be more substantial than any of the prior Guitar Hero releases." He then goes on to remind us that there will be a singing section, a drum section and a co-operative band section on top of the guitar portion of the game. If each of these four game modes are as big as he is indicating then Rock Band is going to be truly immense. I can already hear RedOctane quaking in their boots.

As for those potentially bank-breaking controllers, Rigopulos says that making a game like Rock Band requires good quality peripherals to enhance the gameplay experience. As a development team full of musicians, Harmonix is determined to make the controllers for Rock Band feel more authentic than any instrument peripheral we've seen before. As a drummer himself, Rigopulos has seen to it that the new drum controller is "a real piece of hardware."

Read the rest of the interview for more info. Also, don't forget to suggest which songs you'd like to see in the game on the official website. Our excitement for Rock Band is peaked (until Harmonix throws some gameplay info our way, at least), how about you?

JoystiqExcited about Rock Band? You will be after reading this interview originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jun 2007 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alex RigopulosAlexRigopulosHarmonixIGNinterviewRock BandRockBandFri, 08 Jun 2007 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Harmonix needs Rock Band song suggestions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/harmonix-needs-rock-band-song-suggestions/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/harmonix-needs-rock-band-song-suggestions/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/harmonix-needs-rock-band-song-suggestions/#commentsFiled under:

Harmonix needs your help. With their wannabe Guitar Hero killer Rock Band releasing later this year, Harmonix is looking to the community for songs to include in the game. To tell them about a song/band, head on over to Rock Band's official website and suggest up to four rocking songs that you feel would be a great fit for the game. MTV and Harmonix will then look at all the suggestions, tally up the most popular, and try their darnedest to include the top songs in the game. It's kind of like a musical democracy.

We just have to ask, what songs will you be requesting to be included in Rock Band?

[Via IGN]

JoystiqHarmonix needs Rock Band song suggestions originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixmtvrock bandRockBandThu, 07 Jun 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tell Harmonix how to Rock with your Rock Band song suggestions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/tell-harmonix-how-to-rock-with-your-rock-band-song-suggestions/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/tell-harmonix-how-to-rock-with-your-rock-band-song-suggestions/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/tell-harmonix-how-to-rock-with-your-rock-band-song-suggestions/#commentsThose of you who are keeping an eye on the official Rock Band website will notice something new today. Harmonix is requesting that their fans, fervent and obsessive as we are about our virtual music playing tastes, send them song suggestions for their upcoming title.

We hope Harmonix is ready for what will no doubt be an unyileding barrage of track names crammed into their inbox. This is a great opportunity for us who found the Guitar Hero II tracklist lacking to make the songs available for Rock Band really stand out. So do your part and submit some classic tunes for us to rock out to when the game is released at Christmas. Once you've done that, post a comment and let us know what it was you suggested. We're curious.

If you feel like suggesting some songs by Jimmy Eat World, Bloc Party, Arcade Fire, Snow Patrol or Something Corporate then go for it. Transparent? Maybe. An opportunity we'd be silly to pass up? Definitely.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqTell Harmonix how to Rock with your Rock Band song suggestions originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HarmonixRock BandRockBandThu, 07 Jun 2007 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Harmonix wants to know what you'd Rock Band to]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/harmonix-wants-to-know-what-youd-rock-band-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/harmonix-wants-to-know-what-youd-rock-band-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/harmonix-wants-to-know-what-youd-rock-band-to/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Harmonix has posted an open letter to future rockers asking what they'd like to see in their upcoming title Rock Band. Other than letting us know that the Rock Band guitar will be modeled after the Fender Stratocaster, we really don't know much more about the title. Obviously, the song list isn't complete yet and they need our help. We'll give them song ideas as long as they promise to keep the peripheral prices in check.

Now remember, as much as Harmonix might read our comments to see what people suggest, it's probably best to officially submit them directly. Things we'd like to see are contemporary, but a little off the beaten path. The fear with Rock Band is that because MTV and EA are involved, it's going to be all, like, Total Request Live (is that show still on?). How about some Cake, Beck and Scissor Sisters? Thankfully, Harmonix has always been good about including local Boston bands (their offices are in Cambridge, Ma) in their games to keep some true indie flavor in the mix. We're sure you all have suggestions -- let em rip! But remember, submit them on the official Rock Band site to have some chance of making it count.

JoystiqHarmonix wants to know what you'd Rock Band to originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Last week IGN posted some videos of Guitar Hero 3 -- and then unceremoniously pulled them. But, the internet never forgets, and the videos were disseminated anyway. Well, Red Octane now informs us that IGN has the proper videos and you can view them in "HD" above and after the break. The two videos are Slow Ride and Weezer's My Name is Jonas.

Even with the clearer videos, it's quite obvious that Harmonix is no longer in charge and Neversoft is putting this one together. It just looks ... different, kind of like Tony Hawk characters in Guitar Hero. Although, we'll see how much the look contributes to the "feel" of the game when the title releases this fall. So far, we're excited about the track list featuring Heart's Barracuda and the Rolling Stone's Paint It Black.

What we do know is we're keeping an eye on the incoming rhythm game war between Rock Band and Guitar Hero III. It's poetic in its father vs. son drama. Analyst Michael Pachter is starting to waffle on who he thinks is going to come out on top, after his firm belief that Activision was right to buy Red Octane (who owns the rights to Guitar Hero) instead of GH's original developer Harmonix (who was purchased by MTV). We're waiting to see some videos from Rock Band, hopefully by next month's E3, to get an idea of how this rock opera is going to play out.

Continue reading Guitar Hero III videos return for second look

JoystiqGuitar Hero III videos return for second look originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar heroGuitarHeroharmonixPS3red octanerock bandWiiXbox-360Mon, 04 Jun 2007 21:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision shoots first against Harmonix in rhythm game war]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/activision-shoots-first-against-harmonix-in-rhythm-game-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/activision-shoots-first-against-harmonix-in-rhythm-game-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/activision-shoots-first-against-harmonix-in-rhythm-game-war/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In a conference call with investors, Activision, who received Guitar Hero as part of their acquisition of Red Octane, threw the first grenade against Harmonix's upcoming Rock Band saying that it "wasn't surprising that [Guitar Hero] has attracted imitators." Activision is essentially saying that Harmonix was imitating Guitar Hero by creating Rock Band. The humor here being that Harmonix actually created Guitar Hero for publisher Red Octane before the Activision buyout. If Activision wants to get technical, their Guitar Hero is an imitator of Konami's Guitar Freaks ... but that's getting nitpicky.

We can only imagine the Activision execs didn't take their modern gaming history, because without Harmonix they wouldn't be bathing in their Guitar Hero money in the first place. In the call to the investors the Activision execs say they do have a competitive advantage against Rock Band due to Guitar Hero's significant brand recognition. They also said they've done well in the downloadable sales department with 200,000 takers of the Guitar Hero II song packs on the Xbox 360's marketplace. And those song packs were from the original Guitar Hero, which was done by what company again? Oh, that's right -- Harmonix.

JoystiqActivision shoots first against Harmonix in rhythm game war originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2007 21:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar heroGuitarHeroharmonixPS2rock bandWiiXbox-360Thu, 31 May 2007 21:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Harmonix doing best to keep Rock Band price 'affordable']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/harmonix-doing-best-to-keep-rock-band-price-affordable/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/harmonix-doing-best-to-keep-rock-band-price-affordable/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/harmonix-doing-best-to-keep-rock-band-price-affordable/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

How much are Harmonix's Rock Band peripherals going to cost? Harmonix's Art Director Ryan Lesser said in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz that the $300 price cited for the full Rock Band peripheral set by Gamestop is false, and even went so far as to say the $150 - $200 price brought up in focus testing wasn't correct either. How low (or high) can she go? Form a line, it's time to limbo!

Lesser says, "There's no way we're going to make a game that people are not going to be happy about buying. We scrutinize every little piece that goes into every peripheral to make sure that it's affordable and still really high quality." He added, "I think when it's just rumor and no one has anything tangible to hold on to, people can be afraid -- but the fact is we're very conscious of it, and we're doing our best to make it awesome and affordable."

Lesser says one of his "orders" was not to "let anyone know anything about pricing" of the peripherals and says Harmonix is far from releasing the actual price of peripherals at this point for reasons he can't talk about. We just need to know how big our coin jar needs to be to start saving. Nutella jar size, pickle jar size or, you know, much bigger?

JoystiqHarmonix doing best to keep Rock Band price 'affordable' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsharmonixmoneymtvperipheralsPS3rock bandRockBandWiiXbox-360Fri, 18 May 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Rock Band to empty Wii owners' wallets?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/12/wii-warm-up-rock-band-to-empty-wii-owners-wallets/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/12/wii-warm-up-rock-band-to-empty-wii-owners-wallets/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/12/wii-warm-up-rock-band-to-empty-wii-owners-wallets/#commentsFiled under: ,

A Gamespot reader participated in a focus group about Harmonix's Rock Band, and then, being a civic-minded individual, did the Right Thing and blabbed about it to the Internet. Apparently, he was told by the test administrators that the rhythm game would be coming to the Wii. Don't hyperventilate-- we know the idea of an EA game going multiplatform shatters your worldview, but we will get through this together.

Harmonix (developer of the wonderful Frequency and Amplitude, as well as Genuine Cultural Phenomenon Guitar Hero) is considering selling the game, a wireless controller, a microphone, and a drum kit (with a kick pedal) as a bundle. They tested price points of $150, $175, and $200 on the focus group, looking for reactions. Guess which one they preferred?

We don't want to know if you aren't planning on buying this (Harmonix music game = insta-buy for us), but we would like to know which configuration interests you the most. Are you interested in any one instrument in particular? Plan to go in with some friends and form a band? Or are you just going to buy the whole thing yourself?

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Rock Band to empty Wii owners' wallets? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banddrumeaguitarguitar heroGuitarHeroharmonixmicrophonemusicnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiirockrock bandRockBandwiiwwuSat, 12 May 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band to feature Fender guitars and equipment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/rock-band-to-feature-fender-guitars-and-equipment/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/rock-band-to-feature-fender-guitars-and-equipment/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/rock-band-to-feature-fender-guitars-and-equipment/#commentsFiled under:

Harmonix and EA announced that their upcoming rhythm game, Rock Band, will feature a Fender Stratocaster guitar peripheral, and Fender guitars, basses, amps, and other equipment in game. Rock Band will also feature BOSS and Roland in game. CEO of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation Bill Mendello showed great interest and enthusiasm in Harmonix using Fender equipment in the game, commending the developer's ability to capture the essence of rock 'n' roll in digital entertainement. So, since the GH II Gibson X-plorer will play nice with Rock Band, which one are you going to side with? Fender or Gibson?

JoystiqRock Band to feature Fender guitars and equipment originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2007 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E AEAElectronic artsElectronicArtsFenderFender StratocasterFenderStratocasterG H IIGHIiGuitar Hero IIGuitarHeroIiHarmonixRock BandRockBandStrato casterStratoCasterTue, 08 May 2007 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New Rock Band details - Fender Strat controller coming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/new-rock-band-details-fender-strat-controller-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/new-rock-band-details-fender-strat-controller-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/new-rock-band-details-fender-strat-controller-coming/#commentsHarmonix have signed an exclusive deal with Fender, guitar maker extraordinaire, to design the upcoming Rock Band controller around their ultra-popular Stratocaster model. There's a bit more teaser information on the game itself to follow.

When asked about whether the new controllers will be compatible with Guitar Hero III onwards, or vice-versa, Harmonix responded saying that they would love for that to be the case. Guitar Hero I and II controllers will be compatible with Rock Band (cutting the price slightly for those wanting the Ultimate Rock Band experience), but that the new controllers would have a couple of new features over the old ones. Whether the new Fender Strat controllers will be compatible with Guitar Hero III, however, is up to Activision but is something the guys at Harmonix would be very interested in making happen.

Responding to worries of a lack of single player mode, due to the apparent focus on online-play, Harmonix made sure to reassure everyone that there will be a "deep, complete solo experience" for each of the different instruments. So that Guitar Hero, Donkey Konga, Singstar combination idea you thought up down the pub last year is even closer than you think. As for fears that the online play might be ruined by lag, we're told not to worry. It's a problem "for which we have a unique solution...and it's a heck of a lot of fun in action."

JoystiqNew Rock Band details - Fender Strat controller coming originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2007 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FenderFender StratFenderStratGuitar HeroGuitarHeroHarmonixRock BandRockBandStratocasterTue, 08 May 2007 10:27:00 EST