Joystiq

IGN's sticks-on impression of Rock Band Wii drums

Alexander Sliwinski — 2008-06-09T16:00:00+00:00

Although we've seen a picture of the Rock Band Wii drum kit before, IGN has gotten its hands on the final retail product. Beyond the obvious Wii white color difference of the drum set, the site says that the drums come with the "upgraded" components currently packaged with the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions.

The upgrades include a strengthened kick pedal and "somewhat" softer drum pads. For people who bought one of the original copies of Rock Band, they would notice a thicker spring beneath the Wii drum's kick pedal. The site concludes there isn't much difference in the hardware, but the Wii version has no DLC song option. If you have the option of purchasing Rock Band for another console, it's probably best to do so.

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Joystiq hands-on: Rock Band (Wii)

Zack Stern — 2008-04-15T12:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Nintendo Wii

Rock Band is coming out on the Wii June 22, with the guitar-mic-drum-game bundle price of $179. You've played it on other systems. I played it on the Wii. My short impression: It's Rock Band on the Wii.

Rock Band looks a little different on the Nintendo system. The controllers are all finished in white and mimic Nintendo's blue LED dots to mark the player order. Best of all, the guitar controllers are wireless ($60 alone). [Update: A couple comments have asked good questions about how the wireless gear connects. There's a USB hub and dongle with an RF transmitter. So the Wii Remotes aren't a factor except for the mic user.] And the white drums ($80 alone) and other hardware include behind-the-scenes revisions that weren't included in the original launch last fall. Harmonix mentioned that those changes, including a wider drum layout and sturdier parts, have been rolled out to the 360 and PS3 already.

Rock Band Wii includes 63 songs, including a few "bonus" tracks that PS3 and 360 owners might have already downloaded, like "Roxanne". As already lamented, the Wii version doesn't offer online downloads or internet play, but game representatives indicated that those are important additions that they're pursuing. (Roughly $12-million worth of "important" and counting.) However, there are no specific plans to either add them to the Wii game or save them for a Rock Band 2.

Gallery: Rock Band (Wii)

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Rock Band Wii 'bonus songs' already released on 360/PS3

Zack Stern — 2008-04-15T06:03:00+00:00

Filed under: Culture, Nintendo Wii, Peripherals, Rhythm, Casual

"Bonus" means different things to different people. Harmonix has revealed the Wii's additional Rock Band tracks, and they're a collection of songs you might have already downloaded on the 360 and PS3. There's nothing wrong with that, but why all the secrecy and hype? Here's the list of the five tracks that supplement the original roster:

"Dirty Little Secret" - The All American Rejects
"Don't Look Back in Anger" - Oasis
"Roam" - The B-52's
"Rockaway Beach" - The Ramones
"Roxanne" - The Police

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Rock Band Wii drum kit pictured, nagging questions answered

James Ransom-Wiley — 2008-03-24T17:35:00+00:00

click to enlarge

Today's Rock Band for Wii announcement left us with some lingering questions. Here are Harmonix's answers [update: added answers to Mii support, 480p questions]:

Will the Wii version of Rock Band include the Rock Band Store, and downloadable tracks?
When developing Rock Band for the Wii platform, we focused on making the core gameplay experience as solid and enjoyable as possible while tailoring it specifically to the strengths of the platform. The Wii version still contains the robust four-player band experience and all the fun at the core of other versions of Rock Band. However, because the Wii's online capabilities and potential have yet to be fully realized, we wanted to wait before we explored online functionality for Rock Band to ensure that players get the high-quality of online performance they've come to expect.

Will the Wii "bonus songs" be Wii-exclusive, or five songs included on the disc from the Rock Band DLC store?
We'll announce the songs closer to launch. Stay tuned!

Will the Wii version have missing or crippled features similar to the PS2 experience?
Rock Band for the Wii will have functionality similar to the PS2 version.

If there is character creation, will there be Mii support when creating your Rock Band character?
No, there will be no character creator. When developing Rock Band for the Wii platform, the primary focus was to make the core band gameplay experience as fun and solid for everyone -- from the software to the Rock Band Wii drums, wireless Stratocaster guitar controllers and microphone peripheral. In tailoring Rock Band to the strengths of the Wii console, character creator unfortunately didn't make the cut.

Will Wii's Rock Band be compatible with Wii's Guitar Hero III guitar?
Harmonix and MTV Games believe in an open standard philosophy of hardware and game compatibility. We think that there should be interoperability between music instrument controllers across all music games. This is clearly in the best interest of consumers, game developers and console manufacturers and will only help to grow the music game genre as well as inspire innovation and creativity. Third-party developers and publishers are welcome to freely support the Rock Band peripherals in their games. Support for the GHIII guitar peripherals in Rock Band on the Wii was not possible without Activision's permission. Therefore, any questions regarding lack of compatibility with GHIII hardware should be directed to Activision. [In other words: No. Check out our updated 'Guitar Guide' for complete compatibility details.]

Will each instrument need to be connected to a Wii Remote?
The Harmonix development team considered a lot of options in creating the Rock Band for the Wii instruments. At this time, we felt that sticking with the current peripheral functionality was the best route. [Read: No Wiimotes necessary!]

Any changes to peripherals relative to the PS3/360 versions?
Check out photo for white drums!

Will the bundle include a powered USB hub, like the Xbox 360 release?
The bundle will ship with a USB hub.

Will Rock Band be widescreen, 480p compatible?
Rock Band for Wii audio will be in stereo with Dolby Pro Logic II support at launch. [The game] will also be 480p compatible.

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Rock Band Wii 'Special Edition' on June 22, $170

James Ransom-Wiley — 2008-03-24T14:14:00+00:00

Filed under: Nintendo Wii, Rhythm

Harmonix confirmed today that Rock Band for Wii will be released on June 22nd for $169.99. The so-called "Special Edition" bundle will include the game, drums, microphone and a wireless guitar. Standalone instruments will also be available for purchase on June 22nd. The Wii edition will feature 63 songs, including five unspecified "bonus" songs. We've asked Harmonix to answer some of your more burning questions -- we'll update this post when they do.

Update: Check out Harmonix's answers to some of your most pressing questions ... also, first image of Wii drum kit!

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