drums
Latest
Mad Catz's brilliant Rock Band Portable Drum Kit for Xbox 360 now on sale
No two ways about it, Mad Catz has a winner on its hand with this one. The Rock Band Portable Drum Kit for Xbox 360 is a complete skins kit designed to be shoved into most any backpack and played on nearly any solid surface. The rubber pads are designed to handle over a million strikes, though that antique coffee table you lay these on may, in fact, not be designed to withstand such abuse. For those not exactly kosher with a full-fledged kit consuming the den, this seems to be the perfect compromise. And hey, it's only $59.99 to boot. Ships "soon," but not "soon enough."[Via OhGizmo]
Guitar Hero World Tour's mystery instrument: a MIDI sequencer
That's right, a MIDI sequencer. While a far cry from our keytar-brandishing dreams, the addition will allow those savvy enough to wrap their heads around the process to compose music on the PC and then import their creations into Guitar Hero World Tour. The feature, however, doesn't sound like it's suited for the faint of heart, as Neversoft's Brian Bright tells Shacknews that "it's going to take an FAQ on the Guitar Hero site--it's not something that your average user is gonna do." However, MIDI aficionados planning to compose their digital masterpieces on the Xbox 360 will likely find the experience lacking. While the PS3 sequencer will reportedly support a variety of instruments, including rhythm and lead guitars, bass, keyboards and drum tracks, the Xbox 360 alternative will be limited to drums alone due to "hardware issues." Then again, for those planning on channeling their inner John Bonham, what more do you need?
Wii Music's infamous drums
We've all seen a fairly spastic, embarrassing live demonstration of Wii Music's drum kit -- or at least the GIF version. Honestly, it seemed pretty cool from inside the theatre, with the strobe lights flashing and the volume turned way up. It was only after arriving home and seeing Ravi Drums' performance through the filter of the Internet that face hit palm. We knew that it was confusing to play, but we didn't know until then how confusing it was to see.This latest Wii Music "Today's Instrument" video doesn't include the Balance Board bass drum, but the same flailing is on display here. Not pictured: being unable to figure out which direction on the D-pad corresponds to which drum.%Gallery-27713%
ION Drum Rocker: Unboxing and initial impressions
Update: The cymbals problems discussed below relate to a faulty "brain" for the set that ION replaced for us before the final review.Over the past week, we've had a chance to check out ION's premium Rock Band 2 drum set, the Drum Rocker (We've played it once before at E3 2008). We're waiting for a copy of RB2 for our final impressions; in the meantime, here are our initial thoughts of the set with the original Rock Band. Our order arrived in two boxes weighing in at 33 lbs. and 6 lbs., respectively. The lighter box contained the third cymbal and colored discs to put on all three cymbals for differentiation. Total time to unbox: 20 minutes (although, to be fair, we were taking a lot of pictures). That said, total time for setup (no camera usage) was close to an hour, with a large amount of time spent trying to screw in the cymbal clamps. Just another 2 or 3 mm on the screw length and we would've had a much easier time here. Protip: Make sure you screw everything in very tight, or you'll be having to either pause the game to make fixes mid-song or learn to adjust to the added difficult of a drooping tom or cymbal. Even then, adjustments will have to be made to get the toms placed just right. Read on for more impressions.%Gallery-30422%
Rock Revolution drum compatibility detailed; game 'on track' for '08
Konami has detailed how its seven-input drum set will be compatible with Rock Band 2 and Guitar Hero: World Tour's kits, which have four and five inputs, respectively. We've been informed that the game will "reconfigure" itself depending on the set being used with the game. For example, instead of seven lines of music, it will adjust to four when using the Rock Band 2 drums and five for GH:WT. The company expects its drums to be compatible with the competition's via a patch issued after launch.The company has also told us that reports of the game's delay to 2009 only applies to Europe. The game is "still on track for a fall 2008" release in North America. We're sure all the rhythm-game fanboys out there are breathing a sigh of relief ... right? Hello?
Joystiq's Instrument Compatibility Matrix, v3.0
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Guitar_Hero_Rock_Band_Instrument_Compatibility_Matrix_v3_0'; With Sony shedding some new light on the sea of plastic instrument compatibility nonsense, we thought it was time to update our compatibility charts for the Guitar Hero and Rock Band series, as well as newcomer Rock Revolution. Introducing the Instrument Compatibility Matrix, version 3.0. We'll keep updating this page as new information percolates out, hoping one day to fill in every square with a green "yes." Until that time, check out our chart skills.Update: Now with more green care of Microsoft's compatibility commitment.
Introducing the Instrument Compatibility Matrix v3.0
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Guitar_Hero_Rock_Band_Instrument_Compatibility_Matrix_v3_0'; Do you like rhythm games? Heck, who doesn't?! We sure do, as do our cruel overlords at Joystiq, who've fashioned together the ultimate instrument compatibility guide. Wondering if that certain piece of Rock Band equipment will work with Guitar Hero: World Tour? Don't fret, it's answered here! So head on over and check it out. It'll even let those of you picking up Rock Revolution know if Konami's drum set will work with the other games!
Blizzcast Episode 4 reveals Warcraft information and insights
Blizzcast episode 4 is now live and available for listening, and with it, of course, has come a wealth of new World of Warcraft Information. Some of it is stuff we've gotten wind for before, but there's some interesting insights into the whole game. You can listen to it here and read the transcript here, or join us after the break for a breakdown of the juiciest information from the Interviews
Tinnitus: Leatherworking drums cause a debuff
Part of the allure of drums in raids has been the ability to overlap the effects of different types of drums by having several leatherworkers drumming at a time. One member might boost attack power and spell damage for party members in range, while another might restore health and mana. With the new Tinnitus debuff, any targets affected by drums are immune to the effects of all other drums for two minutes. While this sounds like a nerf, it might actually have a balancing effect. In fact, other professions are seeing similar changes. Potions will create Potion Sickness, which will prevent the consumer from using more than one in any given encounter. Players will have to rest out of combat in order to refresh the privilege. So far, this also is affecting mana gems and similar items, although it is unclear if that particular effect is a bug or not. What does this mean?
Joystiq E3 sticks-on: Ion premium drum set
click to embiggen Last week, a handful of Joystiq crew got to make fools of themselves on the mini-stage before Harmonix's Rock Band Bash featuring The Who. Set up for us on stage was the new Ion premium drum set for RB2. Over the span of the night, we drummed through a handful of songs to get a feel for the set.
Mad Catz shows off line of Rock Band 2 peripherals at E3
We all know that the talent of a musical performer is less important than the instrument through which they channel their rocking energies -- that's why we were pleased as punch to get a look at Mad Catz's impressive line of Rock Band 2 peripherals during E3. Sure, $200 might sound outrageous for a controller, but after viewing their full-sized (and realistically weighted) wireless Stratocaster and Precision Bass guitars, complete with foot pedals for easier "overdrive" activation, the list of things we would rather drop two Benjamins on quickly evaporated.The heavyweight axes will be available Q1 2009, but Engadget got a sneak peek at some of Catz's less publicized periphs, due out this fall. These include M.I.C. ($30), a microphone with built-in buttons from a standard Xbox 360 controller, Portable Drums ($60), which include four flat pads that can be used on any surface, the "Official Cymbals" ($30 for 3 or $15 each), which will plug into three slots on the kit's center console, and the Kick Drum Screen -- though we're not exactly comfortable calling a circular piece of cardboard you apply to the front of your faux drum kit a "peripheral".
Ion reveals $299.99 price for premium Rock Band drums
Thought $180 for the original Rock Band package was expensive? You ain't seen nothing yet. The official Web site for Ion's professional Drum Rocker (as recently revealed in Game Informer) lists a $299.99 price for the deluxe drum controller. Only the Xbox 360 version of the set is currently available for pre-order, though Wii and PS3 editions are "expected to ship later in the year," according to the site. It's important to note that this is not the official drum set that will be packaged with Rock Band 2, but rather an officially licensed deluxe set that works with both Rock Band games.While $300 may sound steep (soon, you could get a whole 'nother Xbox 360 for that price), Ion sounds like they've gone to great lengths to make sure serious virtual drummers get their money's worth. According to the site, the four high-durability, quiet, velocity-sensitive pads can be mounted and rearranged in any position and even outfitted with "professional drum brains" from Alesis. Add in a metal-reinforced kick pedal (with velcro and spikes to prevent slippage) and two packaged, mountable cymbals (with the option to add a third) and you've got what's unquestionably the Rolls Royce of drum controllers. The web site also has a short video and some detailed photos of the set, so check it out and figure out for yourself whether it's worth dropping three Benjamins.
Game Informer reveals 'Ion' premium Rock Band 2 drum kit
The latest issue of Game Informer (via Score Hero) has a feature spread on Rock Band 2 and, while most of the information was released online yesterday, the magazine does have images of the new drum kit, both the upgraded basic and Ion Premium Set. The upgrades to the basic set include metal reinforcements on the foot pedal, velocity sensitive pads and expandable slots for cymbals.The Ion set is a different beast altogether. As seen in the scan, the set gives you the option of playing the yellow, green and blue pads as cymbals. There is no indication on if you can use the cymbals for songs with long stretches of red notes used for the hi-hat beats (e.g. "Everlong"). The Ion set can purportedly be used as a real, 7-piece electronic set (albeit sans hi-hat pedal, unless we can upgrade), which then begs the question if we could find a way to make this compatible with Guitar Hero World Tour. We're hoping to get a chance to try out the premium set next week at E3. The latest Game Informer is currently on newsstands.Update: Made the image text red so no one got their hopes up too high by overlooking it. It should be noted that the above set is produced by ION, although the Rock Band 2 version is admittedly prettier.
Konami wants music peripherals to be universally compatible
Rhythm game fans seem to be in a tough spot. It used to be that we could just buy whatever interested us, and that was that. Now, as new peripheral after new peripheral gets manufactured (of the same instruments), there's a problem: we're running out of space. Not all of us live in big, swanky mansions (or even small, cozy houses for that matter). Another problem? Money. Faux guitars and drum sets don't come cheap, so buying multiple game instruments isn't very economical.Konami feels our pain, which may end up being their pain if people start avoiding Rock Revolution. We think Konami might be in a lot of trouble, since Rock Band and Guitar Hero are already well-established in the gaming world. Rock Revolution is the new kid on the block, and if people already have closets full of peripherals and empty wallets, the game might suffer for it. Since Guitar Hero is currently the most owned of the bunch, Activision has no plans to make things any easier for its competitors. Harmonix, meanwhile, preaches universal instruments, but Rock Band's drum set might be too different from Rock Revolution's to even aim for compatibility. What do you think, though? Is there room for another multi-instrument rhythm game in today's market?[Via GamesIndustry.biz]
Ultimate Band uses ultimate pantomime
Okay, so Disney's Ultimate Band will eternally be overshadowed by the multi-instrumental extravaganza Guitar Hero: World Tour, and even by the irritating Wii version of Rock Band. And it's true that Ultimate Band suffers from a case of miserable cover songs. But Disney and Fall Line Studios have impressed us with smart design that plays to the Wii controllers' strengths.Rather than merely simulating the experience of having a guitar or drum controller, producer Manferd Naber explains that Ultimate Band takes an impressionistic approach to simulating the act of playing music. You play notes in time to music as usual, but there's also an emphasis on rock-star gestures like the Pete Townshend windmill maneuver or "a belt buckle spin a la ZZ Top."The lack of actual singing is also turned into an interestingly bizarre gameplay mechanic. As the "Frontman," players wave around with the controllers representing their hands, to "pump up the crowd." Ultimate Band may turn out less than great, but at least it's going for something original.
This Week in Review wants to rock (ROCK!)
A multi-instrument Guitar Hero World Tour means only one thing: more plastic controllers strewn about our living room. So goes the life of the virtual rocker. Check out all of our impressions and reviews from the Joystiq Network this week:Multiplatform Guitar Hero World Tour (Eyes and ears-on) Nintendo Wii Block Breaker Deluxe (Review) Blast Works: Build, Trade, Destroy (Review) Cocoto Fishing Master (Review) Samurai Showdown (Virtual Console) Check out the Wii Fanboy review archives!
Comparing Rock Band Wii drums with current drum kit
For those of you still down with Rock Band for the Wii, despite its lack of DLC, you'll be interested to know that IGN recently took the Wii drum kit for a spin. Apparently, when Rock Band first released on the PS3 and Xbox 360, some folks were having trouble with the bass pedal (among other things), so a revision to the hardware was initiated. With the Wii drum kit, all of those changes are already in effect.IGN says it best, though: "If you have the option, buy Rock Band for any console that's not the Wii, as you'll get the same drums (in black) and have access to downloadable content." Seriously, the Wii version isn't going to be that good, but if it's your only option, we wish you the best in rocking out and cross our fingers that Rock Band 2 isn't as lacking in the features department when it hits retail shelves.%Gallery-19119%
Rock Band's drum kit for Wii tested, actually a bit different
Oh, hey, is that the Wii Rock Band drum kit? On shag, you say? And wireless with the included dongle? Say, is that all white plastic? Well, it turns out this kit has basically the same feeling as its other-platform counterparts, with the exception of some softer drum pads and a strengthened kick pedal. Sold, Harmonix, sold.
Control chaotic NES noise with custom drum software and controller
Ever wanted to make music that sounded like stuff exploding in Contra? The Elecrokraft Super Synth Drum set, consisting of a custom NES controller and a special cartridge, allows you to play 8-bit drums just by pushing controller buttons. You could do it on any two NES controllers, but the Sonic DrumAxe controller is a lot easier for one person to manage.The program is pretty slick: controller 1's buttons make tones, and controller 2's buttons control on-the-fly looping. It's available on the creator's website for $50. Apparently he sells DrumAxes on eBay occasionally, but none are currently available. After the break, we've got a demonstration of the amazing DrumAxe/Super Synth Drums at work.
Friday Video: Rock Band in the blind
With Rock Band coming out shortly, we know some of you are still excited for the game, despite its shortcomings. But, that isn't the topic of discussion here, the topic of discussion is OHMYGOD 5 STARS WITH NO TV ON?! Ahem, sorry -- can you believe that he just got 5 stars on Molly Hatchet's "Flirtin' With Disaster" with the TV off? That's pretty darn good, if you ask us.Now if this dude got together with the Guitar Hero virtuosos, he could be in the greatest fake band in the universe.See also: Rock Band drum kit mod allows disabled gamers to get in on the action%Gallery-19119% Each week, our Friday Video segment takes a look at the gaming landscape online and brings forth an interesting video that (hopefully) gets the dialog started. Our previous week's coverage featured a video of Samus as a playable character in the Activision game, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance.
