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Mad Catz signs on to make Rock Band instruments, accessories
While Activision and Harmonix bicker over the real reason there's still some lingering incompatibility between the two, Mad Catz has inked a multi-year licensing agreement with MTV Networks to "produce and distribute game peripherals and other products" for Rock Band. Reportedly, the third-party peripheral maker has secured the rights to "manufacture, market and sell game accessories, including both wired and wireless bass guitars, a drum percussion set bundled with professional quality wooden drum sticks, and a wired microphone." All in all, we're stoked to see another player entering the Rock Band hardware game, so here's to hoping Mad Catz won't ship out any faulty axes and frail drum pedals during "the first half of 2008."
Mad Catz to make Rock Band instruments
With the absolute flood of third-party guitars for the Guitar Hero series, it's not that surprising that accessory-makers are jumping on the Rock Band-wagon, too. Well, at least one is. Mad Catz today announced a "multi-year licensing agreement" with MTV Games to produce "both wired and wireless bass guitars, a drum percussion set bundled with professional quality wooden drum sticks, and a wired microphone."While having extra options for drum kits and microphones is nice, the addition of officially licensed, wireless, third-party guitars will be welcome news to PS3 owners tired of not being able to use their Guitar Hero III guitars with Rock Band and Xbox 360 owners tired of tripping over wires -- not to mention general Rock Band owners tired of replacing their broken bundled guitars. The instruments will be available in the "first half of 2008," according to the release.While the release specifically addresses Rock Band instruments, it also leaves the door open for other applicable "game accessories." We personally can't wait for the inevitable pyrotechnics launcher that goes off every time you nail a tough solo. Just, er, be careful with it, OK?
EA: Still no Rock Band for Wii announcement
Although an eventual release of Rock Band for the Wii has been teased since as early as April, Electronic Arts told GamePro this week, "We have not announced any plans for a Wii version at this time." Don't read too much into that, however, as all it says is there's been no announcement yet, as if we need to be reminded a press release hasn't been sent out. We doubt it's something we'd overlook, although our spam filters at Joystiq HQ aren't perfect.What we really want to know is what's taking Harmonix so long to announce a Wii version. A last-gen PlayStation 2 version is already available (although it lacks online and world tour mode) and competitor Activision Blizzard managed to figure out a solution for DLC with Guitar Hero III for Wii. Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos already said back in April that "We will, at some time, bring Rock Band to every [important] platform." Given the Wii's continued success in hardware sales, it's surprising that EA won't just admit to a Wii version in the works. And if they're really not planning to release a Wii iteration, then we fear the business reps have spent too much time "immersing themselves" in Grateful Dead jam sessions.
Rock Band site back up with new community features
The Rock Band community page has been updated as promised and now includes a copious amount of so-called Web 2.0 features - friends list, a personal blog, the ability to link your Xbox Live gamertag or PlayStation Network account to share your Rock and Roll lifestyle with the world around you. The forums, as was stated in the email sent out, seem to remain intact. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like we can take our in-game character and make images out of them.Once you get your account set up, go ahead and share it below, and let Joystiq know just how well you play the (virtual) drums.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Rock Band site down for upgrade [update 2]
Although spurring just a fraction of the excitement caused by the Apple Store temporarily shutting down, more than a few tipsters have brought to our attention that the Rock Band Community Site is currently missing, replaced by the above picture asking us to "please check back in a few for a whole new community experience!"Will we get a more integrated high score list? A way to look at our avatar online and take pictures? A fresh coat of paint? Anything at all? We don't know, and g Given the notifier doesn't specify what unit of time "a few" means - it could be minutes, hours, days, years, or the notorious "when it's ready" - we also don't know how long we'll have to wait to find out. Rock stars can be fickle like that.Update: We've confirmed the email sent out to current Rock Band community members that outlines the features with the new update. They include: Link your RockBand.com account to your Xbox Live gamertag or PlayStation Network id to share your characters, bands and high scores with your friends. Compare your high scores with the Rock Band community on the brand new Leaderboards. Make friends, write a blog, and post your pictures on your own personal RockBand.com page. Community forums will return with all posts intact. Update 2: It's back up now. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Metallica in talks to debut new single as Rock Band DLC
Heavy metal rockers (or "rawkers," if you will) Metallica are in talks to premiere their upcoming single as a playable, downloadable song for Rock Band. Speaking to Rocky Mountain News (via Gigwise), MTV senior vice president of home entertainment Paul DeGooyer said, "There are a couple of things we've committed to, one of them with Metallica for example. They've reserved the right to give us their first single from their new album for the game." No word on a release date, the name of the song, or if the price of the song to download will fall in line with Rock Band's current $1.99 price. The single would be a huge boon for the game as it competes against the established Guitar Hero franchise, and interesting to think that the first time we'll be hearing the new single will be when we're drumming along to it. Of course, the real winners here are Harmonix, who get the hear the single before any of us (how else will they program the song parts?). Let's hope no one in the development studio accidentally leaks the song onto P2P servers - you know how much Metallica likes that. [Via X3F]
MTV Games hints at next big thing; announcement coming soon
With Rock Band out in stores (well, kinda), publisher MTV Games is already looking for their next hit. Early bets were on similar music-themed titles (they are MTV, after all). A recent Reuters article, however, seems to indicate otherwise, as MTV Networks Music Group EVP Jeff Yapp hints at even greater things to come.At the end of the article, Yapp teases that MTV Games is planning a "big announcement, which is coming up fairly quickly." He refers to the announcement as "a move into a whole other realm," which could either mean that MTV Games is planning to move away from the rhythm gaming genre, or perhaps even that MTV Games is moving away from games altogether.So how soon is "fairly quickly"? And will MTV Games' newest venture include developer Harmonix? Let the speculations run rampant. We're just curious to see how MTV plans to further utilize their unique resources in the game industry.
Rock Band and turkey: a Thanksgiving family test
"Did you bring that Mario game? Your father really wants to try it ... what is that?""A plastic drum set, mom," I reply. "We're going to pretend to be rock and roll stars as a family and then I'm going to write about it for work." She stares intrigued for two, maybe three nanoseconds before uttering, "Cool ... How about Wii Bowling? Can we play that?"Inspired by last year's Nintendo Wii family tests (and just hopeful to get more playtime in), I decided to pack up my copy of Rock Band for Xbox 360 (a daunting task, rest assured) and take it to my parent's house for Thanksgiving.
Metareview: Rock Band (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360)
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."
Midnight launch for Rock Band keeps Best Buys open late
We've already traveled to the land of blue, bleak, and reek to check out Rock Band, so with the in-store buzz definitely there, we had to think a midnight launch would be coming -- and it is. 75 locations in 32 states open their doors at midnight to arm you with your "rocksenal," which is actually more than were participating in the Guitar Hero III launch.So if you're worried about potentially securing a copy (thanks to EA's boast of confidence regarding their stock), this might be a possible solution for you. And after all that sweet unannounced, but coming DLC spied from the pages of OXM, how is anyone with a pulse not excited? Full listing of stores participating rest behind the break.
MTV Games confirms Rock Band delay for Canada; coming Dec. 17
Yesterday, we reported a rumor concerning Rock Band's release in Canada. Turns out it was true, with MTV Games confirming (via Shack News) that the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 game has been delayed in the country until December 17, alongside the original PS2 release date.Electronic Arts has previously noted it was only producing a handful of copies for the holiday season, leading conspiracy theorists to surmise supplies are being redirected to the U.S. Whatever the reason, Canadian gamers will not be playing the game next week like they thought they would as recently as two days ago. Rock Band is still expected to arrive in the U.S. November 20, just in time for the pre-holiday shopping madness known as Black Friday.
Today's iPod-rocking video: Phase trailer
MTV Games continues to publish new music titles in its $500 million spree, with the latest Harmonix development, Phase. The original Phase news reminded some of us too much of (non) game, Musika to buy. But this video clearly shows simple pattern-matching gameplay that may rock pockets better than the portable Guitar Hero.Check out the video, and contemplate your purchase after the break.
Rock Band questions answered (some of 'em)
The folks over at Multiplayer used their "We work for MTV" powers to get some answers out of Harmonix about Rock Band. Of course, the fact that Harmonix also works for MTV probably aided them in this process. Ah yes, they even mention it in the post, so there you go. Anywho, Harmonix answered a few frequently asked questions (there should really be an acronym for that) about Rock Band that have been plaguing the community. First and foremost, there are no plans to offer other hardware configurations aside from the drums, microphone, guitar, and game bundle that has been circulating for a while now. In other words, if you'd prefer a bundle with, say, just a mic and the game, you're out of luck unless you buy them separately (which is still cheaper than the monster bundle). Also of note, the 360 bundle (with a wired guitar, remember) comes with a USB hub for all those other instruments. Finally, for those with Guitar Hero II X-plorers lying around, 3rd party guitars and peripherals should work just fine with Rock Band. We're sure it won't take long for peripheral makers to produce some less expensive versions of the various instruments, so those not looking to break the bank on the bundle may want to wait. Of course, if you're planning on nabbing Guitar Hero III, you should be able to use its guitar as well.
A look at guitar in Rock Band, new REM track
While Rock Band looks to add a great deal to the Guitar Hero formula, there is a (legitimate) fear that hardcore Guitar Hero fanatics will find the game lacking. After all, it wouldn't exactly be fun for the rest of the band if the guitarist simply spent the whole song shredding while the rest of them stood silent. IGN takes a detailed look at this problem in a recent article. To sum up, Rock Band concentrates more on riffs than solos, but that doesn't mean solos aren't there. IGN concludes that they may not be as challenging as some of the most hardcore Guitar Hero tracks, but they can still have a high degree of difficulty. Furthermore, the article discusses Rock Band's version of star power, which is called overdrive. In an interesting trade off, a guitarist must use his or her overdrive in order to bring back a failed band mate. Ouch. The article also mentions the optional extras on the Rock Band Fender guitar, including the solo buttons close to the body as well as the effects switch. The effects switch can be used to turn on effects like wah wah during overdrive and solo sections. Finally, IGN reveals a new track for the game, "Orange Crush" by R.E.M. See it for the first time in the video above.
More Rock Band tracks: KISS, Soundgarden, RHCP
And the Rock Band tracks keep coming. EA, MTV, and Harmonix have announced three new tracks for the upcoming rock simulator. Again we see a mix of old and new tracks, in keeping with the songs that have already been revealed. Without further ado, here they are: "Detroit Rock City" by KISS "Dani California" by Red Hot Chili Peppers "Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden Find a list of all tracks revealed thus far after the break.
Video: Rock Band goes down Highway Star
A new Rock Band trailer made an appearance over the weekend sadly featuring no in-game footage, but it does take us down the the road of chaos and craziness called Highway Star. The Rock Band Highway Star trailer (embedded above) is quite the entertaining pre-rendered CG fest that should get your blood pumping and make your inner daredevil want to rock out. We aren't sure why the band featured in the trailer likes playing on top of vehicles (maybe because they need dangerous extremes to get a natural high, since numerous drug overdoses has led to their brain's excitement nerve endings to burn out), but darned if it isn't badass and darned if they aren't a nimble few. Go ... watch ... now!
Rock Band US tour kicks off Sept 9th
Future rock stars and Rock Band enthusiasts will be able to take in the complete Rock Band experience this Fall with the Rock Band US tour kicking off in a few days. MTV Games just announced that a 24 city US Rock Band tour will begin September 9th in Las Vegas and wrap up on December 16th in Orlando. Tour attendees will be able to play the game on a complete concert stage and have a chance to enter MTV's casting call for their "Rock Off" event where one lucky winner will have the chance play live on TRL and open for a surprise band at a Rock Band launch concert. Get ready to rock and check out the complete tour schedule after the jump with finalized locations and times to come.[Via Joystiq]
Rock Band gets Grateful Dead
Just like a proud father when their son scores the winning home run in the neighborhood tee-ball game, MTV Games announced that they have partnered with the Grateful Dead for this Fall's release of Rock Band. As part of their multi-track downloadable offerings, Rock Band will be exclusively offering 18 Grateful Dead master tracks as downloadable content after the game ships. The 18 tracks will come from various Grateful Dead albums and is guaranteed to include the songs "Truckin'", "Uncle John's Band", "Touch of Grey", "Sugar Magnolia", and "Casey Jones". No pricing details were announced, but you can be sure that you'll have to stock up Microsoft points this holiday season.Deadheads, it's time to pull out the trippy drug chest and "lose yourself" in the sweet Rock Band melodies. Come on, trust us ... the water is safe to drink.
Video: Rock Band as played by the pros
Ah, delicious Rock Band. While we were able to sample of its delights at E3, we can hardly say that we were particularly good at it. The drums, while awesome, are tough. Now, if you can get a whole group of people who know what they're doing, Rock Band is a sight to behold. So, what better group of people could you get besides the folks from Harmonix themselves? Our friend DeaconBlade over at Unscripted 360 put together just such a group during PAX, including Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos and a guitarist from a real band (ooooohhh). The result: awesomeness.Now, can we get an official price on this thing? Please?
Rock Band hits Europe in 2008, new tracks
Electronic Arts has confirmed that Rock Band won't see the light of day in Europe until 2008. The confirmation comes not long after Red Octane founder Charles Huang predicted that producing enough music peripherals for a worldwide launch would prove too difficult. Naturally, EA didn't explain why Rock Band won't see Europe in 2007, but we imagine Huang's reasoning is pretty sound. EA also announced that a PS2 version of the game is in the works, and it will launch alongside its current-gen cousins in Europe next year (and presumably in the US as well). Finally, EA revealed ten new master tracks for the game: "Gimme Shelter" by the Rolling Stones "Highway Star" by Deep Purple "Should I Stay or Should I Go" by The Clash "Epic" by Faith No More "Cherub Rock" by Smashing Pumpkins "Creep" by Radiohead (!) "Sabotage" by Beastie Boys (also in GHIII) "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" by Jet "Here It Goes Again" by OK Go "The Hand That Feeds" by Nine Inch Nails See all the confirmed tracks after the break.
