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Rock Band gets Skynyrd, Crowes and Rush DLC
Kicking off the new year with some serious fret work, today Rock Band released three new downloadable tracks to the Xbox Live Marketplace. The three DLC songs will cost you the traditional 160 Microsoft points each and include the original recording of "Gimme Three Steps" by Lynyrd Skynyrd as well as a cover from the Black Crowes and Rush. Get all the new Rock Band DLC details after the break and prepare yourself to rock. It's New Year's day and we have a serious urge to sing, strum and drum the day away.
New $.99 Rock Band DLC available for Christmas
Harmonix promised and today Harmonix delivered by releasing brand new Rock Band downloadable content and for a special holiday price. For half the normal going rate you can download a cover of The Sounds' "Song With a Mission", two All-American Rejects tracks as well as two 30 Seconds to Mars tracks (shout out to Jared Leto) all for the cheaply cheap price of 80 Microsoft points each. You hear correctly, 80 Microsoft points each! We can nearly guarantee we'll be getting our download on either because we enjoy the song or simply because we want to add to our Rock Band music library for the cheap. Take a look at today's $.99 Rock Band tracks after the break, spend, rock out and enjoy![Thanks, David]
Don't fret, Rock Band will get new DLC Tue
Back before Rock Band released in the US we had a pretty good idea of what downloadable content was in the pipeline, because Harmonix shared a handy DLC release schedule. But that handy schedule only detailed Rock Band DLC through December 18th and we have yet to receive any word from Harmonix about future DLC. As a result, we've been in the dark. And when we're in the dark we think of the worst possible scenario which would be that they ran out of Rock Band DLC. Oh teh noes!Thankfully fanboys, that isn't the case. Harmonix developer hmxsean over on the official Rock Band forums shed light on the Rock Band DLC mystery and confirms that there will be new content releasing this Tuesday, that more content is planned weekly and that a second handy Rock Band DLC schedule will be released on Monday. Hmxsean then goes on to tease us about a future Rock Band "fix" that's planned, but doesn't give any details. Happy DLC Tuesday and a special fix coming soon, joy![Thanks, Baker]
Canada gets Rock Band DLC, waits for actual game
Now that Rock Band is ostensibly available in Canada, all the DLC that has been previously released in the US is now available for our northern neighbors. Please note the word "ostensibly" in the previous sentence. Several tipsters are reporting that Rock Band is not yet available at local retailers. Said tipsters have been told that today is merely the shipping date and not the actual release date. Furthermore, it's likely that the game won't actually be on store shelves until later this week, next week, or possibly January depending on the outlet. But hey, at least you can download your favorite tracks now, right?[Thanks to everyone that sent this in]
Rock Band community site update is live
The impending Rock Band community site update we reported yesterday is now live. Perusing the site to check out all the changes, it seems to have pretty much everything we expected. The site has been revamped with personal pages for individual rockers as well as entire bands. Both band pages and individual pages include sections for blogs, pictures, friends, and -- most intriguingly -- testimonials. Are you a big fan of Fidel and the Castronauts? Log on and tell 'em so! The pages also include a details section that let rockers post short bios, list their favorite bands, and there's even a section called "Songs I Wish Were in RB." We can only hope that Harmonix will use these sections to influence what DLC we'll eventually see for the game. The site also includes leaderboards, though we've been unable to load them so far (in fact, the whole site is still a little buggy). Overall, it's pretty cool and definitely a nice extension to the Rock Band experience.[Via Joystiq]
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!]
RockBand.com getting major upgrade today
360Sync.com is reporting that a hefty upgrade should be hitting the Rock Band community site sometime today. The information comes from an inside source close to 360Sync. The upgrade is apparently set to add more web 2.0 functionality to the community site, transforming it into a social networking site in which players can share information about their in-game avatars and, of course, their bands. Harmonix has noted an upcoming relaunch of the community site before, mentioning similar features, so we expect it's probably true. Keep your eyes peeled and your browsers ready, the update should be live before the day is out.
Rock Band: Radiohead, Weezer and Pretenders
Making a fashionably late appearance this week to the Xbox Live Marketplace is three new tracks to fill your Rock Band downloadable content void. Available individually (sorry, no track pack this week) for 160 Microsoft points is "My Iron Lung" by Radiohead, "Buddy Holly" by Weezer and a cover of "Brass in Pocket" as made famous by The Pretenders. Again, these tracks are not available in any discounted package, so if you want all three your Microsoft point balance will get set back 480. Which we must say sorta stinks. But we're only eying up "Buddy Holly" anyway, because the Weezer is the awesome.
MTV's "next big thing": Bruckheimer teams up for game studio
MTV wasn't kidding when the company said it had $500 million to blow in two years. Their "next big thing" is this: Hollywood mega-über producer Jerry Bruckheimer has signed a deal to produce games with MTV. Bruckheimer and MTV will create a co-owned studio that, instead of cashing in on the latest summer 'splosion smash, is actually expected to create new intellectual properties; the movie studios typically own the rights to the films Bruckheimer produces. Games produced by this new studio will feature Bruckheimer's name prominently (for example: Jerry Bruckheimer presents Mega-explosion FPS Ninja Pirate Adventure 4).There are currently no announced games; no particular genres defined for the new studio; heck, there isn't even a name yet. At this point, Bruckheimer wants to make games and, historically, wherever Bruckheimer goes, success isn't far behind. And neither are explosions.Read – Variety: Bruckheimer goes gaming in MTV pactRead – GameDaily: Bruckheimer launches studio with MTVRead – MTV: Bruckheimer interviewRead – MTV: MTV Games' Jeff Yapp interview
EA makes good on Rock Band apology offer
Customers who've been promised a free EA game due to the delay in shipments of replacement Rock Band guitars have now received another email. One that makes good on the free game offer. An email (which can be viewed after the break) is now reaching delayed guitar customers that allows them to cash out on the free game offer. The games being offered include EA's large library of sports games (NHL 08, FIFA 08, NBA Live 08, etc.) and others including skate, The Simpsons Game and Medal of Honor: Airborne. Noticably absent from their list is the super sexy The Orange Box, but we guess beggers can't be choosers. Anyhoo, customers have until January 11th to make a selection and EA promises to ship 'em out as quick as possible free of charge. So, if you've been inovolved in the Rock Band replacement struggle, keep an eye out for your special email. A free game will be yours.[Thanks, dubbalubagis]
Blame game: Activision says MTV responsible for guitar snafu
Don't you love it when companies play the blame game? Harmonix claimed that Activision was actively blocking the release of a guitar compatability patch, which will allow Guitar Hero and Rock Band guitars to work in harmony. However, Activision isn't ready to take responsibility, saying that it is actually Harmonix and MTV Games that's currently responsible for the guitar "snafu." In an official statement made to GameDaily, the company states:"The recent announcement by MTV Games/Viacom's Harmonix division that Activision is blocking Sony from releasing a patch and their plea to enable Rock Band software to work with Guitar Hero hardware paints a very misleading picture. In fact, Harmonix and its parent company MTV Games/Viacom recently declined Activision's offer to reach an agreement that would allow the use of Guitar Hero guitar controllers with Rock Band. We have been and remain open to discussions with Harmonix and MTV Games/Viacom about the use of our technology in Rock Band. Unfortunately for Rock Band users, in this case Harmonix and MTV Games/Viacom are unwilling to discuss an agreement with Activision." So who's telling the truth and who's lying? Stay tuned for more.
Activision blocking Rock Band patch, says Harmonix
Imagine this scenario. You have a Guitar Hero III controller, and you have Rock Band. And yet, you can't use one guitar in the other game. Silly, right? Unfortunately, that's a reality for many. A patch was supposed to fix this irksome problem. In fact, a patch has actually been created. But where is it?Harmonix is blaming Activision, saying the publisher is blocking any compatibility patch. In a statement to Joystiq, Harmonix reveals that "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." "Two weeks ago, Harmonix created a software patch for the Sony PLAYSTATION 3 version of Rock Band that allowed for guitar compatibility and support for third party peripherals, including enabling use of Activision's Guitar Hero III controller with Rock Band. The compatibility patch was submitted, approved and had been scheduled for release by Sony on Tuesday, December 4. Unfortunately, Activision objected to the release of the compatibility patch. The patch remains with Sony, but we have been told that it will unfortunately not be released due to Activision's continued objection."Excuse me, Activision? Why object to cross-compatible guitars? Certainly, allowing us to use your controllers in EA's game won't cannibalize your own sales. You have nothing to lose Activision. Do the right thing, or face the wrath of angry PS fans.[Image source: Joystiq]
Rock Band goes punk with Punk Pack DLC
It's Rock Band downloadable content Tuesday today (only if you live in the US) and that means there's brand new Rock Band DLC. This week we get to go punk with the release of the 440 Microsoft point Punk Pack which features three songs including "I Fought the Law" by The Clash, "Rockaway Beach" by The Ramones and "Ever Fallen in Love" as made famous by Buzzcocks. Also, as is standard with Rock Band DLC, each song is available as a separate (and more expensive) purchase for 160 points. Full details after the break. Spike up your hair, dye it pink and prepare to rock out. Long live the punk and long live the Rock Band.
Rumor: Rock Band gets delayed in Canada again
Poor Canada. You and your music loving residents always seem to get the shaft, especially when it comes to music based video games. We felt sorry for you when we heard that Rock Band's Canadian debut was delayed until December 17th, while your neighbors to the South got their Rock Band fix on November 20th. And now we're hearing that Canada is getting another Rock Band delay. Both Best Buy Canada and Future Shop have the game listed for a December 28th release, which is like another ten days of waiting. We haven't received any official word from Harmonix, EA, or MTV Games, but when they start chirping we'll be sure to pass along the info. Until then, pray fellow Canadians. Pray that your Rock Band doesn't get delayed any further.[Thanks, Rene Frappier]
Rock Band gets Black Sabbath DLC
Today is Rock Band downloadable content Tuesday and that could only mean one thing ... we get new Rock Band downloadable content! This week's DLC offerings include a few cover songs (yes, icky cover songs) from Black Sabbath including "N.I.B.", "Sweet Leaf" and the ever-so-awesome "War Pig" which are available a la carte for 160 Microsoft points each or bundled together for 440 points. But come on Ozzy, what's up with the cover songs mate? The covers just aren't worthy of the Black Sabbath name. The covers aren't worthy!
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]
Metallica to debut new single via Rock Band
Looky here fanboys, we think we may have come across Rock Band's rumored big announcement and it is definetly a first for video games.Talking with the Rocky Mountain News, MTV senior vice president of home entertainment Paul DeGooyer mentioned that they're working with artists to exclusively debut new singles using Rock Band. You know, the same way Prince made his single "Guitar" exclusive to Verizon Wireless. Yeah, that same concept. And first to sign up for a Rock Band track debut is none other than ... Metallica. According to DeGooyer's statements, Metallica has already signed on the dotted line and are commited to giving Rock Band their first single off of their upcoming album. It's an interesting idea and is a somewhat exciting forshadowing of things to come, but we seriously wonder how many other artists are willing to do the same thing. Then again, money does make the world go around ... and around ... and around.[Thanks, Shaun]
Rock Band guitar replacement delays, but EA makes good
Some customers, who've previously contacted EA about Rock Band guitar replacements, are receiving emails stating that there has been a delay in shipping the replacements out to customers. Something about the guitar manufacturer being slow, blah, blah, blah. But, before you start the ever popular anti-EA rants, know that there is a silver lining to this story. In the email (viewable after the break), EA says that for delayed Rock Band guitar replacement customers' " patience and understanding" they'll be giving them a FREE EA game. Yes sir, you read correctly. EA providing a "world-class customer experience" by offering a free game for a slight shipping delay on replacement Rock Band guitars. Awesome job EA and if anyone needs a suggestion for a free EA game to choose, we'd stand up and say the Orange Box is a solid choice.[Thanks, dubbalubagis]
Rock Band and turkey: A Thanksgiving family test, part 2
Add the Sterns to the great family bands of popular culture. Put us on a flashing marquee like the Osmonds, Jacksons, and von Trapps that came before. With a rotating lineup of three generations, a band dog who curls up next to the drummer, and enough hijinks for a Monkees plot, we've toured across the country from San Francisco to Boston. It doesn't matter to us if our fame is virtual and our fans digital; Rock Band was a hit at our annual Thanksgiving gathering.Before I left the West Coast, I loaded up a dedicated carry-on with an Xbox 360, Wii, and the full complement of power supplies, video cables, and controllers. I made it through airport security without any problems. (And on the flight home, I wondered how many Rock Band kits the TSA had been screening.)Like last year, the Wii was still popular. But we mostly stuck with Wii Sports. Even casual gamers have a glut of titles to wade through; we never opened Zack and Wiki and only briefly tried EA Playground and Rayman Rabbids 2.Instead, Rock Band filled most of our game time. While I thought it'd be fun to try with my family, I never expected it to be "this year's Wii" as my sister said. Disguised as a rhythm game, Rock Band is a sleeper family hit. Every day, we joked about "getting the band back together" before assembling that evening's players.
