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Gamer almost evicted because of Rock Band [update]
[Update: Lo and behold it looks like reason prevailed, as reading deeper into the forum thread reveals that luminary pants spoke to the apartment manager and has avoided eviction. It seems that everyone on the internet that reported this story (including us) failed to uncover this beforehand. Thanks to Kurifurisan for setting us straight.]It seems Rock Band is getting closer and closer to the real thing all the time, though perhaps not in the manner Harmonix had hoped. Case in point: a Rock Band forum user by the name of "luminary pants" has been handed what apparently amounts to an eviction notice. The reason: overly loud sessions of Rock Band. Even though the notice states that he has 10 days to "abide fully by the covenants and conditions" of his rental contract, luminary pants claims that he has until December 1 to move out. While this apparently isn't the first time luminary pants has been warned -- he claims he wasn't given a reason for the previous warnings; he thought it was because he ran the laundry too late -- we feel sorry that he's being kicked out because of a video game. Maybe Harmonix could find some way give luminary pants a special achievement. "You got evicted for noise violations. Next stop: Rock."[Via Eurogamer]
Second wave of Rock Band DLC features David Bowie
Tiz' the second week of Rock Band availability which means that it's also the second week of Rock Band downloadable content hitting the Marketplace. And this week David Bowie is the headlining DLC star with three of his songs available for purchase in two different ways. You can download the David Bowie Pack which includes "Moonage Daydream", "Queen Bitch" and "Heroes" bundled together for 440 Microsoft points or purchase each song individually for 160. Though, we are semi-confused to why exactly "Moonage Dream" is the only master recording while the other two songs are covers. We guess Mr. Bowie has a tight leash on his music and believes in the 33% rule which only allows 33% of his digitally distributed music to be original. Yeah, it's possible.
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's next big announcement coming soon
In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, MTV Networks' vice president of program enterprise Jeff Yapp talks about Rock Band's success at bringing together both video games and music onto one platform and touts Rock Band's massive amount of DLC. But, towards the end of the interview, when talking about the franchise's future Yapp couldn't help but dangle a carrot in front of Rock Band fanboys saying that "our next big announcement, which is coming up fairly quickly, is a move to a whole other realm".So, what's the next big Rock Band surprise? Could it be the announcement of a sequel being releasing every year? Could it be something as simple as MTV Games announcing a deal between them and a major record label allowing unprecedented amounts of DLC? Or could it be something even bigger? You heard it here first kids, officially licensed Rock Band 80's hair extensions.
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.
Rock Band drums on your PC. Why?
An intrepid blogger at dxprog.com has discovered how to use the Rock Band drum kit with a Windows PC. The whole process seems pretty simple, and has been made even simpler thanks to an installer program (use at your own risk) created by the blogger in question. Essentially, the process just tricks the PC into thinking the drum kit is an Xbox controller.Unfortunately, there's nothing to be done with this fabulous bit of hacking yet. We suppose you could try using it to play a PC game, though we imagine such attempts would be less than successful (though possibly hilarious). We're sure someone will create a program just for the drums though (perhaps the successor to Frets on Fire?). For now, you'll have to entertain yourself by watching the numbers light up on the config screen.[Via Joystiq]
Rock Band peripheral malfunctions? Oh no!
Over in the Tech Support section of the official Rock Band forums, numerous posters are complaining that their game's peripherals are malfunctioning after limited use. The majority of complaints surround the bundle's four port USB hub which reportedly breaks apart and the Stratocaster guitar which can have a faulty strum bar. We've already heard from a few fanboys reporting Stratocaster issues, but we're not ready to call peripheral shenanigans just yet.The good news is that EA is being very proactive in the matter and is ready and willing to deal with Rock Band peripheral replacements. So, if you've been bitten by the broken peripheral bug, head over to Rock Band's warranty website to get more information and to request a replacement. Here's to hoping this whole entire ball of peripheral problem wax is isolated and only happens to the bad people of the world. You know who you are.[Thanks, Dale]
Adorable alert: two-year-old on Rock Band drums
Oh wow. We weren't ready for this. Normally we have some warning when something incredibly adorable is headed our way. Usually we have a chance to steel ourselves from the impending cuteness. Not this time though. No, upon seeing this video we were unable to quell the resonating "Awwwwwwww!" as it escaped from our lips, revealing the soft-on-the-inside nature that we try so hard to hide.It is, as you may have guessed, a two-year-old girl pounding the drums on Rock Band to her heart's content. What's really remarkable is just how well she manages to keep the beat. Scratch that, what's really remarkable is the tumble she takes at the end. So ... adorable ... must ... maintain ... composure.[Thanks, SubNoiZe]
Joystiq Holidaze: the guitar compatibility guide
#comparechart { border: 2px solid #333; border-collapse: collapse; } #comparechart td { padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #ccc; vertical-align: top; margin: 0; line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 80%} #comparechart th { font-size: 80%; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 4px; background: #eee; } #comparechart th.x360th { font-size: 100%; border-bottom: 1px solid #333; background-color: #66FF99;} #comparechart th.mainth { font-size: 100%; border-bottom: 1px solid #333;} #comparechart th.ps3th { font-size: 100%; border-bottom: 1px solid #333; background-color: #99ccff;} #comparechart td.red { background-color: #f08c85; } #comparechart td.green { background-color: #b3e2c4; } 'Tis the season for shredding plastic guitar controllers in a virtual environment for screaming, adoring virtual fans - do you know if your plastic axe can rock with your game? Through playtests and corroboration via other sources, we have combined three handy charts (one for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and now Wii) to let you know what guitar controllers work with what games.First, the Xbox 360: Rock Band Stratocaster Yes No* No** Guitar Hero 3 Les Paul Yes Yes Yes Guitar Hero 2 Xplorer Yes Yes Yes Notes: * Can navigate menus, but during the songs the green button is stuck down, orange is red, and everything else is dead** Interestingly, the drums are recognized, so you can actually navigate menus using them, but playing songs is a no go.The PlayStation 3, however, has a much "easier" choice (after the break).
Rock Band drums, meet the Rock Band drum bag
Rock Band is many things, but of all the things it is not, portable is probably at the top of the list. With a microphone, up to two guitars, and a drum set to transport, lugging around your equipment could become almost as onerous as the real thing. Enter the official drum bag from the Harmonix Rock Band store. As you can see above, the bag manages to fit the whole drum kit into one portable package. So, it's great for taking your kit to a friend's house or, perhaps more importantly, hiding the drum kit for the sake of your significant other. $50 bucks seems a bit steep for a glorified gym bag, but the convenience really can't be denied.The other kit for sale includes things like guitar skins and bags, the utility of which is somewhat more suspect. Glance them all in the gallery below.[Via Joystiq]%Gallery-10759%
First wave of Rock Band DLC now available
The guys (and gals) over at Harmonix are a quick bunch, sticking to their schedule and releasing the first wave of Rock Band downloadable content to the XBLM this morning. And just like any other game that releases DLC the day of launch (sorry Rock Band, you aren't immune to criticism) we question the developer's intent and wonder why they couldn't have included the content in the retail game. Icky stuff, we digress.The DLC is exactly what we expected, with Metallica, Queens of the Stone Age and The Police Packs all priced at 440 Microsoft points and other random singles available for 160 points apiece. There's so much offered today that we posted a complete list of this week's Rock Band DLC after the break, so be sure to take a look through the content and make purchases accordingly. That is, if you can actually find the game.
Botched Rock Band release, anger and gift cards
Rock Band rocked its way onto retail shelves today and, just as promoted, Best Buy held a midnight launch event earlier this morning. And I, the wannabe rockstar that I am, made my way out to the local Best Buy with my uncle to partake in the midnight Rock Band fun. But there was a problem. A problem so mind-numbingly impossible it nearly resulted in my inner Dustin from ever being happy again and guaranteed that I wouldn't be rockin' to Rock Band into the early morning hours. The botched Rock Band midnight launch story unfolds ...
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."
Win Rock Band, support charity, feel good
We imagine that Rock Band is currently the subject of much debate in frugal households across the country (and perhaps the world). On one side of the debate is the gamer spouting off rhetoric about "unparalleled cooperative gameplay" and "it's got freaking drums." On the other is the time-honored argument "it costs too damn much!" 360Sync.com looks to alleviate the cost burden by allowing you (yes, you) to win Rock Band (as well as other Electronic Arts games) free of charge. Not only that, but entering to win will help benefit one of several charities like the Red Cross or the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Get free stuff and help those in need? You can't miss. Head over to 360Sync.com for full details.
Rock Band DLC pricing and schedule revealed
In a followup to the post about Rock Band DLC facts being published in the latest OXM, today we've uncovered even more concrete info. And we think your wallets will be pleased.According to Gamespot, Rock Band will features the "industry standard" three track song packs and they'll actually be cheaper than their 500 point GHIII rivals, costing "only" 440 Microsoft points (around $5.49). Also, unlike GHIII, Rock Band will offer up single songs as downloads that'll range anywhere from 80 points ($.99) to 240 points ($2.99), but the vast majority will land at the 160 points ($1.99) level. Harmonix also released a five week DLC timetable outling what's availabe and when (all viewable after the break). New DLC will start rolling out the week of November 20th and will release every week thereafter. The only DLC details Harmonix has yet to confirm is facts on full album DLC. But we wouldn't worry, their liberal approach to pricing should put albums at or around 1400 points.
Best Buy's midnight Rock Band release
A few hand selected Best Buy stores in the US will be opening up their doors early AM next Tuesday for the launch of a little game called Rock Band. Best Buy is encouraging gamers to line up (we guess they were right) late Monday evening at participating stores for all the Rock Band launch fun and festivities. And even if you're not keen to purchasing the game you may still want to make the trip, because watching gamers try and get the massively large Rock Band box into their two-door coupe will be hilariously entertaining. And don't forget your camera.[Via MEGATONik]
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.
Timmy, Timmy! A South Park bonus in Rock Band
Rock Band purchasers will be in for a South Park treat when unlocking the game's bonus tracks, because Timmy is in the house.IGN got the scoop on a special South Park bonus track that'll be included in Rock Band entitled "Timmy & The Lords of the Underworld". And yes, it's the same song that was featured in the fourth season's "Timmy 2000" episode. A preview of the song is embedded above for your convenience and we hope you can hear and appreciate Timmy and the band's vocal range. Sweet, sweet harmony ... Tim-my, Tim-my, Tim-my!
Rock Band factoids galore
Multiplayer has posted a list of nine factoids about Rock Band that you might not know. Actually, the facts aren't all specifically about Rock Band, but they all have a little something to do with Harmonix at the very least. Maybe you wanted to know what it's like for the company to collaborate with MTV and EA, or perhaps you'd be interested in seeing how Rock Band mitigates lag while playing online. Perhaps the thought of more peripherals (like keyboards or cowbells) in future iterations of Rock Band tickles your fancy. Our favorite bit of info is learning about the Harmonix practice area in the basement where the various musicians at the company can practice playing real music.Actually, scratch that. Our favorite bit of info is a thinly veiled jab at Guitar Hero III and Neversoft. Co-founder Eran Egozy notes that Harmonix encourages its employees to play music because otherwise they would "just be fakers." He adds, "it's the combination of us being musicians and videogame makers that really makes us have that special quality. It's kind of pervasive throughout the entire company. We wouldn't bother trying to make skateboarding games." Ouch.Hit the "read" link for the full list of factoids.[Via Joystiq]
First few waves of Rock Band DLC revealed
Coming straight from the pages of the latest OXM and finding its way onto the ScoreHero forums is a list of the first few months of Rock Band downloadable content love. No prices or official dates have been revealed just yet, but the musical DLC will be headed to the XBLM with artist packs taking priority. Anyhoo, let's get to the music. Bands getting their own track packs include Queens of the Stone Age, The Police, Metallica, Black Sabbath and David Bowie. There will also be themed music packs like the Punk Pack and additional a la carte songs for download too. Complete list of confirmed Rock Band DLC is just a click away, follow our lead and go towards the break. Go towards the break!
