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Joystiq hands-on: Rock Band
Honestly, the first thing we thought when we looked at Rock Band was, "Hey! Guitar Hero!" Although right after that we thought "Guitar Hero! Plus drums and a microphone!" Because that's literally what it is. Thankfully, it also rocks. That's due in no small part to the fact that it's been developed by Harmonix, who trailblazed the way into our rocking hearts with the original Guitar Hero I and II. Almost everyone who played Guitar Hero instantly thought "Hey, why don't they add drums, a microphone, a keyboard, and cowbell to this thing?" It seemed like a no-brainer that eventually a game would come out featuring a full band, but we just didn't expect it to be that quick. Especially since Guitar Hero II was still burning up the charts and had just come out on the 360. %Gallery-3923%
Rob Pardo at the Hollywood and Games Summit
The always awesome Alice Taylor from Wonderland was at the Hollywood and Games Summit this past week, and Blizzard's Rob Pardo made an appearance in a panel about creating a "parallel experience" between entertainment media and MMOs. Alice put up summaries of the various points made, and the result is a pretty interesting read into how Blizzard is working on their upcoming Warcraft movie.The whole panel is a good read (reps from MTV and Sony also make appearances to talk about how they're taking audiences across media), but Pardo specifically makes the point that in whatever media you're in, you have to balance how you're using that media against how you're using the intellectual property the media is based on. "Demographics," he says, "follow the IP," so Blizzard clearly thinks that if a Warcraft movie is released, that Warcraft players will run to see it in droves. But at the same time, he says the media must define how you use the IP-- Warcraft RTS is a different experience than WoW, and WoW will be (supposedly) a different experience than a Warcraft movie. He does want to make sure "the epic scale of the IP shows up in that movie."He also speaks to Blizzard's plans to make "episodic content" for WoW rather than "boxed content," and says that they haven't delivered content as fast as they've wanted to yet. But he also claims, "We've got our head round it now." So maybe they really will have a new expansion for us ready on time next year.
PSP Fanboy hands-on: Jackass
This may come as a shock: Jackass: The Game is good.What is Jackass? The game is based off of the popular MTV franchise, and it captures the spirit of the show's crazy antics through a series of minigames. Yes, it sounds like it belongs on the Wii, but for now it's set for release on PSP and PS2. In a rather unusual move, it appears that the PSP version is the "lead" version of the title, as it features a number of improvements over its console brethren.Each game is relatively simple, with controls that rarely use more than the analog stick and a single button. In the first few episodes we played, you control a Jackass in a tumultuous drop down a San Francisco street, dance in your undies, catapult yourself across a suburban town, shoot paintballs, and race in a golf car. While some of the games have some irksome controls, each level is enhanced the solid graphics, detailed motion captured animations, voice acting, and irresistible irresponsible charm. There are various goals to achieve in each level, which certainly adds a lot more replay value.
Jam out with more Rock Band instruments
More Rock Band instruments have crept onto the internet this week. Found in the latest Game Informer, we now have our first glimpse of the drums and microphone. The microphone has a very polished and professional look to it. What's more, it looks like it can stand up to some punishment, which is good since it's going to double as a tambourine. The drums (currently a prototype model) take a step back towards a more toy-like appearance, which is unfortunate in light of the authenticity of the guitar. Each drum pad is surrounded by the corresponding color, which we definitely prefer to coloring the pads themselves. There is also what appears to be a pedal for the bass drum as well.So, which instrument will you "play" when Rock Band makes its debut?[Via Engadget]
Rock Band's microphone, prototype drum set unveiled
Hot on the heels of Rock Band's Stratocaster (which we've now learned will act as the guitar and bass) being unveiled, a scan from Game Informer has blessed us with shots of the game's (apparently) wireless microphone and drum set. The mic, which appears to be standard fare, could potential come bundled with the game, and it is even noted that Harmonix may support "other USB microphones as well." The real standout here, however, is the prototype drum set, which reportedly "won't change much" from the picture you see above. Notably, the game will also include a "real pair of wooden sticks," and those who have fallen head over heels for their current Guitar Hero II controller will appreciate the ability to use it with Rock Band. Click on through to see the page scan in its entirety.
Verizon carrying MTV's first full-length mobile film
Now that Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel have movie downloads for that 2 inch screen, why not direct content producers? MTV wants in the game, so the entertainment network will be extending its "My Super Sweet 16" television series into the mobile realm using Verizon's VCAST TV. MTV's "Super Sweet 16: The Movie" has debuted exclusively on Verizon's MedialFLO-powered VCAST after hitting Comcast's on-demand cable service earlier this week. This before even the DVD release sometime in July. Will teen Verizon mobile television customers even care? MTV sure wants them to.[Via textually.org]
Rock Band Stratocaster controller revealed
It's always comforting to put a face to a name, and for those who have been raucously awaiting more details on the elusive Rock Band controller, dig in. According to a purported GameStop newsletter, the ten-button axe does indeed favor a Fender Stratocaster, and while the frets appear fairly subtle head-on, those looking down on the device will notice the colorful labels (shown after the jump) that they've grown used to. Additionally, the tidbit also divulged that the instrument "would allow players to manipulate sound through reverb, flange, wah, delay and more," but there was no mention of the presumably lofty pricetag that this thing would eventually sport. Looks like the Fender fanboys will soon be able to really duel it out with the Gibson purists, eh?
Behold, the Rock Band guitar!
In the latest GameStop newsletter, we get our first glimpse of the Rock Band Fender Stratocaster guitar. It's clear that Harmonix, EA, and MTV are aiming for an authentic music experience, as the controller appears to be a genuine guitar at first glance. As we've revealed before, the controller features 10 buttons, five at the top of the neck and five at the bottom. The button colors are cleverly positioned on both sides of the neck, effectively ditching the toy-like design of previous Guitar Hero controllers. The newsletter also reveals that players will have many effects, including, "reverb, flange, wah, delay and more." We have to agree with Joystiq though, it's high time we started hearing about how much Rock Band is going to cost.See a close-up of the buttons after the break.
Rock Band guitar shown in latest GameStop newsletter
We knew the Rock Band guitar was going to be based on the Fender Stratocaster and now, thanks to a GameStop newsletter, we get the clear internet-ready picture of what it'll actually look like. The ten button controller (you read that right, check out another pic after the break) has five frets at the top and another five frets of the same color below. Considering we haven't seen the in-game interface, we assume these are for the designated solo sections mentioned in the Game Informer info released last week. The button colors can not be seen from the front, but are viewable from the player's perspective when they're rocking out.The GameStop blurb also says that the guitar will allow players to manipulate sound through "reverb, flange, wah, delay and more." This thing looks great, but there is still absolutely no word yet on official pricing. It's time to talk cheddar and unless EA/MTV/Harmonix got some insane deals in manufacturing, we're starting to be just a tad concerned about the matter. Let's hope we can put a price on this music soon.Update: Just to be clear about pricing, it's still up in the air. We contacted Harmonix and were told, "We have not finalized any pricing or packaging details for Rock Band at this point. Any speculation at this point is just that -- speculation."[Thanks Chris]
Zune Marketplace to get MTV, VH1, and CMT content?
A tenacious Zune user has recently stumbled across some potentially eyebrow-raising information while dipping into the device's desktop software files. It seems that embedded in an innocent looking ZuneMarketPlace.dll file is some internal code that suggests a new content partnership with MTV, VH1, and CMT for the Zune Marketplace. We know that Zune software has its roots in Windows Media Player, and Microsoft and MTV are pretty tight with their Urge integration in WMP11 -- but that doesn't necessarily mean this is holdover code. The found strings are very specific about mentioning "VH1 on Zune" and the like, so that's clearly cause for speculation. Too bad they didn't find anything about Lionsgate or some other movie studios though, this thing is way overdue for some video content.
Fresh Rockband details simply rock
Over at NeoGAF, Sallokin posted brand new Rockband details that come from next month's issue of Game Informer. Highlights from the article include descriptions of all the instrument peripherals (sorry, no pictures), confirmation that the microphone doubles as a tambourine during longer guitar solos, extensive character customization, and the idea that the whole band doesn't fail when one member doesn't live up to their rockstar status. Also interesting to note is that Rockband branded guitars will include five additional fret buttons (ten total) for special solo sections. The article also confirms four songs from the game (all master tracks) including Weezer's "Say It Ain't So", Black Sabbath's "Paranoid", The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again", and Nirvana's "In Bloom". Make the jump for random tidbits of Rockband info that may make you say "Guitar Hero III who?".
Harmonix needs Rock Band song suggestions
Harmonix needs your help. With their wannabe Guitar Hero killer Rock Band releasing later this year, Harmonix is looking to the community for songs to include in the game. To tell them about a song/band, head on over to Rock Band's official website and suggest up to four rocking songs that you feel would be a great fit for the game. MTV and Harmonix will then look at all the suggestions, tally up the most popular, and try their darnedest to include the top songs in the game. It's kind of like a musical democracy.We just have to ask, what songs will you be requesting to be included in Rock Band?[Via IGN]
Totilo and Croal argue about Halo 3
For the most part, MTV's Stephen Totilo and N'Gai Croal of Newsweek don't seem to like Halo 3. In a new series of back-and-forth journalism called Vs., these two are debating the merits of Halo 3"s multiplayer. There have been two parts to the article so far, and right now the consensus is essentially that Halo 3 is too hard. Specifically, learning Halo 3 can be unforgiving. Unfortunately, for many Halo players, this is completely true. There are no training modes, unless you count the campaign. Most people aren't concerned with teaching others how to play either. This leaves the uninitiated to absorb weapon strategies, map layouts, and gametypes by themselves, which can be a daunting task. Then again, Croal and Totilo also have yet to figure out how to initiate team speak (hint: press any direction on the D-pad, fellas).We have to point out, though, that the Halo 3 multiplayer beta really isn't the best arena to judge Halo 3's multiplayer. That may sound strange, given that it is a multiplayer beta after all, but it's true. Right now, the Halo 3 beta is crowded with a relatively small sample of Halo fanatics (several million short of the projected pre-order numbers). These are people who live and breathe Halo, people who went through the Rule of Three, people who spent $60 on Crackdown just to play the beta. Naturally, you're going to be running into lots of people who are better than you. This smaller sampling also limits the effectiveness of the ranking system, as there are fewer people with smaller amounts of skill disparity. Also, and this is important considering N'Gai's misty-eyed memories of LAN parties gone by, there are no custom games in the beta (not officially anyway). Given that N'Gai is vocal about his displeasure at playing with strangers, custom games with friends sound like just what the doctor ordered.If Stephen or N'Gai is reading this, we'd be happy to show you both some friendly matches of Halo. The rest of you can read parts 1 and 2 of the series below.[Via HBO]Read part 1Read part 2
'Jackass' game much less threatening than TV show
You know, we always enjoyed that Jackass program, but thought it would be much improved without the threat of physical injury. Thankfully, Red Mile Entertainment and MTV Games have heard our prayers. Jackass will appear in game form on the DS, PS2 and PSP on Sept. 24. That information alone is probably enough for you to fill in the blanks, but we'll ruin the suspense. It's a series of 35 minigames featuring the likenesses of some of the show's stars. Some are based on actual stunts from the defunct show and some are ideas that Johnny Knoxville and crew had dreamed up but never performed.The Hollywood Reporter quotes Knoxville as saying "We just hope that our video game is as crappy as our movies." Well, John, with your game not appearing on any current-gen consoles, we feel fairly confident that our dream of a safer Jackass won't be the only one to be fulfilled.
Lower your expectations: Jackass coming to the DS
You know what's missing from your DS? The ability to do exactly what every episode of Jackass has warned you not to do: try their brand of Jackassery at home. Thanks to the power of video games, however, you and your "dumb buddies" will get to relive all the best moments of the films and show ... if, that is, your favorites happen to be included in the upcoming game coming to the PSP, the PS2, and our own DS.The game, which hits shelves in September, will feature 35 stunts, set up like mini-games, and some will be all new ideas that were never implemented by the crew. From these, players create their own "episodes," complete with ratings; the more pain and punishment you inflict upon your mini-Jackasses, the better your score. Johnny Knoxville offered up this seminal quote when talking about his dreams for the title. "We just hope that our video game is as crappy as our movies."
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Wireless 'Les Paul' guitars revealed with Guitar Hero III details
Today RedOctane have released some new details about Guitar Hero 3. Perhaps most excitingly, they have revealed that controllers for the next gen consoles will be wireless. Great news for everyone who kept getting tangled up whilst rocking out to the previous two games. The controller itself will be in the shape of a Gibson Les Paul (pictured) for the PlayStation 3. The Playstation 2, however, will have a Gibson Kramer shaped controller instead. Presumably this is due to the PS2's lack of bluetooth, so expect it to be either wired or to include some kind of USB plug-in. Other announcements for the game include 'a new multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a bevy of exclusive unlockable content and authentic rock venues', as well as online play. The game will take advantage of RedOctane's partnership with MTV by including a large number of original tracks, rather than covers. Hopefully this will reduce the production time for downloadable songs. Speaking of tracks, below are a few names to get your juices flowing. Let us know what you think of them. Expect the game out before the end of the year. Paint It Black (by The Rolling Stones) Cherub Rock (by Smashing Pumpkins) Sabotage (by Beastie Boys) The Metal (by Tenacious D) My Name is Jonas (by Weezer) Knights of Cydonia (by Muse) Rock And Roll All Nite (as made famous by Kiss) School's Out (as made famous by Alice Cooper) Slow Ride (as made famous by Fog Hat) Cult of Personality (by Living Colour) Barracuda (as made famous by Heart)
Harmonix doing best to keep Rock Band price 'affordable'
How much are Harmonix's Rock Band peripherals going to cost? Harmonix's Art Director Ryan Lesser said in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz that the $300 price cited for the full Rock Band peripheral set by Gamestop is false, and even went so far as to say the $150 - $200 price brought up in focus testing wasn't correct either. How low (or high) can she go? Form a line, it's time to limbo!Lesser says, "There's no way we're going to make a game that people are not going to be happy about buying. We scrutinize every little piece that goes into every peripheral to make sure that it's affordable and still really high quality." He added, "I think when it's just rumor and no one has anything tangible to hold on to, people can be afraid -- but the fact is we're very conscious of it, and we're doing our best to make it awesome and affordable."Lesser says one of his "orders" was not to "let anyone know anything about pricing" of the peripherals and says Harmonix is far from releasing the actual price of peripherals at this point for reasons he can't talk about. We just need to know how big our coin jar needs to be to start saving. Nutella jar size, pickle jar size or, you know, much bigger?
Rock Band's peripheral prices in focus testing
Time to get serious about pricing with the Rock Band peripherals. We hope to find out soon if a Rock Band funding jar needs to be set next to the PS3 jar. As we reported earlier this week, the sticker price of Rock Band currently on Gamestop's website, including all peripherals, rings up to between $300 - $350 USD. Although some make the arguement that you're only supposed to pick one peripheral and then the price isn't so bad, we prefer to get our games "whole," with the option of inviting friends, sorority houses and/or The Osmonds over to play.GameSpot reports that focus testing is currently being done to see where consumers will find "the price is right." Their "reliable" source says the focus-group was asked if a Rock Band bundle package with "a wireless guitar, a drum kit and a microphone" would be reasonable at $200. The idea wasn't "terribly popular." Around the $150 mark is where the focus-group apparenly got on the bus to funkytown. A Harmonix representative admits to the testing and told GameSpot, "We are conducting consumer focus groups for Rock Band but have not finalized any pricing or packaging details. Any speculation at this point is just that -- speculation." Part of the focus testing also involved discussion over a Wii version of Rock Band, although Xbox 360 and PS3 are the only two systems currently slated. Either way, $200 or $150 for a bundle that includes Rock Band and 3 of the 4 peripherals isn't so awful. That second guitar missing from the bundle may or may not be a controversial added buy, but we still need to wait and hear official word. Still, $200 and under is a far less jagged little pill to swallow than the "estimated" $300 that Gamestop continues to list.
Rock Band's dubious $300 Gamestop price
Gamestop listed prices for EA/MTV/Harmonix mega-title Rock Band's peripherals and we sincerely hope there is an error. Before going any further, please take this info with a brick of salt until we've received official word on pricing from the cluster of companies involved in handling this title. Also, Gamestop's website is notoriously unreliable in early pricing. So, here we go, just prepare yourself: Rock Band - $59.99 (No shock there, Xbox 360 and PS3 both listed) Rock Band drums set - $79.99 (Yikes) Rock Band microphone - $49.99 (Wha?) Rock Band guitar controller - $59.99 (No, get serious now) Rock Band wireless guitar - $79.99 (ARE YOU FRACKIN' ... wait, wait, wireless controller, hmm?) The cost of Rock Band, according to this very early, very dubious, listing would come in at $309.95 wired ($349.95 wireless). Did EA and Harmonix flat-out err in judgement going into the peripheral manufacturing business on their own, or does Gamestop simply need to update their pricing? Turn the insanity up to 11 if this is true. Now, how do we afford our Rock n' Roll lifestyle?Update: Apparently this issue came up a month ago. A representative for Rock Band said at the time, "Let me nip this one in the bud right now. Those are estimated prices and not official in any even remote way. We haven't even decided on prices ultimately, much less announced them." Then why are these "estimated" numbers still floating out there and shouldn't somebody pick up the phone and go tell Gamestop corporate? If these prices are merely "estimates," they're the bad kind of estimation.[Thanks Vlad]
Rock Band guitar modeled after Fender Stratocaster
Just when you've finally gotten that old PS2 guitar to work on your shiny new PS3, along comes news of the next plastic instrument from Harmonix. The one-time Guitar Hero devs are busy working on Rock Band for their new corporate overlords at MTV and, part and parcel to that enterprise, is the creation of an entire suite of new instrument-based controllers. First on that list is the guitar, which will be modeled after the legendary Fender Stratocaster, so all you would-be Jimmy Pages out there can play the part that much better (no word on possible Led Zeppelin songs, so our hunger strike continues). Along with the Fender deal, they've announced branding arrangements with Roland (they make synthtastic synthesizers) and BOSS (they make boss guitar effects pedals). They did not announce potential marketing partners for the drum and microphone peripherals, but we imagine they won't be settling for no-name knockoffs. Trouble is, aren't these peripherals gonna be pricey enough already? Inquiring nerds wants to know: what's the Fender name adding to the bottom line?
