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Rumor: Rock Band 2 setlist reportedly discovered by two sources
We've been chomping at the bit for any details about the complete setlist for Harmonix's upcoming sequel to last year's well-received rockstar simulator, Rock Band. We've learned of a few new tracks from a slip-up on G4 and a tip from an anonymous playtester, but even these substantial leaks only make up a drop in Rock Band 2's 80-song bucket. Luckily, two sources who claim to know the near-complete list of tunes included in the title recently posted their findings -- though their own sources don't exactly inspire confidence in the accuracy of their supposed setlists.Though their information evolved entirely from hearsay, there's quite a bit of overlap between the two lists, lending some amount of legitimacy to this rumor. Some of these overlapping tracks include Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer", The Presidents of the United States of America's "Lump", Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer" (Qu'est-ce que c'est?), and a long overdue "Pump It Up" by Elvis Costello. We've got both lists after the jump -- with a couple of weeks between us and E3, we'll be discovering the correctitude of these tracks soon enough.
No player-created tracks for Rock Band 2
Guitar Hero World Tour is going to let players make their own songs, so it only stands to reason that Rock Band 2 will as well, right? Right? Not according to Alex Rigopulos, the CEO and co-founder of Rock Band developer Harmonix.Speaking to CNN, Rigopulos states that his company "wanted to do [song creation] right." He adds that Harmonix is "taking a radically different approach" to player-created tracks – presumably he means from the way Guitar Hero World Tour dev Neversoft is handling it – and will "take more time to do it." So, Rock Band 3 with a song creator it is then, right? Right?
80+ tracks for Rock Band 2, no music creation
It's not surprising to hear that Rock Band 2 will be at E3 with some megaton details being dished out (including playlist), but it is quite luscious to hear that round two will feature over 80 tracks. That's quite an ambitious feat for MTV Games and Harmonix, especially with all songs being master recordings. Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos has said: "With Rock Band 2, the focus is on perfection of the experience. We've had a year to listen to our fans and build out the scope, depth and polish ..." Rock Band 2 is set to add more variety to the rhythm game with more female-fronted bands and new artists who've never contributed to games before.On another note, Rigopulos addressed that user-created music won't be coming to RB2. "We really felt like we wanted to do it right," said Rigopulos. "We're taking a radically different approach to that problem. It's something we wanted to take more time to do it right. It's actually something we're not focused on in Rock Band 2. We're really focused on other areas related to the music and bringing the community together." With 80+ tracks for the second game and a constant stream of DLC, we think we'll be too busy to actually care about user-created content anyway.
No music creation for Rock Band 2, says Harmonix CEO
Looks like Activision has won the latest battle in the war of the music games, as Rock Band 2 will not feature the music creation stuff that is going to be in Guitar Hero: World Tour. This was confirmed by Harmonix co-founder and CEO Alex Rigopulos in an interview with the Associated Press. "We really felt like we wanted to do it right," said Rigopulos. "We're taking a radically different approach to that problem. It's something we wanted to take more time to do it right. It's actually something we're not focused on in 'Rock Band 2.' We're really focused on other areas related to the music and bringing the community together." This is likely going to be a bummer for most of you who thought Rock Band 2 would excel over the ambitious World Tour. There's always the chance the music creation stuff in World Tour won't be fun or engaging, but we're not betting on that.
Rumor: Rock Band 2 setlist leak, part two
While we were already impressed by the originally leaked list of Rock Band 2 tracks, the latest leak has blown our collective minds. A thread on the Score Hero forums -- which has been locked and wiped by moderators for apparent NDA violations -- listed a new set of tracks for Rock Band 2. The listing comes from a user who claimed to have taken part in a play test of the game. It is plausable that the listing is legit due to the NDA violation discussion and subsequent moderation as well as the fact that the game is expected to be front and center at E3.As for the list? It includes such heavy hitters as "Testify" by Rage Against the Machine, "Peace Sells" by Megadeth, "Bad Reputation" by Joan Jett and so much more. Jump in for the full listing, but make sure you're sitting down ... this one could knock you off your feet!
Rumor: More Rock Band 2 tracks listed
A second partial Rock Band 2 setlist, supposedly culled from a playtest, popped up on the ScoreHero Forum recently, only to be removed and its author disciplined by a moderator. Lucky for you, a Joystiq tipster (thank you!) slipped a crumpled note into our back pocket with the same list: "Man in the Box" - Alice in Chains "We Got The Beat" - The Go Go "American Woman" - The Guess Who? (or Lenny Kravitz) "White Wedding" - Billy Idol "Aqua Lung" - Jethro Tull "Bad Reputation" - Joan Jett "One Step Closer" - Linkin Park "Peace Sells" - Megadeth "You Oughta Know" - Alanis Morissette "Testify" - Rage Against The Machine "Spoonman" - Soundgarden These 11 songs join the nine that were shown in a possible screen grab earlier this week, forming what could be roughly a quarter of the 80 or so master recordings to be featured on the Rock Band expansion sequel disc. Be sure to stretch it out and drink your fluids because the new "Endless Setlist" is shaping up to be a doozie.
Rumor: More Rock Band 2 songs leaked
Someone at the Score Hero forums recently got the chance to play test Rock Band 2 and they decided to post the tracks included in their session. A mod at the forum took the post down, but not before someone got the info over to Joystiq. Below, you can find these tracks: "Man in the Box" - Alice in Chains "We Got The Beat" - The Go Go "American Woman" - The Guess Who? (or Lenny Kravitz) "White Wedding" - Billy Idol "Aqua Lung" - Jethro Tull "Bad Reputation" - Joan Jett "One Step Closer" - Linkin Park "Peace Sells" - Megadeth "You Oughta Know" - Alanis Morissette "Testify" - Rage Against The Machine "Spoonman" - Soundgarden These join the other leaked tracks, which have been tucked past the break for those of you who missed them.
No create-a-track mode in Rock Band 2
With player created music tracks playing a pivotal role in Guitar Hero: World Tour, many may be wondering whether or not Rock Band 2 will also be incorporating such a feature. The answer, sadly, is no. In an interview with the Associated Press (the same interview that confirmed RB2 would have more than 80 tracks), Harmonix head Alex Rigopulos made it known that Rock Band 2 will not have any sort of player controlled track creation. Rigopulos noted that Harmonix wants to "do it right" when it comes to player created music. "We're taking a radically different approach to that problem. It's something we wanted to take more time to do it right. It's actually something we're not focused on in Rock Band 2," said Rigopulos, adding, "We're really focused on other areas related to the music and bringing the community together."So, no create-a-track and community togetherness. You know what would really bring the community together? Online Band World Tour mode. Think about it.[Via Eurogamer]
Rock Band 2's 80+ tracks set to be announced at E3
58 has been done before. 60 is too small of a jump. 70 is getting closer, but still isn't awe inspiring. Now 80, 80 is a number that can be celebrated and a number that accurately describes the number of master tracks that will be included with Rock Band 2.According to an AP interview with the CEO of Harmonix Alex Rigopulos, Rock Band 2 "will feature a playlist of over 80 songs -- all master recordings" including more " female-fronted bands and artists who have never contributed tunes to a music game." Rigopulos also confirmed that in a few weeks during E3, they plan on announcing the entire setlist for the game of which a few tracks have already been leaked. It's also interesting to hear that Harmonix plans on "broadening the musical genres of available downloadable content" for Rock Band, with MTV president Van Toffler mentioning that they plan to take the Rock Band platform and open it up to "the genres of music to country, hip-hop and R&B". Not so "Rock" Band, but musically diverse ... interesting.[Via Shacknews]
Rock Band 2 leaking songs all over the place
Rock Band 2 has been confirmed as not absent for the Wii, so the uber-popular music game will be seeing a sequel shortly. It takes time to manufacture all those instruments and get the "musical genius" process down pat, but once it's done the first time, it's easy to bang out sequels. G4's X-Play leaked a screenshot of the upcoming track list for RB2, and the new songs are: "Panic Attack" - Dream Theater (or Finger Eleven) "Chop Suey" - System of a Down "Give It Away" - Red Hot Chili Peppers "Everlong" - Foo Fighters "Kids in America" - Kim Wilde "Ace of Spades" - Motorhead "Hello There" - Cheap Trick "Any Way You Want It" - Journey "Pinball Wizard" - The Who If there aren't any songs there that tickle your fancy, then you're insane -- or Harmonix isn't doing it's job properly. Naturally the full list will be many times this amount, and the leakage may prompt further information to lurch forth very shortly. Rock Band 2 will be coming out for the Wii later this year.[Via Joystiq]
Rumor: Partial Rock Band 2 set list leaked
Sharp eyes from ScoreHero forum-goers have led to a possible set list leak for Rock Band 2. Spotted on a preview from X-Play, we now have a list of some songs that could either be: 1) new songs for Rock Band 2, or 2) future DLC. Here's a list of what you can see from the screenshot above: "Panic Attack" - Dream Theater (or Finger Eleven) "Chop Suey" - System of a Down "Give It Away" - Red Hot Chili Peppers "Everlong" - Foo Fighters "Kids in America" - Kim Wilde "Ace of Spades" - Motorhead "Hello There" - Cheap Trick "Anyway You Want It" - Journey "Pinball Wizard" - The Who Also note, songs that weren't mentioned on the list above were left out because they are currently available for purchase. If any of these songs prove to be true, whether DLC or on the next disc, then we're certainly happy with what the future of Rock Band holds.[Via Kotaku, X3F]
Rumor: Rock Band 2 partial setlist revealed on G4
A segment on G4's X-Play might have revealed some of the tracks of the upcoming Rock Band 2. The above screen capture (via Score Hero) shows 11 tracks. Two are DLC from the first Rock Band (note the different icon). The other 9: "Panic Attack" - Dream Theater (or Finger Eleven) "Chop Suey" - System of a Down "Give It Away" - Red Hot Chili Peppers "Everlong" - Foo Fighters "Kids in America" - Kim Wilde "Ace of Spades" - Motorhead "Hello There" - Cheap Trick "Any Way You Want It" - Journey "Pinball Wizard" - The Who The screen shot is unconfirmed, although if true we are very happy to see the Music Store interface integrated into the navigation menu. It's interesting to note that "Everlong" has also been confirmed for Guitar Hero World Tour. Also, "Pinball Wizard" is coming to Rock Band 1 as DLC, is this indicative of song overlap? Update: Our imagination must have been running wild, as Pinball Wizard is not part of the Best of The Who DLC.[Via X3F]
Rumor: Rock Band 2 setlist partially leaked
If a segment on X-Play is to be believed a partial list of Rock Band 2 tracks have been revealed. One tipster snapped a photo from the popular G4TV show that listed several tracks, identified as Rock Band 2 songs by a small "2" icon to the left of the track listing. The rumored tracks for Rock Band 2 include: "Panic Attack" - Dream Theater (or Finger Eleven) "Chop Suey" - System of a Down "Give It Away" - Red Hot Chili Peppers "Everlong" - Foo Fighters "Kids in America" - Kim Wilde "Ace of Spades" - Motorhead "Hello There" - Cheap Trick "Anyway You Want It" - Journey "Pinball Wizard" - The Who It's notable that "More Than a Feeling" from Boston and "All the Small Things" from Blink 182 are listed and appear to have a different identifying icon. Considering both were downloadable Rock Band content the icon could signify DLC or an originally released track. For now throw it in the rumor mill but were sure hope these tracks are final. Also, Pinball Wizard? What a great idea![Thanks, StLouisRibs7734. Image via ScoreHero]
UK Rock Band 2 release comment, "a misunderstanding"
UK gamers, you might want to take a seat for this one. Speaking with Eurogamer, EA has stated that there has been a misunderstanding regarding the UK release of Rock Band 2."There was a misunderstanding and there is no confirmed date for Europe," an unnamed spokesperson from EA told Eurogamer. Yesterday we reported an unnamed EA rep hinted at a possible simultaneous release for the upcoming title.Currently the only confirmed release information for the recently announced sequel is the title's Xbox 360 timed-exclusivity for a Stateside launch sometime in September. Could Rock Band 2 also suffer from a late release throughout North America much like the original which launched in December 2007 in Canada? Only time will tell. More information regarding the title is expected at E3 which kicks off on July 14.[Thanks for crushing UK dreams, Boff]
Wii Warm Up: Rock Band 2 vs World Tour
With Rock Band 2 being officially announced yesterday, we're wondering which will be the superior package for Wii fans, it or Guitar Hero: World Tour. We know World Tour is going to be an honest-to-goodness real port of the game, without any features being lost in the port to Wii. As for Rock Band 2, well, we don't know too much about features.Which one looks superior to you right now? Plan on picking up either? Not really a big fan of the genre? What say you all?
Rock Band guitars don't play nice with Guitar Hero: Aerosmith
While the above image comes from the Xbox 360 port of Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, we're fairly certain the same can be said of the Wii version of the game. In all likelihood, it doesn't play nice with your Rock Band guitar. But, considering how gimped Rock Band is for the Wii (let's hope that Rock Band 2 is a more full-fledged port, like Guitar Hero: World Tour), we're sure most of you are enjoying the game with your wireless Les Paul from Guitar Hero III.
Rock Band 2 expected to hit the UK this September
Looks like UK gamers aren't getting the short end of the stick when the band gets back together this September. Speaking with CVG a representative for Electronic Arts said Rock Band 2 is expected to hit shelves in the UK at the same time as its North American release. "We are expecting to see Rock Band 2 ship in September for the Xbox 360, with other platforms to follow," said the unnamed EA rep.If it were to happen a simultaneous release for Rock Band 2 would be a stark contrast to the original schedule that saw the first title take nearly 8 months to reach UK shores.Announced earlier today, Rock Band 2 promises to offer a wealth of gameplay enhancements, as well as the ability to play all previously purchased downloadable content from the popular original. Interestingly enough, the first Rock Band is still scheduled to release in the UK this August for the PS3, PS2 and Wii -- an Xbox 360 version was released on May 23.[Thanks, Webster1990]
Rock Band 2 gets official for this fall, new guitar revealed
While the original Rock Band is still going strong, Harmonix is already looking towards the next bit of kit that it hopes will be cluttering your place, with it now getting official with Rock Band 2 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. This time around, it seems the Xbox 360 will be getting a jump on things with a launch in September, with the PS3 version set to follow "later in the year." Both of those will, naturally, be coming with all new instruments, including the tasty Fender Stratocaster pictured above, but you will be able to use your current gear if you want to spare the extra clutter and save a few bucks. What's more, you'll also be able to carry over all your current downloaded content and, as IGN reports, you'll even be able to download and play new tracks on Rock Band 1 once Rock Band 2 is out. Of course, Harmonix is saving most of the details for E3 next month, but you can find a few more tidbits in IGN's interview with Harmonix's Dan Teasdale available at the read link below.
Rock Band 2 announced, Wii port absent [update]
Official word from on high has finally hit that EA's, well ... hit game, Rock Band, will be getting the sequel treatment. During an interview with IGN, lead designer Dan Teasdale talked up the new title, confirming DLC and instruments from the first game will be compatible with the second. Considering the game just released on Wii, we're not surprised that no Wii version of the sequel was announced.Should Wii owners expect the sequel to release on their platform of choice? Probably, but receiving the game later means that it could possibly be gimped, like its predecessor. But, hey, it's not all gloom and doom. At least we have Guitar Hero: World Tour to look forward to, right?Update: According to the AP, the Wii is getting the title. Later on this year, in fact. [Via Joystiq]
July 15th, Rock Band gets The Who DLC
You've been waiting for it, you've been demanding it and you've been whining for it for the past year. Rock Band downloadable content from The Who will officially be making its way into the Rock Band DLC library on Tuesday, July 15th. Woo-Who!Confirmation of The Who DLC comes from the official press release announcing Rock Band 2, where they mention that twelve songs from The Who including "My Generation" and "Who Are You" will release to the XBLM for $1.99 a track (160 MS points) or as a bundled download for $19.99 (1600 MS points). Note though that The Who DLC will NOT be the entire Who's Next album but will instead be a compilation of twelve tracks. The reason being that (as rumored) they had troubles locating the master recordings of certain songs. No matter though, we're getting twelve tracks from The Who, so be happy![Thanks, HazyCloud]
