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Beatles Rock Band features multi-mic support, harmonious performances?
Wouldn't it be great if you and your mop top-clad friends could all sing together in the upcoming The Beatles: Rock Band? According to a rumor found in the latest issue of Game Informer, Harmonix is doing just that: including multiple-microphone support for players to harmonize on the tracks. Not much else is given, but a NeoGAF forum poster who last week claimed to have played an early version adds that three mics were being used -- one for each instrument -- and there was also a new harmony trainer mode to ensure your vocal talents were up to snuff. We'd advise a good bit of skepticism, no matter how much sense it seems to make or how many of you dreams would come true if this turned out legit. In the meantime, you can go back to deciding which of the Fab Four you're gonna pretend to be first when the game launches on September 9.[Via Joystiq]Read - Multi-mic supportRead - Harmony trainer
The Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition bundle to contain replica bass, drums
GameStop just announced details of the Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition Premium Bundle. According to an email sent out to customers, the Bundle will include a a Höfner bass, "The Beatles-inspired and Ludwig-branded Rock Band drums with classic pearl finish, a metal kick pedal and a vintage replica drumhead," a microphone and stand, as well as "additional special content." We're guessing that the drum set's careful description means it'll be an embellished Rock Band 2 drum set, rather than an accurate replica of Ludwig drums. You can get an idea of what it's supposed to look like at the game's website. And we're also guessing that EA couldn't get the rights to a Rickenbacker guitar. Even if it is Paul McCartney's bass, the inclusion of a bass and no guitar seems odd!The email teases an upcoming The Beatles: Rock Band Pre-order Club, which enables members to "receive breaking news and access to exclusive game elements, including art and behind-the-scenes footage." You know, if you're a huge fan of ... pre-ordering.
Beatles to re-release catalog alongside The Beatles: Rock Band
In case you weren't otherwise convinced of the hugeness of the September 9th The Beatles: Rock Band release, that date now also marks the re-release of the band's catalog, digitally remastered for the first time. Each of the 12 original records will be bundled with a mini-documentary.Also released alongside the game: Two new Beatles collections, and, if you want your significant other to really resent you, a 10-CD collection of Beatles recordings in mono -- perfect for snobs, people with one ear, and one-eared snobs.
The Beatles: Rock Band features unreleased material
The hits and classics won't be the only tunes found in The Beatles: Rock Band, says George Harrison's son Dhani. He told Billboard.com that Harmonix's new game will feature Beatles material "that has never been heard, never been released." Dhani is apparently one of the prime movers for getting this game out in the first place, revealing that work on the title started two years ago. Dhani says The Beatles game will be "totally, historically accurate." Does that mean we're going to see a Yoko Ono scenario? Let us know, Dhani, before the game's September 9 release.[Via Destructoid]
The Beatles: Rock Band launching worldwide on 9/9/09
Okay, so it will be a Rock Band game. Apple Corps LTD., Harmonix and MTV Games have announced that rock music's dream cast, The Beatles, will be reduced to multicolored note charts on 9/9/09, when the "The Beatles: Rock Band" launches worldwide on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii. The "unprecedented, experiential progression through and celebration of the music and artistry of The Beatles" will allow players to tackle a cavalcade of culturally monumental songs via mic, drums and guitars, all included in a Limited Edition Premium bundle for $250 (all platforms) and "modeled after instruments used by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr throughout their career." Standalone guitars will also be available ($100), as will separate game discs ($60, all platforms) for those already surrounded by Instrument Protagonist equipment. According to the press release, The Beatles: Rock Band will be compatible with all prior Rock Band instruments and "other current music-based game peripherals." And now we wait until September. God, we hope the person behind the store counter is named Jude. It's going to be SO funny when we ask for a copy.Update: Speaking to an MTV representative, we confirmed that despite the "collaborative decision" to append the Rock Band brand, The Beatles will remain a "custom, standalone, dedicated game experience." MTV and Harmonix are not willing to discuss matters regarding DLC or song importation yet.
The Beatles come to 'Rock Band,' instruments and all (update)
Do you love the Beatles? Do you love Rock Band? Are you ready to totally lose it? If you said yes, that's good -- because MTV Games and Harmonix have just announced a partnership with Apple Corps, Ltd. to bring the band's music and instruments to the Rock Band universe. According to the PR, the game (which apparently lets you do all kinds of awesome Beatles-related rocking) will also premiere with a set of new hardware "modeled after instruments used by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr throughout their career." Right now they've just got a holder page up with a launch date of September 9th, but as soon as we get our eyes on the gear, we'll let you know.Update: Here's some more information to cleanse your pallet. The game, known henceforth as The Beatles: Rock Band, will be sold software-only for $60 on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii (note the extra Hamilton over the usual Nintendo pricing). The standalone guitars will be sold separately for $100, and if you're opting for the Limited Edition Premium Bundle, featuring the game and all instruments, it'll set you back $250. No word on pricing outside of US just yet. Despite the Rock Band branding, it's considered a standalone title and no one is talking right now about any connectivity, downloadable content or transferring of songs between Beatles and other RB games. According to Joystiq, you'll be able to rock out to 45 songs from the band's 1962 to 1969 EMI catalog. Full press release after the break.
MTV's Beatles game to feature 'early days' and 'psychedelic' periods
In a brief interview with Entertainment Weekly, Sir Paul McCartney shed some light on the this year's upcoming Beatles music game. McCartney confirmed that the 45 Beatles tracks will come from "different periods of the band" and that gamers will be treated to "early days, Liverpool, then psychedelic, and on from there." Of course, we all know who the final boss is going to be.Ever since Harmonix announced plans to release a standalone Beatles music game, we've been kept in the dark regarding the game's details. So, even though we're still mostly fumbling around within its dimly lit development, Mr. McCartney has come to the rescue with a shimmer of informative light. Even if it's just a BIC lighter.[Via IGN]
McCartney on iTunes: "We want it to happen"
The cutest Beatle, Sir Paul McCartney, did an interview with Entertainment Weekly recently for his new album, and the long-running subject of the Beatles on iTunes came up right at the last question. At this point, this is probably our favorite Apple failure -- they've reinvented the way we listen to music, they've made smartphones mainstream, they've constantly re-created and revolutionized the personal computer, and yet they've never been able to get the best band in history on their iTunes service.Not for lack of trying, says Sir Paul. He says that he's down with it, and that both sides are still trying to come to an agreement, but that "we" (presuming that means the band themselves) definitely "want it to happen." But he also says that "the record company" (presumably Apple Records, who have had their troubles with Apple Computers in the past) "was taken over by new people quite recently, so there is a gridlock of sorts." So we continue to wait for The Beatles to show up on iTunes.Meanwhile, they are apparently going ahead with the Rock Band version featuring The Beatles -- McCartney says that Harmonix is still planning to put the music in the console videogame/band simulator, and that they're going to feature The Beatles in different eras: "early days, Liverpool, then psychedelic, and on from there. It's very cool." Sounds like it -- even if we can't play the White Album from AppleTV, at least we'll be able to do it from the Xbox.
John Lennon eerily returns to push OLPC cause
John Lennon may have departed this planet 28 years ago, but that's not to say he can't still have an impact. With the assistance of technology and the consent of Yoko Ono, the heralded Beatle has returned in a new OLPC spot. In the ad, the late musician proclaims: "Imagine every child no matter where in the world they were could access a universe of knowledge. They would have a chance to learn, to dream, to achieve anything they want." If this sounds like just the inspiration you needed to get your donation on, hop on past the break to see the vid in its entirety.[Via Laptop Mag]
Harmonix talks the game that is not Rock Band: Beatles
First of all, don't call it Rock Band: Beatles. Harmonix's John Drake and Dan Teasdale don't like it. No, in fact, this is a completely separate game. How do we know? We've read the latest interview where Teasdale and Drake talk about the upcoming game.While they don't specifically say it will be on Wii, they do mention the game coming to multiple consoles and, let's face it, ignoring the Wii's base is foolish. They've been working on the game for 17 months before it was even confirmed as real, so they've had plenty of time to work on all versions of the game. But, considering the company's inability to take the console seriously in the past, should we even expect the game to release on the Wii? Or would we get another gimped port?Sadly, a great deal of the interview talks about Rock Band 2, so we don't really have much more to go on concerning this upcoming Beatles-based music game. They did say that the game would be encompassing the entire Beatles catalog, so that's something!
Sorry, Rock Banders, no Beatles for you
When it was revealed via conference call that MTV had scored the rights to the Beatles for an upcoming game, many questions arose. What music would the game include? Would it be a Rock Band spin-off? Would it work with any of the Rock Band games? Well, sadly, we have an answer on that last one.According to Reuters, there won't be any compatibility between the upcoming Beatles-specific game and the Rock Band games from Harmonix. There won't even be a chance to download the Beatles songs into a Rock Band game. Hopefully, down the line, we'll get hope that this will change. For the time being, however, just look forward to the Beatles-specific game and be sure to tell us what you're looking forward to playing.
45 songs headed to Beatles game
A new detail regarding the Harmonix Beatles game came to light today. According to a report in Variety (lots of news from them lately), Harmonix "will be able to select 45 songs from the Beatles catalog recorded during their 1962-69 tenure within EMI" for the game (does that mean Let It Be is off the table?). The article also reports that the chosen songs will be overseen by Giles Martin and his father George, who was previously the Beatles' producer. It remains unknown whether or not the original recordings will be remastered or reworked for the game, with Giles Martin noting, "We are trying to present the songs as they were played, adhering to the (original) mix."Of course, the only real question is which 45 songs will be appearing in the game. Feel free to post your favorites in the comments.[Via Joystiq]
Variety: 45 songs from catalog for Beatles game
In addition to yesterday's volley of news about The Beatles' rhythm game, Variety has a few new details. According to the publication, who spoke with Apple Corps CEO Jeff Jones, Harmonix can select 45 songs from The Beatles' 1962 to 1969 EMI catalog. Apologies to all who were dying for a cameo from The Quarrymen. Ladies and gentlemen, you now have a number. It's time to start making those "confirmed track lists" you all are so fond of sending us.Giles Martin, who served as music director to Cirque du Soleil's Beatles Love alongside father and Beatles producer George Martin, will oversee the game's music. Still no word on whether the original recordings will be remastered or not. Additionally, Sony/ATV Music Publishing CEO Martin Brandier told Variety that the deal was -- shocker -- unprecedentedly expensive. "We signed a deal that would be considered very rich by the videogame company but fair for the artists," he said. "It will have online implications that will be enormous."
MTV and Apple Corp. announce Beatles music game [update]
During a conference call, Apple Corps, administrators of the Beatles' catalog, Harmonix, and MTV officially announced the upcoming release of a Beatles Rock Band standalone game, which features a "visual exploration" of Beatles history. This is the first time the Beatles' music has been featured in a video game, according to the announcement. This will be a separate disc release "built from the ground up" (according to Harmonix president Alex Rigopulos), rather than downloadable content, and features production supervision by Giles Martin, son of longtime Beatles producer. We'll have more details as they are announced.[Update: It will "not be a Rock Band title; it will be a custom game," according to Rigopulos. It sounds like it will be visually different, and not just a Beatles skin for Rock Band. It is planned for next year's holiday season. In addition, Harmonix is "not ready to talk about" Rock Band interoperability.][Update 2: they're "not prepared to discuss" new peripherals.][Update 3: they're also not prepared to specify the platforms on which the new game will be released.][Update 4: specifics of the music included in the game are not being discussed, but Harmonix wants to include music from the "span" of the Beatles' career.]
MTV and Apple Corps announce Beatles game
Not that it's much of a surprise anymore, but Apple Corps (not this one) and MTV have announced Rock Band: The Beatles an untitled Beatles music project, to be developed by Harmonix. While not a Rock Band expansion, this is a pretty major coup over Activision, owners of the Guitar Hero franchise. We're in the conference call now. More details to follow.Notes from the conference call: "This will not be a Rock Band title, this will be a custom title" Journey through The Beatles first album through their last -- "samples" from their whole catalog "A number of new dimensions" that you haven't seen from Harmonix before Just in time for the holidays ... in 2009 Tracks are based on UK releases -- the idea is to play the songs through The Beatles career (not remixed or remastered tracks, we think) Is the imagery tied to the existing art from the songs and albums? The developers aren't prepared to talk about specifics, but "visual imagery" is a big part of the project Interoperability is not something that's being talked about yet "Very little" can be said about the game itself today. "MTV and Harmonix was clearly the innovator in this category of games" -- Apple Corps was really impressed with Harmonix's creative and musical approach "It's not a Rock Band game, it's a Beatles game. They deserve a fully dedicated title. [The game] takes advantage of the Rock Band platform in many ways ... [and it's] going to be compatible with existing Rock Band peripherals" -- we can assume that instruments from other music games (e.g., Guitar Hero) will also be supported No hardware platforms announced No comment on licensing Beatles tunes for other games -- this is an exclusive arrangement for Beatles music in video games (as for digital distribution of The Beatles catalog on music services (e.g., iTunes): Apple Corps is still working out details; no announcement to make nor date nor anything else!)
FT.com also confirms Beatles in Rock Band
FT.com revisits a story it's been following all along: the inclusion of The Beatles library in one of the two reigning rhythm game kings. The winner, of course, is MTV's Rock Band. Though already confirmed last night by the Wall Street Journal, the official announcement isn't until 10am Joystiq Time, so we're offering you this as a second verification.Beyond the basics – The Beatles haven't licensed their music digitally anywhere else; Activision made its own pitch for the content and while the FT piece doesn't offer much new, it does reflect the scale of these music licensing negotiations. That MTV acquisition sure makes a lot more sense now, eh? We'll bring you more around 10am.
The Beatles in Rock Band; MTV & Apple Corps tease 'unprecedented project' [update]
Apple Corps Ltd., the company founded by The Beatles to administer the band's music catalog, and MTV today teased "an exclusive agreement to develop a global music project." The two camps are scheduled to make an official announcement tomorrow, Thursday, October 30th at 10 am ET (2 pm in the UK). No further details have been presented, save for tomorrow's, uh, presenters: Apple Corps CEO Jeff Jones, MTV CEO Judy McGrath and President of MTV Networks Van Toffler. Our highly tuned power of intuition tells us MTV has landed a deal to get The Beatles in Rock Band, either as a standalone product (à la the AC/DC Track Pack) or as DLC -- heck, why not both? In June, FT.com reported that MTV and Activision were both dangling bags of money before Apple Corps for The Beatles rights. Guess who had the bigger bag?Update: The Wall Street Journal's sources say it's true: "The Beatles have licensed songs to MTV Networks' Rock Band video game series." Details mañana.[Thanks, oolz]
Beatles Collector's Box includes limited edition 120GB iPod classic, leaves the ripping to you
Listen up, Ringo Beatles fans -- your holiday gift has just been located, and it's on aisle 17 in Bloomingdale's. The somewhat janky limited edition collector's box is a dream come true for fanatics of the Fab Four, packing 13 original Beatles' CDs, an engraved guitar pick, two masters and the "Love" CD -- none of which are available via the iTunes Music Store, mind you. Just 2,500 of the $795 sets are available, but -- humorously enough -- you'll be stuck ripping and transferring every last disc onto your individually numbered, etched-with-a-Beatles-logo 120GB iPod classic. Ah well, at least this scenario lets you choose your own bitrate, right?
Wings, Steve Miller join Guitar Hero WT line-up
Yesterday, Rolling Stone revealed nine new tracks for Guitar Hero World Tour, including "Band on the Run" by Paul McCartney's Wings. That means we're just an "I Got My Mind Set On You," a "It Don't Come Easy" and an "Imagine" away from the Beatles sort of being in GHWT. It's quite the coup.Also of note is Steve Miller Band's "The Joker," the song that even our stoner uncle Ricky is sick of at this point, and he's seen Up In Smoke 217 times. Check the full list after the jump.[Via NWF]
The Digital Continuum: On WAR comparisons
I'm going to start this week's The Digital Continuum off with an obvious, yet necessary, disclaimer: This is my (ie Kyle Horner's) opinion and not Massively's.A high horse can be ridden and a dead horse can be beaten, but can some people get over their assiduous horse fetishes? Apparently, no, they can't. I'm speaking of course about knee-jerk, marketing-mannequin reactions that some people seem to have when Warhammer Online is compared to World of Warcraft. It's almost as though doing such a thing has become a sacred cow, which cannot -- and verily should not -- dare be brought up. Why? "Well, because such discussion occurs ad infinium." someone will say. I say to them, "And rightfully so." Because for all the things Warhammer Online does that are unlike World of Warcraft, it's still a very comparable MMO.
