While browsing the internets from my phone while at work, I have come accross some pretty big sized announcements as of this week concerning my current favorite franchise, Rock Band. In an effort to collect and organize what we know so far, I have created this simple mini-FAQ to try and bring some focus

Rock Band mini-F.A.Q. v1.1

When ?

Xbox 360 – September North America release. Other systems will be released later in the year. No confirmed date for Europe.

Why the PS3 hate ?

Don’t yell, blame, and give an ‘F U’ to Microsoft, Harmonix, EA, or MTV just yet. This is not confirmed as your run of the mill ‘M$ gives moneyhats’ timed exclusive situation. The going theory is that Sony does not handle their DLC as well as Microsoft. I personally have seen the ease of transfer for one person to download Rock Band tracks on one PS3, then allow another user to download that track. Which is cool for us gamers to share content, but I doubt EA enjoys knowing this and need to implement a way to stop this.

That is just one theory though, but to back this up we all know the fact is Microsoft has this online thing streamlined, and a Harmonix rep has confirmed this by saying, “Microsoft has been a great partner throughout the launch of Rock Band in the last year and their continued support is instrumental in supporting the more advanced features and cross title compatibility we will have in Rock Band 2”

So what will I get?

Over 80 tracks. ALL master recordings.

Band World Tour online *nearly* confirmed with this quote, “I’m pretty sure John Drake (Harmonix PR Coordinator) will hit me if I confirm or deny anything, but I can say this: We’ve taken almost everything people have asked for in Rock Band and added it to Rock Band 2, as well as including some “first time ever” features. Our World Tour campaign mode is no exception to this.” – Dan Teasdale, Lead Designer

Quieter, more realistic, and more reliable instruments. Sturdier drums. Brown guitar. Something in mind for the person who likes to do vocals and guitars at the same time.

Rock Band 1 to Rock Band 2?

All Rock Band downloaded songs are ready for Rock Band 2. New feature will let you play old DLC “in different ways.” All Rock Band 2 DLC will be working in Rock Band 1. All instruments will work with Rock Band 2.

Bands/Songs?

Captured from G4 is this set of tracks, possible disc content or downloadable content:

Panic Attack is either Dream Theater, The Paddingtons, or Finger Eleven, speculation is running high across message boards worldwide. The rest is:

Chop Suey = System of a Down
Give It Away = Red Hot Chili Peppers
Everlong = Foo Fighters
Kids In America = by Kim Wilde
Ace of Spades = Motörhead
Hello There = Cheap Trick
Any Way You Want It = by Journey
Pinball Wizard = The Who

The picture above from IGN shows lyrics from Drain You by Nirvana.

AC/DC.

Anything similar to Guitar Hero World Tour song creation in Rock Band 2?

Though the guys at Harmonix are working on something, as of this moment, this is not scheduled for Rock Band 2, but a future title. Guesses so far are, expect something similar to Mtv’s Music Generator games that were on PS1/PS2/Xbox, rather than it being a tacked on feature.

Sources:
ConsoleHero
IGN interviews lead designer
IGN “Rock Band 2 this September”
ScoreHero forums
Eurogamer
Shacknews

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