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''Rock Band'' allows players to perform in virtual "bands" by providing up to four players with the ability to play three different instrument-based peripherals (a guitar peripheral for [[guitar]] and [[bass guitar]] sequences, a [[drum kit|drum]] peripheral, and a [[microphone]]). These instruments are used to simulate the playing of [[rock music]] by hitting scrolling notes on-screen. Players using next-gen consoles can interact through both online and offline multiplayer capabilities. In addition to the songs shipping on the game disc, potentially hundreds of new tracks will be made available as downloadable content.<ref name="alex-oxm">{{cite web | url = http://www.oxmonline.com/article/features/presses/rock-bands-alex-rigopulos-oxm-interview | title = Rock Band' Alex Rigopulous: The OXM Interview | publisher = [[Official Xbox Magazine]] | author = Dan Amrich and Dane Frederiksen | date = [[2007-11-13]] | accessdate = 2007-11-15}}</ref> The European version will include localized content for the different countries in the region, both downloadable and on disc.<ref name="gc07" />
''Rock Band'' allows players to perform in virtual "bands" by providing up to four players with the ability to play three different instrument-based peripherals (a guitar peripheral for [[guitar]] and [[bass guitar]] sequences, a [[drum kit|drum]] peripheral, and a [[microphone]]). These instruments are used to simulate the playing of [[rock music]] by hitting scrolling notes on-screen. Players using next-gen consoles can interact through both online and offline multiplayer capabilities. In addition to the songs shipping on the game disc, potentially hundreds of new tracks will be made available as downloadable content.<ref name="alex-oxm">{{cite web | url = http://www.oxmonline.com/article/features/presses/rock-bands-alex-rigopulos-oxm-interview | title = Rock Band' Alex Rigopulous: The OXM Interview | publisher = [[Official Xbox Magazine]] | author = Dan Amrich and Dane Frederiksen | date = [[2007-11-13]] | accessdate = 2007-11-15}}</ref> The European version will include localized content for the different countries in the region, both downloadable and on disc.<ref name="gc07" />


==Development history==
==Development history==
Harmonix was previously responsible for developing the gay [[Guitar Hero (series)|''Guitar Hero'' series]], while [[RedOctane]] manufactured the peripherals and owned the rights to the series. However, in June 2006, RedOctane was bought by [[Activision]], while in September 2006, Harmonix was purchased by [[MTV Networks]]. As a result of the two purchases, Harmonix would no longer be able to develop future ''Guitar Hero'' games. Instead, [[Neversoft]], a subsidiary of Activision, would take over development; the company released ''[[Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock]]'' on October 28, 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=14971 |title=Breaking: Guitar Hero Development Goes to Neversoft |accessdate=2007-10-13 |last=Brightman |first=James |date=[[2007-01-16]] |publisher=GameDaily BIZ}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/puzzle/guitarhero2/news.html?sid=6157997 |title=Guitar Hero going multi-platform |accessdate=2007-10-13 |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |date=[[2006-09-20]] |publisher=GameSpot}}</ref>
Harmonix was previously responsible for developing the [[Guitar Hero (series)|''Guitar Hero'' series]], while [[RedOctane]] manufactured the peripherals and owned the rights to the series. However, in June 2006, RedOctane was bought by [[Activision]], while in September 2006, Harmonix was purchased by [[MTV Networks]]. As a result of the two purchases, Harmonix would no longer be able to develop future ''Guitar Hero'' games. Instead, [[Neversoft]], a subsidiary of Activision, would take over development; the company released ''[[Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock]]'' on October 28, 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=14971 |title=Breaking: Guitar Hero Development Goes to Neversoft |accessdate=2007-10-13 |last=Brightman |first=James |date=[[2007-01-16]] |publisher=GameDaily BIZ}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/puzzle/guitarhero2/news.html?sid=6157997 |title=Guitar Hero going multi-platform |accessdate=2007-10-13 |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |date=[[2006-09-20]] |publisher=GameSpot}}</ref>


''Rock Band'' was first announced on [[April 1]], [[2007]].<ref name="USA Today">{{cite web |url=http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2007-04-01-rock-band_N.htm |title=Music games won't be solo gigs anymore | first = Mike | last = Snider | publisher=[[USA Today]] | date = [[2007-04-01]] | accessdate = 2007-04-02}}</ref> Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos said in the announcement that ''Rock Band'' "takes the core premise of ''Guitar Hero'' and expands it tenfold. It lets you create a complete collaborative band."<ref name="USA Today" /> While there has been no official announcement regarding a [[Wii]] version, when asked if there was a possibility of seeing the game on Wii, Rigopulos responded "Absolutely."<ref>{{cite web |title= Rock Band on Wii? |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/777/777553p1.html | publisher = [[IGN.com]] | first = Hilary | last = Goldstein | date [[2007-04-02]] | accessdate = 2007-11-11}}</ref>
''Rock Band'' was first announced on [[April 1]], [[2007]].<ref name="USA Today">{{cite web |url=http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2007-04-01-rock-band_N.htm |title=Music games won't be solo gigs anymore | first = Mike | last = Snider | publisher=[[USA Today]] | date = [[2007-04-01]] | accessdate = 2007-04-02}}</ref> Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos said in the announcement that ''Rock Band'' "takes the core premise of ''Guitar Hero'' and expands it tenfold. It lets you create a complete collaborative band."<ref name="USA Today" /> While there has been no official announcement regarding a [[Wii]] version, when asked if there was a possibility of seeing the game on Wii, Rigopulos responded "Absolutely."<ref>{{cite web |title= Rock Band on Wii? |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/777/777553p1.html | publisher = [[IGN.com]] | first = Hilary | last = Goldstein | date [[2007-04-02]] | accessdate = 2007-11-11}}</ref>

Revision as of 20:52, 12 December 2007

This article is about the video game. For the type of musical group, see Rock band.
Rock Band
Rock Band cover art
Developer(s)Harmonix Music Systems
Publisher(s)MTV Games
Designer(s)Harmonix Music Systems
Platform(s)PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2
Release
[2]
[4]
[5][6]
Genre(s)Music
Mode(s)Single player, Multiplayer

Rock Band is a music video game developed by Harmonix Music Systems, published by MTV Games, and distributed by Electronic Arts Partners. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions were released in the United States on November 20 2007,[1] while the PlayStation 2 version will be released in North America on December 18 2007.[2] The game will be available in Canada on December 17, 2007,[3] and will be released in Europe in early 2008.[5]

Rock Band allows players to perform in virtual "bands" by providing up to four players with the ability to play three different instrument-based peripherals (a guitar peripheral for guitar and bass guitar sequences, a drum peripheral, and a microphone). These instruments are used to simulate the playing of rock music by hitting scrolling notes on-screen. Players using next-gen consoles can interact through both online and offline multiplayer capabilities. In addition to the songs shipping on the game disc, potentially hundreds of new tracks will be made available as downloadable content.[8] The European version will include localized content for the different countries in the region, both downloadable and on disc.[5] 

==Development history==

Harmonix was previously responsible for developing the Guitar Hero series, while RedOctane manufactured the peripherals and owned the rights to the series. However, in June 2006, RedOctane was bought by Activision, while in September 2006, Harmonix was purchased by MTV Networks. As a result of the two purchases, Harmonix would no longer be able to develop future Guitar Hero games. Instead, Neversoft, a subsidiary of Activision, would take over development; the company released Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock on October 28, 2007.[9][10]

Rock Band was first announced on April 1, 2007.[11] Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos said in the announcement that Rock Band "takes the core premise of Guitar Hero and expands it tenfold. It lets you create a complete collaborative band."[11] While there has been no official announcement regarding a Wii version, when asked if there was a possibility of seeing the game on Wii, Rigopulos responded "Absolutely."[12]

Current Harmonix parent company MTV has been providing both financial and creative support to the development process, leveraging its stature to facilitate deals with record companies for licensing rights to songs.[11] Several record companies have pledged their support by offering master recordings.[13]

Pressed for office space, Harmonix was forced to move its offices in the middle of Rock Band's beta period in order to support the company's 130-person staff.[14]

Rock Band was a featured game at the 2007 E3 convention and provided one of the exhibition's highlights; Harmonix employees and Microsoft executive Peter Moore played the game on-stage, performing The Hives' "Main Offender". Moore infamously paused the game twice when he accidentally hit the guitar's Xbox Guide button.

Although the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the game were developed in-house, Harmonix outsourced development of the PlayStation 2 version. Additionally, the PlayStation 2 version will not support online gameplay or downloadable content. One representative said, "Rock Band is built as a next generation title with a focus on downloadable content and online multiplayer. The PS2 just isn't built for those ideas."[15]

Harmonix faced difficulty in making the Xbox 360 guitar wireless, as developers are charged a licensing fee to use Microsoft's wireless technology. If Harmonix chose to pay the fee, the two next-generation bundles of Rock Band would have sold at different price points. Instead, Harmonix elected to choose a wired technology for the Xbox 360 bundle's guitar.[15]

In response to criticism of past methods of calibrating audio/video lag, Harmonix implemented a more extensive method of calibration by stress-testing a variety of brands and models of HDTVs and stereo systems.[16] Players can select from preset calibration options to match their television type (CRT, plasma, etc). Alternatively, they can manually calibrate in a two-step process that syncs the audio/video and then compensates for the perceived lag.

Gameplay

Each instrument is represented by a different interface: bass (left), drums (middle), lead guitar (right), vocals (top). The Band Meter (green meter on left) measures the performance of each band member, while the Overdrive Meter (gold meter beneath each interface) tracks each player's Overdrive.
See also: Common gameplay elements in the Guitar Hero series and Gameplay in the Karaoke Revolution series

Reusing many gameplay elements from the popular Guitar Hero series, Rock Band players use peripherals modeled after musical instruments to simulate the performance of rock music. Players must play these instruments in time with musical "notes" as they scroll towards them on the screen. Rock Band expands upon the Guitar Hero series, in that it offers gameplay for drums and vocals, in addition to lead and bass guitars. The game features independent single-player campaigns for three of the instruments (lead guitar, drums, and voice) called "Solo Tour Mode",[17] as well as a band campaign for 2-4 local players called "Band World Tour".[17][18][19] Multiplayer modes (except for Band World Tour) support online and local players for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions, while the PlayStation 2 version will only support local players.[17]

Players can create and customize their own in-game character, complete with adjustable hair, body physique, clothing, tattoos, onstage movements, and instruments. Each character is permanently locked into a specific instrument. Using cash earned within the game, the player may purchase items at the in-game "Rock Shop", with which they can customize their rock star. Players can also use an art maker to create custom face paint, tattoos, clothing designs, and band logos.[18]

On-screen, Game Informer describes the game as a combination of the Guitar Hero and Karaoke Revolution gameplay elements.[20] Instead of a single guitar neck (as there is in Guitar Hero), there are three vertically scrolling sections along the bottom of the screen, one each for lead guitar, drums, and bass.[20] For lead guitar and bass, the colored notes correspond to the fret buttons on the guitar controller. For the drums, the colored notes correspond to the drum pads, while the orange horizontal line note represents the bass drum.[20] Along the top of the screen is the vocals display, which scrolls horizontally, similar to Karaoke Revolution. The lyrics display beneath green bars, which represent the pitch of the individual vocal elements.[20] The remainder of the screen is used to display the band's characters as they perform.

Within the main co-operative mode, all players earn points towards a common score, though score multipliers and "Overdrive" (the equivalent of Guitar Hero's "Star Power") are tracked separately for each player.[20] The bass guitar player can raise his/her multiplier to 6x, as opposed to the traditional 4x, because as noted by a GameSpot preview, "bass can get a little dry sometimes."[21] Overdrive is collected during special portions of a song by successfully playing all white notes within that section (and for guitarists, by also using the whammy bar to extract Overdrive from white sustained notes).[22] Once the meter is filled halfway, players can deploy their Overdrive. In solo play, deploying Overdrive will double the player's score multiplier. However, in band play, activating Overdrive increases the band's score multiplier. Deploying Overdrive also results in the "Band Meter" (which tracks how well each player is doing) changing more dramatically. This allows players to strategically use Overdrive to raise the Band Meter and pass portions of a song they otherwise might have failed. Additionally, players can now deploy Overdrive independently of each other (previous Guitar Hero games required players in Co-Operative mode to deploy Star Power simultaneously), as well as collect additional Overdrive while it is deployed and draining (previous Guitar Hero games hid additional Star Power sections while it was activated).[22]

Each band member can choose the difficulty at which they play (spanning Easy, Medium, Hard, and Expert). If a player does not play well enough and falls to the bottom of the Band Meter, they will fail out of the song and their instrument will be muted from the audio mix. However, any active player can activate their Overdrive to bring failed players back into the song.[20] Special portions of songs are labeled as "Unison Phrases"; if players can play their parts perfectly in these sections, the band will be rewarded with a score bonus. Select songs will end with a special "Big Rock Ending", which gives the players a chance to improvise and earn extra points. If each player successfully plays the notes that follow the freestyle portion of the "Big Rock Ending", the band will earn all points earned in the "Big Rock Ending". Otherwise, the bonus is lost.

Band World Tour mode

The world map in Band World Tour, which allows the band to select a city, venue, and setlist.

"Band World Tour" is the game's primary multiplayer mode. It allows any combination of 2-4 local players to create a virtual band, play gigs, and tour a virtual representation of the world. Although online play is not supported for Band World Tour, players can use the Band Co-Op Play mode to play together as a band online.[19] In Band World Tour mode, bands can play in 41 different venues spanning 17 cities, including Los Angeles, Boston, New York, London, Stockholm, and Rome.[23] After creating their own rock characters, the band members will choose a starting city and play a few concerts in small venues at that location until they unlock a van, which will in turn unlock neighboring cities.[23] Eventually, players will unlock tour buses and private jets, which will unlock more cities and different continents. Successful performances will earn the band fans (which are used as a metric of measuring the band's popularity), stars (which accumulate based on the success of each individual song performed), and in-game cash (which each player can spend at the "Rock Shop").[24] Most cities and larger venues require the band to achieve a certain number of fans and stars before they are unlocked. In the process of meeting these requirements, bands will eventually begin to play larger venues in cities they have already visited. Thus, bands will loop around cities multiple times, playing larger venues on each visit.[23] This was intended to mimic the real-life nature of touring for emerging bands.[23] In-game venues are inspired by real-life venues, as well as local art styles from each of the represented cities.[23]

Rather than complete predetermined sets of songs (like in previous releases in the Guitar Hero series), players will complete unique sets of activities at each venue. Some performances consist of single songs, mystery setlists, or specific challenges.[24] Players will also be faced with decisions that Harmonix refers to as "risk-versus-reward".[24] Bands need to choose which sized venue they perform at carefully, as a poor performance at a larger venue poses a greater threat of the band losing fans.[24] For certain performances, bands will be faced with an optional double-or-nothing challenge that will result in a doubled cash reward upon completion, or none at all upon failure.[24] Bands can also choose to perform a benefit concert (earning no in-game money but garnering more fans) or "sell-out" (earning more in-game money but losing fans).[24] Additionally, bands can also hire band managers and roadies, as well as compete for a record deal with a recording label.[24]

The "Endless Setlist" becomes unlocked after completing most objectives within Band World Tour mode. Players will get to experience an all-day concert atmosphere, as the setlist requires playing the entire game disc's setlist from start to finish without having the chance to back out.[25]

Solo Tour modes

"Solo Tour" is a single-player mode offered for the lead guitar, drum, and microphone peripherals (there is no support for bass). Rather than feature the open-ended gameplay and features of Band World Tour mode, Solo Tour is structured much in the same vein as the career mode in previous Guitar Hero games. Players will choose/create their character and complete a predetermined list of songs ordered by difficulty, with each instrument's setlist ordered differently. Players can use money earned for each performance to purchase merchandise at the "Rock Shop". The character's cash will carry over into Band World Tour mode, and vice versa.

Other modes

Players can individually compete against each other for each instrument type in the "Tug of War" (much like Guitar Hero's "Face-off", in which players trade playing sections of a song to move a meter in their favor) and "Score Duel" (much like Guitar Hero II's "Pro Face-off", in which each player plays the song in its entirety to earn points). These head-to-head modes are available both online (for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions) and locally.[26] "Band Quick Play" mode supports any combination of 2-4 local or online players to play as a band in the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions, while PlayStation 2 only supports 2-4 local players. Also included in Rock Band are "Tutorial Mode", which allows players to learn how to play each instrument, and "Practice Mode", which allows players to practice songs for each instrument.[17]

Instrument peripherals

The Fender Stratocaster guitar controller, which features 10 frets, a whammy bar, and an effects switch.
The drumset, which features 4 pads, a bass drum pedal, and real drumsticks.

The game features special Rock Band-branded guitar controllers modeled after the Fender Stratocaster to be used for the lead and bass guitar gameplay; these are similar to the Guitar Hero controllers. The Stratocaster controller has 5 additional fret buttons of smaller size located further up the neck. These buttons can be used in special solo sections to play all notes as hammer-ons and pull-offs, with no strumming necessary.[20] Additionally, the controller features an effects pickup switch that can toggle between five different effects (none, wah-wah, flange, chorus, and echo). The controller will be offered in both wired and wireless versions.[17] Overdrive for guitarists can be deployed by holding the controller in a vertical position or pressing the "Select" button. Rock Band features a "Lefty Flip" setting, supporting left-handed guitar players; additionally, the strap peg on the Stratocaster controller can be moved to the other arm of the guitar, allowing comfortable use of the strap by lefties. Harmonix has confirmed Guitar Hero guitar controllers and additional third-party controllers are compatible with the game,[20][17] including the new Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Gibson Les Paul controllers, with the exception of the PlayStation 3 Les Paul peripheral.[27] However, the Rock Band Stratocaster guitar is not compatible with Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.[28]

Rock Band's USB microphone instrument is similar to the model used in the Harmonix-developed Karaoke Revolution games. Players can use most other USB microphones, while Xbox 360 users can substitute their console's headset, if they wish.[7] According to an article in Game Informer, "Vocalists sing along to the rock tunes as they always have. Additionally, a phoneme detector will pick up the individual vowels and consonants."[29][20] Some sections without vocals will display circle notes, allowing for the microphone to be used as a tambourine and cowbell by tapping it or making vocal cues. Overdrive for singers can be deployed by singing in freestyle vocal sections of songs, denoted by yellow artwork in the background of the vocals interface.

The drum controller features four drum pads (each consisting of a rubber-like surface supported by a foam layer underneath) and a kick pedal. The pads have colored rings around the edges that correspond to the notes onscreen, representing, from left to right, the snare drum (red), hi-hat (yellow), tom-tom (blue), and crash cymbal (green). The kick pedal simulates the bass drum. The four pads will commonly change functionality to represent other drums, depending on the requirements of a song. For example, yellow and green will sometimes act as additional toms, and both blue and green can function as ride cymbals. The default pad order can be reversed using the "Lefty Flip" option in the game. Included with the game is a pair of authentic drum sticks. The legs of the drum peripheral can adjust in height or be detached if the player wishes to place it on a table-top, while the kick pedal can be moved laterally.[30] The drum controller also features standard controller buttons in the middle of the peripheral for navigating in-game menus. Drummers can improvise in special "freestyle drum fill" sections of songs, indicated by the columns for each note turning a solid color. Overdrive for drummers can be deployed by hitting the crash cymbal (green note) that appears directly after a freestyle drum fill. Harmonix representatives have suggested, "If you can play the drum parts on hard, you can pretty much play the drums [in reality]."[18][17]

Soundtrack

Main article: List of songs in Rock Band

The soundtrack for Rock Band features 58 playable tracks on the game disc; 45 of these are featured tracks in the main setlist, while the other 13 tracks are "bonus songs" by independent or lesser-known bands, as well as bands made up of Harmonix employees.[31][32] In total, 51 of the 58 songs are master recordings. Featured tracks include Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Dani California", Blue Öyster Cult's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper", Metallica's "Enter Sandman", OK Go's "Here It Goes Again", Deep Purple's "Highway Star", Foo Fighters' "Learn to Fly", David Bowie's "Suffragette City", Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive", and The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again". Localized content differences between the regional releases of the game, both on-disc and through downloadable content, have been announced but not specified.[5]

Harmonix co-founder Alex Rigopulos commented that the game's soundtrack would be "covering a great breadth, from metal to classic rock to Southern rock to everything in between".[33] Five record labels agreed to supply master recordings by their artists for use in the game, including EMI Music, Hollywood Records, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group's Universal Music Enterprises, and Warner Music Group's Rhino Entertainment.[34]

In the months leading up to the game's release, Harmonix took requests from fans for possible songs and bands to be included in the game. Fans were able to visit to the game's official site and nominate up to four songs they wanted to be in the game.[35]

Downloadable content

See also: Downloadable content in Rock Band

The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game support downloadable tracks, including complete albums. Users can download the albums (or packs of songs) in their entirety or on a track-by-track basis.[36] Harmonix has likened the Rock Band game to a new platform for future music releases, and the company hopes to build the library of downloadable content up to hundreds of tracks within the first year of the game's release by releasing new content on a weekly basis.[8] Fifteen tracks were made available at the game's launch date. Downloadable tracks will be playable within every game mode,[7] including the Band World Tour career mode.[24]

The first downloadable album will be Who's Next by The Who, although no release date has been set.[37] Other downloadable albums include Nirvana's Nevermind[38] and an unspecified Metallica album.[39] Furthermore, MTV Senior Vice President Paul DeGooyer has announced that they will use Rock Band as the first venue to premiere a single from Metallica's upcoming album.[40] Currently, song packs containing three songs are priced at $5.49, while individual songs are available for $1.99, which will be the standard cost for the majority of downloadable tracks. However, future songs will cost as little as $.99 and as much as $2.99. The price for downloadable albums has yet to be announced.[41]

Online community

On October 25 2007, Harmonix and MTV announced RockBand.com will be transformed into a community website for Rock Band at launch. The site will allow for leaderboards, customizable band profile pages with stats, a classified area for bands to find additional members, band blogs, online forums, band photo shoots, and other sharing features.[42] Additionally, the website will allow bands to interact with their in-game characters in a variety of ways. Players can pose their avatars, create fake album art for their band, and order T-shirts and bumper stickers based on these creations.[8] Players will also be able to purchase figurines based on their in-game characters.[8]

The community website was absent at the game's launch, as Harmonix stated that they were delaying the site a few weeks to fix bugs and complete features. It will be launched in early December.[43]

Promotion

MTV and Harmonix have promoted Rock Band heavily in the months leading up to the game's release. The game is making a nationwide promotional tour of the United States.[44] Several tour buses will be making stops at major American cities to set up demo stations and showcase playable versions of the game for fans.[44] Many of the locations include college campuses. Additionally, fan-created "bands" were able audition on-stage by playing the game; their performances were recorded and sent to MTV casting directors, who selected two bands to appear on TRL in a "battle of the bands". The promotional tour commenced with a featured showcase at the MTV Video Music Awards in Las Vegas on September 9 2007.[44]

MTV will be investing in additional promotions that total approximately $30 million.[45] The game will be set up within the homes of The Real World participants, allowing for on-air visibility.[45] VH1 also produced a brief spoof documentary in the style of Behind the Music titled "Rock Band Cometh: The Rock Band Band Story", documenting a fictional band that plays the game.[45]

The game has also appeared in demo kiosks at Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and Sam's Club stores. The demo contains 15 songs and supports gameplay for all 4 instruments (although the actual in-store setup varies). The demo's drum set lacks a bass pedal, with the game automatically playing bass drum notes.

Bundle and pricing

Special Edition bundles
Features Xbox 360 PlayStation 3 PlayStation 2
Price US$169.99 US$169.99 US$159.99
Release date (US) November 20 2007 November 20 2007 December 18 2007
Game software Yes Yes Yes
Guitar controller Yes (Wired) Yes (Wireless) Yes (Wireless)
Drum controller Yes Yes Yes
Microphone Yes Yes Yes
USB hub Yes No Yes

For months, many video game retailers began speculating that Rock Band would primarily be available in a bundle that packaged the game software, guitar controller, drum controller, and microphone. MTV confirmed the bundle's contents and price point on September 28 2007. The "Special Edition" bundle includes the game software, as well as guitar, drum, and microphone peripherals; the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 bundles cost US$169.99, while the PlayStation 2 bundle costs US$159.99.[46] The PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 bundles include a wireless guitar, whereas the Xbox 360 bundle contains a wired guitar (a separate wireless guitar will be made available for the Xbox 360 at a later date). Additionally, a USB hub is included in the Xbox 360 bundle and PlayStation 2 bundle, in order to increase the number of available USB ports on the console.[47][48] In the same announcement, MTV said Rock Band would be released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on November 23 2007 Black Friday, one of the busiest shopping days in the United States.[46] However, the release date was eventually moved to November 20 2007, three days earlier.[1]

The game software is available for purchase individually,[49] allowing players with a USB microphone or a compatible guitar controller to take advantage of the vocals, lead guitar, and bass guitar gameplay. However, individual Rock Band-branded instruments will not be available until January 31 2008.[15]

Reception

Publication Score
1UP.com 9.0/10[50]
Game Informer 9.25/10[51]
GamePro 5/5[52]
GameSpot 9.0/10[53]
IGN 9.4/10[54]
Official Xbox Magazine 9.5/10
Wired 10/10[55]
X-Play 5/5

Prior to release, EA CEO John Riccitielo remarked that the company would not be able to meet the high demand for Rock Band in the 2007 holiday season, stating, "We're not going to be able to put enough inventory to meet demand in North America or Europe this calendar year or this fiscal [year]."[56] This prompted many retailers to limit the amount of preorders they sold before the game was released.

Official Xbox Magazine published the first review of the game, scoring it a 9.5/10. IGN.com awarded the game a 9.4/10 score, largely praising it and calling it "one of the must-have games of the year" and suggesting it "may just be among the best party games ever released".[54] 1UP.com rated the game a 9.0/10,[50] stating that "Rock Band unquestionably, unequivocally rocks." GameSpot also gave the game a 9.0/10, calling it "one of the best party games of all time". They also gave the game their Editor's Choice award.[53] The Xbox 360 version of Rock Band has an average critic score of 94%, according to Metacritic, making it tied for the 3rd highest scored Xbox 360 of all time.[57] Similarly, the PlayStation 3 version of Rock Band has an average critic score of 91% on Metacritic, making it the 3rd highest scored PlayStation 3 game of all time.[58]

Most critics have commended the game's group gameplay, the depth of Band World Tour mode, and the introduction of a drum peripheral. Common complaints about the game focus on the different feel of the packaged Fender Stratocaster controller, as well as the game's Solo Tour modes not being as enjoyable as the multiplayer offerings. IGN's video review lamented the lack of a single player Band World Tour mode.

Awards

Rock Band was featured at the 2007 E3 convention, garnering much attention and receiving awards, including the Game Critics' "Best of E3 2007" awards for "Best of Show", "Best Hardware/Peripheral", and "Best Social/Casual/Puzzle",[59] 1UP.com's "Best of E3",[60] and GameSpot's "Best Stage Demo"[61] and "Best Xbox 360 Game".[62]

Rock Band won 2 awards at the Spike TV Video Game Awards, receiving honors for Best Rhythm Game and Best Soundtrack, while the game's developer, Harmonix, won Studio of the Year.[63]

GameTap named Rock Band the number one Rhythm/Music game of all time.[64]

Technical issues

Upon release, many players reported hardware issues with Rock Band peripherals. Many complaints stemmed from the bass drum pedal snapping in half and the Stratocaster controller's strum bar being unresponsive. Other players discovered the PlayStation 3 Les Paul guitar controller is not currently compatible with the PlayStation 3 version of Rock Band. This came despite previous confirmation that the Xbox 360 versions of the Les Paul controller and Rock Band are compatible, as well as Harmonix stating that any controllers that followed the open-controller standard would work. In response to these issues, Harmonix admitted the guitars bundled with initial shipment of the game bundles were subject to manufacturing issues that caused problems with the strum bars, and has stated that they will replace all faulty guitars. Players affected by faulty peripherals can take advantage of the 60 day warranty on the peripherals and obtain replacements from EA. Harmonix also noted that it is looking into the PlayStation 3 controller incompatibility issues.[65] EA has responded to delayed shipments of replacement peripherals by offering affected customers a free copy of an EA game.

References

  1. ^ a b c Accardo, Sal (2007-10-18). "Rock Band Preview". GameSpy. Retrieved 2007-10-18. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
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External links


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