Rock Band - Released! Available! Buy now!

[Chaz]

With the GH3 controller you can't:
-Use the effects switch to enable wah-wah, flange, chorus, or echo
-Use the extra 5 frets to play special sections without any strumming

So the extra five buttons lower on the guitar neck are used instead of the top and strumming?  I'm confused.

There are special blue solo sections in the songs.  If you want, you can play those normally.  However, you can also swap to the lower set of buttons, and play the solo essentially finger-tapping.  ie: it's like they're all ho/po notes, but you have to be rhythmically accurate.  Using those buttons is totally optional, but it's a neat option to have.  They also function as normal fret buttons, you can play the entire song up there if you want.

[ATB]

Edit: I went ahead and canceled. I plan on picking the game up next year, once they've had time to get the world tour online patch and
a bit of dl content up. Between Crysis, Mass Effect, Mario Galaxy and Assassin's Creed, my limited game time will be full.

Might have been worthwhile keeping it and trying to flip it on Ebay if there's a shortage through the holidays.

I'm so torn about this game I don't know what to do either though.  The drum kit is SO appealing to me. Shelling out 170.00 for a game that doesn't let me play the best parts and has a meh song list (imo) is the other side of the equation. 

Overall though, I'm keeping my preorder. Whether I actually open it is still TBD.

[disarm]

finding out that i can't play BWT without another person physically present is a huge problem for those of us who don't have anyone to play with on a regular basis...means i'll miss out on what sounds like one of the coolest features in the game for an unspecified amount of time until they make the online patch available.  i was on the verge of putting my order in this week, but now i'm not so sure...

as for the new website...very cool design and some great new video footage.  watching the drummer in Rock Band move not only with realism, but also a little bit of enthusiasm for what he's doing, makes the animation in GH3 seem that much worse in comparison.  i really hate sites that automatically resize my browser window though 

[Knightshade Dragon]

finding out that i can't play BWT without another person physically present is a huge problem for those of us who don't have anyone to play with on a regular basis...means i'll miss out on what sounds like one of the coolest features in the game for an unspecified amount of time until they make the online patch available.  i was on the verge of putting my order in this week, but now i'm not so sure..

Wait, what?  BTW?  Another person?  I missed something while I was away.  Please 'splain?

[Booner]

Wait, what?  BTW?  Another person?  I missed something while I was away.  Please 'splain?

No world tour in Singleplayer....only the GH style solo-mode.

More info here.

[wonderpug]

finding out that i can't play BWT without another person physically present is a huge problem for those of us who don't have anyone to play with on a regular basis...means i'll miss out on what sounds like one of the coolest features in the game for an unspecified amount of time until they make the online patch available.  i was on the verge of putting my order in this week, but now i'm not so sure..

Wait, what?  BTW?  Another person?  I missed something while I was away.  Please 'splain?

Band World Tour: with the travelling and fans and neato stuff we've heard about.  This is multiplayer only, with multiplayer meaning a 2 person minimum.  Also, as of now you can only do this with everyone physically present at the same Xbox multiplayer, not online.  New rumor mill reports are in that an online version of this will be patched in at some point.  (Please!)

[disarm]

Wait, what?  BTW?  Another person?  I missed something while I was away.  Please 'splain?

No world tour in Singleplayer....only the GH style solo-mode.

More info here.

yep...no World Tour unless you actually have someone physically present to play a second instrument at the same time...no single-player tour and no online tour for now.  as someone who has very rarely had anyone present to play GH with over the last few months, i'm out of luck until that patch is released.  even then, you'll still be dependent on the availability of other online players that are part of your group when you want to play that aspect of the game.

[PeteRock]

For those concerned about playing with other bandmates, if you live in the Phoenix area, we'll be having Rock Band get-togethers fairly regularly.  The only requirements are that you enjoy beer, laughing, and rock and roll.  We live in Chandler and always enjoy entertaining guests.  In between sets we have a saltwater aquarium, two puppies, and a fridge full of beer for passing the time between rock-out sessions. 

We have 10 to 15 friends salivating over the upcoming release of Rock Band, and I doubt we'll ever get any of them out of our living room, but I see no reason why we can't add more to the mix.  I don't think there's any limitation on background vocals, and for songs like "Wanted Dead or Alive" singing along is a requirement. 

[ATB]

Wait, what?  BTW?  Another person?  I missed something while I was away.  Please 'splain?

No world tour in Singleplayer....only the GH style solo-mode.

More info here.

yep...no World Tour unless you actually have someone physically present to play a second instrument at the same time...no single-player tour and no online tour for now.  as someone who has very rarely had anyone present to play GH with over the last few months, i'm out of luck until that patch is released.  even then, you'll still be dependent on the availability of other online players that are part of your group when you want to play that aspect of the game.

This is my circumstance exactly.  <sigh>

[PeteRock]

Sounds like some of you need to get out there and start posting fliers:

[SpicyJ]

Pete, that's a good idea. I'm in Gilbert...so I may be taking a few trips up your way for some band goodness.

[PeteRock]

Pete, that's a good idea. I'm in Gilbert...so I may be taking a few trips up your way for some band goodness.

Where in Gilbert?  We're at Warner and McQueen (which is Mesa Drive north of Baseline).  And are you planning to buy Rock Band?  If so, then you open up an opportunity for some drum-off sessions, as we'll be the only ones buying Rock Band in our circle of friends.

[Knightshade Dragon]

For those concerned about playing with other bandmates, if you live in the Phoenix area, we'll be having Rock Band get-togethers fairly regularly.  The only requirements are that you enjoy beer, laughing, and rock and roll.  We live in Chandler and always enjoy entertaining guests.  In between sets we have a saltwater aquarium, two puppies, and a fridge full of beer for passing the time between rock-out sessions. 

We have 10 to 15 friends salivating over the upcoming release of Rock Band, and I doubt we'll ever get any of them out of our living room, but I see no reason why we can't add more to the mix.  I don't think there's any limitation on background vocals, and for songs like "Wanted Dead or Alive" singing along is a requirement. 

Guess I'll be meeting you in person Pete.  You'll get to meet Laura too.   I'm looking forward to meeting your pups!

[Szgany]

Might have been worthwhile keeping it and trying to flip it on Ebay if there's a shortage through the holidays.

I've considered doing that, but I've made it a point in the past not to do so. I hate to think that some kid will go without the game
this season because his parents can't afford the huge markup I put on it. If I run across the game at Best Buy, when I go to pick
up Mass Effect, I might go ahead and pick it up.

[PeteRock]

For those concerned about playing with other bandmates, if you live in the Phoenix area, we'll be having Rock Band get-togethers fairly regularly.  The only requirements are that you enjoy beer, laughing, and rock and roll.  We live in Chandler and always enjoy entertaining guests.  In between sets we have a saltwater aquarium, two puppies, and a fridge full of beer for passing the time between rock-out sessions. 

We have 10 to 15 friends salivating over the upcoming release of Rock Band, and I doubt we'll ever get any of them out of our living room, but I see no reason why we can't add more to the mix.  I don't think there's any limitation on background vocals, and for songs like "Wanted Dead or Alive" singing along is a requirement. 

Guess I'll be meeting you in person Pete.  You'll get to meet Laura too.   I'm looking forward to meeting your pups!

I'll let my wife know that we can expect a few more guests for our inaugural Rock Band tour kick-off party.  Our first big party is probably going to be scheduled for Saturday, December 1.  We'll be in Pittsburgh for Thanksgiving from the 21st until the 26th (right when our damn copy of the game will arrive), and because our patience will already be taxed by being away from Rock Band until the 26th we'll want to have our big get-together immediately after our return, and the 1st is the next weekend we'll be home.  Plus, as we near the holidays scheduling will become more and more of a challenge, especially since we leave for Pittsburgh for Christmas on the 19th of December and don't return home until January 2nd, so the 1st of December is pretty much ideal. 

Of course, after the New Year we'll be having Rock Band get-togethers fairly regularly, and we could very well have one again on the following weekend (the 8th) also.  I'll keep you posted on details as we iron them out.   

[ATB]

I wish I lived in Phoenix  .

[PeteRock]

I wish I lived in Phoenix  .

Dude, we're going to have strobe lights, a disco ball, and fog.  That almost makes at least a weekend trip out here a necessity.

[CrayolaSmoker]

I wish I lived in Phoenix  .

Dude, we're going to have strobe lights, a disco ball, and fog.  That almost makes at least a weekend trip out here a necessity.

[jersoc]

http://www.vh1.com/shows/events/rock_band_band/

This is just beyond awesome.

[wonderpug]

How much did South Park just hurt Rock Band's chances in the fight against GH?  I'm having complete non-gamer coworkers coming up to me this morning asking, "Have you heard of this game called "Guitar Hero?"  I guess it's all the rage!"

[SpicyJ]

Pete, that's a good idea. I'm in Gilbert...so I may be taking a few trips up your way for some band goodness.

Where in Gilbert?  We're at Warner and McQueen (which is Mesa Drive north of Baseline).  And are you planning to buy Rock Band?  If so, then you open up an opportunity for some drum-off sessions, as we'll be the only ones buying Rock Band in our circle of friends.

Small world I'm at Val Vista/Elliot. Yes, I have Rock Band reserved, I'll be picking it up on release day. I have no space at my place for any sort of Rock Banding though, my 360 is in a very small room in my house.

[PeteRock]

Pete, that's a good idea. I'm in Gilbert...so I may be taking a few trips up your way for some band goodness.

Where in Gilbert?  We're at Warner and McQueen (which is Mesa Drive north of Baseline).  And are you planning to buy Rock Band?  If so, then you open up an opportunity for some drum-off sessions, as we'll be the only ones buying Rock Band in our circle of friends.

Small world I'm at Val Vista/Elliot. Yes, I have Rock Band reserved, I'll be picking it up on release day. I have no space at my place for any sort of Rock Banding though, my 360 is in a very small room in my house.

 

We shop at the AJ's on Val Vista pretty regularly.  We don't necessarily have limitless space for Rock Band (we live in a townhouse), but our first-floor layout links an open kitchen with the living room and dining area, so space isn't too big a deal.  Plus, our 60" LCD is easily viewed from almost anywhere on the first floor, including our patio, which is another reasonable area for spillover as it is a wonderful time of year to be outside.

Although we've never packed our house with 20 guests, two dogs, and a complete set of rock band instruments, but if anything it will at least be one hell of a memorable time.  We'll need a damn sign-up sheet for each instrument so people can call "next".   

[shaggydoug]

I've got the family room for such an event.......but when I shared Pete's plan with the spouse, I think I blew her geek tolerance meter.   

We are going to have several small events with other families over to play.   Unfortunately, no lighting effects and more importantly, no fog.   I'm seriously green Pete.

- shaggy

[PeteRock]

I've got the family room for such an event.......but when I shared Pete's plan with the spouse, I think I blew her geek tolerance meter.   

We are going to have several small events with other families over to play.   Unfortunately, no lighting effects and more importantly, no fog.   I'm seriously green Pete.

- shaggy

Dry ice and a bucket of water.  Once the fog starts rolling across the room there won't be much she can do.  Plus, once she starts wailing away on the drums she should hopefully completely forget about how angry she was.  Hopefully.    

Disclaimer:  GamingTrend and PhillyPeteRock's wife take no responsiblity for any harm or bodily injury sustained from following the advice above.   

[jersoc]

New DLC info announced, tons of great songs here.
Harmonix confirmed that the songs can be purchased in packs or STAND ALONE.

Police pack (Masters)
Roxanne, Synchronicty II, Can't Stand Losing You

Queens of the Stone Age pack (Masters)
3s and 7s, Sick Sick Sick, Little Sister

Metallica pack:
A three or six song pack, no songs announced yet

Black Sabbath pack (Covers):
N.I.B, Sweet Leaf, War Pigs

David Bowie (Masters):
Moonage Daydream, Heroes, Queen Bitch

Punk Pack (Buzzcocks Cover, Rest Masters):
Ever Fallen in Love by Buzzcocks, I Fought the Law by The Clash, Rockaway Beach by The Ramones

Single Songs:
Fortunate Song by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Juke Box Hero by Foreigner
My Sharona by The Knack
Cherry Bomb by The Runaways
Bang a Gong (Get it On) by T-Rex
Joker and the Thief by Wolfmother
Brass in Pocket by The Pretenders
My Iron Lung by Radiohead
Buddy Holly by Weezer

http://www.scorehero.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=36678&sid=75a600a66cf5619b5246c368ad765c10

[ATB]

Some good songs on that list.

[PeteRock]

Police pack (Masters)
Roxanne, Synchronicty II, Can't Stand Losing You

I am definitely doing vocals on Roxanne.  Although I have a habit of getting a little carried away with the "RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOXAAAAAANE!" parts, so that could hurt our score somewhat.      

Black Sabbath pack (Covers):
N.I.B, Sweet Leaf, War Pigs

 

My absolute favorite song from GHII.

Juke Box Hero by Foreigner

Literally just yesterday my wife came walking into the house singing this very song after having heard it on the radio and in passing said, "That is what they need on Rock Band." 

Ask and you shall receive. 

[Captain Caveman]

 

That's more DLC than GH2 has put out in 9 months. I just wish some of those could, you know, already be in the game when you plunk down 170 smackeroos.

Those are some good songs, though. It'll all come down to pricing... though the added drum and singing functionality make me more willing to shell out the duckets than I am for just GH.

[wonderpug]

Apparently on the official forums a Harmonix dev said that songs in song packs will always also be available as single song downloads.

That's great news, but I'm still very scared about the pricing.

[The Grue]

When I heard Jukebox Hero on some phone commercial the other day, I thought to myself it would be perfect for one of these guitar games.

[Captain Caveman]

I am powerless not to buy Fortunate Son. That song will be so damn fun to play and sing.

[Larraque]

David Bowie (Masters):
Heroes

My Iron Lung by Radiohead
Buddy Holly by Weezer

I hate weezer, but I like that song.

My wife will flip when she discovers another Radiohead song.

And who doesn't love David Bowie? We could be heroes! Just for one day!

[Gratch]

David Bowie (Masters):
Moonage Daydream, Heroes, Queen Bitch

Awesome list overall, but these are beautiful.  Just beautiful.  :sniff:  Now they just need to announce Ziggy Stardust as their next full DLC album. 

[Farscry]

Plus, our 60" LCD is easily viewed from almost anywhere on the first floor, including our patio, which is another reasonable area for spillover as it is a wonderful time of year to be outside.

Although we've never packed our house with 20 guests, two dogs, and a complete set of rock band instruments, but if anything it will at least be one hell of a memorable time.  We'll need a damn sign-up sheet for each instrument so people can call "next".   

Damn, man... how much is airfare from Iowa to Phoenix?! I want to come play with you guys! I can just imagine dragging my SO with me. "You want to fly to Phoenix to do WHAT?!"

Actually she'd probably come along too.

[PeteRock]

Plus, our 60" LCD is easily viewed from almost anywhere on the first floor, including our patio, which is another reasonable area for spillover as it is a wonderful time of year to be outside.

Although we've never packed our house with 20 guests, two dogs, and a complete set of rock band instruments, but if anything it will at least be one hell of a memorable time.  We'll need a damn sign-up sheet for each instrument so people can call "next".   

Damn, man... how much is airfare from Iowa to Phoenix?! I want to come play with you guys! I can just imagine dragging my SO with me. "You want to fly to Phoenix to do WHAT?!"

Actually she'd probably come along too.

Well, from Des Moines it looks like about $275 round-trip per person on Expedia, but I have no idea where you'd be flying from.  You can probably count on around $300 round-trip depending on the weekend and how many days you would be in town.  We have a guest room, so lodging wouldn't be an issue.  But beer is the typical cover charge, and I normally go through a lot of it.

Am I going to have to start providing housing for the GT Rock Band world tour?  I didn't realize providing fog for our Rock Band parties would be such a draw.    

[ras752000]

Any chance the DLC will be available for the PS3?

[Scott]

Where's Green Day or Linkin Park? 

[Hrothgar]

Any chance the DLC will be available for the PS3?

Well, they've already released a couple of Guitar Hero 3 content packs on the Playstation Store.  So clearly there are no technical hurdles.  I'd say signs point to yes.

[jersoc]

So this tuesday, or maybe later this week, after their gaming site battle they're going to announce something big. My prediction is the entire library of guitar hero 1 and 2 for download. YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST!

[wonderpug]

So this tuesday, or maybe later this week, after their gaming site battle they're going to announce something big. My prediction is the entire library of guitar hero 1 and 2 for download. YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST!

If there's something big to be announced, I'd guess it would be a subscription model for the DLC.