Rock Band features found on Game Informer
There have been mixed reactions regarding Harmonix‘ upcoming title, Rock Band. Its scale alone is overwhelming, making skeptics think it would be difficult to pull off. Many fear the price tag that would come with the game, while hardcore rock fans fear not how much it would cost.
Some of its biggest features are finally revealed by Game Informer, as a poster over at NeoGAF forums reported.
As expected, there will be four campaigns on a single disc: guitar, drum, bass and vocal. The co-op mode will cater for the full band. Both Xbox 360 and PS3 will support online four-player mode, but multiplayer can be done offline.
Network will allow setting up a gig with anyone from anywhere in the world, so let’s hope there won’t be lag or delay. Guitars and bass get a makeover, now having 10 frets – half will be for regular sections while the others will be for rockin’ out solo. Whammy bar and tilt (which activates Rock Band’s version of Star Power) is back, along with other cool additions like a five-way switch to play around with sound effects.
Find out about all the features after the jump!
There have been mixed reactions regarding Harmonix‘ upcoming title, Rock Band. Its scale alone is overwhelming, making skeptics think it would be difficult to pull off. Many fear the price tag that would come with the game, while hardcore rock fans fear not how much it would cost.
Some of its biggest features are finally revealed by Game Informer, as a poster over at NeoGAF forums reported.
As expected, there will be four campaigns on a single disc: guitar, drum, bass and vocal. The co-op mode will cater for the full band. Both Xbox 360 and PS3 will support online four-player mode, but multiplayer can be done offline.
Network will allow setting up a gig with anyone from anywhere in the world, so let’s hope there won’t be lag or delay. Guitars and bass get a makeover, now having 10 frets – half will be for regular sections while the others will be for rockin’ out solo. Whammy bar and tilt (which activates Rock Band’s version of Star Power) is back, along with other cool additions like a five-way switch to play around with sound effects.
Vocalists won’t be having an easy way out, as the singing mechanic sounds pretty serious. A detector will catch everything you say ’til you impress the crowd enough to go free-form. From that, better performance would lead to activating Star Power (or whatever it will be called). The microphones can be used as a tambourine for songs that are light on the vocals.
Even if one guy messes up, the show must go on. Game won’t end and the player who failed to keep up will be shown in gray. If everyone finishes, a free-form jam session ensues.
Customization looks pretty extensive. Rockers can create multiple virtual selves for different instruments, and choose how they’ll move on the stage. Band logos can also be made. There are also four different shops with varied themes where you can change your look. Other paraphernalia will be on sale, too.
Here’s the wrap on peripherals:
- Guitar/Bass: 3/4 exact replica of a Fender Stratocaster. Xplorer guitars may work on 360 but with limited features. New buttons for solo sections. Five-way switch to apply sound effects.
- Microphone: Rock Band mic not yet available, USB mics will work. Mics will be used as tambourines in some songs. Xbox 360 headset might not work.
- Drums: Four pads (one is snare, others work as cymbals or toms depending on song), a kick pedal, legs for the unit to stand on, set of real wooden sticks. Unit can be placed on a coffee table. Game on hard or expert can make a realistic drumming experience.
Apparently, the drum design featured on the mag wasn’t final yet. What we know for sure, is that the peripherals will be unique to each console no thanks to Microsoft and hardware issues. New songs were also listed out. If you sent in your song suggestions, you might find those titles here.
- Weezer – Say It Ain’t So – Original Master Track
- Black Sabbath – Paranoid – Original Master Track
- The Who – Won’t Get Fooled Again – Original Master Track
- Nirvana – In Bloom – Original Master Track
It’s still a long way ’til the Holiday release, so you’ve got time to save up every penny and make sure you can afford this when it comes out. Harmonix did promise that it won’t cost too much, but we’ll watch out for their next word and inform you about it.
Via NeoGAF