I know it seems like Rock Band has been out for a while and well, it has for everyone in North America but not for our friends in Europe. That’s about to change as a release date has finally made its way across the interwebs. That day is May 23rd. Before all of my UK friends get happy, I have to let you in on the supposed price for Rock Band in Europe. For the “instrument bundle (doesn’t include the game)”, it’ll set you back £129.99 (169 Euros). The game is being sold separately at £49.99 (70 Euros). So in order to get the full Rock Band experience, you’ll have to dish out £180.
The game has been confirmed to have an “exclusive launch window on the Xbox 360″, with the game available on additional platforms later this summer. The game will include all 58 tracks from the North American release, plus nine new tracks, with hits from Germany, France and the UK.
• Blur “Beetlebum” (English)
• Oasis “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” (English)
• Tokio Hotel “Monsoon” (English)
• Muse “Hysteria” (English)
• Les Wampas “Manu Chao” (French)
• Playmo “New Wave” (French)
• Die Toten Hosen “Hier Kommt Alex” (German)
• Juli “Perfekte Welle” (German)
• H-Block X “Countdown to Insanity” (German)
The day following its release all of the 70+ songs currently available as DLC in North America will be made available to Xbox 360 Rock Band players. Each song will be priced 160 MS Points. From this point forward all new Rock Band DLC will be released simultaneously in the US and Europe on a weekly basis.”
Many of you knew ahead of time the release schedule for Rock Band downloadable content but for some reason that still didn’t help ease the pain when it was actually released. That day is today and yes it’s the same day the game officially releases into stores.
Allow myself to quote myself (ha) from a Rock Band article here on U360.
“I suppose I shouldn’t worry about the price though because just thinking about the premium downloadable content in store for both scares me.” End quote.
Here’s a quick rundown of the price points.
3-song packs - $5.49 (440 Microsoft points on Xbox 360)
individual tracks - $1.99 / $.99 (80 Microsoft points), and as much as $2.99 (240 points).
And here is the schedule Harmonix has set forth for Rock Band’s DLC. The first week’s content is already available so you can actually buy more tracks as soon as you tear through the packaging. Yes, we’ve reached the point of no return.
I’m sure you thought your pockets and checkbooks were safe this week but it appears that you were wrong. Prepare for some massive, effective rock this week!
Mass Effect - As one of the first human beings to step onto the galactic stage, you face a grave threat that may destroy all of civilization. Your job is complicated by the fact that no one believes that there is any threat at all. $59.99 / $69.99 Limited Edition
Rock Band - It’s an all-new platform for you to experience music, giving you the chance to rock in the shoes of the biggest guitarists, bassists, drummers, and singers of all time as a solo superstar or as part of a hard-rocking band. $169.99 (bundle) / $59.99 (game only)
Still undecided in the Guitar Hero III vs. Rock Band debate? Perhaps a look at the track list for Rock Band will help. Already made your choice? Read on anyway!
In addition to the 45 tracks listed below, Rock Band will also feature 13 songs ranging from a variety of established bands to up-and-coming independent artists that can be unlocked as you play through the game.
1960s
Rolling Stones “Gimme Shelter”
1970s
Aerosmith “Train Kept a Rollin’”*
The Who “Won’t Get Fooled Again”
Boston “Foreplay/Long Time”
Mountain “Mississippi Queen”*
The Police “Next to You”
David Bowie “Suffragette City”
Black Sabbath “Paranoid”*
Blue Oyster Cult “Don’t Fear the Reaper”
The Ramones “Blitzkrieg Bop”
Deep Purple “Highway Star”
KISS “Detroit Rock City”
Molly Hatchet “Flirtin’ With Disaster”
The Outlaws “Green Grass & High Tides”*
Sweet “Ballroom Blitz”*
Gamers assemble your bands and prepare for rockitude! Harmonix and MTV Games announced yesterday that its highly anticipated music videogame Rock Band has gone gold, is in final production and manufacturing, and set for launch. This news has reportedly sent thousands of crazy, wannabe boy bands into a frenzy.
The Rock Band Special Edition Bundle will be available in North America on November 20th for the suggested retail price of $169.99. The game alone will retail for $59.99. Details and price across other platforms can be found here.
“Rock Band is a true symbol of Harmonix’s vision, dedication and passion for music and after two years of development, we are thrilled that Rock Band is finally ready to get in the hands of rock fans everywhere,” said Alex Rigopolous, CEO of Harmonix. “We have a small army filling our warehouses with final product, ready for our November 20th ship date so players can fulfill their rock and roll aspirations. Now, our focus is putting together an amazing selection of downloadable music content for players so players can continue to further customize their Rock Band experience post launch.”
Details on the Rock Band Special Edition Bundle
The Xbox 360 version of the Rock Band Special Edition Bundle will feature a wired drum kit, microphone and Fender Stratocaster guitar controller as well as a USB hub for easy plug-in access for all instruments. Standalone instrument peripherals for Rock Band, including a wireless guitar option for the Xbox 360, will be available at a later date to be announced.
Are you ready to rock? If you missed it, be sure to check our the Harmonix crew playing a little Mississippi Queen right here at U360!
I know a lot of you have been waiting on this little gem for a while. I know personally I’ve speculated what the price might be but now MTV has let it out. Rock Band will retail for $169.99 and release on November 23. The only thing that might upset Xbox 360 fans is that the 360 bundle will come with a wired Stratocaster. A wireless version of the guitar is slated to release sometime after. Every other version (PS3, PS2) will include a wireless guitar.
No matter the wired and not wireless argument, the pricing is great news. The package includes the game, one wired guitar, one microphone and one drum kit. I’ll see if I can find out why the 360 version gets wired while the PlayStation 3 version comes with the wireless guitar. But like I said, the price is very good considering many expected $200+ on it.
Rock Band
Developer: Harmonix
Publisher: EA
Release date: Nov 2007
If lines for miles are any indication, I’d say that Rock Band was a highly sought after title during the show. Hundreds of fans stood in line for a chance to rock out on stage with the game. I had a few sessions of rockitude myself so I know why they stood there.
The Rock Band team put on an exclusive show for Unscripted 360 fans that even had the CEO of Harmonix rockin’ the stage. If you missed that, you can check it out here. I had my doubts about the “band” element in Rock Band but after trying it, it was clear that those doubts were pointless.
This game turns everyone into a rockstar! Click the next number to find out which other title made it into U360’s Best of PAX.
There’s nothing like having a ”one of a kind moment” in life. During PAX at the Rock Band booth, I had that moment. The guys from Harmonix featuring the CEO himself, Alex Rigopulos, and Phil from the band Shaimus got on stage to rock out with Rock Band! It was an exclusive treat for Unscripted 360 and one that simply brought the house down.
Having the CEO take the stage and jam for the fans isn’t something you see everyday. And he didn’t hesitate at all. You’d think that a CEO would be all business and no play but Alex was damn good. He got his drummin’ on. Sean B., the Harmonix Community Manager, was a true rocker with his tattoo and cut-off shirt! Mixing it up with the community is what U360 is about and it was refreshing to see them take the challenge and kick ass with it.
Screenshots: Harmonix Rockin’ Rock Band
I know you’re ready for this Rock Band jam session. I want to thank the Harmonix crew and Tracie for throwing in this special band for Unscripted 360 and the fans in attendance. I left the Rock Band booth extremely impressed and ready for the release. Check out the video below!
The great musical divide is what some are calling this upcoming battle of the bands on Xbox 360. Guitar Hero III and Rock Band are going to release soon and create an interesting choice. How will you decide to unleash your inner rockstar? Will you stick to the proven band or change venues for the new kid on the block?
I wanted to let you know that I’m right there with you and your frustration so I’ve decided to pit the two against each other. I hope this helps in figuring out which is the best title for you to shred guitar or dance to the beat of a different drum. I gathered as much information as I could to throw these two titles in the octagon. After reading this you’ll see my choice for unleashing your innner rockstar. (or I’m sure you’ll just skip to the end)
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock
Publisher: Activision, RedOctane
Developer: Neversoft Entertainment
Price of the game: $59.99 Price of the game with accessories: $99.99
Accessories: Gibson Guitar’s Les Paul Wireless Guitar
Modes: Practice, Career, Battle Mode
Online play: Yes
Wireless: Yes
Songs (era): Various (not sure of the era)
Release date: October 28, 2007
