Rock Band Thread (DLC Priced, Cheaper than GHIII)

[Oobgarm]

The Best Buy I work at recently got in a Rock Band game for demonstration:

http://www.dustincarter.com/dp/attachment.jpg
http://www.dustincarter.com/dp/attachment2.jpg

Everyone has been drooling over the box, as we weren't allowed to open it up or anything until we got the go-ahead from our DM of marketing. They've been resetting and moving things around in the store the past couple of days, and the OK was given yesterday to set it up. It's on a display in the center of the store, far removed from the ginormous Guitar Hero III demo setup near the entrance.

And for 98% of the evening, this was the center of attention, both for employees and customers alike. And for good reason. It's a hell of a lot of fun, especially when 3 or 4 people join in the game.

First off, I'll talk about the instruments a bit.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/33/Rockband-guitar.jpg

The guitar feels a bit thick. It's got a nice feel, that's for sure. The fret buttons will take some getting used to for those accustomed to the GH guitars. The buttons are flush against the fretboard, and can easily throw off your positioning at first. They're also a bit more wide. The buttons at the top of the neck are exactly the same, only much more narrow. From what I tried, they're tough to use, and will definitely take some practice moving to and from.

As far as the rest of the body: The 'pick' is very tall and loose. It didn't seem to have that weighty click of the GH guitars. Of course, this was in a loud store, so I can't be certain. The buttons on the body are just as one would expect. The toggle switch (generally used for changing pickups on an actual instrument) will switch effects when in 'Overdrive', the RB equivalent to Star Power. The available effects are Wah, Flange, Chorus, and Echo. They're really just there to sound neat, as far as I can tell.

Don't like it? You can use the X-Plorer or the Les Paul instead.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3f/Rockband-drumset.jpg

The demo set we got does not have a kick pedal. This is most likely due to a couple reasons, either they weren't finished at the time it was sent out, it was a theft possibility, or, the exclusion of the foot pedal makes demoing the game easier for the drummer(so the demo does not frustrate). I did not get to personally play the drums in game, but did check them out and found them to be built well and have a very solid feel. They seemed quite responsive.

As for the game itself:

You really have to be on top of the beat, regardless of the instrument you choose. The notes don't have as much leeway as they do in GH, which does take a bit of getting used to. Singing is exactly like Karaoke Revolution.

'Overdrive' replaces Star Power. It's basically the same thing as it has been, but now you can use it to revive fallen bandmates.

There's a meter off to the left side, which shows how each individual member of the band is doing. If a member does poorly, they'll fail the song(three fails per song, per player) and drop out. The other players can use their 'Overdrive' to rescue the failed player and get them back into the game. Because, ultimately, the game is about how all players play together, not just individual performances. If your band loses a member, you better get them back since it'll be tough to pass the song without them.

Certain parts of the song have 'Unison Bonus', which gives more score if all players are in sync. Kind of a neat touch.

The free-for-all at the end of the song is a good time, just trying to see how many points you can rack up.

Graphically, the game looks like a sleek, modernized version of GH. The circle indicators are slender bars now, which is why there's not quite as much time to hit the notes properly. The characters are stylized just like GH I & II, and the video of the venue/band while playing is done in a nice grainy quality video. Menus and interface are exactly as you'd expect-intuitive, yet straightforward and to the point. And this game looks wonderful in hi-res.

In short: This game is going to be great, no matter how you slice it. I;ll be heading back for some real playtime today since I'm off.

Songs on the demo (that I can remember):

"Are You Gonna Be My Girl" – Jet
"Black Hole Sun" - Soundgarden
"Dani California" – Red Hot Chili Peppers
"Detroit Rock City" – Kiss
"Epic" – Faith No More
"In Bloom" – Nirvana
"Paranoid" – Black Sabbath
"Say It Ain't So" – Weezer
"Suffragette City" – David Bowie
"Tom Sawyer" – Rush
"Vasoline" – Stone Temple Pilots
"Wanted Dead or Alive" – Bon Jovi
"Wave of Mutilation" – Pixies

[misfits859]

I've heard some rumbling locally that the game is gonna be in very short supply...None of our local stores are taking pre-orders. Any word on this from our posters?

[Neil Koch]

I would assume that to be the case, given the game's high price and big packaging. I'm sure a lot of smaller stores would only be getting a handful of them in.

[NE146]

I only found out today (haven't been keeping up) that the Rock Band Strat has duplicate buttons on the upper frets.. that's awesome, and has been an idea of mine since GH1! That's great they thought of that.. it makes me really consider getting this.

And the pickup selector switch to activate the equivalent of rock power is another pure guitar player thought that was incorporated.. that's awesome as well.

I'm not too excited about the rest of the instruments so I'm wondering how would this game be if taken purely as a "Guitar Hero" game... in other words if you totally ignore everything else, does this title stand on it's own if you purely played the guitar on it?

[Terminusvitae]

What, no double-bass pedal? BLASPHEMY!

*looks at the track listing*

Oh...that's apparently why.

[Overbite]

I went to play it at the Best Buy in Concord, NH and the guitar was broken :( The mic wasn't even plugged in so all I could play was the drums which were great fun!

[Nirvana]

I played the game the first day Best Buy had it up, we freakin loved it. The song selection is amazing, I love playing In Bloom. The drums are great, and the guitar is way freakin better than Guitar Hero's.

[digitalpress]

Oobgarm, just wanted to thank you for the preview. This one has been a real wild-card for me. Guitar Hero stuff sells insanely well at my store, but I wasn't sure if this was a cheap (yet expensive) imitator or something actually worth investing in. I think it's clear from your perspective which it is - though it also seems from other posts that I may not be able to invest much. Still, from someone who has played a whole bunch of guitar sims (I remember our first match on the Japanese "Guitar Freaks" years ago), this is all I need to know.

YOU ROCK

[MegaDrive20XX]

Yeah the one at Best Buy here doesn't have the foot pedal either, so I keep making mistakes

[boatofcar]

Thanks for the awesome review!

[Mr.FoodMonster]

I went to my BB, they didn't have it up yet. Hell, they didn't even have GH3 set up.

[DigitalSpace]

It's on a display in the center of the store, far removed from the ginormous Guitar Hero III demo setup near the entrance.


I was at my local Best Buy yesterday, and they have their demo right next to the GH III demo. Heh.

Nice review!

[Oobgarm]

I got a good shot at the drums last night.

They're pretty good, though you have to hit them kinda hard for them to register. Everything seemed to be placed well, even if I kept hitting the sticks together and hitting the rims on accident. I just chalk that up to inexperience. I'm not a drummer by any means, but I was able to score 97% on Faith No More's "Epic", set to hard difficulty.

Of course, add in the foot pedal and I'm screwed. LOL

This is shaping up to be THE game to beat for this go-round. I've not seen one person walk away from the setup unimpressed. Even management, who are generally folks that aren't into video games, were digging it and giving it a shot.

[LiquidPolicenaut]

Nice review!

Reading all these posts has got me wondering something that might not have been mentioned. Since the demo units have no foot pedal, its done automatically for you in the game, correct? I wonder if theyll give you that option when you play the real game (like no pedal on easy, but on medium/normal it comes into play)...

Also, from early reports, it looks like no Rock Band guitar can be used with GH3, but you CAN use the GH3 guitar on Rock Band! Seems like Activision were just being asses when it came to compatibility, huh?

[Neil Koch]

I'm not too excited about the rest of the instruments so I'm wondering how would this game be if taken purely as a "Guitar Hero" game... in other words if you totally ignore everything else, does this title stand on it's own if you purely played the guitar on it?

The head editor of Game Informer was on one of the local morning shows and he said the guitar parts in Rock Band aren't done as well as Guitar Hero (they're simpler), but they're still pretty fun.

[Lord Helmet]

I only found out today (haven't been keeping up) that the Rock Band
I'm not too excited about the rest of the instruments so I'm wondering how would this game be if taken purely as a "Guitar Hero" game... in other words if you totally ignore everything else, does this title stand on it's own if you purely played the guitar on it?

I'm not interested in singing at all, but I'd like to play it as a GH game...and maybe check out the drums as well.

[dave2236]

Ok, I wasn't sure if I wanted this, but being I just paid $110 for guitar hero 3 w/ extras. This isn't much more. Plus I have a feeling you won't be able to find it at Christmas.

So if anyone else really wants one you can order them on their website with shippment on the 20th with only $7 shipping.


http://www.rockband.com/

[kaedesdisciple]

Ok, I wasn't sure if I wanted this, but being I just paid $110 for guitar hero 3 w/ extras. This isn't much more. Plus I have a feeling you won't be able to find it at Christmas.

So if anyone else really wants one you can order them on their website with shippment on the 20th with only $7 shipping.


http://www.rockband.com/
Preorder of the 360 version is already sold out in the online store. Seems they still have PS3 ones, though.

[carlcarlson]

Has there been any word of pre-order bonuses?

[GrandAmChandler]

Has there been any word of pre-order bonuses?

Yeah the bonus is you actually get the game in 2007.

[dave2236]

Well they just changed the release day on their website. On my order confirmation email it says ships on the 20th. (bought it this morning) Now when I just went to buy a copy for my friend it says ships on the 27th.

It didn't see where it said sold out for 360, it just says backorded not in stock.

[PentiumMMX]

I played the demo at my local Wal-Mart (Yes, Wally World has a demo of Rock Band), and here's my thoughts:

- The guitar feels like Guitar Hero, but the strum bar doesn't feel right (It's not firm and clicky enough). However, it looks great and if the strum bar was better, it's easily beat the Guitar Hero controller.

- The drums are great. It takes a little getting used to, but it works great and is a blast.

-My favorite feature (Beside 4-player Co-op) would have to be the Freestyle points, where you can go nuts with your instrument to boost your score.

Overall, it's going to be best in co-op. If you don't have enough friends to play Rock Band, then get Guitar Hero 3

[GrandAmChandler]

More Rock Band DLC announced. And by more I mean TONS!

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

-GAC-

[Damaniel]

I finally had a chance to try the demo this afternoon (I went to a Best Buy last night and their demo was broken :(). I tried both the guitar and the drums, and I have to say that I like playing the drums at least as much as the guitar. I played "Tom Sawyer" on guitar and "In Bloom" on drums -- the guitar felt more solid to me than the ones that come with Guitar Hero, and the second set of buttons at the bottom of the neck are a nice addition (though I never actually used them). The drums are very accurate and seem well made too. However, the drum parts of the songs don't seem to be as hard as the guitar parts; I scored 97% in Expert mode on my first try, and this is coming from someone who struggles to pass the first couple of tiers of Guitar Hero III on expert. Of course, this could just be the song I played, since the drum playing in "In Bloom" isn't all that complex.

On top of all of that, the overall presentation of the game is *much* nicer than Guitar Hero and feels more like watching a concert on TV -- constantly changing camera angles, a realistic looking crowd... the whole thing oozes style. The interface doesn't even feel particularly cluttered, even with a person playing each of the 3 instruments at the demo kiosk.

Overall, I think that Rock Band runs circles around Guitar Hero 3 -- better songs, better instruments, much better presentation (not even including the awesome-sounding Career mode, which the demo doesn't have). I'm glad I've already pre-ordered, but now I just need to find 3 more people to round out my band... :)

[Fugu]

Looks like fun, haven't gotten a chance to play it. It would have been nice if it were coming out for the Wii, though.

[Borman]

I finally had a chance to try the demo this afternoon (I went to a Best Buy last night and their demo was broken :(). I tried both the guitar and the drums, and I have to say that I like playing the drums at least as much as the guitar. I played "Tom Sawyer" on guitar and "In Bloom" on drums -- the guitar felt more solid to me than the ones that come with Guitar Hero, and the second set of buttons at the bottom of the neck are a nice addition (though I never actually used them). The drums are very accurate and seem well made too. However, the drum parts of the songs don't seem to be as hard as the guitar parts; I scored 97% in Expert mode on my first try, and this is coming from someone who struggles to pass the first couple of tiers of Guitar Hero III on expert. Of course, this could just be the song I played, since the drum playing in "In Bloom" isn't all that complex.

On top of all of that, the overall presentation of the game is *much* nicer than Guitar Hero and feels more like watching a concert on TV -- constantly changing camera angles, a realistic looking crowd... the whole thing oozes style. The interface doesn't even feel particularly cluttered, even with a person playing each of the 3 instruments at the demo kiosk.

Overall, I think that Rock Band runs circles around Guitar Hero 3 -- better songs, better instruments, much better presentation (not even including the awesome-sounding Career mode, which the demo doesn't have). I'm glad I've already pre-ordered, but now I just need to find 3 more people to round out my band... :)


Drums will get much harder once you factor in the pedal.

[Vectorman0]

Did anyone order this from rockband.com a while ago? I just preordered it a week ago with the supposed ship date of December 4th, and now its status is "back ordered". I'm wondering if it also says that for those who ordered it a while ago and got an early place in line.

Now I'm debating if I should look into another website to order from, like newegg or something.

[PDorr3]

The best buy I work in STILL does not have this game setup....no idea whats going on, we have all been looking forward to trying it out. Also I imagine the no foot pedal in the demo is probably because of theft reasons.

[crivit]

The head editor of Game Informer was on one of the local morning shows and he said the guitar parts in Rock Band aren't done as well as Guitar Hero (they're simpler), but they're still pretty fun.

They look simpler because the songs are chosen keeping all members in the band in mind instead of just guitar heavy songs. Thing is the timeing window for hitting the notes is smaller than it is in GH3, and if you miss notes you'll fail out alot quicker than you would in previous GH games. I've seen several people stunned by how quick they failed out of a demo song while playing guitar.

Most people here probably already know this, but Rock Band is made by Harmonix, who made the first 2 Guitar Hero games, so we can count on note charts that make sense. I like GH3, but some of the note charts in that game just feel really off to me.

[Nirvana]

Oh wow. I finally had that problem with that guitar for this game. The strum bar DEFINITELY is not clicky enough. Guitar Hero guitars are compatible with this game right? I'm definitely going to have to use one of those.

[Oobgarm]

Just a note to mention that our demo guitar has bit the dust.

Well, not completely, it's just the strum bar isn't registering on downstrokes. I know it's getting a lot of play-so much, in fact, that the demo is now in it's third home (in the rear of the store) due to the noisy drums.

The guitar does feel a bit cheap now that I've really spent some time with it. It feels like you could break the neck of the guitar over your leg with little to no effort at all. Dunno if it's just the demo instrument or what.

Drums are holding up quite well, considering the abuse they've gotten, I'm sure.

[GrandAmChandler]

Downloadable Content pricing released: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6182927.html?part=rss&tag=gs_news&subj=6182927


Rock Band will still feature preselected three-song packs for download, but they will instead cost $5.49 (440 Microsoft points on Xbox 360). Songs will also be available individually for $1.99. Harmonix has said future songs will be sold individually for as little as $.99 (80 Microsoft points), and as much as $2.99 (240 points). However, "the vast majority" will come in at the standard $1.99 price point. The developer did not say how much full-album downloads would be, or when the first albums would be released.

Harmonix also detailed its release schedule for the first five weeks after Rock Band launches. The opening week will be highlighted by track packs from Metallica, The Police, and Queens of the Stone Age, with individual songs from Creedence Clearwater Revival, Foreigner, T-Rex, and more. Downloaded tracks will be integrated into all of the game's modes, and will be playable online only if all players have purchased the songs.

Week of November 20, 2007: (*--asterisk denotes a cover version)
Metallica Pack
"Ride the Lightning"--Metallica
"Blackened"--Metallica
"And Justice for All"--Metallica

The Police Pack
"Can't Stand Losing You"--The Police
"Synchronicity II"--The Police
"Roxanne"--The Police

Queens of the Stone Age Pack
"3's and 7's"--Queens of the Stone Age
"Little Sister"--Queens of the Stone Age
"Sick Sick Sick"--Queens of the Stone Age

Individual Tracks
"Fortunate Son" as made famous by Creedence Clearwater Revival *
"Juke Box Hero" as made famous by Foreigner *
"Bang a Gong (Get It On)" as made famous by T-Rex *
"My Sharona" as made famous by The Knack *
"Cherry Bomb" as made famous by The Runaways *
"Joker & The Thief"--Wolfmother

Week of November 27, 2007
David Bowie Pack
"Moonage Daydream"--David Bowie
"Heroes" as made famous by David Bowie *
"Queen Bitch" as made famous by David Bowie *

Week of December 4, 2007
Black Sabbath Pack
"N.I.B." as made famous by Black Sabbath *
"Sweet Leaf" as made famous by Black Sabbath *
"War Pigs" as made famous by Black Sabbath *

Week of December 11, 2007
Punk Pack:
"Rockaway Beach"--Ramones
"I Fought the Law"--The Clash
"Ever Fallen In Love" as made famous by Buzzcocks *

Week of December 18, 2007
Individual Tracks
"My Iron Lung"--Radiohead
"Buddy Holly"--Weezer
"Brass in Pocket" as made famous by The Pretenders *

-GAC-

[kaedesdisciple]

Well that was quick. The demo unit already has the guitar broken, the drum sticks shattered and the mic beaten to hell. Needless to say the game is no longer functioning. I really hate demo units around here. If you're not there the day they come out of the box, don't even bother.

[Oobgarm]

Well that was quick. The demo unit already has the guitar broken, the drum sticks shattered and the mic beaten to hell. Needless to say the game is no longer functioning. I really hate demo units around here. If you're not there the day they come out of the box, don't even bother.

I've seen people beating the shit out of the instruments. I can't tell if they're just 'really into it' or if they're just being jackasses. They'll throw everything on the floor when they're done with it.

It's unfortunate that people don't treat things with respect.

[Rob2600]

Why does Amazon.com list the Xbox 360 special edition for $250 and the PlayStation 2 special edition for $150? Why is there a $100 price difference?

If Xbox 360s were cheaper and more reliable, I'd buy one just for this game. Is there any word on a Wii version?

[ZiLL]

Why does Amazon.com list the Xbox 360 special edition for $250 and the PlayStation 2 special edition for $150? Why is there a $100 price difference?

If Xbox 360s were cheaper and more reliable, I'd buy one just for this game. Is there any word on a Wii version?


Notice the seller..."hubbagames"

Amazon.com is no longer taking pre orders for this game (360 and PS3 versions), it is only being sold by third party companies.

[Rob2600]

Notice the seller..."hubbagames"

Amazon.com is no longer taking pre orders for this game (360 and PS3 versions), it is only being sold by third party companies.

So the Xbox 360 version is really supposed to be $150 as well?

[ZiLL]

So the Xbox 360 version is really supposed to be $150 as well?

The 360 and PS3 versions are 169.99 MSRP.

[Mr.FoodMonster]

So, I can see a future problem with the guitars, as it seems there are several accounts of downstrokes not working on demo units. Granted, they are demo units so they will get a fair amount of abuse, it's no different than the amount of abuse someone is going to give it over a year or longer. Guess we'll have to wait and see on that one.

[Overbite]

the demo instruments are pre-production models and are not the ones that will be included with the game. They look the same but the final versions will be sturdier and all that.

[carlcarlson]

my buddy and I made some rounds to best buys today, and played a few demo units. we couldn't get the sound and video to synch at the first one, so we moved on. the guitar at the second wouldn't register downstrokes (interesting), but the drums were fun nonetheless.

I can't say that I like the feel of the guitar at all. I would like the buttons to be more raised, and more responsive. the buttons further up on the neck were pretty much useless because I couldn't find them when I wanted without looking. granted, that will be easier as I get used to it, but the fret before the buttons acts as kind of bar to keep me from sliding down. also, the five raised dots on the middle button isn't nearly as helpful as the raised bar on the middle button on gh controllers. I can always count on that bar to help me find the center again. overall the guitar just feels cheap, as many others have mentioned.

the songs I played on guitar weren't very fun either. if any of them were on guitar hero they would have been skipables. I know they had to pick songs that would be fun for all instruments, but it's too bad that means sacrificing so much fun on the guitar. I was hoping this would be the music sim to end all, but it looks like i'll still need guitar hero to get my guitar fix. thankfully rock band's drums are a blast.

[Rob2600]

I was hoping this would be the music sim to end all, but it looks like i'll still need guitar hero to get my guitar fix. thankfully rock band's drums are a blast.

A dedicated drum game would be great. Do you think it would've made more sense for Harmonix to release a drum-only game instead? Could it sell as well without the guitar aspect?

[carlcarlson]

A dedicated drum game would be great. Do you think it would've made more sense for Harmonix to release a drum-only game instead? Could it sell as well without the guitar aspect?

I doubt it. The reason this game is going to be so huge is that it's the ultimate music sim. Anyone who has ever played guitar hero, karaoke revolution, or donkey konga has thought "man it would be great if we could do this all in the same game". Well now we can, and it's going to be incredible. I think the pluses of being able to do all of that in one game will outweight the minuses of semi-weak note-charts, but that doesn't mean there still isn't that "aww man" feeling.

[Rob2600]

I doubt it. The reason this game is going to be so huge is that it's the ultimate music sim. Anyone who has ever played guitar hero, karaoke revolution, or donkey konga has thought "man it would be great if we could do this all in the same game". Well now we can, and it's going to be incredible. I think the pluses of being able to do all of that in one game will outweight the minuses of semi-weak note-charts, but that doesn't mean there still isn't that "aww man" feeling.

Good point. Will three people be able to play three different instruments simultaneously (vocals, guitar, and drums) or is each portion of the game meant to be played separately?

[misfits859]

I noticed one of these sell for around $500 on ebay this morning and several more are getting in that neighborhood...These may end up as one of the hottest Christmas video game items ever lol...

[Oobgarm]

Good point. Will three people be able to play three different instruments simultaneously (vocals, guitar, and drums) or is each portion of the game meant to be played separately?

But of course. That's the main draw of the game.

[norkusa]

I just played the demo at BB. I thought it was alright but I think I'm going to stick to Guitar Hero and Drumania instead. The demo was fun but I thought it was WAAAAY too easy. I aced Wave Of Mutilation (drums and guitar) on hard on my first try. Seems like hard difficulty on Rock Band is equal to medium on Guitar Hero and I'll need more of a challenge than that if I'm going justify buying a $170 game.

[Borman]

Again, judging drumming too easy without using the pedal is...dumb?

[norkusa]

Again, judging drumming too easy without using the pedal is...dumb?

Not really. Adding a pedal and one extra note bar on the screen isn't going to make that much of a difference. And the guitar parts will still be exactly the same.

[Overbite]

Not really. Adding a pedal and one extra note bar on the screen isn't going to make that much of a difference. And the guitar parts will still be exactly the same.

unless you're already a drummer or have perfect hand/foot coordination adding in a pedal will make it quite a bit more difficult depending on the song.

[carlcarlson]

Not really. Adding a pedal and one extra note bar on the screen isn't going to make that much of a difference.


no offense, but you are way off. adding the bass makes drums exponentially harder. so unless you already can play drums, expect to fail medium most of the time until you get the hang of the coordination.

this brings up an interesting problem for harmonix. I wonder how many people will think this same exact thing and decide to pass on rock band?

[norkusa]

no offense, but you are way off. adding the bass makes drums exponentially harder. so unless you already can play drums, expect to fail medium most of the time until you get the hang of the coordination.

this brings up an interesting problem for harmonix. I wonder how many people will think this same exact thing and decide to pass on rock band?

I don't play drums seriously but my friend used to have a real drum kit that I'd always mess around on and have even played Drumania in the arcade, so I guess my opinion is biased. But even if you go by the guitar parts alone, the game does seem dumbed-down compared to other music/rhythm games. I understand that they made it like that for a reason but a lot of Guitar Hero fanatics are going to feel let-down by the difficulty of RB.

[dylan0228]

I never base a game on displays, demos or beta`s. I say give it a chance, I`m sure there will be something for everyone!

[otaku]

I have one maybe two of the sets in stock right now ready to go on launch day and can't decide if I want one or not its so expensive! I may just buy/rent the normal 60 dollar copy and play with a controller... I dunno we'll see.

[carlcarlson]

But even if you go by the guitar parts alone, the game does seem dumbed-down compared to other music/rhythm games. I understand that they made it like that for a reason but a lot of Guitar Hero fanatics are going to feel let-down by the difficulty of RB.


I agree, that was my major complaint as well. In the end I don't think this will be a guitar hero replacement, fans will just want both. And I can live with that.

[Slate]

I have one maybe two of the sets in stock right now ready to go on launch day and can't decide if I want one or not its so expensive! I may just buy/rent the normal 60 dollar copy and play with a controller... I dunno we'll see.

If you want the game without the controllers you will have to wait until 2008 because the game is only available in the $170 bundle, They won't even sell the controllers individually until 2008!

[dave2236]

My copy shipped this morning. I ordered it from their website 3 weeks ago.

[geneshifter]

If you want the game without the controllers you will have to wait until 2008 because the game is only available in the $170 bundle, They won't even sell the controllers individually until 2008!

I'm actually waiting because I want it for the 360 with WIRELESS controllers. Plus, i don't want the drums or mic. It looks like sometime in february the wireless guitars will come out and that's when I'll pick it up.

[Overbite]

I don't play drums seriously but my friend used to have a real drum kit that I'd always mess around on and have even played Drumania in the arcade, so I guess my opinion is biased. But even if you go by the guitar parts alone, the game does seem dumbed-down compared to other music/rhythm games. I understand that they made it like that for a reason but a lot of Guitar Hero fanatics are going to feel let-down by the difficulty of RB.

If you think that RB is going to be super easy on guitar then you are dumb (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo714N79TOQ)

[crivit]

I'm actually waiting because I want it for the 360 with WIRELESS controllers. Plus, i don't want the drums or mic. It looks like sometime in february the wireless guitars will come out and that's when I'll pick it up.

The game itself without instruments will be available at the same time as the bundles. On the 360 you could play it with the wireless GH3 Les Paul if you don't want to wait. You won't get the special effects or the solo buttons, but at least you could get some play out of it now. Those with PS3's may not be as lucky. Some ppl who got copies early have not been able to get the Les Paul to work with Rock Band on the PS3.

[carlcarlson]

If you think that RB is going to be super easy on guitar then you are dumb (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo714N79TOQ)

that didn't look "super easy", but it didn't touch the insanity that guitar hero has at times either. I'm not saying I'll ace it on the first play-through, but I think I could pass that without too much trouble. it's a lot of scales and trills. there was only one time that the fretboard got ahead of my eyes (not bragging, just saying). it is nice to see that rock band will have at least one rough guitar song though.

in the end I'm buying it for the drums anyway.

[otaku]

Thinking of just getting the normal version (60 bucks no accessories) if it will work with my GH3 guitar?

[Oobgarm]

Yes indeed it will.

You'll miss out on some of the neat features the Fender Strat brings to the table, like effects and the solo bonus buttons, though.

[Oobgarm]

Anyone planning to camp for it? I am.

Out of the 5 Best Buys in the imediate area, the store I'm at is getting just a shade over 50, which is the second largest allocation(the highest is like 65 or so). This week's ad had it on the cover, and stated a minimum of 12 per store, one per household.

The demo generated a lot of buzz among the uninformed, so I'm kinda anxious to see how it goes.

[GrandAmChandler]

Anyone planning to camp for it? I am.

Out of the 5 Best Buys in the imediate area, the store I'm at is getting just a shade over 50, which is the second largest allocation(the highest is like 65 or so). This week's ad had it on the cover, and stated a minimum of 12 per store, one per household.

The demo generated a lot of buzz among the uninformed, so I'm kinda anxious to see how it goes.

I have mine preordered, so I won't be camping. Anyone who doesn't have a reserve should be camping though. I strongly feel this bundle won't be available (at least easilly) the rest of the holiday season.

-GAC-

[carlcarlson]

I'm not camping because the only places around me that will have it are walmart and (shudder) kmart. kmart opens at 8 and walmart will start selling at "7 or 8". I have a feeling kmart won't have many, if any of the bundles, so camping there would be a waste. I'll be hitting walmart around 6ish. I don't think there will be a ton of demand in my area, so my fingers are crossed. But if I dont' get it I don't get it, I can wait. I just want one before christmas.

[carlcarlson]

You'll also miss out on the crap buttons and strum bar as well... (in my opinion of course).

[norkusa]

If you think that RB is going to be super easy on guitar then you are dumb (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo714N79TOQ)

If you think that song is super hard, then you must suck at music/rhytm games.

[walrusmonger]

I agree with you nork, but the fun is going to be playing with your buddies in person or online... as long as it works better than GH3's online.

Plus we finally get a karaoke game where there aren't teenibopper songs, although I do love the ones that have them, and Fallout Boy (or some similar emo band) is in Rock Band.

[Oobgarm]

I've gotten word that Best Buy might have a delay in their shipment,and may not have the game until later in the day, possibly not even getting it until late afternoon/early evening. I'll post again later if I hear anything else, but it might not be a bad idea to call your local store sometime tonight if you intend on buying it there.

[posted with a psp]

[meancode]

Hey all I am dying to play someone I know, or even "know" so send me a message when you get the game.

[ProgrammingAce]

and you'll miss out on the entire game until sometime next year. EA isn't selling rock band without the instruments until 2008.

[Borman]

and you'll miss out on the entire game until sometime next year. EA isn't selling rock band without the instruments until 2008.

Yes they are. They arent selling instruments seperately.

[-hellvin-]

You'll also miss out on the crap buttons and strum bar as well... (in my opinion of course).

True that! I played that thing at my best buy and HATE IT. Just feels really cheap and poorly made. Hopefully I'll get used to it though cause I'm sure I'm gonna use it.

[ProgrammingAce]

Yes they are. They arent selling instruments seperately.

Huh, so they are. My bad.

I'll give you a hint, i'm sitting in a building that goes by the code name "Rock Band". You'd think i'd know these things.

Right now, PS3 GH3 guitars do not work with Rock Band...