E3 '08: Hands On With Rock Band 2
Of all the demos I sat in on during E3, the one for Rock Band 2 was by far the most engaging. Harmonix's PR Coordinator John Drake was so excited that it was infectious... in a good way! Tiny and I got to play Psycho Killer by the Talking Heads at the end of the demo and it was a blast. And while the gameplay hadn't changed, the thing that Tiny and I walked away talking about was how many improvements the Harmonix team has put into Rock Band 2. Knowing that they couldn't just get away with releasing some new instruments and a new set list (awesome though it may be) Harmonix turned it's eyes to making the entire Rock Band experience better. Rock Band 2 isn't just a sequel, it's an upgrade. There were so many changes to the game that I think it would be best if I just listed them all rather than trying to explain them so here we go...
- Amazing 84 song set list (all original tracks)
- Export your Rock Band songs and DLC into Rock Band 2
- Your Rock Band instruments will still work with RB2
- Gorgeous new full sized wireless instruments
- New guitars have built in mic and camera for one button precision audio synching - no more manual synching!
- Drum kit is quieter and has a new reinforced pedal that doesn't fall off when you move it
- All new in-depth drum trainer teaches drums and fills
- New microphone has all the required buttons on it, no need to use the controller
- More DLC each week - 500 songs by this holiday
- More Chick Rock!
- Improved Song Selection Menu
- Build your own set list of unlimited length
- Build set lists by band, album, genre or decade
- All characters can play all instruments - change whenever you want
- No more band leaders - hire and fire your band at will
- Improved World Tour mode
- All new venues added to existing ones
- New Battle of the Bands mode
- Battle rival bands over LIVE
- New battles daily like Guitar Streak Battle and Best Solo Battle
- World leaderboards will show your scores compared to others around the world or on your friends list
- New hire-able staff members can help or hurt your band's rep
- New clothing store with more outfit pieces including facial piercings, more tattoos, etc
- Let your band free play in the background, no players needed!
- No-Fail mode will even the playing ground
Whew, that was quite the list and I'm sure there were a few things I didn't get down on my pad! Suffice it to say that if you have been on the fence about Rock Band and have been waiting for Harmonix to iron some of the bugs out, that time has come. Start saving your pennies now.
Fruit Brute
Posted to E3, Hot Stuff, Video Games on 22 July 2008
· Comments (6)
Other stuff like this: e3, e3 08, harmonix, rock band 2, xbox 360
You guys look like real rock stars.
I see FB...Tiny...who is the cutie on drums?
Look at those manly men of the band *w* rock it out LOOOOOOOOOOOOUD!
Sexiest
Band
Ever
Love the specs Fruit.
makes me want to buy whatever it is you're selling.