Rock Band 2 [Timed Xbox 360 Exclusive]

[TeamOverload]

Xbox 360 owners get to rock first; PS3 version coming later in the year.
by Hilary Goldstein

June 30, 2008 - To no one's surprise, Harmonix, MTV and EA are preparing an encore for Rock Band later this year. Rock Band 2 is now official -- and it's coming to Xbox 360 this September, with "other platforms" releasing later in the year.

Before you start deleting the dozens of tracks you've downloaded for the first Rock Band, know that RB2 features ground-breaking cross-title compatibility. There is no distinction between Rock Band 1 and Rock Band 2 DLC. Any DLC you've previously downloaded will instantly work with Rock Band 2 and all DLC will continue to work with the original game from here and into eternity. While Harmonix has yet to reveal the number of tracks included on the RB2 disc, with the inclusion of all the previously released DLC, the set list at launch may top 300 songs.

"As successful as the original Rock Band continues to be, we've now had the benefit of the last eight months to listen to our fans' requests and to build upon that foundation," said Alex Rigopulos, co-founder and CEO of Harmonix. "Rock Band 2 is a second-generation band game that will elevate the music game experience to the next level."

As with Activision's recently announced Guitar Hero World Tour, Rock Band 2 features all master recordings on disc. You can also expect major improvements to online functionality and a more "party friendly" set-up so it's easy to get guests rocking out faster.

While all RB1 peripherals will work with the sequel, upgraded versions will be available in a bundle pack. Harmonix isn't revealing what these upgrades are just yet.

Rock Band downloads will continue to arrive weekly for both Xbox 360 and PS3. Each track you purchase is essentially extending your library of Rock Band 2 tracks. And even though PS3 owners will have to wait longer to get Rock Band 2 on disc, they will still have access to new downloadable content with RB1. With Rock Band DLC having now surpassed 15 million paid downloads, there appears no end in sight for the most successful digitally distributed product on 360 and PS3.

So why release first on Xbox 360? "Microsoft has been a great partner throughout the launch of Rock Band in the last year and their continued support is instrumental in supporting the more advanced features and cross title compatibility we will have in Rock Band 2," a Harmonix representative told IGN. "Of course, our goal is to make Rock Band 2 accessible to all and we look forward to bringing Rock Band 2 to all relevant platforms later this year."

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/885/885168p1.html

Backwards compatible with all dlc = purchase for me. Have to wait to see the new instruments to see if I'll buy new ones or just stick with the current peripherals.

Full Tracklist
1. AC/DC Let There Be Rock 1970s
2. AFI Girl's Gone Grey 2000s
3. Alanis Morissette You Oughta Know 1990s
4. Alice in Chains Man in the Box 1990s
5. Allman Brothers Ramblin' Man 1970s
6. Avenged Sevenfold Almost Easy 2000s
7. Bad Company Shooting Star 1970s
8. Beastie Boys So Whatcha Want 1990s
9. Beck E-Pro 2000s
10. Bikini Kill Rebel Girl 1990s
11. Billy Idol White Wedding Pt. I 1980s
12. Blondie One Way or Another 1970s
13. Bob Dylan Tangled Up in Blue 1970s
14. Bon Jovi Livin' on a Prayer 1980s
15. Cheap Trick Hello There 1970s
16. Devo Uncontrollable Urge 1980s
17. Dinosaur Jr. Feel the Pain 1990s
18. Disturbed Down with the Sickness 2000s
19. Dream Theater Panic Attack 2000s
20. Duran Duran Hungry Like the Wolf 1980s
21. Elvis Costello Pump It Up 1970s
22. Fleetwood Mac Go Your Own Way 1970s
23. Foo Fighters Everlong 1990s
24. Guns N' Roses Shackler's Revenge 2000s
25. Interpol PDA 2000s
26. Jane's Addiction Mountain Song 1980s
27. Jethro Tull Aqualung 1970s
28. Jimmy Eat World The Middle 2000s
29. Joan Jett Bad Reputation 1980s
30. Journey Anyway You Want It 1970s
31. Judas Priest Painkiller 1990s
32. Kansas Carry On Wayward Son 1970s
33. L7 Pretend We're Dead 1990s
34. Lacuna Coil Our Truth 2000s
35. Linkin Park One Step Closer 2000s
36. Lit My Own Worst Enemy 1990s
37. Lush De-Luxe 1990s
38. Mastodon Colony of Birchmen 2000s
39. Megadeth Peace Sells 1980s
40. Metallica Battery 1980s
41. Mighty Mighty Bosstones Where'd You Go 1990s
42. Modest Mouse Float On 2000s
43. Motorhead Ace of Spades 1980s
44. Nirvana Drain You 1990s
45. Norman Greenbaum Spirit in the Sky 1960s
46. Panic at the Disco Nine in the Afternoon 2000s
47. Paramore That's What You Get 2000s
48. Pearl Jam Alive 1990s
49. Presidents of the USA Lump 1990s
50. Rage Against the Machine Testify 1990s
51. Ratt Round & Round 1980s
52. Red Hot Chili Peppers Give it Away 1990s
53. Rise Against Give it All 2000s
54. Rush The Trees 1970s
55. Silversun Pickups Lazy Eye 2000s
56. Smashing Pumpkins Today 1990s
57. Social Distortion I Was Wrong 1990s
58. Sonic Youth Teenage Riot 1980s
59. Soundgarden Spoonman 1990s
60. Squeeze Cool for Cats 1970s
61. Steely Dan Bodhitsattya 1970s
62. Steve Miller Band Rock'n Me 1970s
63. Survivor Eye of the Tiger 1980s
64. System of a Down Chop Suey 2000s
65. Talking Heads Psycho Killer 1970s
66. Tenacious D Master Exploder 2000s
67. Testament Souls of Black 1990s
68. The Donnas New Kid in School 2000s
69. The Go-Go's We Got the Beat 1980s
70. The Grateful Dead Alabama Getaway 1980s
71. The Guess Who American Woman 1970s
72. The Muffs Kids in America 1990s
73. The Offspring Come Out & Play (Keep 'em Separated) 1990s
74. The Replacements Alex Chilton 1980s
75. The Who Pinball Wizard 1960s
Bonus Tracks
76. Abnormality Visions 2000s
77. Anarchy Club Get Clean 2000s
78. Bang Camaro Night Lies 2000s
79. Breaking Wheel Shoulder to the Plow 2000s
80. The Libyans Neighborhood 2000s
81. The Main Drag A Jagged Gorgeous Winter 2000s
82. Speck Conventional Lover 2000s
83. The Sterns Supreme Girl 2000s
84. That Handsome Devil Rob the Prez-O-Dent 2000s

[twelve]

Europe are also getting it in September which is pretty cool.

So I guess they're going to be cancelling the first Rock Band for PS3 and Wii over here which was due in September.

I only got the 360 version about a month ago when it was finally released here.

[TeamOverload]

Yeah it's cool that they're giving Europe RB2 at the same time, but it's always kinda messed up to release a new version of a game they just released like 4 months later.

[twelve]

I don't think Rock Band has done especially well here so far so maybe that's why they're bringing RB2 in September.

[PSPHax0r9]

Heh, hopefully their drum peripheral and song list will be as good as Guitar Hero: World Tour. If not I don't think that even being able to use my DLC would make me want to buy it.

[TeamOverload]

You do realize there's only 4 confirmed bands for Guitar Hero World Tour so far right? Wow, what an impressive setlist that is.
That being said, I'll still purchase GH:WT and RB2.

[PSPHax0r9]

Originally Posted by TeamOverload

You do realize there's only 4 confirmed bands for Guitar Hero World Tour so far right? Wow, what an impressive setlist that is.
That being said, I'll still purchase GH:WT and RB2.

OK, let me explain for you smartass. I like the GH:WT drums. In order for me to buy Rock Band 2, both the drums AND the set list (WHEN both are revealed, obviously...) have to be AS GOOD AS or BETTER THAN GH:WT in order for it to warrant a purchase from me. I typed that nice and slow to match the pace you'll be reading it at.

[TeamOverload]

I wasn't trying to be a smartass actually. No need to be a ****, k thanks.

[TheMasterChef]

YES!! Backwards compat on DLC. RB2 is a guarantee buy.

[TeamOverload]

I just hope there's someway to play the RB1 disk songs on RB2, like someway to import them to your hard drive or something or I'll be a bit disappointed in that aspect.

[Joey]

This is ridiculous... What's wrong with just releasing more DLC on RB1? What the hell could they add to the game?

Looks like Harmonix couldn't resist jumping on Activision's Greedy F*cking B*stards train...

[TheMysteriousThug]

This is a huge mistake.

What about the PS2, Wii, and PS3 owners.

They are just pushing for Activision to to steal their sales.

[TheMysteriousThug]

Also. More than 4 bands have been confirmed for GH:WT lulz

Ozzy, Hendrix, Tool, Interpol, The Doors, and more

All master tracks too. Which it seems Rock Band 2 is trying to match. This'll be interesting

Over 85+ Tracks for both games it seems too.

[Urameshi]

Originally Posted by Joey

This is ridiculous... What's wrong with just releasing more DLC on RB1? What the hell could they add to the game?

Looks like Harmonix couldn't resist jumping on Activision's Greedy F*cking B*stards train...

lol, that's so true, their making you buy another version of the same game just so that you can use "new" features, but in reality you're just playing the same songs. The screenshots look exactly the same, its some ol' ****.

[TensorWM]

this is just plain ****ing stupid. its the consumer whos getting screwed in the end with constant upgrading of music games. couldn't these morons just settle their differences and work together? how hard is that? nevermind, apparently its pretty damn hard if theres constant games being released with minor **** updates.

[Synyster gates]

Originally Posted by TheMysteriousThug

This is a huge mistake.

What about the PS2, Wii, and PS3 owners.

They are just pushing for Activision to to steal their sales.

PS2 owners should probably consider purchasing a newer system it's been 8 years. Time to let it go.

[TheMysteriousThug]

hey..what if you can't afford a new system? I sure as hell can't.

[Vanden]

Then why buy a $170(or somthinh) game. Go buy a 360 acarde for 280 And not spend 170+ on a game.

[Mister Chief]

Originally Posted by TheMysteriousThug

hey..what if you can't afford a new system? I sure as hell can't.

Get over it.

You can't expect them to make games for an outdated system forever.

[TheMysteriousThug]

Oh. I don't. But I just don't want it half-assed too much


Especially with the PS2 version being so half-assed. Look at how the careers differ from the Next-gen versions and previous gen version. And you see the PS2 version of World Tour getting a lot of what RB didn't do and more shows that little to none effort was put in the game. Only feature that's really being taken away is the uploading and assuming the download service for WT is not going to show in the PS2 version otherwise. Nothing will really be limited

[Mister Chief]

Originally Posted by TheMysteriousThug

Oh. I don't. But I just don't want it half-assed too much


Especially with the PS2 version being so half-assed. Look at how the careers differ from the Next-gen versions and previous gen version. And you see the PS2 version of World Tour getting a lot of what RB didn't do and more shows that little to none effort was put in the game. Only feature that's really being taken away is the uploading and assuming the download service for WT is not going to show in the PS2 version otherwise. Nothing will really be limited

It's a money thing.

They can make so much more money off of the next gen versions due to the DLC and the cost of the game itself.

It just isn't in their best financial interest to put as much effort in to the other versions.

[Vee]

Never really been a fan of Rock Band. It just seems like something that would never work, unless all your mates are willing to chip in for it.

Bring on Guitar Hero IV, atleast that uses the old guitars, so i can just get a drum kit and i'll be good.

[androidkaita]

Nice! Can't wait to get my hands on this game, I will probably onlybe getting the disc, not the bundle.

[TeamOverload]

Originally Posted by TheMysteriousThug

Also. More than 4 bands have been confirmed for GH:WT lulz

Ozzy, Hendrix, Tool, Interpol, The Doors, and more

All master tracks too. Which it seems Rock Band 2 is trying to match. This'll be interesting

Over 85+ Tracks for both games it seems too.

None of those have been officially confirmed. The fact that they were in surveys doesn't confirm that they will definitely be in the game.

Originally Posted by Joey

This is ridiculous... What's wrong with just releasing more DLC on RB1? What the hell could they add to the game?

Looks like Harmonix couldn't resist jumping on Activision's Greedy F*cking B*stards train...

Bass world tour, battle of the bands, way more songs for only $60 as opposed to paying $2 for a song. I'm failing to see how this is a bad thing.

[Joey]

Originally Posted by TeamOverload

Bass world tour, battle of the bands, way more songs for only $60 as opposed to paying $2 for a song. I'm failing to see how this is a bad thing.

Yeah, except for the fact that with DLC, you can get just the songs you want, rather than pay $60 for 60 songs, 50 of which you wont even want to play more than enough times than it takes to beat them.

Honestly, I can't remember one of these rhythm games having more than 5 songs on the disc that I actually feel were worth my money, so maybe it's just me... Now that the novelty of "playing" music with fisher price guitars has worn off for me, playing sh*t song like Green Grass and High Tides just doesn't have any appeal anymore.

[Anti-QuickJay]

I'm so going to buy this, I was thinking about getting the first one but if they are already making a new one I might aswell just wait.

[TeamOverload]

Well I typically enjoy most of the songs they choose for these games, so for me it just makes sense to appreciate these disk-based releases as opposed to merely DLC. Plus revamped instruments should be nice too, hoping for a more reliable drum kit and guitar definitely this time around. To each his own though.

[TheMysteriousThug]

They were also confirmed in another article with IGN and from witness accounts mentioning that those songs were in the game. ALSO the leaked copyright description describing EVERYTHING THAT WASN'T EVEN CONFIRMED YET to be true also mentioning such details is why I know it's CONFIRMED and has been confirmed by Neversoft with recent IGN articles

[Joey]

Originally Posted by TeamOverload

Well I typically enjoy most of the songs they choose for these games, so for me it just makes sense to appreciate these disk-based releases as opposed to merely DLC. Plus revamped instruments should be nice too, hoping for a more reliable drum kit and guitar definitely this time around. To each his own though.

So you're actually willing to pay $360 for 120 songs (Both rock band games, plus periph's since you said you actually would buy them AGAIN)...

Talk about drinking the cool-aid. I guess it's different for those who have to actually use their own money for these things.

[TeamOverload]

I help pay bills around the house, I have to pay for my driving school, license, permit, cell phone, car, insurance, anything I want to do, so yeah I do still have to use my money for a bunch of other stuff as well. And $360 is 10 months isn't that bad, I'm pretty sure I can afford it. And yeah I do want new peripherals when the first gen ones are kinda sucking out on me. We'll see though, if the instrument revisions really don't look that great, then I'll just stick with the first gen peripherals. I might end up just buying the new drum kit and the game itself, as I tend to use the Les Paul when I play anyways, and I already have 2 USB mics, no need for another one of those.