I like how EA/Harmonix doesn't ram their fans in the ass like Activision/Red Octane does. Well, as long as you live in the U.S.

Drum trainer sounds like a great idea, since that's the one thing I'm pretty bad at in the game.

KaneRobot

@dArk_stAr:

Not to start a flame war, but why? I love the way their drums look, but Activision just dilutes quality so badly.

Considering RB has such a library of DLC available, I can't see why anyone would buy GHWT.

Acronyms are fun.

You Cannot Untoast

@Sugaray: Not really. All of my current plastic instruments, and all of my DLC, will work with RB2, so I only need to spend $60 for the game. I probably won't like all 80+ songs, but even if I only like a third of them, it's not that much more per song than if they had been DLC. And that's not even mentioning online world tour and a much improved single player mode.

Although I may pick up a new guitar if they've solved the problems with the original Strat. I hate the Xplorer, but after RMAing two Strats, I said screw it. A defect-free, wireless Strat would be awesome.

seafisch

I would love to see actual written confirmation of the Rock Band standard setlist being playable in RB2 without swapping disks, but that's not going to be a dealbreaker. I won't be re-buying the drums and guitars, but for $60 we get another 60 songs plus more features. I'm sold.

baberg

Also, Foo Fighter's "Everlong" is going to be in Rockband 2 AND Guitar l0lz: Rock Band? Now THAT is the way to do it.

I have yet to take a dip in the music game territory and was, begrudgingly, very close to going with Guitar l0lz, but Rockband is winning me over again. I said from day one,"The most interesting thing about Guitar Hero World Tour is not anything it will do, but how it will make Rock Band better."

Lord Thayer

I just wish it wasn't so expensive

ninja_warrior

I'd love to see EA actually do a worldwide release on Rockband 2.

Sadly I don't think it'll happen, ever.

I even had to go to the New Zealand site to buy the Spore Creature Creator for Australia.

Apparently EA Australia don't want my money.

Nice business model there guys, most businesses actually need money to function.

Cwn

If Give It Away mirrors the original, bassists are going to have lotsa fun on that one...

Antiterra

Wow, to think, the world my kids will live in. A world where drummers are not the hardest thing to find, and they are not all assholes.

I submit myself to Harmonix and their foresight.

Lord Thayer

Chop Suey \o/

Now these lyrics will be hard to follow on the screen... WAKE UP !

John_Norad

It's a shame they haven't added (as far as I can tell) a bass career option. My wife plays bass in our "band," and it's a major downer that she can't easily practice the bass lines, short of going to training, and individually playing them.

Not that it's a deal-breaker. I'm totally buying it, as are the rest of my compatriots. At least the game. We'll have to wait until I see the instruments. Wonder if Mad Catz is going to release their version of the RB2 instruments? (or for that matter /actually/ release their version of the RB1 instruments..)

elowan

Wow. Was thinking of buying Rock Band for 360 after endless hours of enjoying it at a friends, but I may now hold out for Rock Band 2.

Wreckoner

@Mommar:

I am sold. Like the easily marketed-to whore I am. But Harmonix treats it's whores nicely. We barely have any porn bruises!

You Cannot Untoast

Sigh let me guess release for this in Australia is 2032? After all we're still waiting for the first one and still theres no release date.

I'm already getting to the point where I'm meh about it after having waited nearly a year. Guess EA doesn't like money after all.

PS Spore creature creator still not available :(

/Kactus goes and has a beer to drown his third world sorry arse. Laughs when he realises he bought his ps3 over a year ago for the rock band.

kactusotp

@jonndirrt: "First things first: If you already own Rock Band and you buy Rock Band 2 all of your songs will transfer over automatically and free o' charge."

I'm pretty sure that means the WHOLE setlist.. not just DLC.

Bacardi151

its sad that I am one of the few people who hasn't played Rock Band yet, been too busy to go play it and broke to get one and might as well start to save up to get Rock Band 2 instead since the instruments seems to be of better quality

Fstrike

I like the idea of tour challenges, but I'm holding out for GHWT.

dArk_stAr

@Sugaray: Not really. It's proven to be a great gateway game for my originally-anti-gaming g/f.

Consider the game and drum kit sold for me. While my original kit has been nothing short of damn fine, this will allow me to be wireless everywhere sans mic *and* have a second kit for drum battles.

Good times ahead, mis compadres.

ThatShortGuy

@You Cannot Untoast:
From what I hear the set new set is exactly that plus it has the added feature of being velocity sensitive so that one-ups your modified kit.

Mommar

@Hauler: Actually, Harmonix hasn't denied anything from the Gamespot article. My guess is that IGN broke an embargo and had to retreat inartfully. They've had the opportunity to push back, but instead told their forum members to "consider this Game Spot article official".

BStu

@jonndirrt:
It was initially reported that you'd be able to download the original set list from the disc for free... For some reason, that's been kept on the very hush level... probably to keep from cannibalizing sales on this one.

@Sugaray:
Not really. I'm pleased that the DLC is cross-compatible and that the controllers are too. I think that's what has me most put-off with GH: World Tour... if you bought GHIII, the new game doesn't appear to be all that compatible with the old guitar... i.e. the touch-sensitve neck, the 8 fret buttons, all the other stuff...

At least it doesn't seem like Harmonix is eager to re-invent the wheel. Quieter and less wires is good and all, but not something that makes my "old" stuff worthless and obsolete. I'll probably pick up the new guitar just to have a bass (finally).

Evil J

Looks good. I can't wait to mess with some of the new features, but part of me was just hoping for something more. You know what i mean? That one thing that would make me go WOW THAT'S AWESOME!!! :( maybe i'm just getting greedy.

Rising-Dragon-Fist

My god, but the setlist is shaping up nicely.

I may go out and drop the cash on the new instruments, even. I haven't decided yet.

Señor Vorpal Kickass'o

Well, seeing as I live in Australia, I'll see this in 2010, after which I'll have bought Guitar Hero VIII, right?

RaptorShadow

Dream Theatre = Sold!
But yeah probably just get the game and maybe drums as mine are dieing slowly.

Rhaedaw

also, will rockband teach me how to charge and sonic like a drummer?

bigman88zz

NICE!

gils0n

@Sugaray:

I bought the first in January. I've logged, at a minimum, 200 hours worth of play, both solo, and with friends.

That's less than a dollar per hour of fun. I have no problem buying a new set, especially if the quality goes up on the drums, as that's pretty much all I play.

As of right now, my set has been modded with a steel pedal and gum rubber pads. If the new set isn't at least that good, I may pass and simply purchase the game.

However, the wireless argument alone is enough to justify it to my wife :)

You Cannot Untoast

"No more band leaders! If you need to fire your guitarist but keep the band going, fire away!"

*sighs with much relief*

I was hoping the Battle of the Bands would have some sort of vision camera support, oh well. Still a sweet idea.

CHU BOI

ugh ps2. ps2 to wii port confirmed :/. dont kill me!

bigman88zz

@jonndirrt: You've been living under a rock for the last couple of days then. IGN and Gamespot both said that this would be an added feature, but shortly after they posted that news they had to pull it. I believe even Kotaku had mentioned the IGN story. It's not 100% confirmed but there is a definite possibility of it happening.

Hauler

I cannot wait. I can't think of a game that's brought more fun to such a diverse group of gamers and non-gamers.

Even if the music on the disc is so-so, the fact that the game and DLC is cross-compatible is so awesome.

w00t!

You Cannot Untoast

I'm betting alot of people who just spent $180 on the 1st are suddenly having big bouts of buyer's remorse,lol.

Sugaray

@CHU BOI: **too

CHU BOI

Same here.

zgrowler2

WOW! This is great! Always wanted to learn how to play Drum. My parents thought they were two damn loud when I was a kid :-(

Thank you very much Harmonix. Can we agree that at leasr HMX makes games for the spirit of music?

CHU BOI

I still have yet to hear if they are somehow going to make the songs from the first disc available, without having to switch discs....shame to just "shelf" that roster of songs.

jonndirrt

Ever since I was a young boy...

trogam

Ill probably buy the game but i wont drop the money for another set of instruments

Omegasoap

@Sugaray: That's the failure of early adoption. You look cool till the next iteration comes out.

BrotherNick

geez... guess I'll finally get my ps3. Seriously doubt that the Wii version will support downloadable content or have all of the current downloadable content the other consoles currently have. And since Activision and Harmonix screwed me on Wii, it is probably for the better.

urban_ryoga

@JB4GDI:
360 lead sku I guess? Might be having trouble porting?

Demaar

will DEFINITELY be purchased. I absolutely LOVE Rock Band and have spent about $40 on DLC....can not wait for this!!! I'm a bit scared of the Endless Setlist though as it will be 1.4 times as long and I'm still sore from playing the RB1 setlist over last weekend!!

jay427

@Ruisu: I don't know, let's consult the Almighty Article.

Oh almighty article, please bestow us with your knowledge!

All Rock Band 2 instruments are fully compatible with the original Rock Band. Conversely, all Rock Band peripherals will be fully compatible with Rock Band 2.

Thank you oh wise one.

TRT-X

If they would release a "drum pad replacement set" for just the meat and potatoes of the drums then I would buy that.

PumpkinPieman

@Ruisu: LOL, man do you even read the articles or just skip to the comments section and post?

vx2

@vx2: He said $1/hr, not $1/minute.

Merph

HMX confirms RB2 will be able to play every last DLC song released to date...and if you look over on their forums, now everybody's all pissy because HMX hasn't confirmed a way to allow you to play all of the RB1 songs in RB2.

TRT-X

are the Drums any different?
I know that they are wireless but I just bought Rock band 3 weeks ago and I'm not dishing out more cash for more equipment.
I jus want to know if I will be able to play Rock band 2 with my Rock Band equipment?

Ruisu

nevermind im and idiot.. i was thinking GH:WT dur!

psmashio

It's gonna be fun times, comparing the new RB2 drums to the announced MadCatz deluxe set. One or the other is definitely in my plans for September.

Oh, so excited. So many of the little feature tweaks (like one avatar who can change instruments) are great. Now, if they added a special Guitar+Vocals single player mode, I'd be in heaven.

Oh, and elowan: since all the tours are kinda mushed together into a new World Tour, my guess is you can play bass as a singleplayer tour. But we'll know more next week.

PositivelyGreg

How are the instruments from the first one supposed to work with the second one, if there are 4 pads on the RB1 drum controller and 5 pads on the RB2 controller?

I get the guitar / mic.. But the article seems to state that the RB1 drums will also work with RB2

psmashio

@You Cannot Untoast:

a dollar of fun per minute (1$/1min) is waayyyyyyy too expensive. Just my 2 cents (Which isn't enough to probably buy me fun by the minute.)

vx2

Why are the ship dates different for PS3 and 360? :(

JB4GDI

I just don't like that I'm going to have to wait up until Christmas to get this game. Talk about major boning on release dates for those without a xbox. But I guess they got to release it before GT:WT comes out, even if it makes some communities hate them.

PumpkinPieman

I'm buying the special edition on day one too... Been wanting some wireless drums. Glad the DLC from RB1 still works, as I knew it would.

eastx

@Sugaray: Not for a second.

It's looking like HMX is going to duplicate the jump in awesomeness they made from Guitar Hero 1 to 2. I am so unbelievably hyped for this game it's insane.

Can't wait to see what they unveil at E3!

Chucklestyle

Online World Tour, drum trainer, on top of everything else, I'm all in! Hell, might have to start clearing up space for the new wireless instruments.

Br00klyn-Grenade

Play and Trade will give me 80 bucks for my old instruments. I have no problem buying the new ones if they really are that much better than the old ones.

yourenzyme

This is a day one buy for me and I'll rebuy the special edition.

I'm playing drums on expert and I'm tired of modding the shitty drums.(also play drum IRL).

Wireless strat, wireless drum, if I can have the previous songs without using the RB1 disc it is perfect because there is a lot of godd songs to play there.

Seriously, game only 60$ or drum, mic, guit, game for 180$ it is a bargain. And seriously not that expansive if you work.

I for one welcome my new rockband overlord.

JayTapp

i'm glad they didn't try to add extra frets/buttons/sliders/inputs etc... holding back and improving what's already there is a smart move i think. mostly because this means that any dlc released in the future will still work with rock band 1 and not render its instruments obsolete.

and to be honest, other than sturdier/quieter drums... all i really wanted was just more content (oh, a clicky strum bar would've been nice). but content would win it over for me.

phrequency

@You Cannot Untoast: Well if you live in the land that EA forgot AKA Australia, GHWT is coming out before Rock Band does...

deathwombat

@Saxboy:

Except, that your whole argument falls flat because you can use your old instruments if you'd like. You'll pry my GHIII guitar out of my cold dead hands before I buy a new set of stuff. I'll pick up my $60 copy of the software, take it home, be able to play all my DLC, play online through live with my friends and have an enjoyable experience, while you can slave with GH:WT.

As far as the RB wii version, wtf do you expect man heh? Its got no storage space, online is crippled with Nintendo's stupidity, and you have to completely redesign your peripherals to work with it. I'm surprised they even really bothered really.

And for anyone who played GH when Harmonix owned it, the Bonus songs are exactly like they were back then. IF the songs are good, who cares?

spinal77

@Sugaray:
not at all. With all the time I've put into RB 200$ was justified and then some, not to mention the 150+ dlc songs I've downloaded, all of which will carry over.

I'm REALLY looking forward to the wireless instruments standard finally, and hoping the pricing stays the same as the first game.

However I also plan to get GH4 this holiday so um.. crap. my wallet.

Either way, amazing news. Great job HMX!

sc00t420

@Saxboy: Bravo, bravo, well said.

vx2

Is it just me, or do you sense a Beatles bombshell at e3 too???

Phoenicks

SO please about Elvis Costello. If this leads to an album pack, or even more track packs by him, I'll be happier than ever. I really thought Doolittle was the closest I'd get to my favorites being in Rock Band, but this is a step further. Also, what happened to the rumor that all of the first disk's content will be transferable to the HD? Did I make that up?

WreckTheLaw

RB1 still isn't available in Europe for PS3 and from what I've seen at £150/$300 the 360 version isn't exactly flying off the shelves either.

I wonder what excuses EA/Harmonix will come up with this time, maybe there's a shortage of the special kind of expensive plastic they use for all non-US versions

rick_x

Drum Trainer = Instant Buy. This just jumped up on my must have list.

Gray665

This game is gonna blow GHWT out of here! I can't wait, I have no problem waiting until November for this.

deathroro

The real question is will Gh3 and GH2 controllers (for 360) work with RB2? If not, no sale from me Harmonix.

kabes

@You Cannot Untoast: Activision said that the previous guitars would work with GH:WT.

@You Cannot Untoast: I too will be going with GH:WT. The reason also speaks to @CHU BOI's comment, about Harmonix doing it for the spirit of the music. They're not. They're just as money-grubbing as Activision, if not moreso. They want you to buy multiple, custom RB guitars. They want you to pay another $90 for drums (if you're going to pay $90 for drums, and $60 for the game, just buy the whole dang set and sell the guitar and mic off).

My disillusionment with Harmonix stemmed from RB:Wii. The shaft they gave it (for no reason!) completely rubbed me the wrong way. Activision has said from the get-go that the Wii will have a full version of GH:WT including DLC and online play. Harmonix still hasn't said word one about RB2 for the Wii being anything but another sloppy PS2 port. They then tried to turn around and blame everything on Nintendo for not having enough storage space. Ok, we all know that's an issue. How is GH:WT getting around it? Activision obviously figured out a way. Where is the online mode? The other offline modes that the PS3 and 360 had?

And then look at the bonus songs. They're not trying to support small bands trying to make it big, they're putting in the creators bands. How do I know this isn't some kick-back scheme? They make Rockband, then charge Rockband to use their songs. Even if they were free, and aren't making a penny - why not support other bands? It won't cost you any more than what Activision is paying.

Rock Band is already making your old instruments obsolete. Look at all the new items they're touting about their instruments above. It's just as guilty as Activision.

Also, look at GH:WT's clips. They show the motion capture being used on the drummers, singers, etc. Fans hated the crappy drummer and singer of GH3, and Activision responded. They're shelling out the bucks to rectify out complaint. That makes me give Activision the benefit of the doubt over Harmonix this round.

Saxboy

There's a good chance I'll spring for the new instruments. My drums are starting to crap out, and I'll always enjoy a new guitar.

Eschguy

@vdawning: that's a good point... the wording is a little vague.

@BonoMan: all the pics i've seen the legs of the drums don't connect in the middle and the pedal is free. you have new pics of the thing? check it out.

[dvd.themanroom.com]

otakuhouse

@BonoMan: Thanks for the clarification - I saw "full backwards compatibility" and thought it had become official. Oh well.. maybe soon, right? :)

The rest of the features look absolutely awesome. Definitely going to be a great improvement over an already phenomenal game.

vdawning

@Saxboy: You just contradicted yourself in your argument, so before you go off again acting like you know everything, let's get things straight. I know spinal77 already talked about it, but I have to also.

You said "...Harmonix doing it for the spirit of the music. They're not. They're just as money-grubbing as Activision, if not moreso. They want you to buy multiple, custom RB guitars. They want you to pay another $90 for drums (if you're going to pay $90 for drums, and $60 for the game, just buy the whole dang set and sell the guitar and mic off)."

HMX is not forcing anyone to buy the new instruments, you can use the ones you've had from RB1. And I realize that Activision said you can use the old guitar, but there's still the drums to buy, and a mic if you haven't gotten RB. Plus, from all interviews I've seen, the GHWT will be about $20 - $30 more than RB. So, for most people who have RB1, they can at least buy the game for $60, and buy the improved instruments if they want, but they do not have to.

Next, you say HMX isn't in it for the love of music, and it's more for the money, and to a certain extenet, you're right. Of course they want to make money, that's why they do what they do, but if they were in any business they would be trying to make money, it's a necessity of life; for them, gaining money just happens to include loving what they do - music. Their love of music is definitely bigger though than Neversoft's, seen by the fact that basically all they have made are music games, and as many of the memebers of HMX are musicians. And that deals with the bonus songs, which are fine with me, I liked them much better than the ones in GH3, and who cares if it is their own bands, like spinal77 said, if the music is good, who cares? But then again, taste in music can be a very subjective thing, which is another reason I think HMX we can trust to make the better game, becauset to me it's more fun to play as a band with classic and new rock more than it is to play with a large grouping of metal songs, which NST seems to be slightly more into.

I could keep going on, but essentially, all I wanted to say is that you're argument held no weight once you contradicted yourself.

Jmax92

I think their best bet for getting RB1 original content is to have a send in system.

A disc is sent to Harmonix and is associated with a gamertag. They then send a code (like other companies do for Betas)to said Gamertag. Then D/L the original songs. IMO that would be the easiest way and also it makes sure the old content isn't pirated.

Gooche

Awesomeness. It looks like they covered just about every minor gripe and half-complaint I (and many people) have with RB1. (Drum trainer, switching instruments, quickplay setlists, no mandatory band leaders, cross-compatible instruments and DLC, and by the sounds of it, much more variety in the world tour with DLC being more prominent.)

That just leaves two things in my mind: bass solo career, and a non-gimped Wii version.

Ber'Zophus

I didn't think I was going to buy the new instruments, but now probably. I'm psyched for the new song lineup and especially psyched for the Drum Trainer mode.

Plus the Muffs!!! Great Golly I can't wait to hear Kim screaming Kids in America!

mangajunky

This is amazing info...

I'm definitely getting Rock Band 2...

Guitar Hero 4 had its little moment of fame...now its gone..

TheApprentice

ill probably invest on the drum kit....PROBABLY!! I dont like the guitar..I hate the stained wood look...never really liked it

kingme

@otakuhouse: There won't be a freestanding kick pedal. They are emulating the crossbar technique from RB.

@vdawning:
Well several articles stated the RB1 disc content would be available in some form to put into RB2, but those remarks were pulled so some people are taking the "even though it's unannounced, the RB1 disc content will most likely be available for download to put in RB2 for free or a nominal fee" stance.

BonoMan

@spinal77:

Thanks for typing all that for me - pretty much word for word my rebuttal.

@deathwombat:

My apologies, I was being a bit US-centric. If I were you, I'd be doing the same.

You Cannot Untoast

@Saxboy:

Dude what the hell? What are you talking about? They aren't expecting you to pay for more instruments. They HAVE made new instruments that are of a better build quality and have a couple of new small features (velocity sensitive drums...not really that big of a deal), but they aren't requiring you to purchase them and have gone through the trouble of not making huge changes PRECISELY so that your old instruments are almost exactly the same and won't feel obsolete.

How you could've missed that I have no idea. How you could have taken the EXACT opposite feel from that I have no idea. Hell GH:WT are the ones making huge changes to instruments and then expecting you to shell out for them. How did you get that backwards?

Now onto the Wii. It's a crappy platform for online play and anything that deals with storage. That's Nintendo's fault..not Harmonix's. "But how is Activision getting around it?" you ask. Wait and see. My guess is that they won't. It'll be another empty promise from a gaming company. I'll bet you $100 that if the Wii's DLC market for GH:WT DOES even exist then it'll be very lackluster compared to other platforms.

Hell the reason most companies don't support it is that it's not a viable option for making money. The amount of work needed to port something over to the Wii (and believe it or not it's not just as easy as hitting a "port to Wii" button), just sometimes is not worth it on a platform that doesn't have any sort of standardized storage solution.

Now some companies like Activision probably have a bigger war chest and can afford to lose money on porting DLC to the Wii, but you can't really blame companies when they don't want to support it. It's a losing battle.

However after all that I still maintain my "wait and see" mentality. I honestly don't think Activision will deliver on that promise in any sort of meaningful way.

That crap about "indie bands" and Harmonix supporting their creator's bands is just pure crackpot nonsense. Ridiculous.

And GH:WT finally using non shitty mo-cap is actually giving you the edge against RB (the game that did it from the get go)? Really? Ok man whatever.

BonoMan

i just really really hope they make those drums a lot better. i used to play drums but couldn't keep them in my current living solution, so i bought the first rock band on day one. i'm now on my third drum kit - i keep cracking the drum pads to the extent the entire housing for the trigger cracks off the bottom of the pad. on my second bass pedal (but that has held up a lot better). I honestly think the GHWT drum kit is a bit ridiculous looking (the triangular aspect of snare and two toms throws me off) and the freestanding kick pedal is a STUPID idea.

I know the Rock Band kit isn't close to reality but as someone who plays on expert and has a lot in the past year I know for a fact the current drum kit was not built to last expert drumming for long. just please make the pads with neoprene instead of plastic, do a metal kick pedal that still has some bounce, and what would be coolest of all would be to create two freestanding neoprene cymbal pads that would retain the same color as used for the cymbal pads. that would be really sick. customized parts for those who want them but don't trip up the software at all.

i gave up on guitar hero after three because it just didn't feel right, ultimately... the "tabs" if you will didn't have the feeling that the best stuff harmonix does, where it seems totally intuitive and instinctual to hit these parts to create the noises you hear. and activision are dicks for not trying to come to some sort of deal so that instruments are cross compatible. that would make everyone's life easier, and sell more software ultimately. as it stands now i just outright boycott guitar hero.

otakuhouse

@Rhaedaw: /Agree

Sabash

As long as Band World Tour has a solo option, then I'm a happy camper. I have no local friends who play music rhythm games, so I missed out on alot of the different venues.

Thrillkiller

I really want, but it'll probably come out in Europe in like 2010.

punjabifury

So how much will the try to up the price in the EU by this time?

I still want the first rock band, but theres no way i'm paying more than double the US price, its rediculous!

Kem2000

What's guitar hero again?
I really need a new drum kit. Did anyone else's drum heads dent in after so much use? Mine are kinda thrashed. The new drum pedal sounds ideal as well.

Zenrick

@vx2:

I said dollar per hour.

You Cannot Untoast

um... maybe I'm blind, but I didn't see anywhere in that text after the jump that mentioned that RB1 songs from the disc will be playable in RB2... I just see DLC over and over. am I missing something here? 'Full backwards compatibility' as the title says, indicates to me that RB1 disc songs would be somehow compatible... I'm not seeing that.

vdawning

@kabes:
I see no reason why they would change it.

Koolsen

@Saxboy:

Except that, even from a neutral standpoint, they ARE better than Neversoft.

1. Much, much, much more DLC, and released on a timely schedule.
2. Lower priced DLC (if they wanted they could jack the price up to neversoft levels).
3. Much better selection in song types. GH == metal. Rock Band == variety and choice.
4. Much better layout of songs: neversoft seemed to go the way of: lets make our songs harder by adding all these different random notes all over the place and make you play them fast, while the Rockband tracks are much more playable on lower difficulties.

I'm sorry, I don't really see a point to eschewing RB for the neversoft product, when you know what you'll be getting with RB: quality product. This is Neversoft's first entry, and I was not pleased with their GHIII except for the wireless guitar.

But maybe thats just me.

spinal77

@Saxboy: Your argument has me so lost...I'm guessing you haven't actually read these past few RB2 posts. I guess you're angry from the RB Wii experience which is understandable.

In case you missed it, which you pretty much did, RB2 is compatable with RB1 instruments. You can buy the new ones if u want, like I probably will (but I have a weird form of OCD), but you don't have to. All my DLC from RB1 to RB2, as does my entire RB1 setlist (FOR FREE). All i really need to buy is the $60 game and 80 tracks and new & improved. That's "money-grubbing"? Really?

@BonoMan: Thank you. Just...thank you. Should have read your reply b4 i wrote all that. Doesn't RB put lesser known bans on via DLC, cheaper than regular songs, anyway? HMX was putting their own bands in since GH1 anwyays, no one seemed to complain then...

CHU BOI

@Saxboy: I bought GH3 on the Wii (didn't own a PS3 at that time) because they promised DLC and after the mono sound fiasco they said again "Yes, we will support DLC" and so far we have no support for it so i just lost hope on it so i really don't know how you can believe them they are going to keep the promise this time because seriously, i just can't.

I just wish the GH3 guitar worked in PS3 Rockband (again, Activision's fault as they blocked the patch for it), because i would just sell my GH3 Wii and rebuy it for PS3 but guess Activision doesn't want my money.

For me the choice is really simple, buy Rockband 2 disc and maybe get the new guitar to have a bass and if i have money or my drumset explodes in pieces, i will buy the new one.

KamuZ

@doubtful: I doubt it will be a particularly meaningful way, but I don't think GH4 will be, either. Since we're basically playing back a prerecorded track, they can dynamically alter the sample volumes based on velocity, but I doubt they'll build a whole gameplay mechanic around that. More than likely, it'll just allow drummers to add personal flavor to their performances (like guitars get with whammy bars/RB effects switch, or vocalists get with their freestyling).

It will, however, make the drums that much more useful when connected to a computer or sampler. :) Also: Freeplay drum mode over MP3's? YES!

Also from the Onion AV Club article: "party-safe" mode that keeps random people from backing you out into the menus by hitting random buttons (first-time drummers, I'm looking at you).

Only one thing left on my list, and it isn't a big one with some forethought: I wish there were a way to move created rockers from one save game to another, as everyone build their band on my 360, then went and bought their own later. Now they're sad that they don't have their old characters. But see how minor that is overall?

Jazhuis

@Jmax92: @You Cannot Untoast: @BonoMan: @spinal77: I appreciate the response, but you all missed the point of what I was saying.

I know that RB is backwards compatible. That doesn't matter. They still want you to buy the plastic - that's why all the instruments have increased functionality. That's why they said in another kotaku article that they will make custom guitar controllers so you can "rock out on the guitar you like" or some nonsense.

I can go and just buy the GH:WT game and play it with my old guitar. I don't see what the difference is there. I will be just like the people that were lucky enough to be able to use their GH controllers in RB, or anyone in RB 2 using their old RB controllers - essentially functional, minus the bells and whistles.

My point was only that Harmonix isn't any better than Activision, and shouldn't be put on a pedestal. Overly critiquing one aspect of my comment that was admittantly not explained well enough doesn't make my comment "epic phail." If GH:WT fails to live up to its promises, then I won't buy it either. Activision has at least given me a chance, which is more than Harmonix ever gave me.

Also from what I understand, GH3 Wii's online mode works just fine.

Saxboy

I hope to god that Drum Trainer isn't mandatory...

"How to hold your Rock Band(tm) Drum Sticks!

-Start by unwrapping the Rock Band(tm) Drum Sticks from the Rock Band 2(tm) packaging

-Place one in each hand

-Make sure that you are not holding them too close to the end of the stick, or holding them in the center

-See if your setup matches the diagram. If so, hit the green Rock Band(tm) Drum Set head"

Oh joy...

Hopanoe

@doubtful: Velocity sensitivity is just an aesthetic thing really (in both games). If you're playing on the RB2 drums then you'll be able to take advantage of it. If you're playing on the RB1 drums then you won't. Simple as that.

BonoMan

@Saxboy: Hate to point this out as well, in your leaky argument, but you said GH are now doing mocap for GHWT.

Err... all those videos on GH3 of Brett Michaels and Slash doing mocap... doesn't that show they've already done it for GH3. And the characters still looked wooden as hell.

Hendrixx

If the game is fully backwards compatible with previous instruments, will they be able to utilize the drums velocity sensitivity in any meaningful way?

doubtful

Also:

[www.avclub.com]

"There's also a freeplay mode, where you can play drums over mp3's that you've ripped to your console." In the drum trainer I believe...

BonoMan

One other thing: I hope the xbox live communicators work with the instruments better this time around.

You Cannot Untoast

Id just like to say THANK GOD Harmonix is finally coming out with info about their sequel. Hearing all this GHWT info was getting discouraging. Harmonix is one of the few companies that really seems like they are supportive of their fans vs supportive of their stockholders. I wish I could be there at E3 playing on the new drumkit. This will be a day one purchase for me

mullinsmcd

@Field Anony-mouse: Not to mention licensing issues as well. You're going to have to convince those labels to let you re-release all of their music into a new game for free.

BonoMan

@otakuhouse: Damn I can't remember where I read it. But I'm certain of it. There's no way in hell they would have a freestanding pedal.

That would never pass any sort of testing.

BonoMan

While being able to download all the songs from RB for free (in some form either off the web, or having RB2 include some one time disc swap extraction) would be infinitely cool, it brings some major problems in piracy. I mean, how would they intend to verify that you do in fact OWN RB? What is in place to keep people from just borrowing the game from someone else and getting all the songs for free, or will they just not care?

Field Anony-mouse

Now to see if I can sell off my modded drums... I just used mousepads to muffle the noise and they work pretty well, but if there's an official solution that sounds/feels better that'd be sweet.

Also, Elvis Costello is going to be way too much fun at Rock Band bar nights.

TheBrianIsAstonishing

@ActionHank: That's true, it doesn't mention it in the actual press release. I think IGN broke embargo and tried to cover their tracks, though. Gamestop and Kotaku stepped forth and claimed have both confirmed it. Hmmm...guess we'll soon see

CHU BOI

OH HELL YEAH! AMAZING. Check this out: They also spoke of the drumkit being "expandable with third party options," but we'll have to wait to see those. One final hardware upgrade is the guitar's "integrated calibration tool" - a tiny camera which can be held up to your display to instantly calibrate the game - a godsend for anyone who brings Rock Band to a friend's place.

Looks like I might get those cymbal pads after all...

From joystiq. Anyone notice these days that 80% of joystiq content is kotaku's only a few hours later?

otakuhouse

- No more band leaders! If you need to fire your guitarist but keep the band going, fire away!
- Switch up instruments throughout world tour

Well thank goodness for that!

zoz

They had me at full backwards compatiblity

TheGreySpectre

Hey, is it me or does that press release not say anything about Rock Band disc tracks transferring over to Rock Band 2?

Where is that info from? I know a rumour appeared on IGN, but they have since retracted it.

ActionHank

@Saxboy: I guess I just don't get it.

Yes they are the same as in "they are both businesses that like to make money."

But after that your argument falls apart.

Activision introduces all new instruments that are pretty different from the old ones and RB2 introduces basically similar instruments with minor imporovements and somehow that's bad? You say that you can just use your old guitar in GHWT and while that's true, you're going to lose on a bit of the functionality. You won't, however, lose any functionality using the old RB1 guitar in RB2.

I don't understand how you think Activision has given you any sort of "chance." By just saying they'll have DLC on the Wii? Lets compare Activision/Neversoft's DLC history to Harmonix's DLC every single freaking week history shall we?

And you still think that Activision is topping Harmonix?

You wanna talk about "greedy business practices" then look at Activision. Whoring out their franchise (which Harmonix spent years giving a good name) to GH:Aerosmith and GH:Metallica...On Tour. All that nonsense. Harmonix sticks with one franchise and does it well.

They also don't deface public statues of Rock Legends like Activision does.

Harmonix is made of ACTUAL musicians who do what they do out of a love for music. Neversoft/Activision? Not so much.

Activision has delivered so many empty DLC promises it's not even funny.

Harmonix has had DLC EVERY SINGLE WEEK for almost a whole year.

Yes they're both businesses, but I'd much rather purchase a music game from musicians that love what they're doing and not franchise whoring machines.

BonoMan

@KamuZ: True. You can only blame HMX for not having online multiplayer in RB. Neversoft have a much smaller DLC library then HMX did and they still couldn't deliver DLC properly. It's not their fault either.

CHU BOI

@Quicksilver4648: Agreed. Insta-buy for me as well.

jurb

@Saxboy:

You seem infinitely confused about this situation. Are you positive that ROCK BAND isn't the one you like? Please go re-read all the articles on GH:WT and RB2...reading comprehension ftw.

akashhhhh

I'll probably sell the original bundle back and then get this.

ZeeBeeEss

@spinal77: I'd completely agree, but for #3, that depends on your tastes. Same goes with 4, harcored GH's like that.

CHU BOI

Battle of the Bands. That's it, instant buy.

Quicksilver4648

@Saxboy: Wait, didn't GHWT reveal a new guitar that is much different from their previous ones? So...you're telling me that they don't want you to buy the new one? Isn't that really the same thing or am I confused? Isn't HMX re-making their guitars just like when new guitars are introduced between GH1 to GH2, and GH2 to GH3? hmmm...

CHU BOI

@JoeyTheHobo: You got a point and sorry for being so harsh :(.

Anyway I wouldn't say they're any closer to the people, but they have their finger on the pulse of what people WANT a lot better than Neversoft I believe. And from other forums (non Rockband and such) where the devs post...they seem to be pretty chill folks who definitely take input well.

BonoMan

@BonoMan:

I'm not trying to presume. I'm just commenting on my impressions from the first 100 comments of this beast of a newspost.

1. @Jmax92: And I realize that Activision said you can use the old guitar, but there's still the drums to buy, and a mic if you haven't gotten RB

2. I'm not trying to suggest what they should flaunt. I'm not trying to argue for them. I'm just saying that they'll never win this silly argument by saying "Full Motion Cap" and such, since those aren't exclusive/original features.

3. I admit I mixed up here ><. I wasn't aware of how many of them were musicians, lol. (afterpost wiki reading teaches a lot)

4. For fun's sake : BS. No developer is just in it for the giggles. Otherwise their games would be free, imho. I wouldn't peg Harmonix as any closer to "the people" than Any other developer.

JoeyTheHobo

Sorry for the overuse of the word "see" :P English isn't my first language-

tavo31

@BonoMan: "Hell the reason most companies don't support it is that it's not a viable option for making money."

then why do companies keep pumping shovelware into it? survey says.....a quick buck! why what funds a majority of those big name titles on other consoles? quick wii cashins. sounds like they see it as a very viable option for making money

bigman88zz

@BonoMan: @spinal77:

Activision already confirmed that they'll use direct storing and loading from SD cards for the Wii version. Here is proof: [gonintendo.com]
The Wii has the capacity for great online play (if it wasn't for FCs it could be easily untapped), if the original Xbox could, the Wii can, too. With the necessary effort it can be done.
For Wii-only owners (like myself) there is no question, GH:WT is the way to go. For PS3/X360 owners, I think that the ones that already have Rock Band should buy Rock Band 2, and the rest should see if the improvements Activision has shown are enough, and even then wait and see how will they handle DLC, to see if they can really match Harmonix's offering in this platforms.

tavo31

@BonoMan: I was just going to point out #3, I highly doubt Activision has made (developed) more music games, considering Harmonix is solely a developer and Activision is both that and a publisher. People seem to forget that Activision haven't developed the new GH games, Neversoft (and Vicarious Visions) have.

sanyo

random small issue i hope they fix, when you're playing single player there's never any real cohesiveness to the other band members. that always really annoyed me. it would be awesome if there was an option to choose other characters of yours to fill in for all the parts (obviously only the one you're playing gets points and such) but that way you could design an entirely cohesive band and see them rockin out even if you dont have 3 buddies over.

demonknightinuyasha

@JoeyTheHobo: God you tool they made GH sold it then moved to RB. What I meant was they deal with one franchise at a time. They don't have their hands in five RB pies like Activision...they have one game..Rock Band...and they are focusing on that. That's what I meant.

BonoMan

@JoeyTheHobo:

1.) None of us are acting like that. We're just rebutting the guy that's saying "oh Harmonix wants you to buy all new instruments!" when it's pretty clearly Activision that has made the newer instruments with the most changes. None of us are using "buying new instruments for GHWT" as an argument AGAINST WT.

2.) Specializations? Like what? Cymbals? Granted that's cool, but that's about the only thing different from the RB set of instruments. What else are they going to flaunt?

3.) Again nobody is saying Harmonix is better because they've made MORE music games. They're saying that Harmonix is better at music games because they are MUSICIANS who love music. I don't care how many music games you've made, I will always go for the game made by musicians.

Also how many music games has Activision made?

4.) What? What does this even mean? Neither camps are indie developers where did you even get that? Harmonix just seems to be more in tune with making a music game fun for fun's sake and Neversoft seems to be more in tune with letter Scorehero douches chart out songs.

5.) You presume way WAYYYY too much.

BonoMan

(RB1)

Foreign-Contaminant

A new metal reinforced kick pedal? Guess who's taking advantage of the vague warranty guidelines once the game releases? Oh yeah.

I'm very excited about the drum trainer. I just made the jump to playing drums on Expert exclusively, so being able to learn some real fills and better limb independence will be a big plus.

Online World Tour, mini campaigns, no band leader, etc, sounds really great. I might not even buy the GTWT disc if it ends up being sub-par compared to RB2.

sanyo

Does the song transfer apply to the songs that shipped on the disc?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Foreign-Contaminant

@Field Anony-mouse: It would be easy to prevent piracy by having the gamer send in an original RB disc. A code attached to the Gamer's Tag could be distributed via live.

There shouldn't be a licensing issue at that point because the "single" license is still there because you still only have one copy of the game.

And all intents and purposes if you have these RB1 disc songs via DLC you don't need the original disc anymore anyway.

Gooche

@BonoMan: Harmonix sticks with one franchise

Obviouisly not! What a silly response. They made GH and RB. Yep, totally one franchise...

JoeyTheHobo

My god, the fanboyism has reached an all-time high.

Thing's I want to address:

1. RB people stop acting all like "you have to buy new instruments for GH;WT!!!!" Since you already payed out the A' for your preferred game, RB. Either way, both camps would have had to buy instruments for the next generation of music games.

2. GH people need to just cede the fact that Activision obviously followed RB, but is attempting to make things different with their drum-set and other special devices. For god's sake flaunt your specializations, not the thing's RB has already done!

3. The argument that Harmonix is good at music games becuase that's all they've made is BS. Activision has made more music games than Harmonix, and I would say that's more important. That's like saying a MLB player with a batting average of .700 is worse than a guy who hits his first couple of times in the league. "Look, he has 1.000 batting average, he must be an amazing baseball player!!!!"

4. Both camps need to stop crying over who "loves the music". Indie developers have the same goal in mind; Good game + loyal fans = lots of money. Yes they want you to be happy... so you'll buy new games, not so they can date you. Get over yourselves.

5. Blegh. Don't care enough anymore.

JoeyTheHobo

@ActionHank: I think IGN's take was a misunderstanding. They said all tracks would be free DLC, I think they meant to say all of your already purchased DLC would transfer. But I'll hit up Harmonix to check.

Brian Crecente

"Your customized characters can now play on any instrument"

Harmonix truly loves us.

justhesh

@spinal77: GH3 Wii was the best selling version. It would be fiscally irresponible not to make a make a Wii version at all, and it's just stupid to release a Wii version 6 months later that's missing features GH3 had.

Torgen got his apology faceplate but not his fixed GH3 disc

dream theater ftw!!

demonspawn2578

I don't know if I should get a new set or just the game? Well I guess if I do buy a new set I can finally have awesome drum battles with my friends.

Blind_3

So what if you DON'T have Rock Band? Can you still download the DLC from Rock Band and have it work in Rock Band 2? Or will it check for a Rock Band profile on your console?

Odie20XX

PREMIUM DRUMS ARE COMING! "The "Rock Band 2″ drums will be wireless. We were also told, in the presentation, that the drum pads will be softer, quieter, more responsive and expandable. The developers were talking about "premium drums" as an option but didn't elaborate."

Totilo writes up on the multiplayer mtv blog.

otakuhouse

@BonoMan: Pi Studios developed the PS2/Wii RB port. Vicarious Visions did the Wii version of GH3, and are owned by Activision.

Torgen got his apology faceplate but not his fixed GH3 disc

@BonoMan: Gotcha. Missed apology between posts. No worries.

Also, point taken on Harmonix's development.

JoeyTheHobo

Wow...wireless, DLC transferable, drum trainer mode, better drums. Finally a sequel doing just about everything right.

blizihizake

@JoeyTheHobo: Hmph. I DID apologize :(.

And didn't vicarious vision develop the Wii version? Not Harmonix?

And it's not even about developing the same game for different platforms. It's about developing lots of DIFFERENT games within the same franchise for different platforms. That's what I meant.

Harmonix is focusing on one game. That's what I meant.

BonoMan

Screw GHWT, I'm sticking with the originators. That's so crazy that they're offering all the songs from the first disc. That alone makes me want to buy it even more.

HoxtonHero

Cool. If the drums live up to their promises, I'll probably eBay my existing set and pick up the new one. Depends on the GHWT compatibility issue, though. Those drums look pretty sweet too.

cdammers

@JoeyTheHobo: (Such as RB ^_~)

JoeyTheHobo

@JoeyTheHobo: praise should be given, for good games.

JoeyTheHobo

@BonoMan: XD. One post is all it takes to be a tool. I love it.

They had plenty of time to develop an inferior port for Ps2/Wii I would consider that 2. So wow, they start a new franchise and aren't instantly developing on all consoles and such. If they want money (and they do) just wait for RB 5; By the time they catch up with GH's number they'll have it on DS, PC, Cell Phone, etc.

I don't think praise should be thrown because they didn't overdevelop for an initially unknown franchise.

JoeyTheHobo

@bigman88zz: I was talking about GH DLC specifically. Not games in general. Of course you can make money off the Wii (since it has sold so damn well), I just meant that with such a substandard storage solution, that it didn't make a whole lot of sense to support the GH DLC since most people PROBABLY wouldn't get it. That's all.

BonoMan

Seriously, you need to clarify what you mean by full backwards compatibility. As far as I can tell (and as far as the press release that you have at the end of the article) only DLC from Rock Band 1 will be accessible in 2. That's the impression Joystiq got from the event. It's what Gamespot got (after they revised an ambiguous sentence in their preview). It's what IGNs says after disclaiming that staffer blog post.

4dSwissCheese

@Saxboy: you're argument is still weak; you're saying that HMX wants us to go buy new instruments, well of course they want you to buy them, but they aren't forcing it on you, like you are technically being forced to with GHWT, at the very least for the drums. But that's not what I'm using to say one company is better than the other. First off you can't company HMX, the developer, with Activision, the publisher. Neversoft is the company that works on the game, and all I'm saying is that HMX has done nothing but video games, so due to prior experience, I trust the guys who are so involved with music their entire lives to make the better music game, than to trust a team who I liked, but has the tendency to drive a franchise into the ground. And if you want proof of that, look at the Tony Hawk franchise, which hasn't done anything special in its past few iterations, and is why skate. made such an impact on the genere.

And they've already started doing it with the excuse of a game they call GH:Aerosmith. They've already annouced GH:Metallica, and it probably won't be too long before we get more of those bare-bones effort band games, that aren't even done correctly (people buy the game for Aeorsmith, so why is 2/5 of the game made up from other bands, when they could have added 20 or so other Aerosmith songs). It probably won't be soon before long until we get Guitar Hero: Dave Matthews.

But seriously, all I'm saying is prior experience and the rest of the evidence leads me to believe that HMX knows how to make a beter music game, and truly wants to make it, with just slightly more enthusiasm for the music than Neversoft does.

Jmax92

I'm not sure if i'm gonna get the new instruments yet or not but I am definitely getting the game.

VixDiesel

O-kay... The Muffs for Kids in America? YouTube or such someone please?

sanctusmortis

Dream Theater. Nuff Said.

But I WILL say more anyway. GHWTs only selling point over Rock Band is the cymbals on the drum kit. Personally, I'd rather have a simpler kit that allows newcomers to easily get involved, while also providing a challenge for seasoned players. This release from Harmonix has blown that out of the water. I mean Dream Theater sold it for me straight away, but everything else just makes GHWT seem less and less significant on my radar.

Foffity

i don't see anything in the press release about importing songs from RB1, they only reference the DLC, which will automatically import into RB2.

We can still hope though...

friedgold

If the Wii version isn't neutered and can provide downloadable songs like GH4 is claiming, I might ditch my GH3 guitar.

FlashIV

Awesome. I only bought the game disc for RB and have been using my headset and GH2 Axe for playing. I was waiting for better instruments before grabbing the drums and etc.

Looks like I made the right call.

Slothboy: 1 Gaming Industry: 246

It's no longer a shutout baby. OOOOOOoooooo Yeah! *Hip Thrusts*

Slothboy

@Jmax92: @BonoMan: I suppose I also neglected to mention I only own