To Harmonix - Thank you for PS2 Rock Band

[Olmec]

I see so many posts lamenting on the lack of character customization and band world tour mode that I just had to make one that praises Harmonix and Pi studios for doing an excellent job in making PS2 Rock Band a reality.

It does suck that a lot of the features in the PS3/360 version do not appear in the PS2 version. It's important to realize, however, that Harmonix is a company that really cares about its customers, unlike other companies I know of (cough...Activision...cough).

As stated previously by a Harmonix employee, one key specification was having a constant 60FPS at all times, even with four people playing at once. The trade-off were the other features being cut out due to the inferiority of the PS2 processor as compared to the PS3/360. Some people may not agree with me here, but I would much rather have a smooth experience than a game with lots of features that would be unplayable at times.

What really impressed me was when I used the Guitar Hero SG Guitar (it uses the PS2 port) with PS2 Rock Band - it worked flawlessly! That alone deserves mad props to Harmonix and Pi Studios for making it easy for us consumers to enjoy Rock Band without stupid guitar compatibility nightmares a la Activision.

I'll end this by saying THANK YOU Harmonix for everything that you've done. Rock Band is a completely successful product and I support you 100%. I'm a proud owner of both the PS3 and PS2 Rock Band bundles and I continue to support you through Rock Band DLC. I had GH3 before Rock Band, but sold it after Activision made it clear via the PS3 patch denial that they don't care at all about their customers.

PS: Please try to make the guitars and drum sets less prone to failure. That would be outstanding =D

[Flyerfye]

Nice to hear some love from the rest of the community for once. (Of course you had to add that last line. ;))

As for the breaking... I think they'll try harder in the future... considering how much money they've lost now replacing faulty gear. ;)

[cjkuhlenbeck]

I think its pretty cool that some companies are keeping the PS2 legend alive. Its a great system, even if it is outdated now. I still have it and play it, along with the xbox 360. Some things never die, they just live on slowly ;)

[Betelgeuse]

Here's one more member of the PS2 version of Rock Band, who is very pleased with it's performance so far. We have not had any issues with faulty equipment so far, and I completely understand the cutting of features to allow for an excellent gaming experience with the older system. Thanks Harmonix. :D

[whittibo]

I too love our RB. I just bought my kids their first game console a few months ago, it was a PS2. I had no idea it was "outdated", they are still selling them!

Anyway, I didn't want a huge investment because I don't want 99% of my kids free time taken up by some games. So I went with the PS2. I was very discouraged to only find RB in PS3 and Xbox the first time we saw it at Walmart, BUT, much to my kids amazement yesterday, there was a Rock Band under our tree. (yeah me!)

I love that they now can all play together (I have 3 kids, and GH only has two player mode) and love that they are all having fun with it.

Because they are not serious gamers, and didn't even know it was going to be available in PS2, they don't miss any of the cut features. I did tell them about them so that if other kids say anything about creating a band or downloading new songs, they will know they can't, but they are OK with it. I would love, as others have suggested on this board, a disk of new content in the future, so they will have access to other songs as I know the same songs will be won and they will want more. But for now, this is perfect for us.

As for the breaking, I also warned them of the possibilities. I am looking for a new pedal cover for the drums and will be proactive on that part, but they aren't going to be whaling on anything, they aren't hard core or anything, just young girls. And their friends will be monitored VERY CLOSELY and if they are caught abusing any of the equipment, they will lose their play privileges for ever!

So I do think there are work arounds for us PS2 players. So far we're very happy with everything we have seen.

[AeroZeppelinSevenfold]

i probably would have got it for PS2, but by the time i found out about it i had allready ordered my xbox version. i think it is great harmonix even decided to put rock band on the ps2. and, to all the people complaining, harmonix didn't have to make it for the ps2, but they did. be thankful.

[nicko68]

Great thread. I too am thankful to Harmonix and Pi Studios for bringing RB to the PS2. I was very impressed when I learned that RB works with the standard PS2 guitars as well as the USB PS3 guitars (and instruments). That was a nice touch, and made my decision to buy RB very easy.

My wife does not enjoy Guitar Hero, but she thinks Rock Band is fun because she can sing.

Great job guys. I am hoping to see some expansion packs down the road to make up for the lack of DLC. And/or a Wii version. :)

[madfox777]

Here's one more member of the PS2 version of Rock Band, who is very pleased with it's performance so far. We have not had any issues with faulty equipment so far, and I completely understand the cutting of features to allow for an excellent gaming experience with the older system. Thanks Harmonix. :D

O Savior!...So far the PS2 has not had major problems so far? hope the god i dont get any when i buy it for ps2 today if i can find one