Why make the GH/RB thing a battle?

[vtjustinb]

I don't realy understand why so many people on both sides of the Guitar Hero 3 / Rock Band fissure are so defensive.

I think it's safe to assume most of us here own Guitar Hero, so we already have the equipment we'll need to play GH3. Why wouldn't you spend a few bucks and pick up the game? The set list is awesome.

I just know I'm buying both and I could care less which one is "better." Both games are going to be great for different reasons, why make a feud about it? Just not sure we need a new Mac vs. PC thing here. :P

[mattmoss]

Why make a feud about it?

Welcome to several millennia of history. :D

[TheTogfather]

Plus it's called consumer-driven competition. It'll drive up quality and (hopefully) drive down cost. As long as they're directly competing for buyers, we all win.

Yes, most people that are out here on the game forums are likely to buy both, or have already made up their mind and will not be swayed. It's the MUCH more vast majority of consumers that have not made up their mind and will only be purchasing one that, believe me, EA and Activision are fully aware of.

[guitarfretin2006]

Well i see it in a few ways.

1.) There hasnt been another guitar game. People are quick to either stick true and believe in what they have played for so long (guitar hero) or eagerly want the full band experience. Either way most want one to rain on top.

2.) Much like with sport games people will get what they think is the best. Football games for example. a few years back espn 2k5 was a much better game then madden and 30 dollars cheaper. obviously people bought espn. If guitar hero is better then rockband people will buy it and vise versa.

3.) (my favorite) People like to bicker and fight because they have nothing better to do : )

[Nitz13]

3.) (my favorite) People like to bicker and fight because they have nothing better to do : )

That pretty much sums up the feud between anything on these and the GH forums

[ThePaska]

Even though I am buying both, I want both of them to be as good as possible, and I hope there is a competition between the two games because that can only fuel better games for us. I think it is only natural for two games in the same genre that are similar to be compared to each other. It is just something that is going to happen.

[stinkdog2007]

I already preordered both too.:D

[Terranova]

I don't realy understand why so many people on both sides of the Guitar Hero 3 / Rock Band fissure are so defensive.

I think it's safe to assume most of us here own Guitar Hero, so we already have the equipment we'll need to play GH3. Why wouldn't you spend a few bucks and pick up the game? The set list is awesome.

I just know I'm buying both and I could care less which one is "better." Both games are going to be great for different reasons, why make a feud about it? Just not sure we need a new Mac vs. PC thing here. :P

Some points i would like to make.. first i do own Guitar hero and the PS2 SG controller but i have a PS3 so no i don't have the equipment to play GH3 as most of us know the PS2 Guitar controllers don't Fully work on PS3,

second point is i prefer the look of the rock band guitar controller it looks more solid and i don't have the room or the money to get more than one Guitar controller, and yes i know you can use the GH3 Guitar with rock band but not at the level that the RB guitar offers ie the solo buttons and effects switch, and so I wouldn't be getting GH3 with the Guitar controller which would leave me unable to play the game the way it's meant to be played.

last point i would like to make is i feel there is far more to rock band in the long term than what GH3 is offering for all we know what you get on the disc with GH3 is all your getting in terms of tracks unless Red octane / Activision announce something in that regards at a later date but if they did i don't believe it would be on the scale that Harmonix if offering.. where as with rock band we know that a huge amount of Track DLC is coming so there isn't a worry of what you get on the disc is all your getting.

i'm not saying GH3 is cack it does have a solid track listing so far, but i'll wait for rock band to be released and see if their Guitar controller works with GH3 if so i'll most likely pick up the game if not then it's rock band all the way.

[Apples]

Let me preface with the phrase "I am probably getting both", so obviously I don't buy too much into this battle. However, due to the circumstance behind the split of Harmonix/RO, I am pulling more for Rock Band.

In my experience, I've seen too many times a big corporation like Activision buy their way into a game franchise and then ruin it. Activision also has a reputation for under-cutting quality to rush out a product, rehashing a franchise with ridiculous sequals, (Tony Hawk anyone?), lots of stupid movie spin-off games, and various other anti-gamer practices.

Sure, MTV and EA are involved with Rock Band, and one could easily argue they do the same things. But from all accounts, Harmonix is running the show and their track record is superb. My own personal observation says they do things "the right way" and I like to see that practice meet with success.

[psyborg]

I wanted both but with Activision going to the media and calling Rock Band a GH3 clone, and now actually stealing tracks from Rock Band I'm not so sure anymore. I'm pretty sure Activision just thinks were all sheep, I like the GH3 tracklist but I'm not sure I like it enough to give in and become an Activision sheep. Then again it does have Muse...:p

What I can't understand at all is the GH3 fan's hatred for Rock Band, I mean if you like Guitar Hero why on earth would you hate the basically the same game(made by the same people) but with more instruments added?

[cmg4894]

Let me preface with the phrase "I am probably getting both", so obviously I don't buy too much into this battle. However, due to the circumstance behind the split of Harmonix/RO, I am pulling more for Rock Band.

In my experience, I've seen too many times a big corporation like Activision buy their way into a game franchise and then ruin it. Activision also has a reputation for under-cutting quality to rush out a product, rehashing a franchise with ridiculous sequals, (Tony Hawk anyone?), lots of stupid movie spin-off games, and various other anti-gamer practices.

Sure, MTV and EA are involved with Rock Band, and one could easily argue they do the same things. But from all accounts, Harmonix is running the show and their track record is superb. My own personal observation says they do things "the right way" and I like to see that practice meet with success.

This is what I was going to write so thanks for saving me time. I'm getting both but here's my fear. Activision is aready making major changes to the GH franchise that have gotten me scared. I don't want my beloved GH games destroyed. I think Battle Mode is going to be stupid. I'm keeping an open mind but honestly is it really needed? As far as the split happening, it looks like HMX got the short end of the stick to start with and is the underdog right now. Almost everyone wants the underdog to win.

[Terranova]

This is what I was going to write so thanks for saving me time. I'm getting both but here's my fear. Activision is aready making major changes to the GH franchise that have gotten me scared. I don't want my beloved GH games destroyed. I think Battle Mode is going to be stupid. I'm keeping an open mind but honestly is it really needed? As far as the split happening, it looks like HMX got the short end of the stick to start with and is the underdog right now. Almost everyone wants the underdog to win.

Why would you say that Harmonix got the short end of the stick it looks to me by creating rock band and teaming up with MTV which gives them the money etc needed to offer the DLC such as full albums puts Harmonix in hand with a rather large part of the stick, that's how i see it. :)

[lithiumkc]

HMX hasn't been mouthing off activision calling GH a CLONE or 'potentially competitive'. Activision is just being a bully company with their media release and their quips about RB. Thats how I see it. They're afraid and they're making that clear by mudslinging.

[Prescott523]

It's probably because when they bought over rights to Guitar Hero, they thought they had picked up a Video Game monopoly. Little did they know, HMX had a few tricks up their sleve, and BAM! Right in the face of Activision. So now they ARE scared, and don't really know if they're going to sell quite like they projected. But I for one AM getting both games, and I love both track lists so far (even though GHIII announced some duplicates after RB did, according to my knowledge) and I really do look forward to playing both games and seeing for myself which is truely a better experience (not a game, an experience).

[lithiumkc]

There is no doubt in my mind that RB will be a far better experience. GH is already in the game, there's your guitar fix. Add what are looking to be amazing online options, an entirely new instrument and karaoke in game... and theres no way GH has much more to offer. Battle mode? Fun on a whim. Not consistently fun. RB is gonig to be THE greatest party game I have ever played, based on my love for GH and my friends shared opinions. There is no way GH will compete with 4 people at once, and a game that actually makes karaoke approachable because you're not standing there by yourself. You're all a part of it.

I'm getting GH too because it'll no doubt be fun. Just not as good, unless HMX screws up REAL bad.

My two cents.

[MrtyMcfly]

I'm getting GH too because it'll no doubt be fun. Just not as good, unless HMX screws up REAL bad.

My two cents.

EEK! I think you meant Activision or Neversoft there :eek:

[cmg4894]

Why would you say that Harmonix got the short end of the stick it looks to me by creating rock band and teaming up with MTV which gives them the money etc needed to offer the DLC such as full albums puts Harmonix in hand with a rather large part of the stick, that's how i see it. :)

Here's why: RO and Activision took a game that HMX did a lot to develop to someone else. BECAUSE of the way HMX did the game is the reason why it's go good. Come on if GHIII was the first would it be as big? I really don't think so. I think GHIII is too much like a 'normal' game (Boss Battles, etc). Yeah, HMX is going to make a great game but NO ONE thought it was going to happen except them. Now I agree the other posts. Activision is very scared now. They are seeing a huge chuck of money being divided up. If they were the only game in town and they had bad DLC then we would have to deal with it. I don't think that major DLC was ever in their game plan until HMX make it a big deal. RO/ACT now has to scramble and step up to the plate. I think they were planning on half fasting GHIII and forcing people to like it. Maybe come out with up to GHV then shut it down. But with someone else, they don't have a few more easy sequels. They are going to have to work for the money.

[Brad_Lee]

Harmonix has more to lose than Activision, Neversoft, Red Octane, MTV... well pretty much everyone else involved. They can't be as cocky.

Yes believe it or not.... GH3 is going to be successful. Most people who will buy GH3 don't care who makes it... I know I don't... as long as the game is fun to play. I also can say without a doubt that GH3 will sell better than RB, at least in the initial launch window. GH is a trusted brand. The name Harmonix isn't nearly as well known as the name Guitar Hero.

There's some strange company/brand loyalty going on. Coke vs Pepsi.. Mustang vs Camaro.... Xbox vs Playstation.. Guitar Hero vs Rock Band.. The thing is not to choose sides. Especially when neither of us have played either of the games.

It's pretty obvious who has chosen sides on these boards, however. And it's really not a good thing. I see many arguments coming once this game is released.

[lithiumkc]

EEK! I think you meant Activision or Neversoft there :eek:

Nah I meant HMX. As in GH won't be as good as RB unless harmonix screws rock band up real bad.

I agree RB won't sell as well initally. Well, I'm not even too sure on that. But GH3, people will only need to buy a disc for 360 and ps2, which is why I'm getting that.

However, if they set up RB instores like they did GH... It's gonna sell like wildfire. Drums are going to be amazingly fun, and that'll be a selling point. People get tired of the same stuff (guitar only)

Plus if presales are any indication.. RB is doing just fine right now

[ThePaska]

Harmonix has more to lose than Activision, Neversoft, Red Octane, MTV... well pretty much everyone else involved. They can't be as cocky.

Yes believe it or not.... GH3 is going to be successful. Most people who will buy GH3 don't care who makes it... I know I don't... as long as the game is fun to play. I also can say without a doubt that GH3 will sell better than RB, at least in the initial launch window. GH is a trusted brand. The name Harmonix isn't nearly as well known as the name Guitar Hero.

There's some strange company/brand loyalty going on. Coke vs Pepsi.. Mustang vs Camaro.... Xbox vs Playstation.. Guitar Hero vs Rock Band.. The thing is not to choose sides. Especially when neither of us have played either of the games.

It's pretty obvious who has chosen sides on these boards, however. And it's really not a good thing. I see many arguments coming once this game is released.


I would have to disagree with you. Rock Band is already selling out more than Guitar Hero on most websites (amazon.com) where it can be pre-ordered. I think a lot more people are excited for Rock Band, but are interested in buying both games. Even though GH is a "trusted brand" Harmonix is the creator behind it, which is a little conflicting.

[Brad_Lee]

I would have to disagree with you. Rock Band is already selling out more than Guitar Hero on most websites (amazon.com) where it can be pre-ordered. I think a lot more people are excited for Rock Band, but are interested in buying both games. Even though GH is a "trusted brand" Harmonix is the creator behind it, which is a little conflicting.


Amazon's top selling list are based on an hourly basis. Just to note, GH3 has been a pre-orderable item since last December. Rock Band has only recently been put up on the pre-order list.


What this means is that Guitar Hero 3 pre-orders that were put up 8 months ago or 2 months ago are not being recorded now. Do you think Forza 2 is the top selling game of all time on Amazon.com? lol

[dlisapussy]

Well i see it in a few ways.

1.) There hasnt been another guitar game. People are quick to either stick true and believe in what they have played for so long (guitar hero) or eagerly want the full band experience. Either way most want one to rain on top.

2.) Much like with sport games people will get what they think is the best. Football games for example. a few years back espn 2k5 was a much better game then madden and 30 dollars cheaper. obviously people bought espn. If guitar hero is better then rockband people will buy it and vise versa.

3.) (my favorite) People like to bicker and fight because they have nothing better to do : )



3 is so true

honestly, i could care less. Its just a game and I'm getting both of them anyway.

[cmg4894]

Harmonix has more to lose than Activision, Neversoft, Red Octane, MTV... well pretty much everyone else involved. They can't be as cocky.

Yes believe it or not.... GH3 is going to be successful. Most people who will buy GH3 don't care who makes it... I know I don't... as long as the game is fun to play. I also can say without a doubt that GH3 will sell better than RB, at least in the initial launch window. GH is a trusted brand. The name Harmonix isn't nearly as well known as the name Guitar Hero.

There's some strange company/brand loyalty going on. Coke vs Pepsi.. Mustang vs Camaro.... Xbox vs Playstation.. Guitar Hero vs Rock Band.. The thing is not to choose sides. Especially when neither of us have played either of the games.

It's pretty obvious who has chosen sides on these boards, however. And it's really not a good thing. I see many arguments coming once this game is released.

This a very strange brand loyalty thing. First, GHI was a cult hit. As with cult hits, people do their homework. They know who developed it and with published it. GHII is a main stream hit. But with websites like SCOREHERO, where people like myself who are totally obsessed with the game have made a lot of those main stream people more aware of things. With out those sites, I would agree that the name means more. With a very few exceptions, most people don't know who develops their favorite games. They might know the publisher but that is it. With these games, people know both and have done a lot of homework because both games are a lot more than the average game costs.

I've said this before, I'm getting both the day they come out. I'm not waiting and if RB is set up in the store, it's going to be a very hard sell for GH. Most parents that are misinformed and want to buy their kids a game this holiday WILL go with RB because even though it's going to probably be twice as much, you get 4 times the amount. I'm personally looking forward to RB a lot more that GHIII.

[vtjustinb]

Although I appreciate the replies I think a lot of people are kind of missing the point.

It's not an issue of which one you think will be better. I think just by the fact that most of us are here posting on this forum we know the answer to that, at least in our minds. What I think is strange is that the stance against GH is so hostile. I just can't really imagine many scenarios where you can look at a game like GH2, which we all love, and look at its sequel, which has some of the best songs ever to grace a rhythm game available and plenty of new features, and then talk down to it like it's Final Fantasy X2 or something.

I echo some of the worries of people here, including people worried about big corporation involvement and engine rewriting, but I'm still excited for both. Competition between brands is great for innovation, but I'm curious why that spreads to the user base so much (probably option #3 from above :P)

[MrtyMcfly]

Most parents that are misinformed and want to buy their kids a game this holiday WILL go with RB because even though it's going to probably be twice as much, you get 4 times the amount.

It all depends on advertisement. As of right now, because of the Guitar Hero name, I think most parents will be looking to get that for their kids. Just because that's what they know.

No one just buys something they've never heard of. And Rock Band, unless you're a gamer, is still pretty much underground to the general public.

But when we see it on the news talking about it's popularity and innovation, I think Rock Band will be the most talked about.

[Brad_Lee]

This a very strange brand loyalty thing. First, GHI was a cult hit. As with cult hits, people do their homework. They know who developed it and with published it. GHII is a main stream hit. But with websites like SCOREHERO, where people like myself who are totally obsessed with the game have made a lot of those main stream people more aware of things. With out those sites, I would agree that the name means more. With a very few exceptions, most people don't know who develops their favorite games. They might know the publisher but that is it. With these games, people know both and have done a lot of homework because both games are a lot more than the average game costs.

I've said this before, I'm getting both the day they come out. I'm not waiting and if RB is set up in the store, it's going to be a very hard sell for GH. Most parents that are misinformed and want to buy their kids a game this holiday WILL go with RB because even though it's going to probably be twice as much, you get 4 times the amount. I'm personally looking forward to RB a lot more that GHIII.


Most people who play GH don't go to scorehero or any other web forum. Most people who play Guitar Hero can't pass hard.

If RB costs $200 and GHIII costs $100 parents will be buying GHIII. And kids are going to be asking for GHIII. Ask a ten year old kid what he wants for Christmas if he/she played GH2. It's not gonna be RB. Kids hear the name Rock Band... they don't think "Oh those are the guys who made Guitar Hero".

[ThePaska]

Amazon's top selling list are based on an hourly basis. Just to note, GH3 has been a pre-orderable item since last December. Rock Band has only recently been put up on the pre-order list.


What this means is that Guitar Hero 3 pre-orders that were put up 8 months ago or 2 months ago are not being recorded now. Do you think Forza 2 is the top selling game of all time on Amazon.com? lol

Point taken, but me saying Rock Band will sell more, or as much as GH III is just as valid as you saying the opposite at this point, there are hardly any facts to back either of us up. All I know is that since Rock Band has become available for pre-order on Amazon it has been topping GH III.

Also people aren't just going to go ok its another Guitar Hero (although some will), I'm buying it and ignoring Rock Band. They are going to be drawn in by the drums and other things you can do playing as a band, and all the DLC and that really gives Rock Band the leg up on whatever Guitar Hero has as far as history. In some instances Rock Band is the future and Guitar Hero is the past.

[Julio-Claudius]

It must be a battle because it will drive both companies to make an awesome game. And guess who wins? Gamers do. And I'm all for that!

[Apples]

People wonder why there is such hostility toward the GH3 camp? Check the latest news from kotaku:

http://kotaku.com/gaming/slap-fight/activision-+-rock-band-will-never-be-prom-queen-287432.php

Activision floating their spin machine and slinging mud at Rock Band for being "too complex". This comes after calling Rock Band an "imitator" and various other backhanded remarks. If you read the original article, the Activision rep also claims that GH3 is adding co-op for the first time in the series. (makes me wonder what I've been doing all this time in GH2)


In my first post I mentioned "doing things the right way", well this is patently "the wrong way"... mud-slinging, slanting facts, deception, etc. The market is big enough for two players without this sort of crap.

[cmg4894]

Most people who play GH don't go to scorehero or any other web forum. Most people who play Guitar Hero can't pass hard.

If RB costs $200 and GHIII costs $100 parents will be buying GHIII. And kids are going to be asking for GHIII. Ask a ten year old kid what he wants for Christmas if he/she played GH2. It's not gonna be RB. Kids hear the name Rock Band... they don't think "Oh those are the guys who made Guitar Hero".

You are right a little. SCOREHERO has about 10% of the user base of GH. It's growing everyday though. AND the parents thing is this. (I'm 28 now so it's been awhile since my mom has gotten me a game) but she never could remember what I wanted. So, I think the name means nothing. Second, if they know their kids wants a guitar game, they will go to the store and look around. They will see GH with the $100 price and see RB with the $200 one. Now again, most parents spoil their kids (ANOTHER TOPIC NOT RELATED). They look at it this way: Twice the price but you get 4 times the items. That is assuming they get the whole bundle. If it is just the guitar and game and don't know which one, it a 50/50 shot. If they ask someone at these store, most will probably try and sell RB for price alone. They know their job is to sell things. (I used to work in sales. It's called the 'UP SALE'). Also, the kids that go to the store to show their parents GH and see RB set up see what you get and will change their mind when they see the guitar AND drums.

[psyborg]

yea I think alot of people going into stores for Guitar Hero will change their minds when they see the drum controller sitting there.

I think we all just want RockBand to be popular and not be overshadowed by Guitar Hero, because the more popular Rock Band is the better community and support(DLC) we will get, which is why its annoying when you see uninformed kids calling Rock Band a GH clone or bashing the game for its pricetag.

[Brad_Lee]

You are right a little. SCOREHERO has about 10% of the user base of GH. It's growing everyday though. AND the parents thing is this. (I'm 28 now so it's been awhile since my mom has gotten me a game) but she never could remember what I wanted. So, I think the name means nothing. Second, if they know their kids wants a guitar game, they will go to the store and look around. They will see GH with the $100 price and see RB with the $200 one. Now again, most parents spoil their kids (ANOTHER TOPIC NOT RELATED). They look at it this way: Twice the price but you get 4 times the items. That is assuming they get the whole bundle. If it is just the guitar and game and don't know which one, it a 50/50 shot. If they ask someone at these store, most will probably try and sell RB for price alone. They know their job is to sell things. (I used to work in sales. It's called the 'UP SALE'). Also, the kids that go to the store to show their parents GH and see RB set up see what you get and will change their mind when they see the guitar AND drums.

10%? Not even close to that. On the GH2 leaderboards for 360 there are 700,000 people who play it. 70,000 people do not go to scorehero. More like 1 percent and that's not including the people who only play on the PS2 and the people who don't have Xbox Live.


I'd say less than 1 percent of the people who play GH go to scorehero.

[ThePaska]

10%? Not even close to that. On the GH2 leaderboards for 360 there are 700,000 people who play it. 70,000 people do not go to scorehero. More like 1 percent and that's not including the people who only play on the PS2 and the people who don't have Xbox Live.


I'd say less than 1 percent of the people who play GH go to scorehero.

Actually ScoreHero currently has 67070 Registered Users, and add that to the numerous people who aren't registered there, but frequent it, and I would say that is right around 10% of 700,000 ;)

[Brad_Lee]

700,000 is only for the people who have Xbox Live... not the people who play on the PS2 or the non live users.


Also I have 3 scorehero accounts.

Registered users =/= the number of people who visit the site.


Looking at the total sales... GHII has sold about 3.2 million copies as of June 2007. 70,000 isnt close to 10% of those sales.

[nicko68]

Activision really should have kept Harmonix as the developers (assuming that was an option). They may have made a mistake there. Then they would have had no major competition.

I do think that GHIII being out for the PS2 will give it an advantage. The penetration of next gen consoles isn't that high yet.

[FreQstar]

Activision really should have kept Harmonix as the developers (assuming that was an option). They may have made a mistake there. Then they would have had no major competition.

I do think that GHIII being out for the PS2 will give it an advantage. The penetration of next gen consoles isn't that high yet.

From a business stand point I get why Activision pushed HMX out. They wanted the brand they own to be developed completely internally rather then have to split the profits with any one else.

Yeah, the multi platform spread of GH compared to RB will make it a little easier for Activision to do the PR song and dance and say "We out sold the competition" even if it's hypothetically 1 million copies on each of the 4 platforms to RB selling 1.5 on it two systems.

(hope that didn't come across as fanboy-ish)

[cmg4894]

Next Gen penetration is higher than you think. Most people think of PS2/PS3 things. How many people own an original xbox now and not a 360? Not many. The PS2 thing is going to let them sell some. But there aren't a lot of PS3 owners. The ones that are also have a PS2 and will probably one buy GHIII on one system. It's just a matter of how you look at the numbers.

And to Brad_Lee: It's also a numbers thing. I think in the short term (Release until Christmas) GH will win the sales race. In the long run RB is going to win. I'm not writing this because I like RB better. I'm looking forward to both and I think it's great to have 2 but GHI wasn't a huge seller at first either. Once people see the whole picture they will see how 'thin' GHIII is. Now this is keeping in mind that the GHIII DLC is going to go as bad as it is now, and RB is going to follow through on all of their promises.

[Apples]

Although being on more platforms is an advantage for GH3, 4 platforms is also a huge challenge and potential drawback. On Scorehero, it was basically stated that the PS2 version of GH3 is basically a downgraded port of the other version, and the project was outsourced to a third party developer. (I'd link you the message board thread, but it was hastily retracted)

This has been done before with the Tony Hawk series, and the resulting PS2 port was lacking in both quality and features. If I was banking on GH3 on the PS2, I'd be worried by that history.

With four platforms, you have to wonder if they have the time, resources, and dedication to tailor the software to each console's strengths.

[Young_Nastyman]

Activision is aready making major changes to the GH franchise that have gotten me scared. I don't want my beloved GH games destroyed. I think Battle Mode is going to be stupid. I'm keeping an open mind but honestly is it really needed?

I feel that the battle mode could work great if they got rid of the broken string and whammy bar power-ups. The rest I'm fine with because they are a test of your skill within the game.

*Amp-overload: The fret board will shake and appear blurry, making the scrolling notes difficult to read - tests memory
*Leftyflip: The fret board will be mirrored, requiring the player to switch their handedness on the guitar - makes it challenging
*Double notes: The opponent will have to play any single note as a two-button chord, and any two-button chord as a three-button chord for a short amount of time - same as leftyflip
*Difficulty up: The opponent will play the song on an increased difficulty for a short duration of time (except for expert difficulty) - same

they all challenge your ability to play the game, whereas:

*Broken string: One fret button on the opponent's guitar will not work until it is fixed (by rapidly tapping the button) - annoyance
*Whammy bar: The opponent will have to use the whammy bar before he/she can play notes again - annoyance

I know they can't be avoided in the single player boss battles, but I just hope that they give you the option to pick the power-ups you want to be able to be used in 2 player, otherwise i won't play battle mode

thats my thoughts on it


I agree RB won't sell as well initally. Well, I'm not even too sure on that. But GH3, people will only need to buy a disc for 360 and ps2, which is why I'm getting that.

I know ALOT of gamers hate eb games/gamestop employees, but I am one, and i am not an ass like the majority of the others, and believe me, I hate alot of the stores I go into whenever I'm not near my house.

I am proud to say that pretty much every person that comes in to my store that: wants to pre-order guitar hero 3/wants to buy guitar hero 1/2/80's leaves thinking about rock band. I really don't bother with most people cause i can tell if they would know about it, but you have no idea how many uninformed parents i've gotten to switch from GH3 to Rock Band or want to get both just cause i told them about the drums and the microphone addition. The general rection from parents is, "OH my son/daughter would LOVE to play/sing with the drums/microphone!"

Young_Nastyman - spreading the RB gospel in the EB Games(s) of south florida :D


the project was outsourced to a third party developer. This has been done before with the Tony Hawk series, and the resulting PS2 port was lacking in both quality and features. If I was banking on GH3 on the PS2, I'd be worried by that history

Thats exactly why I changed my mind and am getting the PS3 version instead of PS2. Bad history with Activision next-gen games available on last-gen systems.

[Magnet]

From that article with Activision and EA on RB and GH3...
It's at: http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=17065


I think some of the early signs we've seen might make [Rock Band] a little more complex than some of the things that make Guitar Hero so great, which is its accessibility and ease of play for everyone. It's got something for enthusiast gamers in terms of its complexity, but it's really built on 'easy-to-use, difficult to master.' And that ease of use is so, so important for mainstream audiences.

This is one of the most ridiculous statements they could make. Rock Band is built on that exact same 'easy-to-use, difficult to master' premise. If the levels of difficulty from GH are any indication, people who've never played any of the peripherals could pick up Rock Band and play on Easy without any problems. To claim that this ease of use is somehow exclusive to the GH series is inane. Adding vocals and drums that work on the same accessible premise as the guitar makes for a more complete game. It certainly makes it more "complex" overall, but to twist that with a negative connotation is nonsensical.

I've loved the GH series so far and will be getting GH3 in addition to Rock Band, but the PR machine from Activision just makes me want to root for Rock Band to eventually pull out in front.

[nicko68]

On Scorehero, it was basically stated that the PS2 version of GH3 is basically a downgraded port of the other version, and the project was outsourced to a third party developer. (I'd link you the message board thread, but it was hastily retracted)

I remember reading that, and it does concern me. I'm taking a wait-and-see approach with GHIII. If the PS2 version is good, I'll get it, otherwise I'll probably buy a Wii.

[MrtyMcfly]

This is one of the most ridiculous statements they could make. Rock Band is built on that exact same 'easy-to-use, difficult to master' premise. If the levels of difficulty from GH are any indication, people who've never played any of the peripherals could pick up Rock Band and play on Easy without any problems. To claim that this ease of use is somehow exclusive to the GH series is inane.


Yea I agree, that's a bunch of BS. Rock Band will be no more difficult, nor easy than Guitar Hero.
As it is, the singing part is going to completely eliminate any other karoake game that ever gets released. I'm sure you can just go into it on Easy, and as long as you say the right words, you can sing however bad you want. Drunken karoake with no penalty FTW!

Obviously the difficulty for guitar playing is no different than GH was, so that contradicts their own statement.

And the drums on Easy mode will be so simple, you'd probably only hit 3 of the 4 pads, and the kick pedal will be used by itself. In other words, on Easy, you probably won't be trying to use the bass drum at the same time as hitting 2 pads at once.

What a stupid statement they could make.
Rock Band is going to cover every audience: amateur, gamer, and hardcore players alike. All the while still pleasing every audience to multiple instruments to play. If you're not so good at drums, but excellent on the guitar, there ya go. You're still playing the same game. Where as, if you just can't get good at GH, you're out of luck.

[lithiumkc]

From that article with Activision and EA on RB and GH3...
I've loved the GH series so far and will be getting GH3 in addition to Rock Band, but the PR machine from Activision just makes me want to root for Rock Band to eventually pull out in front.

Exactly.. this is whats causing the feud IMO, not the games themselves. I would have had no problem with GH or anything had activision just been classy about it. They're just trying to undermine harmonix completely in almost every press release they have. They're mudslinging like election season.

Stay classy, Harmonix.
-Ron Burgundy

[MrtyMcfly]

Go F*** yourselves Activision
- Ron Burgundy

:D

[lithiumkc]

http://www.big13.net/Achorman%20photos/Burgandy.jpeg

[devil_may_care]

Personally, I'm going to pick up both. Eventually at least. I think Rock Band is way better. I mean it's practically guitar hero 4 plus some. It has a new track list and two new instruments! Though guitar hero 3 has an amazing track list, Rock Bands one might be better. It's not actually finished so we can't tell. Plus the gameplay in Rock band will be way better as there are new instruments and possibilities (like your own characters). Rock Band all the way for me, though i don't see why there should be a fight about it. They're both going to be great. Not much point fighting (accept for marketing reasons).

[newwaytodie]

There's no reason for me to choose sides, and I haven't.

Any time you choose sides in the gaming industry, you get burned. Ask a GameCube owner.

[MrtyMcfly]

Any time you choose sides in the gaming industry, you get burned. Ask a GameCube owner.

lawl. What's this GameCube you speak of?

[dragula]

Well from the looks of it, I don't recall seeing anyone here say they weren't going to eventually end up with both games. So it's not like us, on the Rockband-bandwagon, are hating on GH3. I'm sure it'll be fun. I don't plan on getting too into boss battles or power-up usage as it seems kinda silly and out of place in this type of game. But I'll own it and play it a bunch.

I was 100% loyal and hooked on GH since the first time I watched the video on IGN of the 2 guys playing Iron Man in the summer of '05. But the second they got competition in their genre, they just lost something. The way they talk down to Rockband is pretty pitiful, as where I don't think I've seen/read anything by Rockband talking down on "the other guys" at all.

As for winning initially, i think GH3 has an edge, possibly coming out earlier will help, the name of the game is a household name by now, cheaper to have the 'whole thing'. However, once Rockband gets into our houses, and we start showing it off to people, they're gonna be running to the store to try and get it. Just like what happened with the GH's. People would come over, I'd have them try it out, they'd be like 'this is stupid', then they would stop passing the guitars off after songs, they'd go home and the next day/week they'd call up and ask if i want to come over and play their GH.

Anyway, I'll be getting both, I will appreciate what both bring to the table. However, I can say imo, i am much more excited about Rockband this time around.

[Prescott523]

lawl. What's this GameCube you speak of?

Don't ask...

Love,

An Ex-Nintendo Fan

[JarethLegend]

Well I don't plan on getting GH3 and I can see many reasons why other people wouldn't. Personally I care about drums and GH3 doesn't have that. I can also see the money factor coming into play here. If you had to spend your money on one game then I'd figure a lot of people would agree that RB has the best bang for the buck. As a party game I think RB wins out. You can have more people playing and there is something for everyone. Also time could be a factor in a few ways. The amount of time you'll be playing RB vs. the amount of time you'll be playing GH3. RB seems to have a lot more replayability over GH3 as well.

I don't think this is really any sort of battle or loyalty thing. I think it's more about practicality and what someone enjoys the most. If you have the money, time, and love the guitar aspects of the games then I don't see why you wouldn't get both. If you don't have those things then I think RB is the way to go.

[GARahn]

Why make the GH/RB thing a battle?

Good question...:confused:

[theLoser]

Rb yes
GHIII only if RB's guitar's will work