survey reveals rock band 2 concept box art????

[chillzatl]

Link at joystiq (http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/survey-reveals-rock-band-2-concept-box-art/)

I know how the game industry works...but it might be time for Harmonix to maybe...just maybe...shed a little light on what's going on here.

[AnarchyintheUK]

Sorry what I paided 300 bucks to get Rock Band 1 imported back in November. I really don't want to have to splash out again. I guess if there was Online band world tour I would buy game and guitar. But no new drums or mic as I just don't play them.

[schmeankman]

I agree. Nice find.

[screwtop]

So enlighten us simpletons, chillzatl. How exactly does the game industry work?

[bmore007]

Well I think there's way too many rumors and stuff like this floating around now for anyone to say that RB2 definitely isn't coming in the pretty near future.

[chillzatl]

So enlighten us simpletons, chillzatl. How exactly does the game industry work?

if you have to ask, you don't deserve to know.

[WingsOfSteel]

Well, I guess that the artists weren't all just totally unaware of how DLC works.

[Akuryu]

If/when RB2 is announced, you can bet you won't see it here first.

[OrdealByFire]

I choose the first one, the second one is cool, but doesn't seem Rock Band-ish for some reason.

[face777]

HMX are the most secretive company in the worl with their 'soons' and 'maybes', dont'chya know? Except for hinting at Nirvana DLC then saying 'nuh-uh'... good luck trying to sell THAT outside of America/Canada though...

OR at least make the 360 disc REGION-FREE

[Charron]

Abridging my Joystiq comment....

The silhouette style of the first cover was perfect. It gave the game a human element without creating characters- very important to the whole "you are the band" thing. So I think an ideal RB2 cover would follow in that vein. The trouble is differentiating it from the first cover the way GH1's cover differs from GH2's. I'd suggest a new color scheme, to start with.

[Maggot_Brain]

I'll be damned if I spend another $200 for RB OR GH. This crap has got to stop!

[whofan]

HMX are the most secretive company in the worl with their 'soons' and 'maybes', dont'chya know? Except for hinting at Nirvana DLC then saying 'nuh-uh'... good luck trying to sell THAT outside of America/Canada though...

OR at least make the 360 disc REGION-FREE
They're secretive for a reason. That reason being twofold:
1) They don't want Activision stealing ideas (as they are prone to do)
2) They don't want to promise something that is in the works but has to be excluded due to tech/timing restraints (see the fallout over the Online BWT fiasco)

Maggot_Brain/everyone else complaining about backwards compatibility:

Do you honestly believe that you are going to have to buy another whole bundle again? The instruments WILL be backwards compatible, I'm willing to put my life-savings on it.

The DLC will be as well, provided legal concerns don't get in the way. That's a little more sketchy an area, but if it can be done it WILL.

You will not be forced to spend another $200 on this product

[Melchiah]

I'll be damned if I spend another $200 for RB OR GH. This crap has got to stop!

Do you really think the peripherals from Rock Band 1 will not be able to be used on Rock Band 2...?

Yeah...they'll be compatible, believe me. I'm quite sure HMX likes the peripheral designs they have. They may release a new model of drum kit...but I wouldn't expect and overhauled new design that nullifies the first drum kit.

[skullpit]

Maybe they're holding off on the Nirvana tracks until RB2!!!!

[fatalvendetta]

I'm not liking what the concept cover art. I was hoping that Rock Band 2 would give you the option to have a singing guitarist and a ryhthm guitarist. (IE: Bass, Lead, Rhythm (singer), Drums). Be only able to have four players, but the option to pick from more then 4 instruments.

[Maggot_Brain]

What I really want to know: Can we use our RB1 songs without swapping disks? IE: will they include a utility to copy the songs from RB1 to the hard drives? Because swapping disks on this "platform" would really suck.

[maskofskin]

Of course there will be a Rock Band 2. I don't see why people keep thinking there won't be. I'm sure they'll have tweaked instruments but the old ones will still work, as well as all the DLC from RB1.

There is plenty to add to a sequel. Online BWT, a bass career mode, etc. Sure it can be added to RB1 via DLC but eventually RB1 will seem like an "old" game and they will need to release RB2 to keep the brand strong.

[chillzatl]

Do you really think the peripherals from Rock Band 1 will not be able to be used on Rock Band 2...?

Yeah...they'll be compatible, believe me. I'm quite sure HMX likes the peripheral designs they have. They may release a new model of drum kit...but I wouldn't expect and overhauled new design that nullifies the first drum kit.

and that's the problem. Nobody doubts that it'll be compatible. It's that they could be releasing something that's BETTER while the original kits are still unreliable. You don't usually have to pay to beta test someones stuff for them.

[macfoshizzle]

i like 1 better.

[Maggot_Brain]

Again: using our ideas for improvements to ROCK BAND 1 in Rock Band 2 is a betrayal of our trust. There are numerous small fixes and enhancements that could yet be done to RB1. Making us pay for RB2 AFTER getting our ideas that we offered up in GOOD FAITH is just freakin' low.

[AnarchyintheUK]

HMX are the most secretive company in the worl with their 'soons' and 'maybes', dont'chya know? Except for hinting at Nirvana DLC then saying 'nuh-uh'... good luck trying to sell THAT outside of America/Canada though...

OR at least make the 360 disc REGION-FREE

Actually I think Rockstar are the most secretive company in the world. They rarely release anything unless they have to.

[whofan]

There are ALWAYS improvements to equipment being made. Surely you don't believe that once a perephrial is released that all work stops on it. What about the X-Box S controllers? The dual-shock 2's? The dual-shocks?

If you want a new "improved" drum kit, I'm sure there is nothing going to be stopping you from getting one seperately, much like right now.

In regards to the RB1 songs being able to be transfered onto the HD, interesting point. It may be possible, but I logically don't see it happening. Yes, disc swapping is a pain in the ass, but it's like 5 seconds out of your life, and not that bad in the end.

[whofan]

Again: using our ideas for improvements to ROCK BAND 1 in Rock Band 2 is a betrayal of our trust. There are numerous small fixes and enhancements that could yet be done to RB1. Making us pay for RB2 AFTER getting our ideas that we offered up in GOOD FAITH is just freakin' low.
Boy, somebody has a high opinion of himself.

Every single company in the world does this, get over it. It's called research and development. You release a product, see what the reactions/suggested improvements are and then you make those changes. Good business.

[orange_black]

I just hope one of the features reads similar to the following:

" New and Improved Vocals and Drumfills! They actually work now! "

:)

[chillzatl]

There are ALWAYS improvements to equipment being made. Surely you don't believe that once a perephrial is released that all work stops on it. What about the X-Box S controllers? The dual-shock 2's? The dual-shocks?

If you want a new "improved" drum kit, I'm sure there is nothing going to be stopping you from getting one seperately, much like right now.

In regards to the RB1 songs being able to be transfered onto the HD, interesting point. It may be possible, but I logically don't see it happening. Yes, disc swapping is a pain in the ass, but it's like 5 seconds out of your life, and not that bad in the end.

It would be good if those were valid comparisons, but they're not. The current kits/pedals have real world reliability issues that have yet to be fixed. It would be akin to Ford releasing a car that accidently ejects passengers when you turn on the A/C and rather than recalling the cars and fixing them, they just release a new model that fixes the issue and tell everyone else "just don't use the A/C". Anything they release is obviously going to be better built and more reliable and that is the result of the 3 million customer who paid to beta test the equipment for them.

See, this is all speculation though. I admit that. This is why Harmonix needs to say something rather than letting this run rampant. I know the game industry. I know they don't usually offer up info about what they've got in the works, but this is just negative press.

[WingsOfSteel]

Again: using our ideas for improvements to ROCK BAND 1 in Rock Band 2 is a betrayal of our trust. There are numerous small fixes and enhancements that could yet be done to RB1. Making us pay for RB2 AFTER getting our ideas that we offered up in GOOD FAITH is just freakin' low.

A BOO HOO HOO.

We're already getting (probably) at least 58 new songs for $60. We're never going to get a deal that good on DLC and it's seriously childish to ask Harmonix to program a lot of new things for us all for free. Yes, it would be awesome if they did that, but that would be a bonus, not something we're entitled to.

[mercuryshadow09]

Did anybody read any of the related stories?

EA reportedly provided details on the new features for Rock Band 2 in some of the surveys, but we haven't been able to confirm this. New additions to World Tour mode are said to include online play, the recording of music videos and hiring of staff members. Other new features include Battle of the Bands, competing against other bands in daily and weekly battles, setting challenges to progress through your band's discography in increasingly harder setlists, as well as a drum trainer mode.

http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/survey-hints-at-rock-band-2-with-online-world-tour-drum-trainer/

Recording of music videos?

[Deeznutzs27]

With E3 being over a month away someone really needs to come clear this crap up.

I for one will not accept the assumption that Instruments and way more important in my book the DLC will be compatible.

And before someone says well of coarse the DLC will transfer... Activision stated for record yesterday their GH3 DLC will not be compatible with GH:Aerosmith.. that might be nit picking but since its the same game engine as GH3 with Aerosmith songs and charecters you would think its a no brainer to make DLC compatible on all fronts.. I have a feeling licensing snags will cause issues but hey its a speculative since noone will say a thing from the home office one way or another.

[Maggot_Brain]

Boy, somebody has a high opinion of himself.

Every single company in the world does this, get over it. It's called research and development. You release a product, see what the reactions/suggested improvements are and then you make those changes. Good business.

Good business used to be you'd improve the product you have. There's no reason that X360 games can't be patched and upgraded and they routinely are. The fact that HMX WON'T do so, beyond a token change to the fan caps, is what really pisses me off.

This is month 7 since the release of RB. Much more could have and should have been fixed/upgraded.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to scroll through my list of songs for 5 minutes, pick one, play it and then.... do it all over again.

[AeroZeppelinSevenfold]

nice find. i looked at another article about this, and it said that there will be online BWT, a music video maker, and other things but i can't remember right now, as my ears are still ringing from playing my real drums.

(i hate tuning, its harder than tuning a guitar)

[LinkStrifeLeonhart]

Hmmm... Looks like some people forgot what concept means.

Also looks like some people forgot to actually use something that resembles sense.

[whofan]

It would be good if those were valid comparisons, but they're not. The current kits/pedals have real world reliability issues that have yet to be fixed. It would be akin to Ford releasing a car that accidently ejects passengers when you turn on the A/C and rather than recalling the cars and fixing them, they just release a new model that fixes the issue and tell everyone else "just don't use the A/C". Anything they release is obviously going to be better built and more reliable and that is the result of the 3 million customer who paid to beta test the equipment for them.

See, this is all speculation though. I admit that. This is why Harmonix needs to say something rather than letting this run rampant. I know the game industry. I know they don't usually offer up info about what they've got in the works, but this is just negative press.
The Ford Pinto anyone?

Admittedly it's an extreme example, but basically an example of what you're talking about.

[mercuryshadow09]

nice find. i looked at another article about this, and it said that there will be online BWT, a music video maker, and other things but i can't remember right now, as my ears are still ringing from playing my real drums.

(i hate tuning, its harder than tuning a guitar)

I posted the link in my post above.

[Maggot_Brain]

If HMX would just say something officially either way, I could at least come to terms with it. Their total silence is uncool.

[fatalvendetta]

There are ALWAYS improvements to equipment being made. Surely you don't believe that once a perephrial is released that all work stops on it. What about the X-Box S controllers? The dual-shock 2's? The dual-shocks?

If you want a new "improved" drum kit, I'm sure there is nothing going to be stopping you from getting one seperately, much like right now.

In regards to the RB1 songs being able to be transfered onto the HD, interesting point. It may be possible, but I logically don't see it happening. Yes, disc swapping is a pain in the ass, but it's like 5 seconds out of your life, and not that bad in the end.
It is a big deal if you're playing online with friends and in order to play a Rock Band 1 song you all have to switch disks, which will take minutes. Also, it takes me multiple tries to get my Xbox to read Rock Band (I normally initially get the DVD error message). So yes, in the end, it IS that bad.

[whofan]

Good business used to be you'd improve the product you have. There's no reason that X360 games can't be patched and upgraded and they routinely are. The fact that HMX WON'T do so, beyond a token change to the fan caps, is what really pisses me off.

This is month 7 since the release of RB. Much more could have and should have been fixed/upgraded.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to scroll through my list of songs for 5 minutes, pick one, play it and then.... do it all over again.
Name another game that gets improvements for free?

I most certainly can't. Halo? Halo got 2 sequels. GTA? GTA has gotten quite a few sequels. Guitar Hero? We're coming up on 4 now.

The fact of the matter is that sequels are the way that big changes are implemented into games because they cost money to make.

[chillzatl]

The Ford Pinto anyone?

Admittedly it's an extreme example, but basically an example of what you're talking about.

The pinto also got recalled though! unsafe at any speed??!

c'mon, again, we don't know if they're putting anything new in the box or not. We just don't know, but if they are, it's highway robbery. The current drums are all over the place. The pedals, which only required a simple modification to fix have never been addressed. The heads themselves are spotty at best, some versions have documents cracking issues due to design. If they go and release a new drum kit that eliminates these problems without addressing them for the people who still have the issues, it's thievery. That's really my only problem with it. If they want us to pay for new features, sure, fine. I don't like it, but I'd do it, but new hardware that improves on the reliability of the old, that they have yet to fix, is a scam.

this is why they need to speak up and not let this fester.

[BrainDamaged]

Actually I think Rockstar are the most secretive company in the world. They rarely release anything unless they have to.

Didn't Bungie have Olympic style security checks in place prior to the Halo 3 release? ...And what about Konami with the MGS4 reviewing controversy?

Harmonix is quiet because if they hint at something all our brains explode because we're so impatient. Sometimes it's better to just not know. It's the Peter Molyneux (Fable, Black and White, Dungeon Keeper, etc.) syndrome :p

I might consider purchasing an improved guitar design, but I'd prefer patches/expansions/and bulk DLC discounts over an RB2.

[whofan]

It is a big deal if you're playing online with friends and in order to play a Rock Band 1 song you all have to switch disks, which will take minutes. Also, it takes me multiple tries to get my Xbox to read Rock Band (I normally initially get the DVD error message). So yes, in the end, it IS that bad.
I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. I just don't see it happening due to the programming involved in ripping the files off the discs and making them into proper DLC files.

[supersonic1414]

I just laugh. I have said this would happen since January, and all the cheap bastards here swore I was crazy....That they would just release patches...

Hell, I can't wait for the new bundle, disc, and better instruments....

[chillzatl]

Name another game that gets improvements for free?

I most certainly can't. Halo? Halo got 2 sequels. GTA? GTA has gotten quite a few sequels. Guitar Hero? We're coming up on 4 now.

The fact of the matter is that sequels are the way that big changes are implemented into games because they cost money to make.

Microsoft released a console called the XBox 360 that had a clear design defect (poor cooling system) that caused the system to fail. They could have said "tough luck, buyer beware" once your warranty was up and just started releasing the newly designed system so that new buyers wouldn't have the issue, but no, they knew that would go over like a fart in church. They extended the warranty of the system to three years so that their customers didn't have to suffer while they fixed the flaws in their system. When a company releases a product that is clearly factor flawed, this is what is expected these days.

[TheCrimsonSaint]

Quote:

"A yearly retail release is NECESSARY for the series to compete with Guitar Hero in the long run.

As you know, GH4 is going multi-instrument this year. I'm speculating that most people will only buy one drum kit. If GH4 is released uncontested, most potential new customers will buy the brand new game vs. the year-old game, and the fact that "Guitar Hero" is such an established brand doesn't help Harmonix either. Plus, with a year of extra dev time, we can likely expect GH4 to have a set of features that equals or beats the original Rock Band. That is why RB2 must come out on or before GH4's date.

Features like online Band World Tour, ability to import old DLC*, Battle of the Bands setups, a fresh new songlist, etc. are all ways Rock Band 2 can deliver an experience that will continue to be better than Guitar Hero. If those features were going to be implemented as DLC, we'd have seen them by now.

I eagerly await the announcement of RB2 for the holiday season this year.

* this should theoretically be possible, the way the Music Store and EA's servers are set up, despite the fact that 360 games can't access other games' DLC folders...if their servers keep a record of tracks you purchased, and the RB1 and RB2 Music Stores share information, users could re-download purchased tracks into the new game, right?"

I agree with this.

[Maggot_Brain]

If HMX is aware of the massive discontent on these boards and still says nothing, what's the only conclusion we can come to? "They don't give a damn about their paying customers."

If they had anybody competent in marketing they would at least release a statement saying: "ALL QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED AT E3. UNTIL THEN, SHUTUP."

But no, they can't even be bothered to do that!! It's either incompetence or they just don't give a damn.

[Xero314-2]

Name another game that gets improvements for free?
Diablo 2.

And that's just the first one that popped into my head.

[whofan]

The pinto also got recalled though! unsafe at any speed??!

c'mon, again, we don't know if they're putting anything new in the box or not. We just don't know, but if they are, it's highway robbery. The current drums are all over the place. The pedals, which only required a simple modification to fix have never been addressed. The heads themselves are spotty at best, some versions have documents cracking issues due to design. If they go and release a new drum kit that eliminates these problems without addressing them for the people who still have the issues, it's thievery. That's really my only problem with it. If they want us to pay for new features, sure, fine. I don't like it, but I'd do it, but new hardware that improves on the reliability of the old, that they have yet to fix, is a scam.

this is why they need to speak up and not let this fester.
New hardware is ALWAYS going to be better than it's predesesors. It's not theivery, it's progress.

In fact, something has been done about the pedals. They are made from a lot stronger/thicker plastic now and it would take an extreme stomping on the things to get them to break (I just got a new pedal in the mail after my launch one snapped in half recently).

I think everyone is extremely over-reacting here and not looking at the bigger picture.
1) You won't need the new instruments to play the game, it'll be backwards compatible
2) Tweaks to the instruments will be minimal, probably just a slight increase to reliability
3) New instruments will be made available at the same time for those wishing to beneift from the upgrades.
4) Announcements will be made when information is available that can be talked about.
5) DLC will transfer over if at all possible.
6) On-disc songs probably won't transfer, but may if it is at all possible.

[leftover_crack]

ok i just thought of an idea for how dlc would work


they use the same game engine so the dlc wold work and than they connect you to the same music store except rb 2 should have some dlc thats not avialable for rb 1 because of some features

[LinkStrifeLeonhart]

If HMX is aware of the massive discontent on these boards and still says nothing, what's the only conclusion we can come to? "They don't give a damn about their paying customers."

If they had anybody competent in marketing they would at least release a statement saying: "ALL QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED AT E3. UNTIL THEN, SHUTUP."

But no, they can't even be bothered to do that!! It's either incompetence or they just don't give a damn.

I like the way you think because it doesn't take a whole lot of effort.

People on the boards are not everyone. Competent marketing will say nothing until they KNOW what to say. They don't want another Who's Next fiasco.


"I WANT I WANT ME ME ME" is all this topic seems to be.

[Maggot_Brain]

I like my entitlements, man!

[bloozman]

I am excited about this. I am viewing it as a $60 purchase for a ton of new songs and new features. I have played consistantly Rockband much longer than any game that I have ever owned and consider it money well spent. The option to purchase new instruments is appealing as well, should they have nifty new features.

I would consider the $170 an initial investment with subsequent games and instruments as optional.

[chillzatl]

New hardware is ALWAYS going to be better than it's predesesors. It's not theivery, it's progress.

In fact, something has been done about the pedals. They are made from a lot stronger/thicker plastic now and it would take an extreme stomping on the things to get them to break (I just got a new pedal in the mail after my launch one snapped in half recently).

I think everyone is extremely over-reacting here and not looking at the bigger picture.
1) You won't need the new instruments to play the game, it'll be backwards compatible
2) Tweaks to the instruments will be minimal, probably just a slight increase to reliability
3) New instruments will be made available at the same time for those wishing to beneift from the upgrades.
4) Announcements will be made when information is available that can be talked about.
5) DLC will transfer over if at all possible.
6) On-disc songs probably won't transfer, but may if it is at all possible.

well we just disagree on what is fair in this case and what is not. To me, it's asking your customers to pay to beta-test your poorly designed hardware.

Again, it would be nice to get some clarification from HMX on this. It's all wild speculation at this point.

[Akuryu]

I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. I just don't see it happening due to the programming involved in ripping the files off the discs and making them into proper DLC files.

Eh, well I hope they figure it out. Its extremely important to me that all the songs, DLC and disc, would carry into a sequel. Its so important I'd probably skip the sequel if they didn't bring the disc songs too.

Let's say HMX finally gets around to releasing "Who's Next." Woo hoo! Right!?! But what happens if RB2 only brings over the DLC? What about "Won't Get Fooled Again"? Now we just have most of the album in RB2? Do we have to switch back to RB1 to play "Who's Next"? What if RB2 adds the Play Album feature a lot of us want? Now there is no way to play "Who's Next" that way? Ditto this for "Doolittle" and "Nevermind" and likely more to come.

One very popular album I'm sure many would enjoy is Metallica's "Black Album" (I'm just using it as an example...I know GH got Metallica). Would that Album be ruled out because one of the songs was in Rock Band 1? Would I have to spend money to repurchase "Enter Sandman" in Rock Band 2? Isn't that kinda crappy? I've technically already bought "Enter Sandman" for Rock Band.

What if I want to play RB1 songs online? Do I have to switch back to RB1 to do that? How many people do you think will still be playing RB1 online once RB2 comes out?

The entire point of making DLC backwards compatible is so you don't have to switch back to the older games. There are 58 songs on the disc, and overplayed or not there is some good stuff there. If I have to switch back to the old game for these anyway, why bother with backwards compatibility at all?

If a RB2 is in our near future then you can bet Rock Band 3, 4, 5 etc will be in the years to come. If the disc songs don't carry from RB1>RB2, then you can bet they won't carry from RB2>RB3 or RB3>RB4. That doesn't sound like a "platform" to me. In fact it sounds like the same disc swapping madness that Guitar Hero fans have to deal with.

One of my favorite songs in any Guitar Hero game is "Cowboys From Hell" by Pantera. I also love "Ziggy Stardust", "Ace of Spades" and "Frankenstein". So what's the problem? The problem is if I want to play these songs I have to do so in GH1. I have to dust off my PS2, re-adjust to the original GH guitar, deal with the dated graphics and presentation, deal with the old HO/PO system, and deal without all the features and advancements that have been made in later versions. Frankly, its a pain in the ass. If HMX can't bring over the entire catalog of songs, that is absolutely the future we can look forward to in Rock Band.

[Parodygm]

I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. I just don't see it happening due to the programming involved in ripping the files off the discs and making them into proper DLC files.

Honestly, that should be trivial to implement. The new disc would include the resources needed to make the tracks DLC and then the raw audio and chart files would be pulled (and possibly modified) from the original disc in a one-off upgrade during initial install.

Anyway, forget disc swapping. Unless a forced hard drive install was in existence for the core code of RB2 and the majority of resources, I'm positive the game would have to load resources on top of the actual charting and audio. Seems impractical. The example above would be way more likely.


"In the music/rhythm genre, it is similar to the feature jumps made from Guitar Hero I to Guitar Hero II or Guitar Hero II to Guitar Hero III."

Did the survey creators run this past HMX? Would they really want to compare GH2 to GH3 rather than GH2 to Rock Band? :confused:

[jr174200]

Worse case scenario, RB1 on-disc tracks are made available as downloads ala the new Karaoke Revolution. I would be fine with that, as a way to consolidate my favorite tracks onto the new game and exclude some songs I don't like as much.

[Sayburr]

I choose the first one, the second one is cool, but doesn't seem Rock Band-ish for some reason.Yeah, I agree, the first one is the best.

[leftover_crack]

One of my favorite songs in any Guitar Hero game is "Cowboys From Hell" by Pantera. I also love "Ziggy Stardust", "Ace of Spades" and "Frankenstein". So what's the problem? The problem is if I want to play these songs I have to do so in GH1. I have to dust off my PS2, re-adjust to the original GH guitar, deal with the dated graphics and presentation, deal with the old HO/PO system, and deal without all the features and advancements that have been made in later versions. Frankly, its a pain in the ass. If HMX can't bring over the entire catalog of songs, that is absolutely the future we can look forward to in Rock Band.

i just got an idea

they should make it so u can buy a disc with the rock band engine on it for 60 dollars with a few new features except with out any songs

than they give you a 2 codes
1 that when u enter in the music store you get 60 free song downloads

and another that would let u rip songs from rock band 1 if u have it


i am a genius and should work at hmx

[Parodygm]

Yeah, I agree, the first one is the best.

Without a shadow of a doubt in my opinion.

[JackBNimble]

Again: using our ideas for improvements to ROCK BAND 1 in Rock Band 2 is a betrayal of our trust. There are numerous small fixes and enhancements that could yet be done to RB1. Making us pay for RB2 AFTER getting our ideas that we offered up in GOOD FAITH is just freakin' low.

Why do you figure that? Do you expect HMX to make improvements and upgrades for free? Sure they can patch some upgrades but there is a ton of stuff they can do to improve the game .
As it is now RB is a good game but it hasn't reach the awesomeness that it can be.
I am willing to pay for the work HMX is putting into RB2 because you can bet when we finally find out the details of the game it will blow GH WT out of the water.

At least if HMX takes ideas we gave them and put them in RB2 you can't say that they don't listen to the loyal fans.

[HyeJinx1984]

All DLC and on Disc must be transferable to RB2...

All DLC and on Disc must be transferable to RB2...

All DLC and on Disc must be transferable to RB2...

All DLC and on Disc must be transferable to RB2...

...


...


...


All DLC and on Disc must be transferable to RB2...


If this is done, I'm with HMX 110%... if not, only 90%

[TheCrimsonSaint]

Without a shadow of a doubt in my opinion.

Indeed, me too.

[hmxhenry]

If HMX would just say something officially either way, I could at least come to terms with it. Their total silence is uncool.

As always, we'll say something officially if we officially have something to say.

Sorry if our "total silence" on a story from another site is "uncool" but HMX devs on this forum shouldn't be expected to respond to every rumor, hunch, or conspiracy theory that pops up. Getting an "official HMX response" to every little thing only lends credence to bogus rumors and serves to fuel the fires of speculation.

Again, we'll say something officially if we officially have something to say. We should all just take a deep breath and relax.

[xxpigxx]

All I want is the RB1 songs in RB2. I will even pay 80MSP for them (maybe 160MSP for some of them). . .

[bmore007]

As always, we'll say something officially if we officially have something to say.

Sorry if our "total silence" on a story from another site is "uncool" but HMX devs on this forum shouldn't be expected to respond to every rumor, theory, or conspiracy theory that pops up. Getting an "official HMX response" to every little thing only lends credence to bogus rumors and serves to fuel the fires of speculation.

Again, we'll say something officially if we officially have something to say. We should all just take a deep breath and relax.

How's the on disc set list shaping up? and will the DLC be backwards compatible? :D

[Maggot_Brain]

Thanks for your reply, Henry. Again, it doesn't answer anything. Here's my current question:

Do you plan any announcements at E3?

[Bukkethead]

So enlighten us simpletons, chillzatl. How exactly does the game industry work?

Well, if HMX's marketing art department moves as fast as mine does when it comes to finalizing and approving artwork, they have to start mocking stuff up now if they expect to make a 2010 release. :D

[Redsquirrel]

release it in europe same time as USA this time please!! :D:D

[defjukie]

I don't like how HMX are being mum about this sequel. Knowing one is coming sooner than later, you expect me to keep buying DLC without knowing if it will be transferable? Not gonna happen. My DLC buying stops now.

[darthfisto09]

As always, we'll say something officially if we officially have something to say.

Sorry if our "total silence" on a story from another site is "uncool" but HMX devs on this forum shouldn't be expected to respond to every rumor, hunch, or conspiracy theory that pops up. Getting an "official HMX response" to every little thing only lends credence to bogus rumors and serves to fuel the fires of speculation.

Again, we'll say something officially if we officially have something to say. We should all just take a deep breath and relax.

you guys dont have to answer every single question, just the obvious one.....


will DLC from rock band 1 be compatiable with rock band 2? * we keep asking this cause we dont want to keep shelling out money if this game will be obsolete by the end of the year*

and where is Who's Next?! I have no idea why you guys cant answer this simple question, you guys even said you would give us info a couple months ago......and still.......no info.


just give us something............

[xNOSOUP4YOUx]

I'm not liking what the concept cover art. I was hoping that Rock Band 2 would give you the option to have a singing guitarist and a ryhthm guitarist. (IE: Bass, Lead, Rhythm (singer), Drums). Be only able to have four players, but the option to pick from more then 4 instruments.

The whole idea of singing and playing an instrument looks promising, but I doubt that the use of three guitars at once will come about, even though it would be pretty cool to have in RB2.

[AeroZeppelinSevenfold]

As always, we'll say something officially if we officially have something to say.

Sorry if our "total silence" on a story from another site is "uncool" but HMX devs on this forum shouldn't be expected to respond to every rumor, hunch, or conspiracy theory that pops up. Getting an "official HMX response" to every little thing only lends credence to bogus rumors and serves to fuel the fires of speculation.

Again, we'll say something officially if we officially have something to say. We should all just take a deep breath and relax.

thanks Henry for clearing this up. although i don't think many people will read it.
wait, i have an idea!

READ HENRY'S POST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jbrocker56]

sweet if true

[Maggot_Brain]

It doesn't clear up anything, dude. It's the same position they've taken since the game was released.

Oh well.

[skullpit]

I just wanna say that I do believe that the DLC will be compatible. The on disc tracks won't though. Maybe they could release a standalone disc with the 58 tracks for like $20 that would install them onto your hard drive as if they were DLC. I'm totally cool with that.

[Sgt_Rok]

you guys dont have to answer every single question, just the obvious one.....


will DLC from rock band 1 be compatiable with rock band 2? * we keep asking this cause we dont want to keep shelling out money if this game will be obsolete by the end of the year*

and where is Who's Next?! I have no idea why you guys cant answer this simple question, you guys even said you would give us info a couple months ago......and still.......no info.


just give us something............
They're not going to answer the question on the DLC until they absolutely have to because they want you to continue to spend your money on DLC, even if it's not going to be compatible.

[HyeJinx1984]

I just wanna say that I do believe that the DLC will be compatible. The on disc tracks won't though. Maybe they could release a standalone disc with the 58 tracks for like $20 that would install them onto your hard drive as if they were DLC. I'm totally cool with that.

100% back this up.

ALL on disc songs (including bonus tracks) downloadable to the hard drive from BR2, and ALL DLC also immediately transferable.

[JackBNimble]

As always, we'll say something officially if we officially have something to say.

Sorry if our "total silence" on a story from another site is "uncool" but HMX devs on this forum shouldn't be expected to respond to every rumor, hunch, or conspiracy theory that pops up. Getting an "official HMX response" to every little thing only lends credence to bogus rumors and serves to fuel the fires of speculation.

Again, we'll say something officially if we officially have something to say. We should all just take a deep breath and relax.

so are you saying HMX officially has nothing to say ?

and if so does that mean that there is officially nothing in the works?
a yes or no answer would satisfy most.

[rockst01]

so are you saying HMX officially has nothing to say ?

and if so does that mean that there is officially nothing in the works?
a yes or no answer would satisfy most.

Dude, they're not going to tell you whether or not they're working on a new Rock Band game or not. If they were they would definitely save the announcement for E3.

[Maggot_Brain]

Many of us are nattering nabobs of negativism!

[darthfisto09]

the only time harmonix says anything, is to say they dont officially have anything to say

[Maggot_Brain]

It's like a Monty Python sketch!

[daftuprising]

It would be good if those were valid comparisons, but they're not. The current kits/pedals have real world reliability issues that have yet to be fixed. It would be akin to Ford releasing a car that accidently ejects passengers when you turn on the A/C and rather than recalling the cars and fixing them, they just release a new model that fixes the issue and tell everyone else "just don't use the A/C". Anything they release is obviously going to be better built and more reliable and that is the result of the 3 million customer who paid to beta test the equipment for them.

See, this is all speculation though. I admit that. This is why Harmonix needs to say something rather than letting this run rampant. I know the game industry. I know they don't usually offer up info about what they've got in the works, but this is just negative press.
Do you honestly expect something you beat on to last a life time? Just like a car, it wears down. Drum heads were down, and so do your pads. That's why I bought the extended warranty from the retailer. It's not like the drum sets don't work like you described with the car. They work right, but they wear down.

[DavesterBrrr]

I just wanna say that I do believe that the DLC will be compatible. The on disc tracks won't though. Maybe they could release a standalone disc with the 58 tracks for like $20 that would install them onto your hard drive as if they were DLC. I'm totally cool with that.

I have no idea how much space this would take up on a disk, they should just port over the old 58 songs onto RB2 and have it as dedicated tour A with the same venues so you can keep up with the leaderboards and stuff and then have another Tour B for all the new RB2 tracks..

[JackBNimble]

Dude, they're not going to tell you whether or not they're working on a new Rock Band game or not. If they were they would definitely save the announcement for E3.

no kidding?Thanks for enlightening me.

[TheCrimsonSaint]

When is E3 this year? Sometime this month?

[skullpit]

I have no idea how much space this would take up on a disk, they should just port over the old 58 songs onto RB2 and have it as dedicated tour A with the same venues so you can keep up with the leaderboards and stuff and then have another Tour B for all the new RB2 tracks..

If you average that a song is 50MB, then that would be about 3GB. Not too bad. I mean it would be optional to purchase it just like any DLC.

[DethBoxx]

As long as the DLC carries over I'm cool with it.

Songs from the RB1 disc? Well after playing career mode on every instrument many times, BWT, online modes, etc etc....yeah I'm getting a wee bit sick of those ones.

[skullpit]

As long as the DLC carries over I'm cool with it.

Songs from the RB1 disc? Well after playing career mode on every instrument many times, BWT, online modes, etc etc....yeah I'm getting a wee bit sick of those ones.


That's why it would be an optional disc to purchase.;)

[JackBNimble]

I would rather HMX devs not come on to the boards and circle jerk around with a statement that means nothing one way or the other. It's more of an insult to say officially nothing at all. HMX you may aswell just come out and say you're not telling us whats up instead of jerking us around with non answers.

[xxpigxx]

As long as the DLC carries over I'm cool with it.

Songs from the RB1 disc? Well after playing career mode on every instrument many times, BWT, online modes, etc etc....yeah I'm getting a wee bit sick of those ones.


But most are still good songs . . .

[m00p]

i'd buy it if it had bands like these, or online BWT

Guns n Roses
Iron Maiden (masters)
The Beatles(masters)
The Who
Poison
Nirvana
Skid Row
Cinderella
Bon Jovi
Lynyrd Skynyrd

no more garbage or fall out boy. Rock Band 1 had a little bit too much modern, IMHO. I'm not gonna spend 60 bucks on a game filled with dragonforce and modern bands. Hopefully we could see at least a themed rock band, or mor "rock". Note: Jimmy Buffet does not count as rock. A Guns n Roses themed rock band would sell a ton. If guns n roses could fill an entire football stadium (and then some), they should at least have a themed video game. Create a Character could still be in, but you could have the option of playing solo tour as a Guns n Roses member, or playing a guns n roses BWT, with all the members. Sounds like a good idea to me

[AeroZeppelinSevenfold]

i'd buy it if it had bands like these, or online BWT

Guns n Roses
Iron Maiden (masters)
The Beatles(masters)
The Who
Poison
Nirvana
Skid Row
Cinderella
Bon Jovi
Lynyrd Skynyrd

no more garbage or fall out boy. Rock Band 1 had a little bit too much modern, IMHO. I'm not gonna spend 60 bucks on a game filled with dragonforce and modern bands. Hopefully we could see at least a themed rock band, or mor "rock". Note: Jimmy Buffet does not count as rock. A Guns n Roses themed rock band would sell a ton. If guns n roses could fill an entire football stadium (and then some), they should at least have a themed video game. Create a Character could still be in, but you could have the option of playing solo tour as a Guns n Roses member, or playing a guns n roses BWT, with all the members. Sounds like a good idea to me

someone likes GNR:D

i would like character creator in the next one, but the website should give you instructions on how to make famous rock stars, and have the game with a few pre-made ones.

i really want a Pete Townshend. that would be awesome.

[drag_racer]

I just googled "Rock Band 2", and there's 1 site I found so far that kinda confirms a Rock Band 2 coming. It sounds bogus (especially since it's so close after the RB1 release....but I guess if Activision can pump out 5 GH games in 1 year why can't HMX put out 2 RB games in a year :P)

I think it's bogus, but I'll post the link and see if anyone else thinks so:
http://www.squidoo.com/rock-band-2

[S1ckH4nds]

Sorry if our "total silence" on a story from another site is "uncool" but HMX devs on this forum shouldn't be expected to respond to every rumor, hunch, or conspiracy theory that pops up. Getting an "official HMX response" to every little thing only lends credence to bogus rumors and serves to fuel the fires of speculation.
LOL, thanks Henry. I was just about to say something to the same effect to all the people that are in here, posting an hour after the thread's been started, saying "Where is HMX commenting on this why aren't they telling us anything OMGWAFFLES!!!!!111eleventy!1"

Does Harmonix really need to employ someone in the capacity of responding to every rumor, leak, speculation, or whatsoever? If so, I'm not a great programmer, but I can probably program a simple little bot to do the task for you.

10 PRINT "We can neither confirm nor deny."
20 GOTO 10

Obviously something's up, no doubt, but if you guys need to keep it under your hat at this point fair game. I'll wait until you have an official announcement to make regarding it, and then make my decision at that time.

[HyeJinx1984]

I think at the end of the day all everyone wants, and certainly all I'm asking for, is a seemless transition from RB1 to RB2. While you can sell it as a sequel, I think most people would rather look at it as just a really really big expansion pack which includes everything that came before it, and adds a whole lot of good new stuff too.

[kiggidykev]

Damn, cover 1 looks much better than cover 2.

Second one looks kind of dull. Like the printer broke down before it could finish the background.

[Bosco32]

Is HMX unusually secretive?

Did anyone receive any official information from Neversoft or Activision about Guitar Hero: World Tour prior to Activision's decision to give GI their cover story?

The answer to both of those are no. In other words, every single video game company makes its own decision, despite rumors and speculation, to release details at a time that it deems appropriate. If this is upsetting to some, dry up and go find another hobby.

[Bursar]

Wait, so RB2 hasn't been officially announced yet (a survey on box art is not an announcement) and some of you are already get wound up.

Spare a thought for us Brits (and other Euros) who've only had the game a few weeks on 360. PS3 isn't even out yet - rumour is an August release!

I would hope that DLC will be compatible, and I'm sure if they can do it, they will. However, I can't see the RB1 disc tracks being available. If you enable a facility to rip the tracks to the console hard drive, what do you think will happen? RB1 sales will stop instantly as people lend their discs around, or head out and rent them for a day or two.

I can't see them being released as DLC either, because most owners of RB1 won't want to pay again to download. Checking to see if the RB1 disc is inserted before allowing the download doesn't prevent the lending/renting of discs problem.

A disc change feature is much more likely, and is realistically the best anyone can hope for.

[Akuryu]

Wait, so RB2 hasn't been officially announced yet (a survey on box art is not an announcement) and some of you are already get wound up.

Spare a thought for us Brits (and other Euros) who've only had the game a few weeks on 360. PS3 isn't even out yet - rumour is an August release!

I would hope that DLC will be compatible, and I'm sure if they can do it, they will. However, I can't see the RB1 disc tracks being available. If you enable a facility to rip the tracks to the console hard drive, what do you think will happen? RB1 sales will stop instantly as people lend their discs around, or head out and rent them for a day or two.

I can't see them being released as DLC either, because most owners of RB1 won't want to pay again to download. Checking to see if the RB1 disc is inserted before allowing the download doesn't prevent the lending/renting of discs problem.

A disc change feature is much more likely, and is realistically the best anyone can hope for.

The Shivering Isles (expansion for Oblivion) was a disc that installed to the HDD. So are all the various FFXI expansions. All these discs could be handed off to multiple people for multiple installs, so its not completely unprecedented. Even if people traded RB1 discs, they would still need to purchase RB2. I think sales for RB2 would be more important anyway.

I'm not saying it will be easy, but if HMX was serious about Rock Band being a "platform", its something they'll have to figure out.

[T-Hybrid]

I agree. Nice find.
Nice fine? It's on Joystiq. Not exactly hidden...

[mazzy]

It seems to me that the two disc problem can be easily solved in one of two ways.

First: Make all the disc songs on Rock Band 1 available as DLC on Rockband 2. Send out a code to all the people registerd as owners of rockband 1 that allows them to down load all those songs for free. This seems the likely solution to me.

Second: Make rock band 2 a downloadable patch for everyone who already owns rockband 1. That way you are still using the original disc. I do not know if this big of a patch is feasible? I am sure a computer/video game geek... I mean knowledgeable person :-) can advise?

[mazzy]

And I apologize if this has already been answered? I stopped reading after page 5 to ask my question... Thanks

[Melchiah]

and that's the problem. Nobody doubts that it'll be compatible. It's that they could be releasing something that's BETTER while the original kits are still unreliable. You don't usually have to pay to beta test someones stuff for them.

Um...why couldn't they release more reliable peripherals while keeping the past peripherals compatible...?

That's quite positively what they will be doing...

[Ultrace]

All DLC and on Disc must be transferable to RB2...
Those who are hoping that the on-disc songs transfer to RB2 (if/when it happens) had better hope for a downloadable RB2 instead of an in-box set. An in-box RB2 will not be compatible with RB1 songs sort of disc-swapping.

The reason is simple: piracy. Working closely with record companies, it's extremely unlikely that Harmonix is going to be allowed to program something which lets someone take the songs from the first game and install it to their hard drive. Once that happens, all they have to do is give that disc to someone else and, poof, 58 free songs for their RB2 without having ever bought the first game.

A downloadable version of RB2 would integrate with the disc from the first game without any swapping, because RB2 in that case would have no disc to swap. But the likelihood of either game allowing you to install songs directly to the hard drive (short of a requirement to be online at all times when playing those songs in order to enforce DRM) is too small to calculate.

[skullpit]

Those who are hoping that the on-disc songs transfer to RB2 (if/when it happens) had better hope for a downloadable RB2 instead of an in-box set. An in-box RB2 will not be compatible with RB1 songs sort of disc-swapping.

The reason is simple: piracy. Working closely with record companies, it's extremely unlikely that Harmonix is going to be allowed to program something which lets someone take the songs from the first game and install it to their hard drive. Once that happens, all they have to do is give that disc to someone else and, poof, 58 free songs for their RB2 without having ever bought the first game.

A downloadable version of RB2 would integrate with the disc from the first game without any swapping, because RB2 in that case would have no disc to swap. But the likelihood of either game allowing you to install songs directly to the hard drive (short of a requirement to be online at all times when playing those songs in order to enforce DRM) is too small to calculate.

That's whay I suggested an add on disc for RB2 featuring all 58 songs from RB1. I would pay $20 or so for it. It could install to your hard drive like any DLC. It could work if each game comes with an code or something that once used, would only let it install on your 360.

[ThatAuthoringGroup]

What have I been saying for the last three months?

Rock Band 2 announced at E3, and will be released in November 08.

Yet people call me crazy.(well I am but that's besides the point).

Everytime I brought it up I got yelled at and called an idiot.

Well who's the idiot now!?! (Still me, but I digress ;) ).

E3 is next month in mid july. I'm telling you. Officially announced then(It can't be coincidence that they are doing surveys to get a final box art this close to E3 now can it?) released in Nov.

Just in time for the holiday shopping who-haw.

WHO'S LAUGHING NOW!?

Well not me, because I'm gonna be that much more in the poor house...

Y'know I'm really bad at this gloating thing :D

And Harmonix hasn't announced plans for Rock band 2 or features yet, because if Activision KNOWS that RB2 is coming this year, or what features it might have they might try to copy the design, or steal away some of the on disc bands.

Patience grasshoppers.

In the meantime go have fun with Rock Band 1 :D

[Ultrace]

I would rather HMX devs not come on to the boards and circle jerk around with a statement that means nothing one way or the other. It's more of an insult to say officially nothing at all. HMX you may aswell just come out and say you're not telling us whats up instead of jerking us around with non answers.
I think he made it pretty clear that they're not going to tell you what's up right now, and why; because once they start denying this rumor and that, the only thing people will conclude is that every rumor they don't deny must be true. The explanation was more than I expected to be provided and more than I thought was needed given the petty nature of some of the comments and demands we're seeing here.

I suppose it's not enough to come on and say, effectively, "We hear you, but we're not ready to confirm, deny or comment on this" -- imagine that: images from an "anonymous source" turned in to an online gaming site, possibly in violation of some sort of survey non-disclosure agreement, and Harmonix declines to say anything about it. Can you not see why they would choose not to do so?

[Ultrace]

The Shivering Isles (expansion for Oblivion) was a disc that installed to the HDD. So are all the various FFXI expansions. All these discs could be handed off to multiple people for multiple installs, so its not completely unprecedented. Even if people traded RB1 discs, they would still need to purchase RB2. I think sales for RB2 would be more important anyway.

I'm not saying it will be easy, but if HMX was serious about Rock Band being a "platform", its something they'll have to figure out.
While there's precedent within the gaming industry, I don't believe there's a precedent for this when dealing with licensed content from a record/television/movie studio and the like. They are liable to be far more restrictive when it comes to how their data can just be bandied around by people without their proper cut. The Shivering Isles/FFXI, etc. are completely controlled by their own companies, so they can decide to take the risk of piracy.

[mazzy]

What have I been saying for the last three months?

Rock Band 2 announced at E3, and will be released in November 08.

Yet people call me crazy.(well I am but that's besides the point).

Everytime I brought it up I got yelled at and called an idiot.

Well who's the idiot now!?! (Still me, but I digress ;) ).

E3 is next month in mid july. I'm telling you. Officially announced then(It can't be coincidence that they are doing surveys to get a final box art this close to E3 now can it?) released in Nov.

Just in time for the holiday shopping who-haw.

WHO'S LAUGHING NOW!?

Well not me, because I'm gonna be that much more in the poor house...

Y'know I'm really bad at this gloating thing :D

And Harmonix hasn't announced plans for Rock band 2 or features yet, because if Activision KNOWS that RB2 is coming this year, or what features it might have they might try to copy the design, or steal away some of the on disc bands.

Patience grasshoppers.

In the meantime go have fun with Rock Band 1 :D

Who are you? and what is with all the I told you BS? We all knew Rockband2 would happen sooner or later... just hoping it is a downloadable expansion pack and not like the Guitar hero series..... If you called Nov of 08 and everyone made fun of you then:

I officially apologize for the board.

I do agree with you that I am excited that they are trumping Guitar Hero..... Lets just hope that everything is backward compatible!

Now back to what this means....

Lots of cool new features! And I am sure new songs!

[ThatAuthoringGroup]

Who are you? and what is with all the I told you BS? We all knew Rockband2 would happen sooner or later... just hoping it is a downloadable expansion pack and not like the Guitar hero series..... If you called Nov of 08 and everyone made fun of you then:

I officially apologize for the board.

I do agree with you that I am excited that they are trumping Guitar Hero..... Lets just hope that everything is backward compatible!

Now back to what this means....

Lots of cool new features! And I am sure new songs!

There's been multiple threads over the last few months talking about rock band 2 and a lot of people saying that it would never happen, or it wouldn't happen for a long time.

I disagreed in a lot of the threads saying announced at E3 and released Nov 08 and got poo-poo'd on ;)

I don't really care that people were razzing me for it I just like being a doofus. Hence the above post.

[Hysteria]

It seems to me that the two disc problem can be easily solved in one of two ways.

First: Make all the disc songs on Rock Band 1 available as DLC on Rockband 2. Send out a code to all the people registerd as owners of rockband 1 that allows them to down load all those songs for free. This seems the likely solution to me.

Second: Make rock band 2 a downloadable patch for everyone who already owns rockband 1. That way you are still using the original disc. I do not know if this big of a patch is feasible? I am sure a computer/video game geek... I mean knowledgeable person :-) can advise?


All the songs from RB1 could be included on the RB2 disc but only accessible if previous RB saved data was found, or unlocked via a code. I'm sure a Bluray disk and even a dual layer DVD can hold the full RB2 game plus 120+ songs. One disc, all songs, and the "platform" as this board envisions it is still intact.

[Icarus80]

I don't like how HMX are being mum about this sequel. Knowing one is coming sooner than later, you expect me to keep buying DLC without knowing if it will be transferable? Not gonna happen. My DLC buying stops now.

That pretty muc sums up how i feel as well.A RB2 this soon? and with all the problems people have with RB1 it makes me feel like we spent $200 to beta test this game and its instruments.Unless the DLC we buy can be carried over to R2 i see HMX losing alot of money and customers.But like defjukie said my DLC buying stops right now til HMX gives us something to go on.

[Akuryu]

While there's precedent within the gaming industry, I don't believe there's a precedent for this when dealing with licensed content from a record/television/movie studio and the like. They are liable to be far more restrictive when it comes to how their data can just be bandied around by people without their proper cut. The Shivering Isles/FFXI, etc. are completely controlled by their own companies, so they can decide to take the risk of piracy.

I could go buy a Metallica CD, rip all the tracks onto my PC (or Xbox for that matter) and then hand it off to 10 friends. There are ripped copies of Rock Band online that you can download and play on modded consoles. All of this is illegal of course, but I'm not sure HMX is responsible for what people do with the product after they've purchased it. In theory every person with RB1 paid for it legally and is using it responsibly.

Still, its possible you may be correct. But I stand by my wall-of-text from a few pages back. Not bringing over the entire catalog is completely against the idea HMX promoted (this game as a platform, not just another franchise with sequels out the ass). Its odd to me that people will draw a line in the sand and demand the DLC carry over but then back off and accept that 58 songs won't be playable in future installments. After all the hype of a massive music library with full albums and carreer-spanning catalogs, we'll still have to juggle discs and buy the next yearly installment. I for one really hoped Rock Band would not be "business as usual".

[mazzy]

All the songs from RB1 could be included on the RB2 disc but only accessible if previous RB saved data was found, or unlocked via a code. I'm sure a Bluray disk and even a dual layer DVD can hold the full RB2 game plus 120+ songs. One disc, all songs, and the "platform" as this board envisions it is still intact.

Best post I have seen all night! Should we forward it to HMX? :-)

[toMsons1987]

It be cool if you could transfer the songs to Rock Band 2, if it comes out soon-ish. They can remake all the current songs for Rock Band 1 for normal price, and charge like .10 cents for songs you own on Rock Band 1 -- Because they remade them, might as will make some money. I mean for someone with all the DLC content it's only 13 buck, which is nothing really. If you don't own them then it's the standard rate of 1.99 per song. The original 58 songs from RB1 would be on the download list for anyone, all for like $5.99! Or even cooler it would be in the bonus section, with your old scores and everything.

Just my idea, I think it would be the smartest thing to do. Plus I think RB2 is a good idea to have NEW instruments that don't break nearly as easily -- Also a lot more features for online play as well as single player.

Another cool idea would be normal improved drums and other stuff, but then another pack which would be "premium". It would cost quite a lot more but the quality even would be stronger. Thus why it would be more expensive, the premium would have like a replacement plan for 60 days (or even 30 days). If you're out of the 60 day scope, it will cost you shipping to get a replacement (10-20 bucks). Then the new one has a new replacement plan starting one day one again.

Rock Band is 150 in store from what I see, they can make that to like 150 again. Plus you have to buy a 30-60 day warranty for 10 bucks. Premium packs can cost like 200-225. Just ideas, cause I mean they gotta get their butts in gear. I think everyones problem is just the problems with the hardware not that the game is bad. I mean they can make real drum tops so they don't break and metal/alluminum pedals.

[mazzy]

That pretty muc sums up how i feel as well.A RB2 this soon? and with all the problems people have with RB1 it makes me feel like we spent $200 to beta test this game and its instruments.Unless the DLC we buy can be carried over to R2 i see HMX losing alot of money and customers.But like defjukie said my DLC buying stops right now til HMX gives us something to go on.

Why do they need to announce something right now? I think that E3 is when they will make their announcement...

Unless you are going to pre order GHIV like 6 months in advance of course.... Then I guess that Rockband better pull the trigger.

There is plenty of time... relax!

[Charron]

Regarding a digital distribution of RB1 songs... I think the best way to do it would be to offer them as normal DLC for RB2 (at normal price, likely), along with an all-in-one pack for, probably, $60. (Assuming that's at all possible, I don't know if there's some sort of upper cap on PSN/XBL prices or size.) Those of us with RB1 could send our disc to Harmonix/EA/MTV/whoever, and they'd send us a code for the system we specify to download that all-in-one pack for free. That'd eliminate the disc sharing issue, maintain the platform mentality, and be the most cost-effective process for us RB1 owners. Downside obviously is the logistical time and headaches involved in setting up such a system. But it's the only way I can think of that'd please both record companies and consumers.

[xxpigxx]

Regarding a digital distribution of RB1 songs... I think the best way to do it would be to offer them as normal DLC for RB2 (at normal price, likely), along with an all-in-one pack for, probably, $60. (Assuming that's at all possible, I don't know if there's some sort of upper cap on PSN/XBL prices or size.) Those of us with RB1 could send our disc to Harmonix/EA/MTV/whoever, and they'd send us a code for the system we specify to download that all-in-one pack for free. That'd eliminate the disc sharing issue, maintain the platform mentality, and be the most cost-effective process for us RB1 owners. Downside obviously is the logistical time and headaches involved in setting up such a system. But it's the only way I can think of that'd please both record companies and consumers.


Great idea!

[Gryffindor]

I'm looking forward to the sequel and we all knew this was inevitable considering GHWT.

Only a couple of things concern me:
1. RB1 has not been released to the rest of the world yet. There's been no official announcement on when the PS3 version will be released in the EU. There's been no official announcement on when either platform will arrive in Australia. There's been no official announcement on when the Japan version will be released. The Wii version has not been released anywhere yet.

Now, HMX expects people who haven't even purchased the first game yet to go out and buy the 2nd version too?

2. Kiss any quality DLC goodbye until the release of the newer version as they're likely to hold the best songs for the disc.

I'm going to take the buyer beware approach to this and hold off on purchasing RB2 until I've heard what the forum regulars have to say about it.

[mazzy]

Gryffindor

I disagree about the quality DLC... I think that it is very important that HMX continue to step up the DLC since they are pushing the whole platform approach. Of course they will save some heavy hitters for RockBand 2... but there is plenty of quality music to be released till then.

Guitar Hero sells game to game... it will be very important for Rockband to continue great DLC between then and now to distinguish the difference in approach...

[OKGost]

Why do so many on these forums honestly believe that HMX is doing NOTHING for the future?

You forget, HMX basically invented the music-genre games we have come to grow and love. If there's Rock Band 2 in the future, w00t w00t. If there isn't, you can be sure there are big plans to make Rock Band 1 more awesome. Everyone needs to do as Henry said... relax. Take some deep breaths. Eat a cookie, dedicate some time to your families/friends instead of speculating, whining, and making this community suck for everyone else.

Some may call me a fanboy or whatnot, but let's not get it twisted, friends. I too see some of the faults that the peripherals and game have. Don't confuse fanboyism (is that even a word?) with genuine optimism and faith. :cool:

Amen.

*steps off his soapbox*

[Roton7]

It is a big deal if you're playing online with friends and in order to play a Rock Band 1 song you all have to switch disks, which will take minutes. Also, it takes me multiple tries to get my Xbox to read Rock Band (I normally initially get the DVD error message). So yes, in the end, it IS that bad.

Honestly, why is this bugging people so much? It's the equivalent of complaining about the fact that, while playing GH3, you have to take the time to take out the GH3 disc and insert the GH2 disc in order to play a GH2 song. Or that, if you're playing Halo 3, you have to switch the disc to Halo 2 in order to play a map on Halo 2.

It's a DIFFERENT GAME! Having to switch the discs is not a new concept!

[Bursar]

The thing is, from GH3 to GH2, you not only have to switch discs, you have to exit the game, start up the other one, reconnect to your friends, and start all over again.

If RB allows disc swapping inside of the game, you have none of this. You stay in the game, there's no reason to drop network connections, so you can continue to chat to your friends. It won't be much different to just changing a CD in your stereo.

GH would be equivalent to you having to go next door and listen to the next CD on the neighbours stereo.

[Linknumbers]

Is it me, or does the second box art look like a photoshopped picture of Nine Inch Nails from Woodstock 94?

[Mushroom]

I wonder how long it will take to get to Europe?

[destruction3402]

.. And the first one has yet to be released in most parts of europe.. It would be so tiresome if RB2 comes to US at the same time as we get RB1. Also, i would like Rock band 1 last more than an year after the release in EU (not the UK,France and German realease date),and Australia.
Honestly, this drives me crazy, not having RB1 and they are already planning on RB2.

[jeccaneko]

Nice find OP.

I think that the first cover is better. The second one has too much white, IMO. It feels like you're trying to look at the band through a camera flash. :p

I really don't care if a Rock Band 2 comes out. I'd buy it. I just hope my existing peripherals work. I don't mind buying peripherals for any new parts they may add in (keyboard, or another mic if they add in backup vocals) but I'd rather not buy new drums and guitars. I also hope the original Rock Band songs (including DLC) works with Rock Band 2, but if not, I can disc swap. No big deal. I just really, really don't want to buy new peripherals if I can get around it.

[DSOTM]

the cover on the top is better
bottom is too brown and 300ish

[JWG]

I find it a bit funny people are so concerned about RB2 coming out some time in the unknown future. The GH franchise has how many games out now? 5 at least by the end of June (1, 2, 80's, 3 & Aerosmith).

We should be glad we can go online and buy significant download content instead of having to shell out an additional $60 for one artist's collection (not that I don't love Aerosmith, I do).

I'd be more upset if every 6 months we got RB: Nirvana, RB: Grateful Dead, RB: 90's Grunge, Etc. I fully expect as profit desiring company, that Harmonix, EA and MTV Games will one a release such as this every 9-12.

Multiple versions mean those who bought the previous will buy the new, and those who did not may buy both as they'll get the previous at a discount.

I'm actually thinking about not buying a 2nd guitar for RB and just getting the kit whenever RB2 does come around.

[DeadManDrumming]

First one is better...still needs a little touch up, but with the crowd/colors it looks more appealing.

I hope they DO redo it all. Make double bass pedal/hi-hat pedal with symbols and basically make it a very mini/cheap drum set. I know about screen space and charting but man that would rock:P. As for guitar I would love strings or something similar to Guitar Rising, but I know I'm dreaming.

Update the game with backwards compatibility = instant sells.

[Euphoria35]

I could go buy a Metallica CD, rip all the tracks onto my PC (or Xbox for that matter) and then hand it off to 10 friends. There are ripped copies of Rock Band online that you can download and play on modded consoles. All of this is illegal of course, but I'm not sure HMX is responsible for what people do with the product after they've purchased it. In theory every person with RB1 paid for it legally and is using it responsibly.

Still, its possible you may be correct. But I stand by my wall-of-text from a few pages back. Not bringing over the entire catalog is completely against the idea HMX promoted (this game as a platform, not just another franchise with sequels out the ass). Its odd to me that people will draw a line in the sand and demand the DLC carry over but then back off and accept that 58 songs won't be playable in future installments. After all the hype of a massive music library with full albums and carreer-spanning catalogs, we'll still have to juggle discs and buy the next yearly installment. I for one really hoped Rock Band would not be "business as usual".

Could not say it any better myself
/applaud

[Purist]

If Rock Band is supposed to be a "platform" then all peripherals, DLC, and on-disc music from RB1 should be transferrable. Nuff said.