Should Harmonix Recall ALL standalone PS3 copies?

[galperi1]

I still see that many stores are still selling the PS3 standalone version that no one can play since there are NO controllers (unless you buy the set) that work for it.

I personally think that they should pull them all from the shelf otherwise they should be prepared to pay the refunds for all those dissapointed customers that can't play the game and can't return it to the store (since most stores do not return opened software)

What does everyone think?

[nicko68]

If I had a PS3 and had bought the standalone version of RB to use my GH guitar and it didn't work, I'd be pretty ticked off.

I assume the PS2 guitar will work with RB (I'm counting on that)

[sa_nick]

See just the fact that theyre selling it stand along makes me think they thought the GH3 controller would work on it.

I mean red octane made the xbox one open standard, why wouldnt the ps3 one be as well? I assume it probably is but something just hasn't worked out somewhere.

Maybe there was problems with the mass producing of the peripherals, because none of the gaming sites/reviewers or play testers had all these problems with stuff breaking/not working.

[MF-PO'd]

As an owner of this (useless) standalone copy of the game for the PS3, I say yes. I would gladly accept my money back, and I think all current copies should be pulled from shelves unless they legitimately feel they can have this fixed soon. I have an open support ticket with EA, and I'm waiting for them to tell me what to do with the game.

[hmxsean]

I still see that many stores are still selling the PS3 standalone version that no one can play since there are NO controllers (unless you buy the set) that work for it.


You can play the vocalist career. USB mic and your regular old Sixaxis controller.

[Eman311]

Technically you can still do the vocals pretty close to normal, and the guitar with a controller (ghetto, but still functional). Just because it supports a RB controller doesn't mean it has to go on sale at the same time.

I would just hold onto it until next year.

[Eman311]

If I had a PS3 and had bought the standalone version of RB to use my GH guitar and it didn't work, I'd be pretty ticked off.

I assume the PS2 guitar will work with RB (I'm counting on that)

The PS2 guitar (for GH1 and 2) I can guarantee will work. The same situation as the GH2 360 controller working for Rock Band. HMX was invovled with those games and those guitars.

Not so sure about the GH3 one.

[Badger]

They sell these USB adaptors at my local EB store for the PS3 , could you not just plug that into your PS3 and then connect in your GH controller? or do they not work with that?

[JackBNimble]

You can play the vocalist career. USB mic and your regular old Sixaxis controller.

I know you really are trying Sean, but that really isn't the answer most people wanted to hear from HMX.What EA should do is pull all copies off the shelves and send Strats to all PS3 customers who bought the stand alone game.FREE for misleading them.

Will EA/HMX do it?I doubt it!

[Credge]

They sell these USB adaptors at my local EB store for the PS3 , could you not just plug that into your PS3 and then connect in your GH controller? or do they not work with that?

This is a good question. GH2 does not work on a PS3. Period. It's because you are required to hit the PS button on your controller when you play a PS2 game on your PS3. Coincidentally, you can't switch the controller out either as the PS3 requires analog control to be on, something the GH2 guitars don't do either.

However, I'm unsure.

Edit: Can't be done due to the analog thing.

[Badger]

This is a good question. GH2 does not work on a PS3. Period. It's because you are required to hit the PS button on your controller when you play a PS2 game on your PS3. Coincidentally, you can't switch the controller out either as the PS3 requires analog control to be on, something the GH2 guitars don't do either.

However, I'm unsure.

Ah , i now see why people are getting so fired up about this .

[Eman311]

I know you really are trying Sean, but that really isn't the answer most people wanted to hear from HMX.What EA should do is pull all copies off the shelves and send Strats to all PS3 customers who bought the stand alone game.FREE for misleading them.

Will EA/HMX do it?I doubt it!

No because that's borderline retarted.

[toefer]

Ah , i now see why people are getting so fired up about this .

I still don't.

How immature are people that if something isn't the way they expected/wanted it to be, they'll throw fits and demand rewards for their suffering?

Nowhere on the game box does it say that you can use the Les Paul. If the game is like the one in the bundle, it says, on the front of the case:

"Requires a drum, microphone, or guitar controller to play. Rock Band is compatible with most music game controllers."

Take that how you want, but to me it doesn't seem misleading. People shouldn't go throwing blame around, just because their own assumptions guided them to the mistake. You don't go buy a car, and then demand that Volkswagen buys you a free NOS system, a custom body kit, a paint job, etc., when you find out your Jetta doesn't drive as fast, nor look as sporty as the one in The Fast and The Furious. Take some responsibility in your purchasing decisions, and if you are unhappy, bring it back to the store. And if you think stores won't refund open copies, you're not doing it right.

[MF-PO'd]

I know you really are trying Sean, but that really isn't the answer most people wanted to hear from HMX.What EA should do is pull all copies off the shelves and send Strats to all PS3 customers who bought the stand alone game.FREE for misleading them.

Will EA/HMX do it?I doubt it!

I have to admit that "free" is a little much. They should offer us something though. I didn't buy the standalone game so I can sit here like a douche bag playing with my Sixaxis or go through a vocal career. They should throw us something though. Either refund my money back in full or offer me something along the lines of a discount on your guitar when it's available. Just do _something_.

[Credge]

"Requires a drum, microphone, or guitar controller to play. Rock Band is compatible with most music game controllers."

So, can you name one other game controller that works with the PS3 RB game?

Further, your analogy was terrible. If you were told that your car would run on corn starch and didn't and this was the reason you bought the car, then yes, that analogy would be fine. However, asking for nitrous oxide on a car is not the same thing.

[JackBNimble]

This is a good question. GH2 does not work on a PS3. Period. It's because you are required to hit the PS button on your controller when you play a PS2 game on your PS3. Coincidentally, you can't switch the controller out either as the PS3 requires analog control to be on, something the GH2 guitars don't do either.

However, I'm unsure.

Edit: Can't be done due to the analog thing.

Why can't it be done.The usb adaptor has a ps botton to sync with ps3.From what I've heard from peeps who have tryed with RB is it just don't work.Make a patch at the least so the SG can be used with the usb adaptor!

[MF-PO'd]

I still don't.

How immature are people that if something isn't the way they expected/wanted it to be, they'll throw fits and demand rewards for their suffering?

Nowhere on the game box does it say that you can use the Les Paul. If the game is like the one in the bundle, it says, on the front of the case:

"Requires a drum, microphone, or guitar controller to play. Rock Band is compatible with most music game controllers."

Take that how you want, but to me it doesn't seem misleading. People shouldn't go throwing blame around, just because their own assumptions guided them to the mistake. You don't go buy a car, and then demand that Volkswagen buys you a free NOS system, a custom body kit, a paint job, etc., when you find out your Jetta doesn't drive as fast, nor look as sporty as the one in The Fast and The Furious. Take some responsibility in your purchasing decisions, and if you are unhappy, bring it back to the store. And if you think stores won't refund open copies, you're not doing it right.

No, the statement about supporting most guitars IS misleading. Define "most guitars" when there is all of ONE on the market right now. This thing should not even be on store shelves at the moment. You don't go to a car dealership, buy a car, and find out it has no bloody steering wheel. After purchase, you find out the sheering wheel portion of the car will not be out for a few months, and nothing else on the market can be used at this time. The dealer tells you.. "well, you can listen to the radio for now."

[Credge]

Why can't it be done.The usb adaptor has a ps botton to sync with ps3.From what I've heard from peeps who have tryed with RB is it just don't work.Make a patch at the least so the SG can be used with the usb adaptor!

What I meant to say was that you can't use the GH2 controller with RB. As in, it can't be done at this time.

[MrMet2087]

I know you really are trying Sean, but that really isn't the answer most people wanted to hear from HMX.What EA should do is pull all copies off the shelves and send Strats to all PS3 customers who bought the stand alone game.FREE for misleading them.

Will EA/HMX do it?I doubt it!

lol that's a good one...

[JackBNimble]

I still don't.

How immature are people that if something isn't the way they expected/wanted it to be, they'll throw fits and demand rewards for their suffering?

Nowhere on the game box does it say that you can use the Les Paul. If the game is like the one in the bundle, it says, on the front of the case:

"Requires a drum, microphone, or guitar controller to play. Rock Band is compatible with most music game controllers."

Take that how you want, but to me it doesn't seem misleading. People shouldn't go throwing blame around, just because their own assumptions guided them to the mistake. You don't go buy a car, and then demand that Volkswagen buys you a free NOS system, a custom body kit, a paint job, etc., when you find out your Jetta doesn't drive as fast, nor look as sporty as the one in The Fast and The Furious. Take some responsibility in your purchasing decisions, and if you are unhappy, bring it back to the store. And if you think stores won't refund open copies, you're not doing it right.

OK guy! There are NO controllers that work for it!How is that not misleading?If you bought a car you would at the least exspect the KEYS would you not.

[slayer15]

No, the statement about supporting most guitars IS misleading. Define "most guitars" when there is all of ONE on the market right now. This thing should not even be on store shelves at the moment. You don't go to a car dealership, buy a car, and find out it has no bloody steering wheel. After purchase, you find out the sheering wheel portion of the car will not be out for a few months, and nothing else on the market can be used at this time. The dealer tells you.. "well, you can listen to the radio for now."

totally agree.

[mojeepmike]

Nowhere on the game box does it say that you can use the Les Paul. If the game is like the one in the bundle, it says, on the front of the case:

"Requires a drum, microphone, or guitar controller to play. Rock Band is compatible with most music game controllers."


Just a slight word change could fix all of this:
"Rock Band is NOT compatible with ANY music game controllers."

There, fixed it for you EA.

[metalfenix]

I still don't.

Of course you don't, in fact you don't seem to understand anything at all.



How immature are people that if something isn't the way they expected/wanted it to be, they'll throw fits and demand rewards for their suffering?


Inmature?? tell me what's inmature for demanding to play with *something* the game? If they knew that the guitar controllers (and drums and mics) were not available at the moment, and the competitor's guitar may be not compatible why did they release the standalone version?Red Octane, for example, distributed the PS3 version of GH3 as a bundle ONLY.

Sean told us an option, the USB mic may be an option, but use the sixaxis for the other parts of the game? that's RIDICULOUS.



Nowhere on the game box does it say that you can use the Les Paul. If the game is like the one in the bundle, it says, on the front of the case:

"Requires a drum, microphone, or guitar controller to play. Rock Band is compatible with most music game controllers."


Tell me, besides the standard USB mics, WHAT OTHER music game controllers are out there for PS3? Maybe you'll understand when you have a shiny RB game on your desk (paid with your own money) and the Les paul of GH3 on the other side of the room and a great urge of playing frisbee with the RB blue ray disc.



Take that how you want, but to me it doesn't seem misleading. People shouldn't go throwing blame around, just because their own assumptions guided them to the mistake. You don't go buy a car, and then demand that Volkswagen buys you a free NOS system, a custom body kit, a paint job, etc., when you find out your Jetta doesn't drive as fast, nor look as sporty as the one in The Fast and The Furious.

OWN ASSUMPTIONS???? Try to play even the guitar solo career with only the sixaxis and talk to me afterwards. The music controllers on this game are not a luxury, are a must.



Take some responsibility in your purchasing decisions, and if you are unhappy, bring it back to the store. And if you think stores won't refund open copies, you're not doing it right.

And how do you think that the people will find out this issue on the ps3 version? mental powers??? at least NOW this is a known issue and most of people will surelly avoid this standalone version until February.

[TuRDMaN]

From reading this thread, it seems to me that some people believe that you can play an instrument with the sixaxis. Just to clear things up: you can't. The only thing you can do with a sixaxis is navigate menus. No playing guitar with a sixaxis. No playing drums with a sixaxis. The game doesn't let you. If you could, the PS2 GH controllers would probably work using a USB adapter (since you can use them to navigate menus). The real problem here is not that the other guitars aren't usable with PS3, the problem is that Rock Band will detect the fender strat that comes in the bundle as a guitar controller, but all other guitar controllers are detected as a sixaxis. They all work to navigate menus, but not to play the game. This is the thing that really pisses people off. Why not allow people to play the game with a sixaxis, and let them map their own keys (like you can in any PC game). Then all guitars would work.

[MF-PO'd]

Seems very strange that the Sixaxis would not even work as a controller. Not that that would be an acceptable solution, but it may allow other guitars to work. These guys are talking about "standards". Well, the Sixaxis IS the standard controller for the PS3. Shouldn't that then work?

[J-Rock]

Nowhere on the game box does it say that you can use the Les Paul. If the game is like the one in the bundle, it says, on the front of the case:

"Requires a drum, microphone, or guitar controller to play. Rock Band is compatible with most music game controllers."

Take that how you want, but to me it doesn't seem misleading. People shouldn't go throwing blame around, just because their own assumptions guided them to the mistake.

The fact remains that Harmonix/EA knew full well that every game sites/magazines mentionned Les Paul compatibility and they never bothered to correct the sites/magazines and mention that this wasn't the case for the PS3. Harmonix/EA knew that everyone expected a compatibilty between the Les Paul and Rock Band and they stayed quiet about it not working.

[FlyinWhee]

The fact remains that Harmonix/EA knew full well that every game sites/magazines mentionned Les Paul compatibility and they never bothered to correct the sites/magazines and mention that this wasn't the case for the PS3. Harmonix/EA knew that everyone expected a compatibilty between the Les Paul and Rock Band and they stayed quiet about it not working.

Yeah, you also noticed how Harmonix never even MENTION "Guitar Hero" when they speak about the game. Seems like they're not allowed to, or don't want to for PR reasons - who knows - but they're not allowed to make any official statement mentioning that franchise. It's always "our previous games", "music controllers" and such. That would also mean they can't come out and say "Oh yah, the PS3 controller Red Octane put out? turns out it doesn't work with our game because they decided to screw with the standard."

It's not their job to say if a specific peripheral by ANOTHER company is compatible with their product. In fact, they're mostly not allowed to say it.

[galperi1]

You can play the vocalist career. USB mic and your regular old Sixaxis controller.

can we? Is that the rock band experience you were hoping to give us PS3 owners?

I know you are a gamer deep down and that is just the PR machine talking....

The fact is if the only thing PS3 users can do with the standalone game is the vocalist career it should be pulled because that is NOT as advertised on the standalone since that is not what I call a "full rock band" experience....

Another fact: There are NO guitars that work if you only buy the standalone PS3 version and that is a shame....

[Transbrak]

you can buy a mic and sing oh wait the games not worthless, end of recall!

[whofan]

Honestly people, do you guys really think you have a leg to stand on here?

NOBODY from HMX announced that the LP would work and may have been blocked from doing so by corporate. You took what the PRESS said and ran with that, if anything your beef is with the gaming press, not with HMX.

I'm sorry for your loss, I really am, but there's nothing deceptive about the packaging or the way it's being advertised. The "Band experience" being advertised REQUIRES you to get the periphreals. Everybody here knows that. If you buy the stand-alone game, you know exactly what you're getting in that it's not the full experience you want.

Right now, it's only the vocals available, I'm sorry but you'll have to deal with that until you can buy the individual instruments.

Harmonix/EA owes you nothing here, especially not free guitars. It is not a companies responsibility to announce what will and what won't work with their products. On top of that, an EA exec didn't hold a gun to your head saying "BUY THE STANDALONE GAME!!! BUY IT NOW!!!". YOU made the decision to buy the game itself (and don't give me that crap about how you didn't have the money so you had no other choice. There are ALWAYS choices here. You could've skipped opening day and saved up for it longer) and now you're crying because of that decision. The company is perfectly in it's rights to put out the game itself. There is a way to play it right now, you just don't want to play it that way. Unfortunately, that's your problem not theirs.

There are far too many assumptions being thrown around here so let's summarize quickly:
1) HMX/EA owe you NOTHING at all. It was your choice to buy this game alone
2) HMX/EA never stated that the GH3 LP would work with the game
3) The game was never advertised as being compatible with the LP
4) The phrase "most guitar controllers" is not deceptive and is indeed accurate. As of right now the game supports 50% of the guitar controllers on the market for the PS3. You just can't get that 50% right at this exact moment. That's not deceptive advertising, it's just lack of availability.
5)Just because something is one way on one system does not mean that it will be the same on another. The different systems require different programing and thus the PS3 guitar may have something different about it that makes it incompatible.
6)YOU bought the standalone game of your own free-will. YOU have to find a way around this situation that has arisen. It was your choice. There's nothing wrong with the game, it works just fine (unless your copy is scratched or something). In this regard HMX's obligation is already ended.
7) HMX may or may not patch it in the future, but until that time you have to be patient and let them do their jobs
8) You can play the game as is to your hearts content, maybe not in the way you WANTED it, but in a way it was meant to be. Once again, this isn't a broken product, it's a lack of stock.

Anyways, that's enough for now. Please be patient, don't demand and lets see what they do for this problem

[crivit]

I don't think the game should be recalled simply due to the fact that some people will want it for the singing career. Also I'm sure some people have gone in togther to split up a bundle and thus need extra copies of the game. However, something does need to be done for those that bought the game under the impression that thier guitars would work with it. I would suggest first putting stickers on all copies in the stores stating that it currently does not work with the LP. Second, they should offer refunds to those ppl who bought it just for the guitar. Maybe a mail in program since most stores won't accept open software.

[whofan]

I don't think the game should be recalled simply due to the fact that some people will want it for the singing career. Also I'm sure some people have gone in togther to split up a bundle and thus need extra copies of the game. However, something does need to be done for those that bought the game under the impression that thier guitars would work with it. I would suggest first putting stickers on all copies in the stores stating that it currently does not work with the LP. Second, they should offer refunds to those ppl who bought it just for the guitar. Maybe a mail in program since most stores won't accept open software.
Why would they do this?

No one has ever explicitly stated that the LP would work with RB. They're not being deceptive. It doesn't NEED to be put on there at all. If you are willing to buy the game on that assumption, then so be it but caveat emptor (Buyer Beware).

[metalfenix]

From reading this thread, it seems to me that some people believe that you can play an instrument with the sixaxis. Just to clear things up: you can't. The only thing you can do with a sixaxis is navigate menus. No playing guitar with a sixaxis. No playing drums with a sixaxis. The game doesn't let you. If you could, the PS2 GH controllers would probably work using a USB adapter (since you can use them to navigate menus). The real problem here is not that the other guitars aren't usable with PS3, the problem is that Rock Band will detect the fender strat that comes in the bundle as a guitar controller, but all other guitar controllers are detected as a sixaxis. They all work to navigate menus, but not to play the game. This is the thing that really pisses people off. Why not allow people to play the game with a sixaxis, and let them map their own keys (like you can in any PC game). Then all guitars would work.

Damn, is this true?? even in GH3 you could play with the sixaxis control.... , so you're restricted only to vocals solo career? (well, in MY case it could have worked since I want to play as a vocalist first, but it will be different for MANY people out there).

What a great Rock band experience :mad:

[oddroot]

so really, there is no playing guitar or bass with the sixaxis? that makes no sense what so ever...

now to really piss myself off, can you play guitar/bass/drums using a 360 controller?

[espher]

A lack of foresight on your part does not constitute a problem on their part.

You've got beef because you were lead to believe it works? Great, take it up with the websites advertising it as such in (p)reviews. A cursory glance on these boards a couple of days before release would have given you the answer to this. While I'd love to see it patched, they're under absolutely no obligation to do so.

[crivit]

Why would they do this?

No one has ever explicitly stated that the LP would work with RB. They're not being deceptive. It doesn't NEED to be put on there at all. If you are willing to buy the game on that assumption, then so be it but caveat emptor (Buyer Beware).

PR reasons, good customer relations and all that jazz :D Granted it doesn't NEED to be done, but in the long run a few refunds and stickers will cost them alot less than a bunch of vocal pissed of customers.

[whofan]

I see where you are coming from and agree that it'd be good PR, BUT I don't see it being a logical step on their part. Basically it would add extra costs with little to no return on them. Not very good business sense.

[terjyn]

I see where you are coming from and agree that it'd be good PR, BUT I don't see it being a logical step on their part. Basically it would add extra costs with little to no return on them. Not very good business sense.

You don't know this. This could be the key issue that's stopping thousands of people from buying Rock Band.

[TreoRock_]

HMX, I have the PS3 Rock Band bundle and I love it..!!! BUT You need to seriously fix this issue with the guitars not been able to work with Rock Band...!!! You need to patch this GAME ASAP!!!! And in the name of everybody here

I DEMAND AN ANSWER TO THIS ISSUE WITH A SOLUTION..!!!!

Al

[J-Rock]

Why would they do this?

No one has ever explicitly stated that the LP would work with RB. They're not being deceptive. It doesn't NEED to be put on there at all. If you are willing to buy the game on that assumption, then so be it but caveat emptor (Buyer Beware).

Every gamer website/magazine stated the Les Paul would work with Rock Band. Harmonix/EA knew that every gamer website/magazine stated the Les Paul would work with Rock Band. Harmonix/EA did nothing to corret those statements. I think that's being deceptive. Harmonix/EA knew that everyone had those assumptions and to make sure they sell the most games before it was known that the Guitar Hero III wouldn't work they did nothing at all.

[xlr8shun]

hell, i bought the bundle, and still cant play the game with my guitar...

sure i have a new one coming in the mail, but i still cant play bass/guitar in RB, and i have the freaking controller BUILT FOR THE GAME sitting right next to me..

[whofan]

Every gamer website/magazine stated the Les Paul would work with Rock Band. Harmonix/EA knew that every gamer website/magazine stated the Les Paul would work with Rock Band. Harmonix/EA did nothing to corret those statements. I think that's being deceptive. Harmonix/EA knew that everyone had those assumptions and to make sure they sell the most games before it was known that the Guitar Hero III wouldn't work they did nothing at all.

Again, I'll state it in plain English, your beef is with the press, NOT EA/HMX. They don't have to say anything about compatibility at any point. That's not being deceptive, they're just not saying anything. If you take that as an implicit confirmation that it is indeed true, that's your interpretation. Others will have different interpretations. It's the same as saying "No Comment". Everybody is going to take that a different way.

It is YOUR interpretation that leads to this conclusion and it was YOUR interpretation that made you buy the game standalone. It wasn't what they said/didn't say that made you buy this game, it's how you interpreted the silence. It's not deceptive, it's you acting on your whim and assuming the guitar would work.

[TuRDMaN]

What IS deceptive, however, is the statement on the front of the case of the standalone game "Rock Band is compatible with most music game controllers". Which it most certainly is not, seeing as how the only music game controllers that work with it are the ones that come in the bundle.

And spare me the "open standards" crap, I'm sick of that excuse. I could care less about the GHIII LP not working, but there's no reason that the PS2 GHI & II controllers shouldn't work with a USB adapter. They are picked up by the PS3 as a valid controller, and all the axes/buttons are registered by the system, just Rock Band doesn't recognize them as a guitar controller. There's no excuse for that.

[Ultrace]

There is no need for a recall. The game works with USB mics, and you can also get each of the actual RB items independently through eBay or another source. If there were no peripherals that worked with the game, I would say sure, but they are out there. Conveniently? Perhaps not, but they are there, and therefore no recall is needed.

And to the person that suggested a free strat for the inconvenience and all... LOL.

[whofan]

First of all, you are jumping the gun here and assuming you know how the program detects these instruments. Second, the PS2-PS3 adapters may be to blame for this issue, as there doesn't seem to be one that works correctly as of yet.

The statement is still true, regardless. While it doesn't specifically state "compatible with most PS3 controllers", I am 100% certain that is what it means. If you go by the assumption that it means controllers period, then I could say that this is blatent false advertising because it won't support my X-Box 360 X-plorer, the PS2 SGs, the Wii LP, the PS2 Kramer, the 360 LP, the PS2 Flying V, the PS2 Simpsons controller, etc, etc.

It means compatible with most controllers produced for THAT particular system, not most controllers ever produced. Simple as that

[blue_dragonzero]

What IS deceptive, however, is the statement on the front of the case of the standalone game "Rock Band is compatible with most music game controllers". Which it most certainly is not, seeing as how the only music game controllers that work with it are the ones that come in the bundle.

And spare me the "open standards" crap, I'm sick of that excuse. I could care less about the GHIII LP not working, but there's no reason that the PS2 GHI & II controllers shouldn't work with a USB adapter. They are picked up by the PS3 as a valid controller, and all the axes/buttons are registered by the system, just Rock Band doesn't recognize them as a guitar controller. There's no excuse for that.

Your problem is with one peripheral, not 50. Thus the most is not deceiving.

[TuRDMaN]

You must be telling me that the programmers of a game freely available on the internet called Frets on Fire are more adept than the entire staff at Harmonix. I can play guitar just fine on my computer using PS2 guitars and a USB adapter. The same thing could easily be done on Rock Band on the PS3 if HMX would have allowed people to use any controller they like, and allow them to map their own buttons/axes. Instead, they have locked users into only being able to use their own peripherals (which are not availabe to purchase until next year).

[TuRDMaN]

Your problem is with one peripheral, not 50. Thus the most is not deceiving.
The problem is with every guitar peripheral that can be used on PS3, except for one. Therefore, it would be more correct to say that Rock Band is not compatible with most music game controllers. And it would be most correct to say that Rock Band is ONLY compatible with the official Rock Band controllers.

[MF-PO'd]

Again, I'll state it in plain English, your beef is with the press, NOT EA/HMX. They don't have to say anything about compatibility at any point. That's not being deceptive, they're just not saying anything. If you take that as an implicit confirmation that it is indeed true, that's your interpretation. Others will have different interpretations. It's the same as saying "No Comment". Everybody is going to take that a different way.

It is YOUR interpretation that leads to this conclusion and it was YOUR interpretation that made you buy the game standalone. It wasn't what they said/didn't say that made you buy this game, it's how you interpreted the silence. It's not deceptive, it's you acting on your whim and assuming the guitar would work.

You have a different interpretation of "deceptive" than me. To me, when they say the game should work with most guitar controllers (that's not silence btw), media makes an interpretation, and everyone around me tells me something will work, I'm going to trust that information. Yes, I do have some beef with media sites that reported it. But guess what? They didn't just make up that information out of the blue. They were lead to believe that information by... Harmonix. That information was out there for quite a long time. If Harmonix was not deceptive and acted with full disclosure and in the best interest of their customer, they would have clarified everyone's compatibility belief. Did they? Absolutely not. Are they going to market Rock Band standalone PS3 as a microphone-only game. Of course not. They want more sales. I'm sorry, but all this crap is "deceptive" to me.

To boot, this is coming from someone that followed the situation prior to release. Put yourself in the shoes of Joe Customer that just sees the game on the shelf. They are likely not going to have a clue when they take the game home.

I'm not placing all the blame on Harmonix here. I hold Red Octane/Activision partially responsible, and I hold those media sites partially response. Don't try to make Harmonix sound like some kind of innocent saint here though.

[harvey978]

i think that is incredibly misleading that this game is being sold stand alone at this point. Yes you can play vocals with it, if you get a mic, but there are no drums or guitar defeating the point of the game to most. I think Harmonix needs to at least explain why they are even selling the game if its almost unplayable to the public with out any devices to play it with.

[J-Rock]

Again, I'll state it in plain English, your beef is with the press, NOT EA/HMX. They don't have to say anything about compatibility at any point. That's not being deceptive, they're just not saying anything. If you take that as an implicit confirmation that it is indeed true, that's your interpretation. Others will have different interpretations. It's the same as saying "No Comment". Everybody is going to take that a different way.

If you consider that not correcting a lie is not deceptive (seriously?) then think about this:
"To be misleading or deceptive the conduct must contain a misrepresentation capable of inducing the relevant class into error. Generally, misrepresentations will be false statements of fact. However, statements that are factually true may also be misrepresentations if they are capable of inducing consumers into error".

The statement on the box which states that "most other music controller will work with Rock Band" when the only other one out there is the GHIII guitar can be considered "statements that are factually true may also be misrepresentations if they are capable of inducing consumers into error" in my opinion. People are led to believe that other guitar hardware, with only one on the market, will work with Rock Band. This is clearly false and thus induces consumers into error.

[whofan]

I'm not saying their completely innocent, they may have been able to say something earlier. What I am saying is not all blame should be put on HMX.

Possible reasons why they didn't say anything:
1) They didn't think it'd be an issue
2) They thought they had fixed it but actually missed a bug or two
3) They got their LP too late to accurately test it out with RB
4) They were under corporate orders not to discuss that "other game" at all

There are a lot more reasons why they didn't say anything, think of things from all angles here guys. It's not all just conspiracy, conspiracy, conspiracy.

[Burkeman]

No. Negative.

[whofan]

If you consider that not correcting a lie is not deceptive (seriously?) then think about this:
"To be misleading or deceptive the conduct must contain a misrepresentation capable of inducing the relevant class into error. Generally, misrepresentations will be false statements of fact. However, statements that are factually true may also be misrepresentations if they are capable of inducing consumers into error".

The statement on the box which states that "most other music controller will work with Rock Band" when the only other one out there is the GHIII guitar can be considered "statements that are factually true may also be misrepresentations if they are capable of inducing consumers into error" in my opinion. People are led to believe that other guitar hardware, with only one on the market, will work with Rock Band. This is clearly false and thus induces consumers into error.
You are, of course, forgetting caveat emptor. Buyer Beware. That's the reason why they put the "most" in there instead of leaving it out. It's up to the customer to do research to determine what can and can not work. They never specifically state ones that will work, nor those which won't. That's not their responsibility.

If this was brought to Court as a misrepresentation case, it would be thrown out very quickly because there were no statements from the company confirming compatibility of which outside controllers work with the game nor any guarentee stated that outside controllers would work. The statement on the front is a general one, put on there so that as more guitar controllers are released they don't need to constantly update the package to say something like "works with 55% of the released guitar controllers".

[MF-PO'd]

I'm not saying their completely innocent, they may have been able to say something earlier. What I am saying is not all blame should be put on HMX.

Possible reasons why they didn't say anything:
1) They didn't think it'd be an issue
2) They thought they had fixed it but actually missed a bug or two
3) They got their LP too late to accurately test it out with RB
4) They were under corporate orders not to discuss that "other game" at all

There are a lot more reasons why they didn't say anything, think of things from all angles here guys. It's not all just conspiracy, conspiracy, conspiracy.

I can agree with these points. The is one commonality with them all though: The customer is screwed under all scenarios. They clearly didn't act in the best interest of the customer, and that's why people are outraged. There doesn't have to be a conspiracy to frustrate customers. People do have a right to be upset, and this problem is not the customer's fault. I think you're right that ALL blame shouldn't just be placed on Harmonix. This is their board though, so there's no sense screaming on this board at the other people responsible.

[whofan]

I can agree with these points. The is one commonality with them all though: The customer is screwed under all scenarios. They clearly didn't act in the best interest of the customer, and that's why people are outraged. There doesn't have to be a conspiracy to frustrate customers. People do have a right to be upset, and this problem is not the customer's fault. I think you're right that ALL blame shouldn't just be placed on Harmonix. This is their board though, so there's no sense screaming on this board at the other people responsible.

You hit on the main point there, 99.999999% of companies do not act in the best interest of their customers.

Anyways, I think my point has been made, no point repeating it. At least this discussion went a lot better than the other one I was a part of.

I just wish that people would be calmer about things, we will get answers, but it takes time.

[J-Rock]

You are, of course, forgetting caveat emptor. Buyer Beware. That's the reason why they put the "most" in there instead of leaving it out. It's up to the customer to do research to determine what can and can not work. They never specifically state ones that will work, nor those which won't. That's not their responsibility.

If this was brought to Court as a misrepresentation case, it would be thrown out very quickly because there were no statements from the company confirming compatibility of which outside controllers work with the game nor any guarentee stated that outside controllers would work. The statement on the front is a general one, put on there so that as more guitar controllers are released they don't need to constantly update the package to say something like "works with 55% of the released guitar controllers".

Was there no statement about compatibility from Harmonix? I really thought there was. Wait, a minute, there was. Funny thing about the internet though, since it's not hard copy it can easily be removed or modified. Unless Wikipedia is part of some conspiracy to take down Harmonix, it says on the Rock Band page "Harmonix has confirmed Guitar Hero guitar controllers and additional third-party controllers are compatible with the game,[21][18]". [18] which is Rock Band Official Website. Retrieved on 2007-08-04.

The fact is, no matter how many times you state your 'opinion' to the contrary, Harmonix/EA led people to believe that the GHIII guitar would be compatible. They did state so. If you still don't believe it, I'll even try to find some more tangible proof of it.

And if, as you state, it's up to the customer to do research on the compatibility of guitars with Rock Band what do you think they'll find? That every gamer website/magazine said that the Les Paul would work. Harmonix/EA didn't correct that statement when they knew it wasn't true and they misled website/magazines into thinking that it was.

[blue_dragonzero]

The problem is with every guitar peripheral that can be used on PS3, except for one. Therefore, it would be more correct to say that Rock Band is not compatible with most music game controllers. And it would be most correct to say that Rock Band is ONLY compatible with the official Rock Band controllers.

Can you name all of these for me?

[Angel-Jin]

At the end of the day, it came down to a lot of different variables that weren't factored into the equation. We can't point the finger at the fine people of Harmonix/MTV Games because developers at RedOctane/Activision decided to go a different way in programming the Les Paul for PS3, but you could ask "Why didn't this sort of thing come up in the development/testing/final stages?"

Lately, I've found that a lot of game previews for non-PS3 exclusives are on XBOX360, which is a huge problem. IGN, Gamespot, Joystiq, Kotaku, etc. all base their hands-on time for BOTH systems off of ONE, which is why I hate going into stores playing multi console games on a system I don't even own. The experience is going to be totally different when I take the game home. If I would've purchased Rock Band based off my experience on the XBOX360 at Best Buy, and came home to find that it's NOTHING like the version I played in-store, I would be furious. Shelling out $170+ for something that was falsely advertised would be a massive kick in the teeth for me and I would be returning such products as soon as possible. I'm fully aware that with different systems, there will be differences in the actual game, but I didn't expect anything this extreme.

Developers should seriously rethink their development tactics. They're simply not working. A lot of this years multi-console must-haves are shafting PS3 owners with no sign of a patch, fix, or even an apology. I think it's time to go the other way around. If it's so easy to program for the XBOX360, it's become clear without a shadow of a doubt in my mind that the need to get the HARD STUFF OUT OF THE WAY FIRST is definitely now.

IGN should go back and re-do their PS3 review of the game. These two games are indeed, not equivalent of the same score. Not even close. This would drop my score from a 9.4 to 8.9 at the very least.

The stand-alone versions of this game need to be recalled. There's no two ways about it. It's like buying...well, a game you can't even play. It's like buying Eye of Judgement w/o the camera, like buying Time Crisis when you don't have a GunCon, or like buying Super Mario Galaxy when you don't even own a Wii! Unless you have a microphone, it's a worthless purchase to say the least. Of course those situations I listed above are VERY different from Rock Bands, you get where I'm coming from.

And this last bit doesn't really matter, but disappointment after disappointment with this game has left me in a state of serious heartbreak (which was the sole reason I bought a PS3 to begin with) and I will not be purchasing this game. I opted to just buy a real guitar (although it was cheap) to learn how to play the real instrument and try my hand in real music. This whole situation is embarassing and after all the fanboy arguments I've had with my friends, my foot is officially in my mouth. I'll more than likely be taking my system back if the store will accept it.


To recap, I'm not blinded with rage at any parties involved, this game is still a GREAT GAME and this little soapbox of mine shouldn't sway your decision to rock out, because under different circumstances, I would be waiting for Best Buy to open at 5am tomorrow to pick mine up, but since such is not the case, I'll be taking a different course of action.

[J-Rock]

In my opinion, Harmonix/EA should at least give a refund for anyone who bought a PS3 version of the game thinking it would work with the Les Paul.

[MF-PO'd]

You hit on the main point there, 99.999999% of companies do not act in the best interest of their customers.

Anyways, I think my point has been made, no point repeating it. At least this discussion went a lot better than the other one I was a part of.

I just wish that people would be calmer about things, we will get answers, but it takes time.

I really hope you're right about us getting answers. Unfortunately, on the surface it at least appears Harmonix is done with the issue based on the post by HMXSean. It sounds like if Red Octane/Activision do not want to work with them on the issue, then that's it - that's their only solution.

[TuRDMaN]

Can you name all of these for me?

The PS3 GHIII LP controller.
Any guitar peripheral that was made for PS2 (of which there are plenty) via USB adapter.

[Angry_Games]

I have a feeling that Harmonix/EA are currently in panic mode internally to try and resolve this issue as quick as possible. I've yet to see Harmonix be truly deceptive around here to anyone. Splitting hairs over what the box statement means ("compatible with MOST music controllers") isn't going to get anyone anywhere.

It got Clinton nowhere (they split hairs over the definition of "sexual relations" and one side said oral pleasures were not "sexual relations" while the other side said yes it is....did they really get anywhere in a hurry? no).

It won't get any of you anywhere.

I'm not a Harmonix fanboy, I just go by what I've seen around this site since it came into existence, and from day one Harmonix treated the community like it was important, gave us news and announcements, listened to our feedback, etc.

EA/Harmonix are businesses. They have bossmen who tell them what they can and cannot say. You've gotten the only answer about it you are going to get for now: it SHOULD work with most controllers.

But again, I feel that Harmonix cares about this community enough to be in a panic over this problem because they are hurting a lot of customers that only bought the game by itself, whether directly or indirectly by the statement on the box. Let's forget the statement on the box though, as again it is splitting hairs over the definition of "most".

Let's see what Harmonix/EA does. It's Thanksgiving. If you feel like they should be at your feet doing your bidding on a holiday, think about something else. But let's say we should hope to hear something by next week at the very latest. If we don't, then you can complain and threaten lawsuits and BBB complaints and such all you want.

But how about for now we just wait and see if there's a fix coming. It's only been a few days since release. If it was a patch to correct something in the game like leaderboard exploits, they could do it in-house and get it done quickly. But they'd still have to get some approval I'm sure from Sony (I don't know though, Microsoft are pretty nazi about making sure they approve anything released on Live for Xbox...I don't know what Sony's routine is)

However, you are now asking them to fix an issue between hardware peripheral that isn't even theirs, and their own software. You truly can't expect them to provide you with a fix now now now now now now now DEMAND NOW!!! It isn't realistic, and it isn't going to happen.

Let's try to be a little more patient and see what happens. If by Friday of next week they are still silent on the subject, well, then do whatever it is you want to do about it. I'm interested in patiently waiting to see what comes of it as my brother has the PS3 (thankfully I have a 360 and the Explorer guitars) problem like everyone here.

[Heavy_D253]

All you people complaining sound like a bunch of whiney babies. Seriously if you weren't so cheap and bought the bundle you wouldn't be having this problem. Cheapskates FTL

[TuRDMaN]

All you people complaining sound like a bunch of whiney babies. Seriously if you weren't so cheap and bought the bundle you wouldn't be having this problem. Cheapskates FTL
How about the people who bought the bundle and want to play with 4 people like they were expecting to be able to do? How about the people who bought the standalone game because the bundles were sold out and expected to be able to actually play something? And if EA/Harmonix are in a panic, they are fools, because there's no way they wouldn't have known this was coming.

[MF-PO'd]

All you people complaining sound like a bunch of whiney babies. Seriously if you weren't so cheap and bought the bundle you wouldn't be having this problem. Cheapskates FTL

There's the winner of the most idiotic post of the thread right there.

[Heavy_D253]

There's the winner of the most idiotic post of the thread right there.

The biggest idiot in this thread is the guy that said EA/HMX should send everyone who bought the standalone copy a free guitar. These guys are running a business, they put out a product and you guys bought it. If your not happy with it than thats your problem, you should have done better research before you bought it. I elected to purchase the bundle and I am VERY happy with the product I was given.

[aiq422]

I think the reason they have the Standalone game out is if someone who bought the bundles game broke they could go buy just the game if they took them off and there game broke they might be SOL

[MF-PO'd]

The biggest idiot in this thread is the guy that said EA/HMX should send everyone who bought the standalone copy a free guitar. These guys are running a business, they put out a product and you guys bought it. If your not happy with it than thats your problem, you should have done better research before you bought it. I elected to purchase the bundle and I am VERY happy with the product I was given.

Ok, yeah... a free guitar idea kind of out there.

However, just because you're happy with your bundle, don't assume everyone else is. I DID my research. Show me one piece of evidence prior to this week that said the LP did not work with Rock Band. That did not exit. It was universally assumed that it would work. I don't know many people I saw asking this question in forum posts, and they responded to immediately to say that it has already been confirmed that they work. It's pretty easy to look at things in hindsight, but everything suggested compatibility prior to release.

Don't say I'm cheap though because I didn't buy the bundle. I'm sorry, but that's WAY off. I don't WANT the bundle even if I could get it. Why would I pay about $200 when I don't want drums, and I don't want a microphone. Heck, I don't even want another guitar, and I shouldn't have to have another guitar.

You're enjoying your purchase. I'm happy for you. Clearly, you don't belong in this thread. You should being enjoying your game instead. For some of us though, we aren't and actually CAN'T enjoy what we purchased, and it's not the fault us use being "cheap" or not researching our purchases.

[municipalblack]

I'm still waiting for an official response from Activision/Neversoft. I mean it took what 1 or 2 days before Harmonix responded to this issue and we still haven't heard anything from the other side. That's funny it's like Neversoft has something to hide.
Clearly though both of these companies should work together to fix this because it's hurting both of them. For someone that wants both games now they're expected to own 4 guitars? That's a frigging joke and in that case it comes down to owning one or the other for me. I'll take the company that kicks ass at rhythm games *Harmonix*.

And Harmonix/EA won't offer anything for people that bought the stand alone game so there's no point in asking for it, it's not going to happen. It sucks I know and I'd say the best thing would be to just go and return your game. At least that's what I would do.

[metalfenix]

If your not happy with it than thats your problem, you should have done better research before you bought it.

Please, o wise one, point us to a link prior to the launch WHERE it could have informed anybody about the lack of compatibility of the one and only music controller at the moment in the PS3 , The GH3 Les Paul. I can bet that everything will be about "RB will work on any musical instruments that follow open standards" or "don't worry!! it was tested on the les paul and it worked!! (of course, the didn't mention the little fact that they tested the 360 LP)" . At the moment, almost nobody of the public knew about RO "lack of standard" PS3 LP



I elected to purchase the bundle and I am VERY happy with the product I was given.

I've chosen the full bundle too, even though I won't be able to get the full band together thanks to this until february (well, maybe if I find the online bassist it will be fine, but if I manage to get together 3 more people and me I won't be able to form the whole band, and meanwhile my shiny LP will sit on the corner of the room). I won't get the full band experience even though I paid for the full bundle.

And it sadden me the situation of the people who bought the standalone version, they'll have a nice box with the Rock band logo and the blue ray disc over their TVs until February.

[CrimsonFury]

I can't believe the post here. Some people bought a game which states on it you need the instruments, and then they cry a river about not having instruments. Buy the bundle or shut you hole! How about the guy saying he didn't get the "band" experience cause he can't find enough friends to play with him... get a life!

[MagicDrop]

Ok sending you a free guitar is alittle out there. But they should do 2 things. 1st they should offer to sell you the new guitars when they come out at a discount that would make them the same price as a guitar adn game bundle. 2nd they should offer people the ability to send back the game and refund the money. Till that point when the other controllers hit the market. I think this is a fair trade. Many people were looking foward to playing this game as a 4 person band as well. If they offer a discount on a second I would buy it now. But I don't want to have to buy one at full price. Most controllers are around 50 and the stand alone is 60 so you are at $110 that is insane to pay that for a game when all indications were you were spending 60 90 is better and a happy compromise

[MF-PO'd]

I can't believe the post here. Some people bought a game which states on it you need the instruments, and then they cry a river about not having instruments. Buy the bundle or shut you hole! How about the guy saying he didn't get the "band" experience cause he can't find enough friends to play with him... get a life!

It should be obvious, but not all of us want all the instruments. That's really stupid to assume we have to buy the whole freakin' bundle when we only want one instrument. You're forgetting that Harmonix/EA DO offer the individual game, so it's not necessary to purchase the entire bundle.

Yes, the game states you need an instrument. I have one. It doesn't work. Show me where I can buy an individual instrument that works? (Don't give me the microphone crap.)

[SpaceShot]

It's obvious you should be able to return the game for a full refund. The package did not inform you that you specifically needed the Rock Band controller. It seems to indicate that the GH3 one will work.

If only bundles were going to work, single disc copies shouldn't be for sale. But people make mistakes (or are economical with the truth) so as a customer you have rights.

Honestly, here in the States, if your retailer does not take it back, no questions asked, they are opening themselves up to violations of federal law. The FTC would be very interested in hearing about misleading packaging. The easiest solution is just take the game back and wait until you can afford a bundle or single peripherals come out.

Any other response from your retailer is irresponsible. This is a unique situation.

[J-Rock]

I can't believe the post here. Some people bought a game which states on it you need the instruments, and then they cry a river about not having instruments. Buy the bundle or shut you hole! How about the guy saying he didn't get the "band" experience cause he can't find enough friends to play with him... get a life!

They let you out from under your bridge at this hour?

This thread is about stand-alone software of Rock Band for the PS3. Does the it have any purpose at all (besides the solo singing career, that was the answer from Harmonix where it should be assumed people would be better of with Singstar or Karaoke Revolution).

[ScreamingSlave]

No, I don't think they should recall anything - they should push up the release date on the separate instruments for all systems. I doubt holding off on the separate instruments is a business decision - buying all of them one at a time is a lot more expensive than getting the bundle, and I think more people would pick up the game if they could get just a guitar or just drums with it, whatever. The bundles are sold out nearly everywhere and we've seen as many as we're going to get before the new year. Releasing the instruments ASAP would solve a lot of problems. I'd go out and buy another guitar tomorrow if it were in stores. And a mic stand. And a second pedal. I say push up the release of the instruments, and maybe give some kind of rebate with POP for PS3 owners to smooth things over.

[j7wb07]

Bottom line is they put out the stand alone PS3 version to meet the holiday buying season, even though the entire gaming experience is not yet ready for PS3 owners. Bottom line is they are more concerned with catering to the X-Box and it's owners, rather than Sony.
As a PS3 owner, you either have the choice of buying the entire pack or you are screwed. Even if you buy the pack, you still have to buy ANOTHER pack if you want a full band...yes, that great "band experience" they kept talking about and showing in all of those promo videos we have all seen.

Hmmm... I wonder if all of the people in this thread who are telling the complainers to shut up, are X-Box owners...or have deep pockets (or mommy and daddy bought them the game.)

As it is now, you have to shell out $350 for the console (minimum), and another $340 to fully enjoy the game in a 4 man band experience. Yes, I understand if you want to play, you have to pay, but not having stand alone PS3 controllers available until Feb, is utter crap. If the X-Box owners were going through the same thing, I would understand more. It would still suck, but I would understand more. Harmonix/RO had to make a choice between fully satifying X-Box owners or PS3 owners. The PS3 has not exactly been the console of the century, so they went with the current (non-Wii) winner, and chose X-Box. It's all about the cash, kids...

[espher]

If you want to argue semantics, the statement that it works with "most other music controllers" is not completely inaccurate.

If we want to look at it for the consoles it's currently released on, it currently functions with four of the guitar controllers designed for these consoles out of the five released (albeit one of two on the PS3):

Yes - Guitar Hero II Xplorer - Xbox 360
Yes - Guitar Hero III Les Paul - Xbox 360
Yes - Rock Band Stratocaster - Xbox 360
Yes - Rock Band Stratocaster - PS3
No - Guitar Hero III Les Paul - PS3

It does not function (well) with any of the PS2 hardware, in part because of the PS2/PS3 controller issues and in part because it simply hasn't been released for the PS2. Once it comes out for the PS2, if it works with all of the PS2 GH guitars, it will certainly be 'most'.

Where drum controllers are concerned, it's compatible with two of two for these two consoles. When the PS2 version comes out, we'll have to see what happens there, but I imagine it won't necessarily be compatible with other drum controllers.

Where microphones are concerned, if we want to even call that a 'music controller', it functions with any USB microphone/headset as well as the Xbox Live headsets (for the Xbox 360 version), which is an immense number.

So really, if it all boils down to semantics, they're still not necessarily wrong here. Although you could argue that it doesn't explicitly state music controllers for these two consoles, but that's even more of a stretch.

A lack of availability of hardware peripherals does not constitute false advertising. I didn't sue or boycott or threaten Nintendo because I was having a hell of a time finding a second Wiimote or Nunchuk despite Wii Sports and many other games being advertised as being for more than one player, or Microsoft for not being able to play Shadowrun online because I couldn't find a wireless bridge that worked with my 360 in town.

The fact that they've advertised a supply shortage means they're giving you a heads up that there may be a problem, but there's no reason for them to pull this off of shelves for a variety of other reasons (those who want it for karaoke, those who are splitting up a bundle, etc).

Edit:

P.S. IT'S A CONSPIRACY LIEK ELVIS AND JAY EFF KAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11111111111111

Edit again:

P.P.S. AND TEH MOON LANDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111111111111

[Ultrace]

As it is now, you have to shell out $350 for the console (minimum), and another $340 to fully enjoy the game in a 4 man band experience.
It's worth pointing out that unless you for some reason want an extra copy of the game, mic and drums, you can likely make back $100+ of that $340 by selling those items separately. That doesn't make this a great solution, but don't try to bill it as an irrevocable $340 down the drain.

[Frederf]

On the civil side of things, I'm sure if you asked anyone at HMX "Would you like the PS3 Les Paul to work with Rock Band?" the answer would be an emphatic "Yes" every time. The XB360 Les Paul working in Rock Band was clearly no accident.

I'm only left with two questions:

1. What prevents the PS3 Les Paul from functioning how we/HMX would like?
2. Why is this a surprise on nearly release-eve?

[TuRDMaN]

1. Rock Band. The only thing it recognizes as a guitar controller is the RB strat. If I can plug any guitar controller into my computer and use it to play Frets on Fire, there's no reason it shouldn't work for Rock Band.

2. The only ones who are surprised are the consumers who got screwed.

[KingThorn]

I still don't.


Ah. I'll type this slowly then.

It's not like buying a car and expecting free stuff.

It's like buying a car and being promised that it'll run on unleaded gas.

Once you buy the car, you find out it runs on a special blend that is only available in one gas station that's two thousand miles away.

Of course, since you've already sat in the car, you've contaminated it and can't return it, so you've got a car that goes nowhere and you can't return.

Clear enough?

I suspect you purchased the version of the car that does work, and are having difficulty comprehending that others might be having trouble.

[Hanover]

Then how about a simple list of compatible and incompatible peripherals on the DVD label? I mean, "works with most" isnt very specific and many people aren't going to find out which ones don't work until after they've cracked the seal, making the game un-returnable. That's hardly fair.

A simple list of non-compatible controllers on the spine of their packaging would have solved this problem. It's not the customer's job to test out what works and what doesnt, wasting $60 on software after they realize what they have isn't going to work. Thats the publishers job.

Buyer beware? Are you kidding? In other words...Harmonix is NOT to be trusted, so make sure you do all your research before making the decision to buy their latest game. That's not a very good reputation to have.

So if they aren't going to playtest the 3rd party controllers and place a claim that it works with "most controllers" then this customer has a right to complain.

To be honest, I dont see why they released the stand-alone version until they actually released their stand-alone peripherals. Makes absolutely no sense. There are going to be a lot of unhappy people on Christmas day staring at the menus of their new Rock Band game not being able to play it.

The simple solution is to have retailer put a big red sticker on the front of each copy of the game that says, Les Paul controller NOT compatible. That would solve the problem.


Why would they do this?

No one has ever explicitly stated that the LP would work with RB. They're not being deceptive. It doesn't NEED to be put on there at all. If you are willing to buy the game on that assumption, then so be it but caveat emptor (Buyer Beware).

[peck]

there is no way to play RB on ps3 without the bundle except singing until 08 harmonix dropped the ball big time on this issue................. if they would just talk to RO and make a patch to get that LP workng everyone will be a happy little camper i guarantee it............................

[espher]

there is no way to play RB on ps3 without the bundle except singing until 08 harmonix dropped the ball big time on this issue................. if they would just talk to RO and make a patch to get that LP workng everyone will be a happy little camper i guarantee it............................

They've expressed willingness to do so.

The ball is in Red Octane's court.

All of this crying and *****ing is being directed the wrong way, but that's to be expected once something is in the hands of the masses.

[TuRDMaN]

The ball is in Red Octane's court.

All of this crying and *****ing is being directed the wrong way
What's Red Octane gonna do, release a firmware update for their guitar controller so it works in someone else's game (in case you didn't get it, that's not possible). The only one who can do anything about this situation is Harmonix (granted they may need co-operation from RO/Activision if they want the LP to work), hence the *****ing at them.

[Angel-Jin]

again, what this came down to was "If it works for XBOX360, it'll work for PS3," which-- no matter how you look at it, is a IDIOTIC ASSUMPTION. Programmers/Developers start they're programming/coding for games on 360 and just port the game to PS3 from there, performing minimal test runs and (in this case) hardware tests meanwhile checking for SERIOUS errors along the way. clearly, this wasn't a SERIOUS error in the eyes of MTV Games. The game still plays fine, but hardware issues are abound, both xbox and playstation alike, which they are addressing SLOWLY but surely while some issues are more pressing than others. all this means is that developers are lazy. period. It's been happening all year, but I personally, am completely disgusted at how Harmonix quickly went from making great games that were PS2 exclusives to this atrocity. I guess at the end of the day money does in fact talk.

[Ventura]

What's Red Octane gonna do, release a firmware update for their guitar controller so it works in someone else's game (in case you didn't get it, that's not possible).

It's not uncommon to see posts from people saying they only bought GH3 so they'd have an extra guitar to use in Rock Band. A sale is a sale.

Taking advantage of this desire to be able to use their controller in another game can only work in their favour. Not only is it better for the public, but they'd sell yet more guitars and yet more copies of GH3. That's gotta be a win-win.

[Emowii]

Harmonix is going to continue to justify their decision to put this game out by itself. There is no real logic behind it, but that won't stop them from trying to tell everyone there was.

[zerogeo3]

Well, I know all my guitars, except for the one, I have to exchange work just fine with RB, I guess, their statement that it works with "MOST" is accurate.....

BTW: 360 owner...

[MF-PO'd]

The game still plays fine, but hardware issues are abound, both xbox and playstation alike...

Not when there's no instrument available to play it! (standalone PS3 version)

[Transbrak]

Not when there's no instrument available to play it! (standalone PS3 version)

there are microphones avaliable thank you come again

[espher]

Harmonix is going to continue to justify their decision to put this game out by itself. There is no real logic behind it, but that won't stop them from trying to tell everyone there was.

There is logic behind it, but if you're just going to dismiss it as part of your rage, that's your issue. :)

[likwidomg]

Then how about a simple list of compatible and incompatible peripherals on the DVD label? I mean, "works with most" isnt very specific and many people aren't going to find out which ones don't work until after they've cracked the seal, making the game un-returnable. That's hardly fair.

A simple list of non-compatible controllers on the spine of their packaging would have solved this problem. It's not the customer's job to test out what works and what doesnt, wasting $60 on software after they realize what they have isn't going to work. Thats the publishers job.

Buyer beware? Are you kidding? In other words...Harmonix is NOT to be trusted, so make sure you do all your research before making the decision to buy their latest game. That's not a very good reputation to have.

So if they aren't going to playtest the 3rd party controllers and place a claim that it works with "most controllers" then this customer has a right to complain.

To be honest, I dont see why they released the stand-alone version until they actually released their stand-alone peripherals. Makes absolutely no sense. There are going to be a lot of unhappy people on Christmas day staring at the menus of their new Rock Band game not being able to play it.

The simple solution is to have retailer put a big red sticker on the front of each copy of the game that says, Les Paul controller NOT compatible. That would solve the problem.

Informed Consumer. When I think about making a pricey purchase, I do research and comparisons to make sure I'm buying what I want/need. Seeing the words "works with MOST" makes me want to confirm if the hardware I have/need is going to work with such software.

[J-Rock]

Problem is, every gamer website/magazine stated that the Les Paul would workd with Rock Band. An informed consumer would have been screwed nonetheless.

[espher]

Problem is, every gamer website/magazine stated that the Les Paul would workd with Rock Band. An informed consumer would have been screwed nonetheless.

Well, that's the problem with third parties.

[boboette]

Les Paul is not the problem. It is ridiculous that HMX never bothered to clarify, but the real problem is, they said "it's compatible with most music controllers" on the box and there's only 1 controller that works with RB.

It's unreasonable for any consumers to get the idea that, "oh, only RB guitars work" when they see that. I don't care how informed you think you are, there is NO WAY you would've come to that conclusion.

And who cares if sixaxis works as a guitar or drum? come on people, would you buy the game at all if there was no guitar to begin with?

I think McDonald being sued for not putting "caution, coffee is hot", or Blockbuster (or netflix? i forgot) being sued for their claim of 99 rentals in a month is unrealistic, or Apple being sued because iPhone only works with one carrier, are ridiculous. But they were sued. Compared with those, do you think calling HMX's statement on the box misleading is ridiculous?

I'm fired up even though I bought the bundle. I just think it's ridiculous, and it's even more ridiculous that people don't see it. I feel terrible for those who bought the stand-alone.

[Ultrace]

Les Paul is not the problem. It is ridiculous that HMX never bothered to clarify, but the real problem is, they said "it's compatible with most music controllers" on the box and there's only 1 controller that works with RB.
Possibly only one guitar controller, but RB is not GH; there is more to its music than the guitar pieces. And third party mic/drum controllers have been verified to work.

[boboette]

Possibly only one guitar controller, but RB is not GH; there is more to its music than the guitar pieces. And third party mic/drum controllers have been verified to work.

You can't ignore the fact the guitar is a big part of the game. And how many people have 3rd party drum controllers?

At any rate, why don't they state that on the box: None of the 3rd party guitar controllers will work, and you can't buy an RB guitar alone until next year.

I don't know what their intention is, but they come across as hiding unpleasant facts in order to fish more sales. (I call them "they" because I don't know whose fault it is)

The part that really irritates me is not about the lack of compatibility, but the lack of honesty.

[MetalChickenDragon]

word of advice: save some money and buy the damn bundle withe everything...

[J-Rock]

Possibly only one guitar controller, but RB is not GH; there is more to its music than the guitar pieces. And third party mic/drum controllers have been verified to work.
There are third party drum controllers working with Rock Band?

[razalom]

Just make it work with the sixaxis and that would solve most of their problems.

[wickedbadz]

I was standing in Gamestop yesterday and a young kid, maybe 13 was looking for rockband bundle for ps3, they only had 360 ones in stock, the store manager told him buy just the game the guitar hero controllers work with it, I stopped the kid from buying it cause I know how gamestop is, they won't take a open game back...the manager was pissed off but this is why the PS3 version shouldn't be sold seperatly right now cause of idiot store managers giving out false information

[J-Rock]

He was pissed because you gave the kids good information?

[hankmallon]

They shouldn't have released the stand alone on PS3 at all, I knew that the second the rumor of the incompatibility occurred. Especially since you can't return opened games (even if it is on a near impossible to copy Blu-ray disc).

[Ultrace]

There are third party drum controllers working with Rock Band?
Yes, I saw a post a few days ago where someone said they were able to use a USB electronic drum kit with the PS3. I forget the brand name and such.

[J-Rock]

Yes, I saw a post a few days ago where someone said they were able to use a USB electronic drum kit with the PS3. I forget the brand name and such.Are they quieter? ;)

[miketoast]

Releasing the game as a standalone for the PS3 is a pure money grab, plain and simple. Telling people, "well you can go buy a USB mic" really doesn't cut it, I'm sorry Sean. People made a purchase of your product based on reviews and previews telling them that "most" of their previously purchased guitar controllers would work with Rock Band. Notice there is no distinction such as, "Will work with most xBox or PS3controllers." I feel that leaving that little nugget out of the phrasing on the packaging shows intent at deception. Why not put a seperate message on each systems packaging? Maybe something like, "Will work with all xBox guitar controllers" and "Will work only with the Rock Band guitar controller, available February 2008"??

I believe that no one should anticipate the arrival of any patch allowing the GH3 guitar to work with Rock Band on the PS3. Why should HMX make that available, to make you feel better? Suddenly all these people rush out and buy GH3 (pumping up Activisions sales) and start jamming to RB with them. Ok, then what happens in February when the RB guitar becomes available? They sit on the shelves for the most part because everyone's already given their money to GH3. Why should any company purposefully allow their competitors to perform their function for them and take money from them?

I really feel bad for these people and I think to avoid any ill will HMX should refund their money if they are unable to do so at their local retailer. Nothing could be worse than a bunch of severely pissed off and vocal critics and there is no sense alienating them over a miscommunication, purposefull or not...

[Frederf]

A stand alone copy would be perfect for playing online band quickplay with a friend that had bought the instruments. "Here you take half the instruments, I'll take half. We have two disks, see you online!"

The original CD players were on sale long before music CDs were anywhere close to widely available. I don't see why the fact that it's a video game means that the assumption of the buying public's intelligence and common sense suddenly hits the floor.

If you bought MS Flight Sim, opened and isntalled it, and then said "Oh wait, refund, I don't have a joystick!" you'd have trouble getting a refund. On the other hand, the fact that there would be "No joysticks at all available on the market" would mean that it would be very nice for the company to not say "Haha, suck it."

As for "works with most guitar controllers" that very much insinuates the Les Paul works since it is #2 on the list of likely controllers right below the Stratocaster. 1 out of N (where N > 1) is not most. Obviously, they expected the Les Paul to work with Rock Band (PS3) when they printed the packaging.

[Iggylove]

I believe that no one should anticipate the arrival of any patch allowing the GH3 guitar to work with Rock Band on the PS3. Why should HMX make that available, to make you feel better? Suddenly all these people rush out and buy GH3 (pumping up Activisions sales) and start jamming to RB with them. Ok, then what happens in February when the RB guitar becomes available? They sit on the shelves for the most part because everyone's already given their money to GH3. Why should any company purposefully allow their competitors to perform their function for them and take money from them?



This makes sense to me, I just wish that it was consistent with all platforms. Doesn't the GH3 sticks work with RB for the 360? As with most I have been brought to these boards seeing if {what I am calling} the "LPP ~Les Paul Patch" had been released or will be. But as you just mentioned it really does come down to the bottom-line with these companies - Money.
~Iggy

[jojo311]

Mainly out of curiosity... when did the information that the Les Paul guitar wouldn't work in Rock Band for the PS3 first come to light? If GHIII was release on 10/28, from a PR perspective I'd have hoped that info about RB not working with it should have come out even before Rock Band was released. Sure, EA/Harmonix aren't responsible for other company's equipment, but they did have at least 3 weeks to test and let the consumers know about compatability issues. This is all water under the bridge at this point, but I am just curious from a public relations perspective.

[logicalnoise]

Mainly out of curiosity... when did the information that the Les Paul guitar wouldn't work in Rock Band for the PS3 first come to light? If GHIII was release on 10/28, from a PR perspective I'd have hoped that info about RB not working with it should have come out even before Rock Band was released. Sure, EA/Harmonix aren't responsible for other company's equipment, but they did have at least 3 weeks to test and let the consumers know about compatability issues. This is all water under the bridge at this point, but I am just curious from a public relations perspective.

there were rumors about it a week ahead of launch and roughly 2 days before launch it was confirmed that the ps3 version wouldn't work with the les paul.

[Lareden]

I was standing in Gamestop yesterday and a young kid, maybe 13 was looking for rockband bundle for ps3, they only had 360 ones in stock, the store manager told him buy just the game the guitar hero controllers work with it, I stopped the kid from buying it cause I know how gamestop is, they won't take a open game back...the manager was pissed off but this is why the PS3 version shouldn't be sold seperatly right now cause of idiot store managers giving out false information

This made me laugh because I've seen game store employees blatantly lie so many times. Maybe they're told to make up stuff if they don't know it.

The other day I was a game store looking at the $20 greatest hits and talking to the employee about what I should get. He said "get Star Wars: Battlefront" and I said "I don't really want a shooter because I hate using the sticks to aim... unless it has target-assist?" He said "Yeah, you don't really have to do any aiming, and there's some good online play." Then I said "well, there probably won't be a lot of people online since it's an older PS2 game... unless the servers are shared with all consoles and PC." He said "they are, EA is really good about that sort of thing. Everyone on any platform that has the game, you'll be able to play with, including PC players."

Wow.... a simple "I don't know" would have been great.

[psDragon]

I have GH3 and have never had a problem with the game or the guitar. I think HMX should make a fix since their OWN GUITARS are so faulty. I have a broken fender and an working LP. If they had made their guitars work to begin with then I wouldn't have an issue about making the guitar work. But when they can't even get their own guitars to work right, I absolutely think they should release a patch.

If they want loyal supporters of the game and the company it should be their perogative to make it work.
On the other hand if Activision is the one blocking the release of the patch both PS3 and my GH3 are going on ebay since they obviously dont know how to make a good gaming system.

It's the price a company should have to pay for rushing delivery of a product not ready for market.

BTW, I love the game. I just dont like that the equipment is so faulty.