The Beatles: ROCK BAND - Rumors and Facts [Archive]

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Sayburr

10-31-2008, 10:44 AM

Sept 15 - Added code to Misc section to view hidden pictures

An all in one place thread for information on The Beatles: Rock Band. This information was culled from multiple sources and is not to be taken as truth until a representative from Harmonix makes the statement that the information is reliable.

Official Web Site: http://www.thebeatlesrockband.com/

Release Information
World Wide Release was on 9/9/09

USA Pricing:
• The Beatles: Rock Band Software - Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, Wii: $59.99 MSRP
• The Beatles: Rock Band Standalone Guitars - Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, Wii: $99.99 MSRPOfficial: Press Release ( http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=126447 ) See controller section for more info
Bundles:
• The Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition Premium Bundle: Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, Wii: $249.99 MSRP USA. Includes new Beatles instruments

Game Play
Stage Kit - The strobe light and the fogger do not work

The game does have cut scenes to pull together a sort of history of The Beatles to carry the game's narrative. http://www.thebeatlesrockband.com/preorderclub/

During the loading screens you will hear snippets of conversation between The Beatles.

Six-player co-op (three singers, drummer, bass, guitar); that playing on Easy difficulty automatically sets your track on no Fail; and that there’s a super-accessible No Fail toggle right on the song-select screens.Link (http://previews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/2346/The-Beatles-Rock-Band/p1/)

The game begins during the band's earliest days at The Cavern Club in
Liverpool, England. Gamers will then travel across the Atlantic to experience the band's unforgettable 1964 performance on The Ed Sullivan Show, the sold-out concert at New York's Shea Stadium in 1965, and conclude at The Beatles' memorable concert at Budokan in Tokyo, Japan in 1966. The Beatles' studio years will come to life in legendary Studio 2 at Abbey Road Studios. Highlighting the studio years are inspired artistic visual expressions known as Dreamscapes, intended to transport players to imaginative environments that capture the essence of The Beatles' genre-busting musical and fashion transformations during their later years. As an example the song “Here Comes the Sun” starts in the Abbey Road Studio and then fades into the band playing on a hilltop. The game follows The Beatles to 1969 where story mode culminates with their final performance on the rooftop of the Apple Corps Headquarters.

McCartney says players will find hidden features. “You've got the basic ‘Rock Band’ game with Beatles songs and then you have also got loads of goodies. If you get to a certain level, you get prizes -- photos, snippets and much more.” “You get interesting anecdotes” Often a wide variety and never before seen. They came from the Apple Corp Archives.

You can ONLY play at the Beatles, there is NO “create a rocker” in the game

---Game Modes
Online – Can play all the normal modes online like RB2 (tug of war, quick play, score duel) and it seems the Story Mode will also be playable online. Can have three vocalist, but all three must be using same console. Link ( http://rockbandaide.com/the-beatles-rock-band-preview/)

Quickplay – Jump right into the game and experience the fabulous music of The Beatles as all songs will be unlocked in this easy to access mode. Quickplay also features familiar competitive Rock Band modes Tug of War and Score Duel!

Story Mode – Set out on an experiential progression through The Beatles’ legendary career from The Cavern Club to Abbey Road Studios! The story mode takes you through the career in chapters and has an ending cinematic that is reminiscent of the movie Brian’s Song Link ( http://www.destructoid.com/hmx-beatles-rock-band-is-the-brian-s-song-of-videogames--140812.phtml)

Chapter Challenges – Master all of the songs from a single Chapter in the career of The Beatles with special challenges! These challenges essentially string all songs from the chapter togetherlink (http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/puzzle/beatlesharmonixproject/video/6215294/the-beatles-rock-band-video-preview-beatles-beats--more)

Training Modes – Go beyond the basics and perfect your sound with training modes that includes Beatle Beats, Vocal Practice mode and more!
--------o Beatle Beats – Take on the stylings of Ringo Starr with this training mode that lets you practice actual drum beats from a selection of The Beatles catalogue
--------o Vocal Practice Mode – Train your ear and voice to master three part harmony! Use the guide pitch to help you sing hard to decipher parts perfectly in-tune!

The game will rely on realistic graphics to capture the mood and feel of the group, allowing players to see them mature both musically and physically as the game progresses. Unofficial: Link (http://dispatch.com/live/content/life/stories/2009/03/11/2_BEATLES_GAME_UPDATE.ART_ART_03-11-09_D4_C7D68PU.html?sid=101)

---Singing
You can have up to three singers, which puts up multiple “tubes” when there’s more than one singer. If two singers nail a phrase’s harmony part, they earn a “Double Fab,” and successfully getting all three earns a “Triple Fab.” Drake …that “vocals are constructive, not destructive,” which means that you can only help your band’s score with good singing, but not hurt it if you don’t. Best of all, though, is the game software doesn’t expect one person to have the lead part and another specific mic to have a harmony. If the players switch places or go a phrase singing the same part, there’s no penalty. It just won’t help the group maximize its score. A single vocalist can choose to fly solo with the song, or for a real challenge, players can jump on to vocals and try to sing and play at the same time, much like the Fab Four did. link (http://previews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/2346/The-Beatles-Rock-Band/p1/)

Controllers
Our new guitars have an adjustment to their firmware. What does this mean? It means that you need to hold the start button/navigation button down for a little while to make it function. Why is this good? No more butter fingers accidentally pausing the game or bringing up the console navigation thing and stopping the music with their floundering. A win for all!

Singstar and Lipps mics can be used Video Link (http://www.giantbomb.com/e3-2009-interview-the-beatles-rock-band/17-827/)

Getting your drums into overdrive, now called Beatlemania, is no longer predicated on a freestyle overlay mode on the songs. Now a green stripe appears on the right most track which ends in a cymbal crash. Hitting that crash sets off Beatlemania.

Lennon's Rickenbacker 325 Peripheral and Harrison's Gretsch Duo Jet Peripheral are the other two styles of guitar and will be sold as stand alone controllers. Offical Press Release (http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=138695)

From Official Press Release:
Limited Edition Premium Bundle includes:
• The Beatles: Rock Band software
• Höfner Bass controller: Large scale replica of the Bass famously used by Sir Paul McCartney
• Beatles-inspired and Ludwig-branded Rock Band 2 drums with classic pearl finish and vintage replica Beatles kick drum head. Plus, The Beatles Logo is Embossed on the pedal.
• Microphone
• Microphone Stand
• Additional special content
The Drums and Hofner Bass are NOT sold separately
Official (http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135202)

The game will be compatible with all Rock Band® instrument controllers, as well as most Guitar Hero® and other third party music video game peripherals and microphones. Official (http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135202)

Songs

Singles
I Want To Hold Your Hand
I Feel Fine
Day Tripper
Paperback Writer
Revolution
Don't Let Me Down

Please Please Me (1963)
I Saw Her Standing There
Boys
Do You Want To Know A Secret
Twist and Shout

With the Beatles (1963)
I Wanna Be Your Man

A Hard Day's Night (1964)
A Hard Day's Night
Can't Buy Me Love

Beatles For Sale (1964)
Eight Days a Week

Help! (1965)
Ticket To Ride

Rubber Soul (1965)
Drive My Car
I'm Looking Through You
If I Needed Someone

Revolver (1966)
Taxman
Yellow Submarine
And Your Bird Can Sing

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band/With a Little Help From My Friends
Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
Getting Better
Good Morning Good Morning

Magical Mystery Tour (1967)
I Am The Walrus
Hello Goodbye

The Beatles (White Album) (1968)
Dear Prudence
Back In the U.S.S.R.
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Birthday
Helter Skelter

Yellow Submarine (1969)
Hey Bulldog

Abbey Road (1969)
Come Together
Something
Octopus's Garden
I Want You (She's So Heavy)
Here Comes the Sun
The End

Let It Be (1970)
Dig a Pony
I Me Mine
I Got a Feeling
Get Back

Love (2006)
Within You Without You/ Tomorrow Never Knows

Beatles fans will also be thrilled to hear previously unreleased authentic voice recordings from John, Paul, George and Ringo chatting between takes during studio sessions recorded at Abbey Road more than four decades ago

Giles Martin, the son of George Martin, who helped with the remixes on the LOVE project will serve as Music ProducerOfficial: Link (http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95818)

Martin says they plan on keeping the songs as close to the originals as possible, not doing a LOVE type remix. Official: Link (http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/10/live-blog-the-b.html) game mixes for The Beatles: Rock Band will be completely unique for the game, separate from the remastered version of the Beatles catalog that will be released this September. link ( http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6210905/the-beatles-rock-band-hands-on)

DLC
Schedule:
All you need is Love will be made available exclusivly to Live, on 09/09/09 for $1.99, Until 12/09/2009, with money being donated to Doctors without borders.

Abbey Road - October 20
Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - November
Rubber Soul - December
----- More info here (http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158598)

The entire catalogue might be stretching it a bit. I think we'll have a lot of the relevant and live music with four player band instrumentation. That being said, there's no fixed cap right now. We have a certain number of songs we're working on right now. Apple Corp has said they're interested in working and going forward, so we're hoping to do as much as they'll let us have. Link (http://www.totalvideogames.com/The-Beatles-Rock-Band/feature-14400.html)

DLC from “the Studio” years will contain dreamscapes

The Abbey Road Medley will be playable as one song for those buying the entire album

DLC will only work for TB:BR, it will NOT work for RB or RB2

Compatibility with Rock Band
For a variety of technical and artistic reasons it made much more sense to all involved to have TB:RB available as it's own game. The Beatles: Rock Band is simply a different game. I think if you ask people that got a hands on at E3 they'd tell you that this doesn't feel like a part of the RB universe. HMXHenry’s Post ( http://www.rockband.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2574613&postcount=30)

The Beatles game is a stand-alone product that won't support song-swapping either to or from The Beatles: Rock Band link ( http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6210905/the-beatles-rock-band-hands-on)

Miscellaneous

Codes:
Enter quickly at the "The Beatles Rock Band" title screen (Press START button is at the bottom of the screen).
_____Blue, Yellow, Orange, Orange, Orange, Blue, Blue, Blue, Yellow, Orange: Unlocks set of bonus photos

Yes there is a code on the back of the manual. It doesn't do anything. It is our habit to serialize all our games like this.

iVideosongs [has] rights to allow it to sell video tutorials of Beatles songs taught by Giles Martin filmed at Abbey Road Studios. [They] already have a deal with Harmonix to put its tutorials on the main Rock Band site, and are in talks to do the same for Beatles: Rock Band. Wired (http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/06/jacksons-death-puts-lucrative-beatles-copyrights-in-play/)

Digitally remastered versions of the band's catalog will be released worldwide on Sept. 9, the same day as the release of a video game, "The Beatles: Rock Band." - Link (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090407/ap_on_en_mu/eu_britain_beatles)

The two surviving Beatles as well as the wives of the Beatles who are no longer with us have passed on their full blessings. Official: Link (http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95818)

5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About The Beatles: Rock Band
1. Paul McCartney fact checked the entire game. Every Beatles fact, photo, and video has been reviewed by him for complete accuracy.

2. Every song in the Story mode has two photos that serve as rewards for your performance. The first one is awarded at 3 stars, and the second one at 5 stars – difficulty doesn’t matter. The photos are all rare, or never-before-seen.

3. The extremely hard to find The Beatles’ Christmas Album is included in the game, in its entirely as an unlockable.

4. This game wants to train you to be the fifth Beatle – there are 45 different tutorials for the vocal practice mode, and a whopping 86 different ones for the drum trainer, which is entitled Beatles Beats.

5. At the end of each song, long-time Beatles producer Sir George Martin tells the guys in the band (a.k.a. you) how well they performed on each track.

Bonus: In the Dreamscape for “I Am The Walrus,” the band is decked out in the same costumes that are on the cover of the Magical Mystery Tour album, which means that John is, actually, the walrus for the duration of the song. Link (http://www.mtvu.com/music/music-blog/5-things-you-might-not-know-about-the-beatles-rock-band/)

perricoach

10-31-2008, 11:08 AM

Harmonix, I'm sure you know this already, but you can't put out a Beatles game without having harmonies (2 microphones) as a core part of the gameplay. Just pointing out the obvious. Make this work, and the world will love you for it.

BEATLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! !!!!!!!

Sargehalo51

10-31-2008, 11:13 AM

I can't wait for the release. I just hope and pray that, at some point, the games will be downloadable. But, I am sure we will have to wait a very long time for a solid answer (anything beyond rumor/speculation).

Either way, I will be making the purchase and playing The Beatles!

ThePaska

10-31-2008, 11:16 AM

Thanks for compiling this, definitely necessary. Can't wait for this game, still can't believe it is said to only have 45 songs, that really isn't enough if you ask me. I wonder if it will have Beatles DLC or something later on!

Just went through their albums up to Abbey Road and could easily pick 100 good songs out, not sure if they would all hold up in a band oriented game, but they are all good songs thats for sure.

Chris521

10-31-2008, 11:17 AM

so does that mean that there will be no way to export songs to rock band? "(The new game will NOT be branded with the Rock Band name. It is not an expansion pack for the Rock Band brand.)" I'm not into the beatles enough to buy this without that option. Oh well

Firehouse66

10-31-2008, 11:20 AM

I sure hope the dates of the years of music are wrong. Nothing from the 70's??? That would mean that "Let It Be" will not make the cut?? Sinful.

moneyp

10-31-2008, 11:22 AM

Really looking forward to this. I'm even happy about the long lead time, Get 'er done right. :)

whofan

10-31-2008, 11:24 AM

I sure hope the dates of the years of music are wrong. Nothing from the 70's??? That would mean that "Let It Be" will not make the cut?? Sinful.
BAD!!! BAD! BAD!

"Let It Be" was actually recorded in 1969, PRIOR to Abbey Road. It just wasn't released until 1970.

Now, give me 20 roseyokos and 30 "Hail George"s and all will be forgiven.

ThePaska

10-31-2008, 11:32 AM

I sure hope the dates of the years of music are wrong. Nothing from the 70's??? That would mean that "Let It Be" will not make the cut?? Sinful.

No Let It Be would stink.
That would mean we wont get:

Let It Be
Two Of Us
Dig A Pony
I Me Mine
The Long And Winding Road
Get Back

Does this mean we wont get songs from Hey Jude, like Hey Jude, Revolution, etc..? or does that fall under the 1969 recording as well?

whofan

10-31-2008, 11:36 AM

No Let It Be would stink.
That would mean we wont get:

Let It Be
Two Of Us
Dig A Pony
I Me Mine
The Long And Winding Road
Get Back

Does this mean we wont get songs from Hey Jude, like Hey Jude, Revolution, etc..? or does that fall under the 1969 recording as well?
Okay, just for not reading the above post, you owe me 40 roseyokos and 80 "Hail George"s!!

"Let It Be" was recorded in 1969, not 1970. It was just released in 1970 to capitalize on the press surrounding the break-up.

"Hey Jude" is NOT a part of the official UK discography, hence the reason why it's never been released on CD. "Hey Jude" was a compilation of singles from around the end of The Beatles career.

Wasch_24

10-31-2008, 11:37 AM

Sayburr,
That link to the Boston.com article launched a well known Virus install on my machine. Luckily AVG stopped it.

Remove the link from the your post.

Mushroom

10-31-2008, 11:40 AM

The new game will NOT be branded with the Rock Band name. It is not an expansion pack for the Rock Band brand.

Alex actually said it was "not just an expansion pack", which leaves more wiggle room for possible exports.

Sayburr

10-31-2008, 11:59 AM

Sayburr,
That link to the Boston.com article launched a well known Virus install on my machine. Luckily AVG stopped it.

Remove the link from the your post.Done... weird that I didn't get any error messages...

sandswipe

10-31-2008, 01:20 PM

No Let It Be would stink.
That would mean we wont get:

Let It Be
Two Of Us
Dig A Pony
I Me Mine
The Long And Winding Road
Get Back

Does this mean we wont get songs from Hey Jude, like Hey Jude, Revolution, etc..? or does that fall under the 1969 recording as well?

Hey Jude and Revolution were recorded in 67,68 I believe. I know they were both pre-white album.

l-o-t

10-31-2008, 01:29 PM

I sure hope the dates of the years of music are wrong. Nothing from the 70's??? That would mean that "Let It Be" will not make the cut?? Sinful.

OP did say "based on the UK releases" but I'm not sure whether Let it Be came out first or not... hope so.

dt_torres

10-31-2008, 01:46 PM

so, what do we know about the instruments? will they be the same like rock band?

i hope this doesnt delays rb3

whofan

10-31-2008, 01:47 PM

OP did say "based on the UK releases" but I'm not sure whether Let it Be came out first or not... hope so.
Once again, for the 3rd (and final time):

"Let It Be" was RECORDED IN 1969, thus fitting into the timeline.

"Hey Jude" was NOT a U.K. release, and was merely a compilation of later years singles for the U.S./Canadian audience.

Mushroom

10-31-2008, 01:48 PM

so, what do we know about the instruments? will they be the same like rock band?

i hope this doesnt delays rb3

Why do you want a Rock Band 3? Nothing needs to happen now that can't be done with Patches, and DLC continuing as it has been.

ultimatespidey81

10-31-2008, 01:49 PM

so, what do we know about the instruments? will they be the same like rock band?

i hope this doesnt delays rb3

keyboards will be introduced..

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081031/ap_en_mu/music_beatles_video_game;_ylt=ApjX0aYvQjPUpBBsgHWl fOoK77EF

"Game developers also plan to introduce a keyboard, which would be a first in the music game market."

hmxsean

10-31-2008, 02:01 PM

keyboards will be introduced..

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081031/ap_en_mu/music_beatles_video_game;_ylt=ApjX0aYvQjPUpBBsgHWl fOoK77EF

"Game developers also plan to introduce a keyboard, which would be a first in the music game market."

I am not sure where he got that from but we never said anything like that.

NOTES FROM NON RELIABLE SOURCES:

The game will have 45 songs from the EMI catalog ’62-‘69: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117994943.html?categoryid=19&cs=1

I also don't know where this comes from. We have never said anything about track numbers to anyone.

benson111

10-31-2008, 02:05 PM

I am not sure where he got that from but we never said anything like that.

I also don't know where this comes from. We have never said anything about track numbers to anyone.

Pwned. Nothing "Official" then?

Captain Zepp 07

10-31-2008, 02:06 PM

keyboards will be introduced..

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081031/ap_en_mu/music_beatles_video_game;_ylt=ApjX0aYvQjPUpBBsgHWl fOoK77EF

"Game developers also plan to introduce a keyboard, which would be a first in the music game market."

The thread that mentioned this was closed because it was false rumors, by HMXHenry too... I wouldn't say that so loudly if I were you.

This means no Stuart or even Pete songs? Damn, that would have been a nice touch.

hmxsean

10-31-2008, 02:09 PM

Pwned. Nothing "Official" then?

Nope. Literally the only talking and announcing we have done was in the press conference. Any other info is simply not from any real source.

afterstasis

10-31-2008, 02:10 PM

Nope. Literally the only talking and announcing we have done was in the press conference. Any other info is simply not from any real source.

gosh, you mean members from this forum opened their mouths prematurely?! :eek:

well i never!

Electric_Zen

10-31-2008, 02:14 PM

I am not sure where he got that from but we never said anything like that.

The keyboard quote came from Marty Bandier, who manages some of the copyrights on the Beatles songs. He is not a Harmonix employee, but he would have been involved in the licensing/planning discussions.

So Harmonix has not announced a keyboard, and it may not happen, but it's an idea that has been tossed around.

MrList

10-31-2008, 02:15 PM

Captain Zepp 07

10-31-2008, 02:18 PM

gosh, you mean members from this forum opened their mouths prematurely?! :eek:

well i never!

Wheres My Madden Pack? lol

benson111

10-31-2008, 02:19 PM

Nope. Literally the only talking and announcing we have done was in the press conference. Any other info is simply not from any real source.

Fair enough. Although i have to admit to you that i think a keyboard ( Minus the qwerty ) Would be a great addition to RB, and i could see it being done. The only issue that i could forsee would be chart placement onscreen.

Electric_Zen

10-31-2008, 02:21 PM

Now, of course those two parts wouldn't be exported into Rock Band should the songs be exportable, but still.

To me, adding a keyboard would be the ideal way of handling the 'disc vs. DLC' issue.

The Beatles songs could have a one-time export, that allows you to play supported parts in Rock Band 2.

But to get the full experience, including keyboard parts, you would have to play the Beatles game, not the exported tracks.

Rute86

10-31-2008, 02:24 PM

Great Job with this as always

MrList

10-31-2008, 02:26 PM

But to get the full experience, including keyboard parts, you would have to play the Beatles game, not the exported tracks.

Exactly. They said The Beatles game would be using the platform is unique ways (platform referring to Rock Band) and this would make perfect sense. We get a legitimately fun playable version of the songs for Rock Band, however playing via The Beatles disc will open up new play options not available in Rock Band, such as a keyboard and harmonized vocals. That may be in addition to any special presentation that is in The Beatles game.

Mr. Tate

10-31-2008, 03:47 PM

Dargone

10-31-2008, 04:43 PM

So looking forward to this!

Sayburr

11-03-2008, 01:07 PM

Added clarification on keyboard rumor... Sean says in post #20 that is just a rumor at this time and he doesn't know where it came from.

DMBillies

11-03-2008, 01:25 PM

But what would be the over/under on a piano/keyboard peripheral?

That along with harmonized vocals seem like a pretty sure bet for a Beatles game.

Now, of course those two parts wouldn't be exported into Rock Band should the songs be exportable, but still.

They might be if the Beatles game followed on the heals of RB3 (pure speculation)... RB2 came out less than a year from RB1... and you'll notice the Beatle release is still about a year away.

jrinck

11-03-2008, 01:28 PM

This is going to be bigger than Jesus. ;)

Sayburr

11-03-2008, 07:12 PM

Added the rumor that the songs will not work with RB and that Harmonix said no comment at the press release. So, I am not sure how good of a source that rumor has...

pupsdaddy

11-05-2008, 02:26 AM

45 songs? Unlikely.

The report from mtv.uk says this:

Representatives from MTV, Harmonix and the Beatles’ Apple Corps said that the game, which was conceived with input from Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison, will feature the entire Beatles catalogue and will offer an 'experiential journey' of the band.

emphasis mine.

HyeJinx1984

11-05-2008, 12:29 PM

45 songs? Unlikely.

The report from mtv.uk says this:

emphasis mine.

I think the implication is that it would pull from their entire catalogue, not actually being every single song by the Beatles.

Pezell04x

11-05-2008, 12:36 PM

im pretty amped for this game even though its a year away. i love, love, love the beatles, as does my girlfriend.

Sayburr

11-05-2008, 12:43 PM

I think the implication is that it would pull from their entire catalogue, not actually being every single song by the Beatles.
Yeah, including the Past Masters CDs the entire catalogue includes 214 songs (source Wiki, 188 songs if you get rid of the covers. I doubt we will see a 200 song release... 45 songs, however, seems very low concidering that is less than both RB1 and RB2.

Guess that depends on how much multimedia will be included on the disc... Since it will be a multiplatform release, the game size will be restricted by the size of a DVD... I guess time will tell since they are still in the early stages of programing.

Sayburr

12-10-2008, 09:43 AM

Added new tidbit to first post... Thanks goes to thespike from ScoreHero for finding this.

"It will just blow you away," Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman claimed. "It really goes through the history of The Beatles and they're collaborating with it. [Gamers] will start out in clubs in Liverpool and work [their] way through to the Abbey Road studio with never-before-heard dialog from when they were recording their music."

tidu

12-10-2008, 10:24 AM

Kingfish

12-10-2008, 10:25 AM

I think that first and foremost would be the handling of 3 guitars and the lead and rhythm guitar issue, because it's not like The Beatles made an extensive use, at least in the first half of their career, of the bass as it is now represented in Rock Band.

Yeah this was MY concern as well. You have 4 artist each with an instrument AND a microphone. They pass the lead vocal around a little(at least majority between two members) and virtually everyone is singing backup.

Now, how do you do this in the current structure? Will there be a checkbox with each set for accompanying vocals? How will they stick a bass, two guitars, drums AND THEN lead vocals with backup harmony on one screen...my mind is reeling over the prospects...but I mean that in a GOOD way.

Pulling this off means Rock Band 3 will be freckin inSAIN...can't wait!!!

Kingfish

12-10-2008, 10:27 AM

I am really excited about this. If it was just an extra pack like AC/DC I wouldn't buy it, but it looks like it's gonna be a single player campaign that goes through the Beatles career, hopefully with cinematics and everything. Awesomeness

WHOA...hadn't considered(or read that...did I miss it?) it might be a single player type situation. Even if they limit it to offline duel player that would work.

Yeah, thats GOTTA be how they would do this...

cdylan13

12-10-2008, 10:29 AM

Im not sure if I can wait a year for this ****. It sounds ****ing INCREDIBLE. A vocalists dream really.

masterantonio

12-10-2008, 10:32 AM

45 songs is a lot by one artist. The keyboard would so be cool if they just released a midi to usb xbox brain so you could use any keyboard. It would be tough to squeeze another instrument especially if you don't have a widescreen tv. But it would be awesome if they did it like keyboardmania.

Minots59

12-10-2008, 10:38 AM

My life is incomplete until this is released! A keyboard peripheral would be amazing. Or just a keyboard itself as masterantonio suggests.

whofan

12-10-2008, 11:01 AM

Yeah, including the Past Masters CDs the entire catalogue includes 214 songs (source Wiki, 188 songs if you get rid of the covers. I doubt we will see a 200 song release... 45 songs, however, seems very low concidering that is less than both RB1 and RB2.

Guess that depends on how much multimedia will be included on the disc... Since it will be a multiplatform release, the game size will be restricted by the size of a DVD... I guess time will tell since they are still in the early stages of programing.
Well, if we get a 2-disc release, it would work out. 107 Tracks on each disc.

What? Stop looking at me like that! It's possible, right? Right?!

Well.... there goes my dream....

In actuality, we'll probably get somewhere between 60-100 Tracks for this release.

I am SOOOOO looking forward to it! HMX, we need some more info so we can continue to speculate for the next year or so!

All I want is:
"Maxwell's Silver Hammer"
"Help!"
"Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"
"Good Morning, Good Morning"

o1skinneej

12-10-2008, 11:04 AM

As long as I can rock the guitar solos in "The End" and then sing "Her Majesty" directly after, this will be THE GREATEST GAME THAT EVER LIVED!

cherokeesam

12-10-2008, 11:59 AM

Thanks for today's update, Sayburr.

Great news. Glad to see HMX is taking the "Guitar Hero Aerosmith" route and making a true fan's game, not a glorified album DLC like the overpriced AC/DC Track Pack.

So we can expect to see venues like The Cavern, Abbey Road, maybe Times Square?

Captain Zepp 07

12-10-2008, 12:21 PM

As long as I can rock the guitar solos in "The End" and then sing "Her Majesty" directly after, this will be THE GREATEST GAME THAT EVER LIVED!

If they make it able to play threw the whole ending of Abbey Road, without breaks, then that would be amazing beyond amazingness!

o1skinneej

12-10-2008, 12:24 PM

If they make it able to play threw the whole ending of Abbey Road, without breaks, then that would be amazing beyond amazingness!

THIS IS FACT. It's probably my favorite ending to any album, ever.

Sayburr

12-10-2008, 01:46 PM

There is no mention anywhere, but I would love to have a venue set up for the rooftop concert... I have a bootleg of that concert and think it would be very cool if the first official release of that material were on this new Harmonix game...

Electric_Zen

12-10-2008, 03:42 PM

They reported on an NPR show that Giles Martin, who will be doing the sound on this game, is also hard at work on the long-awaited remasters for The White Album and Sgt. Peppers. These album releases are scheduled for... next year, around when the Beatles game will be released.

So, all signs are that tracks from these albums that show up on the game will be new remasters produced by Giles Martin.

Sayburr

12-10-2008, 05:38 PM

Rod_Stixx

12-10-2008, 07:03 PM

As long as I can rock the guitar solos in "The End" and then sing "Her Majesty" directly after, this will be THE GREATEST GAME THAT EVER LIVED!

Absolutely. It HAS to be included. It HAS to be! Not just for the guitar, but for the drums in there, too. I was blown away when McCartney actually played Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End on his 89-90 tour.

I'm really hoping for more than 45 songs, too. That would be seriously disappointing. Has to at least hit 60.

jgosh

12-10-2008, 07:14 PM

Just a little early (1 year).

RockBandRocker

12-10-2008, 07:31 PM

I hope The Ed Sullivan Show & Shea Stadium are venues.

Stahlbrand

12-10-2008, 09:50 PM

Good post Sayburr, not a bad idea to try and gather all the data in one place.

I restate my enthusiasim and anticipation for the Beatles project.

cherokeesam

12-10-2008, 11:09 PM

Hate to sound n00bish, but was The Ed Sullivan Show where they made their American debut? "I Wanna Hold Your Hand?"

Ferocious Q

12-10-2008, 11:12 PM

please god let me import these songs into rb!!! or better yet, import rb2 songs in RB:beatles!

Droosies

12-11-2008, 02:06 AM

mugs

12-11-2008, 03:06 AM

This is just pure speculation on my part, but here's what I'm thinking could happen based on me reading "in between the lines" on the facts.

1.) The Beatles will have the game released in AC/DC Track Pack style Dec. 2009. By AC/DC-style I mean the songs will be able to be exported. I am basing this on: "This is not just a Rock Band expansion pack, it is much much more than that."

2.) The Beatles will not have any DLC on Rock Band apart from this game, just like AC/DC, but they will have a song released through Rock Band 3. I am basing this on "Reuters notes rather matter-of-factly that "none of the Fab Four's songs will be available for download on the existing Rock Band franchise."" Since Rock Band 3 does not exist at the moment, this would techincally be correct.

So that's just me trying to find loopholes in the logic that would get the Beatles music along with the rest of my 500+ songs on Rock Band.

The fact is, this is not a Rock Band product.

While the Rock Band instruments will be supported in the Beatles game.

This is not a Rock Band product.

The Beatles songs will only be playable in the Beatles game.

I am also just another speculator. But knowing that Viacom/MTV/Harmonix have already spent millions just to get the Beatles to agree to have their music in their own title... I am sure that the Beatles would also demand more money for their music to be "importable" into other "Rock Band" titles.

Key Point:
This is not a Rock Band title.

XSirPsychoSexyX

12-11-2008, 03:08 AM

All I can say is I'm glad they got ahold of this before Neversoft. They would of probably ruined this somehow.... Maybe making Metal songs out of the Beatles music........ God... Thank you Harmonix for getting this... All you need now is the Led and you are GODS

Ramirez16

12-11-2008, 03:23 AM

mugs

12-11-2008, 09:13 AM

Honestly, there will be MOOOOOOOORRRRREEEEE than enough Beatles fans out there that just have to own this so to all of these

"make it exportable or I'm not buying" people don't really matter.

It won't be exportable, and it will sell out ACROSS THE WORLD!!!

whofan

12-11-2008, 09:23 AM

The fact is, this is not a Rock Band product.

While the Rock Band instruments will be supported in the Beatles game.

This is not a Rock Band product.

The Beatles songs will only be playable in the Beatles game.

I am also just another speculator. But knowing that Viacom/MTV/Harmonix have already spent millions just to get the Beatles to agree to have their music in their own title... I am sure that the Beatles would also demand more money for their music to be "importable" into other "Rock Band" titles.

Key Point:
This is not a Rock Band title.
Actually, it is not a Rock Band BRANDED product is what they said in the interview.

Also, if you look closely, they also say that it's "Not JUST a Rock Band expansion" (Emphasis Mine), implying that it will also work as a Rock Band expansion pack.

I suspect that there will be a one time export code. However, I also think that there will be something more on the disc that will not come over during the export (i.e. an in depth career mode or something of that sort)

Sayburr

12-11-2008, 09:23 AM

cherokeesam

12-11-2008, 09:26 AM

I'm inclined to agree with Droosies that the songs *will* be exportable to the RB series:

"This is not just a Rock Band expansion pack, it is much much more than that."

Key word, "just." If they'd wanted to say it's a completely separate standalone, they would've said "This is not a Rock Band expansion pack." The fact they included "just" indicates that it *is* a Rock Band expansion pack, with lots more added features.

whofan

12-11-2008, 09:50 AM

I personally believe you are incorrect. I don't see Harmonix making a brand new game out of the Beatles tapes and then letting the songs transfer to Rock Band. They have said many times that this Beatles Project will not be part of the Rock Band platform.

If the Beatles game is not part of the Rock Band platform then the songs will not transfer over, simple as that.
They have never said at any point that it won't be a part of the "Rock Band Platform", that has been forum members taking what was said and twisting it around again.

All they said that was, and I quote verbatim, "This is not JUST another Rock Band expansion". That "Just" in there seems to imply that it is an expansion for Rock Band, but it will also be so much more than that.

If it wasn't to be associated with Rock Band at all, then they would have said straight out "This is NOT a Rock Band title". See where the difference lies? The guys making these announcements are quite skilled in the art of PR, they know what words they are choosing.

Only time will tell though, all the conjecture in the world won't solve this right now. I'm still convinced that there will be an export code, but there will be much more on the disc. Maybe you'll have to go through the career mode to get the code? I don't know yet, we'll see.

cherokeesam

12-11-2008, 09:59 AM

I think the "Beatles is separate" crowd are basing their theory off the way Neversoft handled Guitar Hero Aerosmith, which *is* a standalone game with none of the tracks importable.

But then, Neversoft won't let you transfer GH3 tracks to GHWT either, so they're, like, stupid an' stuff.

But yeah, for the umpteenth time: "This is not JUST a Rock Band expansion pack." Important distinction.

CONAN9845

12-11-2008, 10:09 AM

whofan

12-11-2008, 10:27 AM

I believe they are trying to distinguish it from the AC/DC pack. Pulling the sentences apart grammatically, and trying to get anything from that process, is silly. The fact is that we don't know ANYTHING yet beyond what they have said. There is no reason to believe ANYTHING that forum members are extrapolating from these announcements. They'll tell us when they are ready.
Of course there isn't. We're all in the same boat in what we know. But there are educated guesses as to what to expect. With so little info available, of course we're going to start tearing sentences apart, it's what we do best.

Regardless, nothing is official until it is in black and white from a HMX employee

dsierra87

12-12-2008, 11:43 AM

Cool wishlist, totally agree!.

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/937/937859p1.html

Jordashebasics

12-12-2008, 12:22 PM

From that wishlist article-
""Penny Lane" is a melancholy tune with a catchy melody and creative instrumentation"

I never thought of it as melancholy. It always seemed pretty upbeat, although with a touch of mystery.

I have no suspicions as to if it would be exportable to RB. It's possible, but it doesn't seem to be worth speculating on yet.

I think I'd like the idea of it being a standalone game, and you'd have to beat it in order to earn the ability to export for RB.

kevmaster2000

12-12-2008, 12:35 PM

I'll be disappointed if there aren't exportable Rock Band tracks, but my excitement will greatly overwhelm said disappointment. This is gonna be really great.

DMBillies

12-12-2008, 01:00 PM

I have no doubt that this would sell well without being exportable. I also have no doubt that both HMX and The Beatles license holders know that it will sell at least a few more copies if it is exportable. The Beatles want a fair treatment of their music (which they are getting) and big enough sales to promote their product to a new audience (which they'd be more likely to get allowing export). Frankly, using logic, I see absolutely no benefit in preventing exportable tracks... especially because that is one area in which HMX has the clear edge on the competition. With the now infamous "just" in that sentence, it certainly seems like the door is at least still open for it.

Sayburr

01-08-2009, 12:20 PM

Added a trio of tid bits to first post:

The difference between RB and Beatles:
"We really think about the Beatles game and Rock Band 3 as pretty different initiatives. Rock Band is pretty content agnostic. There's a certain type of neutrality that's needed to accommodate that versatility with tracks. In the case of the Beatles game it's not about that at all. The principals of the Beatles are involved with it; it's going to be a part of the Beatles' canon. It's an art object unto itself," Rigopulos said.

No RB3:
Firstly, don't expect a new Rock Band this year. The company stressed that Rock Band 3 is not yet officially an announced product; Harmonix is taking a break from the annual release cycle for Rock Band. The reason? The company is focusing on the upcoming Beatles-focused Rock Band-style game. "We want to make this an art object," Rigopulos told me as we chatted after the panel.

About The Beatles as Playable Charaters:
The game will also incorporate elements of their career, but neither MTV nor Apple Corps. would comment on whether or not Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, or John Lennon would be playable.

moneyp

01-08-2009, 02:36 PM

About The Beatles as Playable Charaters:
The game will also incorporate elements of their career, but neither MTV nor Apple Corps. would comment on whether or not Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, or John Lennon would be playable.

I'm hoping this is just a question of licensing. I mean, if you're going to blow it out and make it a whole new game, you need to have the Fab Four playing and singing their respective parts (with maybe some fudging on the tracks where individual Beatles recorded multiple instruments).

Sayburr

01-08-2009, 02:42 PM

I'm hoping this is just a question of licensing. I mean, if you're going to blow it out and make it a whole new game, you need to have the Fab Four playing and singing their respective parts (with maybe some fudging on the tracks where individual Beatles recorded multiple instruments).
While HMX would not comment on it, I would find it very hard to believe the Beatles would not be playable characters during sections where the RB controllers are being used.

CONAN9845

01-08-2009, 02:55 PM

The game cannot be "experiential", and not include playing as them. You start out in Liverpool clubs, and end up at Abbey Road Studios. To me, that means BEING the Beatles. I cannot wait for this game.

Electric_Zen

01-08-2009, 03:26 PM

In addition to Marty Bandier's previous claim that there will be a keyboard in the game, Th Escapist wrote up the following exchange at CES with Alex Rigopolous:

As for the need to include a keyboard in The Beatles game for songs like Yesterday "that has occurred to us."

Keyboard is far from confirmed, but it is certainly a persistent rumor.

itzJV

01-08-2009, 03:43 PM

I sense disappointment coming from this game.. I hope people don't get over-hyped about this game, just like with Halo 3, Super Smash Bros Brawl, and GH:WT.

Headcase

01-08-2009, 06:21 PM

I sense disappointment coming from this game.. I hope people don't get over-hyped about this game, just like with Halo 3, Super Smash Bros Brawl, and GH:WT.

Brawl's the best, shut your mouth :)

If we don't get a keyboard, I hope we at least get a key-tar (that uses the guitar controller but it defined as a different instrument, like bass is)

Fizzeler

01-08-2009, 06:24 PM

Even though I doubt it will happen I hope that in the future the tracks would be exportable so after I have overplayed the game I can play it again on RB2
I also, hope they have most of The White Album on their

Sayburr

01-08-2009, 11:06 PM

I also, hope they have most of The White Album on their
Yeah, except for Revolution #9.... Speaking of Revolution, I hope its the single and not the album version. I like the hard rocking single version better.

elitemastersam

01-10-2009, 04:23 PM

Yeah, except for Revolution #9.... Speaking of Revolution, I hope its the single and not the album version. I like the hard rocking single version better.
They would obviously use the electric version. And about the White Album, there is a handful of songs that wouldn't be so fun to play.

i_c_weiner

01-19-2009, 03:20 PM

baldassbat

01-19-2009, 03:26 PM

They better have harmony as a feature on the game. Every time I play a Nirvana song on Rock Band I notice Dave Grohl's harmonies and note how important they are to the songs. If they sound that important to me on a "lowly alternative rock song" (I personally do not prescribe to this belief and feel that Nirvana has some very Beatlesque elements to them, especially with harmonies), I wonder how they could go as far as to do a full Beatles game without using harmonies. I would love for A Day in the Life to feature the ability to have two singers.

This is a needed feature anyway. RB is limited to single singers and that takes out a lot of great duet songs. As one of those that actually liked the idea of introducing country songs I think duets would be a great addition. Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton did a lot of great songs together. Jackson with Johnny Cash and June Carter together would be another fine addition.

Frankly I wouldn't even mind having a backup singers option so some jazz and blues could be added and still do it justice.

Sayburr

01-19-2009, 03:54 PM

Paradise By the Dashboard Light - Meat Loaf would also benefit from this.

baldassbat

01-19-2009, 03:56 PM

Meatloaf??? People actually listened to that guy?

Kidding. I actually don't know any of his songs off the top of my head but I know he is a well-known name for a reason. I just liked him in Fight Club.

Ford75

01-19-2009, 03:57 PM

Meatloaf would be awesome in RB (and happens to be playing on the radio right this second!)

Sayburr

01-19-2009, 04:09 PM

Added to the OP that Alex (HMX CEO) said the project would be "Art", and extention of the Beatles... What the means, I am not sure but it sure doesn't sound like the GH treatment of band centric stages and characters like the Metallica and Aerosmith releases. It sounds more like a interactive history lesson to me...

Ferocious Q

01-19-2009, 04:31 PM

I didn't actually become a fan of the Beatles until Harmonix confirmed The Beatles's game... I think it sounds pretty interesting, but I'm not gonna buy it unless Sgt Peppers lonely Hearts club band, Helter Skelter, Hard Day's night, with a little help from my friends, and Come together make their way into my rb2 song library.

SonicRocker15X

01-19-2009, 04:59 PM

Being totally honest (I feel someone's going to stab me for this), I never really listened to The Beatles. I mean, I've heard some of their music, but never actually really listened to them. This is just like every band I currently love that I found in a music game, I feel the exact same thing is gonna happen here.
Regardless, though I'm not as psyched as others (my girlfriend definitely included), I'm still pretty psyched, exportable or not.

And it definitely looks like Harmonix is doing a better job than Neversoft did with Aerosmith... "Steal GH3's engine, change the songs, and add Aerosmith characters" failed, IMO.

wlorcb

01-19-2009, 05:03 PM

I wonder if the art experience will consist of us as the band, looking OUT at the various venues, like the Cavern, Shea Stadium, the rooftop.

I also think that rather than having Beatles songs available to be exported to RB2 or 3, that RB songs and DLC would be exportable into the Beatles game. I also think that over time, new Beatles only DLC would be made available for use only in that game.

Have to agree that it would be great for this game(and also RB3) if we were able to choose between playing lead/bass or lead/rhythm or rhythm/bass so we can choose what we want to play the best(like the dueling leads in The End, or WMGGW).

Never mind a keybaord add-on, what we really want is mouth organ!

cherokeesam

01-19-2009, 05:11 PM

And it definitely looks like Harmonix is doing a better job than Neversoft did with Aerosmith... "Steal GH3's engine, change the songs, and add Aerosmith characters" failed, IMO.

Why would you define GHAerosmith in such a manner? It was an *expansion* of the GH3 game. Using the GH3 model to create a band homage. They weren't "stealing" from themselves.

And yeah, like Sayburr said, I've got a feeling Beatles won't follow the same format. It will likely be based almost entirely on the RB model, right down to compatibility with RB instruments and (dare I say it? yes I do) songlists exportable to RB. But it will likely feature a "history lesson" in the form of videos, interviews, album covers, photo galleries and the like, and probably artwork reminiscent of the Beatles era (maybe even Heinz Edelmann's original art from Yellow Submarine, for instance).....but I doubt it would extend to in-game avatars and venues, like GHAerosmith and (presumably) GHMetallica.

Rockbandfan23467

01-25-2009, 01:18 AM

wickedbadz

01-25-2009, 01:26 AM

Rockbandfan23467

01-25-2009, 01:27 AM

I really don't care what name they tag on the disc or what they claim, I've listened to the Beatles alot and I just don't see any fun in playing them on Rockband. Whens the last time you heard a Beatles song with some serious shredding going on? This disc if you ask me will be a waste of cash. It just goes to show how desperate Michael Jackson who owns the rights to the Beatles music really is for cash and Harmonix bit the hook cause Activision probably wouldn't.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM9KRpEkGfY

moneyp

01-25-2009, 01:29 AM

We'll probably play as John, Paul, George, and Ringo, but....

I wanna play as the 5th Beatle!

Brian Epstein, Derek Taylor, Neil Aspinall, George Martin, Tony Sheridan, Billy Preston, Jimmy Nicol, Wilfrid Brambell, Astrid Kirchherr, Jeff Lyne, Yoko Ono, Linda McCartney, Eric Clapton, Mahommed Ali, Stu Stutcliffe, Pete Best, fake Paul, Phil Spector, James Taylor, all of them!!!

Don't forget Patti Harrison (handclaps and background vocals on "Birthday"), Maureen Starkey (exuberant cheering at the end of "Get Back") and Brian Jones (frequent guest of the lads at the studio and uncredited alto sax on "You Know My Name (Look Up The Number)").

I kind of want to play as the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi myself. :)

MBarryC

01-25-2009, 01:30 AM

moneyp

01-25-2009, 01:32 AM

www.youtube.com/watch?v=om9krpekgfy

"i've got blisters on my fingers!!!"

OakTea

01-25-2009, 03:03 AM

"This is not just a Rock Band expansion pack, it is much much more than that."

Ahem... To me, this says...

"This is not merely a Rock Band expansion pack, it is much much more than that."

Which means, This isn't a Rock Band expansion pack, it's much more than that.

"Rock Band is not just Guitar Hero with drums, it is much much more than that."

So does that mean that Rock Band is still Guitar Hero?

Hysteria

01-25-2009, 10:10 AM

Steal? GH3 was their engine to begin with. Are you going to say Guitar Hero: Metallica stole World Tour's engine?

I think you missed his point. GH:A is just modified verion of GH3. The Beatles game appears to be built from the ground up, not just RB2 with Beatles characters. And I'd bet GH:M will be GHWT with Metallica characters plus a few small modifications/additions. HMX wants The Beatles game to be a different experience where as Neversoft tries to pump out as many games as they can, as fast as then can so they use the same game engine for a year or two. Just different approaches and different company goals.

Julio_Strikes_Back

01-25-2009, 10:34 AM

This thread should be stickied.

Sayburr

01-25-2009, 10:34 AM

I think you missed his point. I agree, from what I have read... and included in the first post of this thread... it seems the game will be a brand new experience that utilizes the instruments from RB/GH. So, its not the Rock Band engine with Beatles characters and backgrounds...

Fizzeler

01-25-2009, 10:37 AM

As long as they have The White Album, and Sgt Pepper's tracks it is a buy for me

Mr. Tate

01-25-2009, 10:39 AM

I agree, from what I have read... and included in the first post of this thread... it seems the game will be a brand new experience that utilizes the instruments from RB/GH. So, its not the Rock Band engine with Beatles characters and backgrounds...

I would find it at the very least questionable if it DIDN'T use the Rock Band engine. For the gameplay part, of course. Tweekings would be necessary, but I can't see why the game engine, that's no less than magnificent, shouldn't be used.

Fender_178

01-25-2009, 10:50 AM

Well one of my favorite Beatles song is Why My Guitar Gently Weeps. Also this song also Includes Eric Clapton (He was about 17 or 18 at that time) playing the solo stuff. I think the addition of the keyboard will be awesome because if they have a section similar to the way the drums activate overdrive or the rock ending you can mimic what John Lennon did at the concert at Shea Stadium where he played with his elbows or something along those lines. Which would be neat. I wonder if the keyboard is going to be limited to some of the songs in which involve a Piano such as Hey Jude.

Fizzeler

01-25-2009, 10:56 AM

If they did add keyboards then what will happen to band quick play because you can only have 4 controllers in at one time unless they removed an instrument it would not work

iamtheddrman

01-25-2009, 06:57 PM

If they did add keyboards then what will happen to band quick play because you can only have 4 controllers in at one time unless they removed an instrument it would not work
I will never understand this argument that people make. So what if there are 5 instruments? You can only have 4 controllers connected at a time (on 360/Wii, 7 on PS3) so the game would let you select the 4 instruments that you currently have connected to the console. They already block out vocals on YYZ and Caprici, so why couldn't they block out "Keyboard" if there is no keyboard connected?

At any rate, keyboard is only a rumor, so it's all speculation anyway

Rockbandfan23467

01-25-2009, 08:26 PM

Game will take from the Beatles' first album "Please Please Me" all the way to "Abbey Road." And will be based on the UK releases.

Why UK? and what about Let It Be?

Fizzeler

01-25-2009, 08:30 PM

I will never understand this argument that people make. So what if there are 5 instruments? You can only have 4 controllers connected at a time (on 360/Wii, 7 on PS3) so the game would let you select the 4 instruments that you currently have connected to the console. They already block out vocals on YYZ and Caprici, so why couldn't they block out "Keyboard" if there is no keyboard connected?

At any rate, keyboard is only a rumor, so it's all speculation anyway

I would still love a Keyboard my only main concern is only having 4 controller slots (for BQ at home) I would personally love to play a Keyboard and they would not have to chart it for every song they could exclude it for certain songs

Legion37

01-25-2009, 11:19 PM

I would still love a Keyboard my only main concern is only having 4 controller slots (for BQ at home) I would personally love to play a Keyboard and they would not have to chart it for every song they could exclude it for certain songs

Honestly to fix this is just have it where you need to system link or play online, then you can have a 4 on 1 tv, 1 on 1 tv, or split it up as you wish. Only thing would be everyone sees their icons incase someone needs help with overdrive or get the sound that alerts you to bring them back.

This would eliminate the space needed for the extra insturments, and if they want to do the dual vocals without it being in a single bar and color coded (ala SingStar) then singers can have they're own bars for duets

I honestly think they should just keep the traditional set up...Keyboard is gonna be wierd and how many keys do you put on it before its underwhelming or overwhelming to the casual player

Stones_Clash

01-25-2009, 11:29 PM

well, for me, this game will be hit or miss. i definitely like the beatles, so theres a plus right there. it also seems like this will be a much more complete package that will feel more dedicated to the respective band than the bare bones AC/DC live track pack. however, there are two things that bother me.

the first is that i dont really see this shouldnt be considered a rock band game. harmonix has stated that the gameplay will be similar (for all intents and purposes, i think its safe to assume that this means the same, after all, its a music game, how different could it be?), and it focuses heavily on a specific band. this in turn limits its appeal because for every person out there who loves the beatles, theres sure to be somebody who doesnt. however, the rock band brand has already gained recognition, so why change the name to something else? if it aint broke, dont fix/change it.

finally, my last concern is whether all these beatles tracks will be transferable to rock band. harmonix has stated time and time again that it views rock band as a platform, so to me, it would seem logical, and expected that that would be the same case here.

if all the tracks in the game are transferable, you can count me in on a purchase. if not however, im afraid that i might have to pass on this one...

KozmicRiff

01-25-2009, 11:31 PM

Rockbandfan23467

01-25-2009, 11:55 PM

Again:

Game will take from the Beatles' first album "Please Please Me" all the way to "Abbey Road." And will be based on the UK releases.

Why UK? and what about Let It Be?

hodayathink

01-26-2009, 03:18 AM

Again:

Why UK? and what about Let It Be?
Because the UK releases usually came out first. And Let It Be was recorded before Abbey Road, but released after. Abbey Road was the last album they recorded in the studio.

Sayburr

02-06-2009, 09:22 AM

Just added this to the first post:

Added 2/6/2009 - It looks like the game will have distinct stages based on the career of the Beatles. In an interview with McCartney he stated the following “[Harmonix said] "We’d like to do just a special Beatles edition, we’d like to do different periods -- you know, you get early days, Liverpool, then psychedelic, and on from there." It’s very cool.” Thanks to p34ch (http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120379) for finding this information. – Link (http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/02/paul-mccartney.html?cnn=yes)

cherokeesam

02-06-2009, 09:34 AM

I will never understand this argument that people make. So what if there are 5 instruments? You can only have 4 controllers connected at a time (on 360/Wii, 7 on PS3) so the game would let you select the 4 instruments that you currently have connected to the console. They already block out vocals on YYZ and Caprici, so why couldn't they block out "Keyboard" if there is no keyboard connected?

Exactly.

And it's not like The Beatles were ever a 5-man band. You play EITHER keyboards, OR something else like Bass.....just like Paul did.

A keyboard peripheral *would* be a cool add to the game, but I won't hold my breath for it.

iamtheddrman

02-06-2009, 08:05 PM

Exactly.

And it's not like The Beatles were ever a 5-man band. You play EITHER keyboards, OR something else like Bass.....just like Paul did.

A keyboard peripheral *would* be a cool add to the game, but I won't hold my breath for it.
Yeah, I'm certainly not holding my breath either. I'd like to see it make it eventually, but keyboard would require a very large number of keys to be challenging, which might make it inaccessible to beginners (unless they do like guitar and step up the number of buttons based on difficulty). At any rate, I think HMX is gonna do this game right, and it'll be worth renting even if you don't like the Beatles all that much.

Drfirewater RB2

02-10-2009, 02:42 PM

BruceDickinson

02-10-2009, 02:45 PM

I doubt it will bomb. It will probably do just fine even without transferability.

whofan

02-10-2009, 02:58 PM

I am disappointed hearing this for two reasons

1. this means that its possible that we will have to buy all new perperials like new drums and guitars cause nothing works together (look at GH and RB crossover problems)

2. Different disk and seperate game means the songs wont be crossed over so you will have to swap out disks ... this means no beatles at my rock band parties and if i cant play with my friends with out being forced to only play one band ... chances i will sadly miss out on this large waste of money if they are not transferable.

I LOVE THE BEATLES AND RB

and i think that if the songs are not transferable to rb2 then this project is gonna bomb.

ps. I play keybord and i can tell you there is no way to intelligently do a keybord in a rock band type game without it being near if not completly impossible for anyone who doent already read music and play the piano.
/facepalm

1) This is an Harmonix product. What makes you think that it won't support their own periphreals? To think that it won't, you'd have to be pretty dumb

2) The separate disk issue has not been resolved yet. We do not know whether or not it will be exportable. The popular theory right now (not saying that's what's going to happen, it just makes the most sense) is that at the end of the career mode you will be given access to a code that will allow you to export the tracks onto the RB Platform. However, nothing has been confirmed just yet.

Doesany1rememberlaughter

02-10-2009, 05:07 PM

/facepalm

1) This is an Harmonix product. What makes you think that it won't support their own periphreals? To think that it won't, you'd have to be pretty dumb

2) The separate disk issue has not been resolved yet. We do not know whether or not it will be exportable. The popular theory right now (not saying that's what's going to happen, it just makes the most sense) is that at the end of the career mode you will be given access to a code that will allow you to export the tracks onto the RB Platform. However, nothing has been confirmed just yet.
I think it is better to assume that it won't be transferable... that way when we find out that it doesn't people wont be freaking saying "but you said it would be!" If we have low expectations we can all not freak out later.

Doesany1rememberlaughter

02-10-2009, 05:10 PM

I am disappointed hearing this for two reasons

1. this means that its possible that we will have to buy all new perperials like new drums and guitars cause nothing works together (look at GH and RB crossover problems)

2. Different disk and seperate game means the songs wont be crossed over so you will have to swap out disks ... this means no beatles at my rock band parties and if i cant play with my friends with out being forced to only play one band ... chances i will sadly miss out on this large waste of money if they are not transferable.

I LOVE THE BEATLES AND RB

and i think that if the songs are not transferable to rb2 then this project is gonna bomb.

ps. I play keybord and i can tell you there is no way to intelligently do a keybord in a rock band type game without it being near if not completly impossible for anyone who doent already read music and play the piano.
well in this case I am glad it is Harmonix job to try to integrate a keyboard and not yours. Because with that attitude nothing would get done. I think if hmx is capable to make Rockband then they are fully capable of making a keyboard that people can enjoy without learning how to play a real keyboard. Just my opinion though.

princeofcups

02-10-2009, 05:21 PM

Yeah, I'm certainly not holding my breath either. I'd like to see it make it eventually, but keyboard would require a very large number of keys to be challenging, which might make it inaccessible to beginners (unless they do like guitar and step up the number of buttons based on difficulty). At any rate, I think HMX is gonna do this game right, and it'll be worth renting even if you don't like the Beatles all that much.

You have no basis for any of this. The guitar doesn't have strings for gods sake. Why can't the keyboard be similarly different. It can have any number of keys. I'd expect 10 or 12.

There is no reason to think that they could not make their keyboard charting easy for beginners. Just cut down the number of colors to hit to 4 for easy, and add complexity from there. Two fingers per hand sounds pretty easy to me.

Sayburr

02-10-2009, 05:22 PM

1. this means that its possible that we will have to buy all new perperials like new drums and guitars cause nothing works together (look at GH and RB crossover problems) I really doubt there will be a problem here. Sure, there's RB and GH crossover problems, but that is also two different companies, one of which doesn't want to play nice with the other.

I am pretty sure they will release new controllers with a Beatles slant to them, but the RB1/2 controllers will work also. I would be very surprised if this is not the case.

princeofcups

02-10-2009, 05:24 PM

ps. I play keybord and i can tell you there is no way to intelligently do a keybord in a rock band type game without it being near if not completly impossible for anyone who doent already read music and play the piano.

Uh huh. Just like not having strings or frets on the guitar? Give me a break. The keyboard controller does NOT have to look like a real keyboard. It is just a controller to play keyboard parts, which are just colors on the screen. I expect 5 or six keys for each hand, color coded, maybe with a right hand and left hand charting track on the screen.

acondon747

02-10-2009, 05:43 PM

40 songs no thanks waste of a disc either way, just make dlc I don't care to play as these people I can make them myself if I cared about it.

I would much rather just play these on RB2 I don't care about venues/characters/animations, just gimme songs.

iamtheddrman

02-10-2009, 06:12 PM

You have no basis for any of this. The guitar doesn't have strings for gods sake. Why can't the keyboard be similarly different. It can have any number of keys. I'd expect 10 or 12.

There is no reason to think that they could not make their keyboard charting easy for beginners. Just cut down the number of colors to hit to 4 for easy, and add complexity from there. Two fingers per hand sounds pretty easy to me.

Actually, my basis is on Beatmania, which is made by the people who made GuitarFreaks and DrumMania. You do realize HMX took their idea and made it popular in the U.S. right? If they do the same with a keyboard, the starting point for comparison will be Beatmania.

The controller for Beatmania had 7 keys - 4 white, 3 black - much like a really keyboard, and also had a little scratchpad. Let me tell you, playing that game with all 7 keys is HARD, and I took piano lessons for like 6 years. Giving it 12 keys would be possible, but very hard and intimidating for beginners, even if Easy doesn't require all of them. Also, when I said "very large" number, I didn't mean 88 keys, I was thinking no more than 14, which is way more than the guitar controller has.

I'm pretty much certain that if HMX were to make a keyboard controller (which is a big IF), they will take into consideration the blend of difficulty and accessibility that will make the game successful, just like they did with GH and drums on RB.

Ventura

02-10-2009, 06:45 PM

The existing controllers that we have are bound to work with this new Beatles project. They'd be mad to not ensure that.

I would guess the reason why it's songs won't be compatible with Rock Band is because they will be adding another charted instrument, and I would certainly guess that it's going to be the keyboard.

While it would be nice if the songs were playable in Rock Band 2 with the omission of that controller, that would be Harmonix going out of their way (and we couldn't have that).

At some point in the future though, it would be nice if we could play the Beatles alongside the extensive collection of music we do already have. I imagine for the tracks that already exist and which do have the keyboard, we'll likely be looking at a small fee to have the keyboard chart for that song added to it.

Sayburr

02-11-2009, 09:35 AM

40 songs no thanks ...

Please note, Harmonix said they have not announced the number of songs yet and they don't know where the rumor of 45 songs started. So, until Harmonix actually announces the song count I would not believe the 45 total given at this moment.

I am not saying its not true, but HMX did post that it is just a rumor.

HMX also said in the same post that Keyboards were only a rumor also...

http://www.rockband.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1511001&postcount=20

whofan

02-11-2009, 09:52 AM

While it would be nice if the songs were playable in Rock Band 2 with the omission of that controller, that would be Harmonix going out of their way (and we couldn't have that).

Yes, because HMX has never gone out of their way to facilitate it's userbase.

They just re-licenced every song they could from RB1 to make sure that it was importable into RB2 for their fans.

They chased after and made sacrifices to ensure that one of the most requested bands on these forums signed onto their project.

They created a patch for the PS3 users to allow them to use the GH guitars, despite the fact that they could have just said "sorry, you'll have to use the RB guitars".

Yeah.... they don't go out of their way for us.

west siide

02-11-2009, 10:54 AM

Northern_Blitz

02-11-2009, 11:26 AM

Maybe a keyboard could have 5 keys (3white, 2 black) and 3 different pedals. Then the screen looks like the GHWT drum. But the "pedal" line can be 3 different colour lines as well (or a partial bar covering a third of the screen).

Easy starts with 3 keys and one pedal.
Medium has 4 keys and two pedals (one sparingly)
Hard has 5 keys and all three pedals (one sparingly)
Expert has all parts.

What would be wierd about this would be that you'd be doing something with one hand and one foot, but nothing with the other hand.

SamStone

02-11-2009, 12:16 PM

ps. I play keybord and i can tell you there is no way to intelligently do a keybord in a rock band type game without it being near if not completly impossible for anyone who doent already read music and play the piano.

I play keyboard too, and I'm telling you that this can be done, and done quite easily.

First, have a look at Synthesia (http://www.synthesiagame.com/), a free Rockband-like program for your PC which shows notes for all 88 keys in a falling note pattern.

Now, you don't need nearly that many for a game like Rock Band. If you wanted to be able to chart piano parts exactly, but compress them in octaves, you could do it with 24 keys - a full set for each hand position. 36 would be better, so you could get some hand movement into the game on expert.

But you could also do something much simpler - drop the black keys, and just use buttons. Say, 12 of them, so you could move your hands up and down a note like you do with the guitar.

You could easily fit this onto the screen - Rock Band has extra real-estate if you assume the players have high definition TVs, or at least widescreen TVs. Or, you design it so that if you're playing keyboards, it takes up two spaces, so you'd either have to drop the guitars, or one guitar and the drums. Or you could put the keyboard horizontally across the screen and make the user choose between keyboards and vocals.

I'm sure a good designer could come up with a suitable arrangement.

Another option is to add an LCD display to the keyboard - a small one like the one that's in the Logitech G15 keyboard, and move the notes to it leaving the onscreen display uncluttered. Or the keyboard could even have light-up keys or a 16-segment LED bar graph above each key showing the 'falling' notes.

I'm sure there are other options as well. You just have to put on your thinking cap.

iamtheddrman

02-11-2009, 12:59 PM

I play keyboard too, and I'm telling you that this can be done, and done quite easily.

First, have a look at Synthesia (http://www.synthesiagame.com/), a free Rockband-like program for your PC which shows notes for all 88 keys in a falling note pattern.

Now, you don't need nearly that many for a game like Rock Band. If you wanted to be able to chart piano parts exactly, but compress them in octaves, you could do it with 24 keys - a full set for each hand position. 36 would be better, so you could get some hand movement into the game on expert.

You say that it would be accessible, then show a program that looks completely daunting to beginners. That's exactly what we're talking about. It's certainly possible, as shown by your example and Beatmania, but that doesn't make it any more accessible to beginners. 36 keys would require the game to be piano+vocals only since it would take up the whole screen, and would be WAY too much for anybody who doesn't already play piano. It could be a great learning tool, but wouldn't make a fun game for the average Joe

princeofcups

02-11-2009, 01:06 PM

You say that it would be accessible, then show a program that looks completely daunting to beginners. That's exactly what we're talking about. It's certainly possible, as shown by your example and Beatmania, but that doesn't make it any more accessible to beginners. 36 keys would require the game to be piano+vocals only since it would take up the whole screen, and would be WAY too much for anybody who doesn't already play piano. It could be a great learning tool, but wouldn't make a fun game for the average Joe

The guitar does not have strings. The keyboard does NOT have to have 36 keys. 5 or 6 keys per hand would be a nice TOY INSTRUMENT to PRETEND to play keyboard parts of songs in the GAME of Rock Band.

princeofcups

02-11-2009, 01:10 PM

It would be difficult to have alot of colored notes for the keyboards just for the fact that you have screenspace issues.

Could you really have a display space on your TV to allow for 10 or 12 keys along with all the other instruments?

I think it's likely that they're won't be any keyboard controller, unless they make it a keytar (which actually would be kinda cool).

Screenspace? What's the deal with people saying there is no screen space. The screen can easily be redesigned to fit more tracks.

Also, what makes you think that a keytar is a better option? HMX can surely design a more keyboard like instrument. Does the GH/RB guitar work like a real guitar? No. Does it give you the FEEL of playing a real guitar. Many would say yes. The new KB peripheral should give you the FEEL of playing rock KB.

pfunk1978

02-11-2009, 01:12 PM

i really hope they release the beatles songs that are not on there as dlc

whofan

02-11-2009, 01:16 PM

i really hope they release the beatles songs that are not on there as dlc
It may be that we get a complete discography.

If I remember correctly, outside of alternate takes and anthology releases (but including "Free As A Bird" and "Real Love") The Beatles put out about 124 songs (That includes B-sides and single-only releases). I could be mistaken though.

If it is, it'll be no surprise to see a complete discography.

iamtheddrman

02-11-2009, 01:29 PM

The guitar does not have strings. The keyboard does NOT have to have 36 keys. 5 or 6 keys per hand would be a nice TOY INSTRUMENT to PRETEND to play keyboard parts of songs in the GAME of Rock Band.
Did you read the post I quoted? That was exactly my point. He suggest 24-36 keys, which would make the game no fun for anybody but experienced piano players. I NEVER suggest 36 keys was a good idea. If I want that many keys, I'll go play my real piano

princeofcups

02-11-2009, 01:35 PM

Did you read the post I quoted? That was exactly my point. He suggest 24-36 keys, which would make the game no fun for anybody but experienced piano players. I NEVER suggest 36 keys was a good idea. If I want that many keys, I'll go play my real piano

Sorry about that. :-)

iamtheddrman

02-11-2009, 01:37 PM

Sorry about that. :-)
No harm no foul. I feel that 12 keys is plenty if they make them all white keys. Start adding black keys, and that number will need to drop. Just my opinion :)

Doesany1rememberlaughter

02-11-2009, 02:00 PM

Yes, because HMX has never gone out of their way to facilitate it's userbase.

They just re-licenced every song they could from RB1 to make sure that it was importable into RB2 for their fans.

They chased after and made sacrifices to ensure that one of the most requested bands on these forums signed onto their project.

They created a patch for the PS3 users to allow them to use the GH guitars, despite the fact that they could have just said "sorry, you'll have to use the RB guitars".

Yeah.... they don't go out of their way for us.
I thank you kindly for this response. Its amazing how people do not quite think through what they say. HMX has left us no reason for us to doubt that the customer is their top priority.

Doesany1rememberlaughter

02-11-2009, 02:01 PM

It may be that we get a complete discography.

If I remember correctly, outside of alternate takes and anthology releases (but including "Free As A Bird" and "Real Love") The Beatles put out about 124 songs (That includes B-sides and single-only releases). I could be mistaken though.

If it is, it'll be no surprise to see a complete discography.

Oh man I just got a chill down my spine.

Doesany1rememberlaughter

02-11-2009, 02:04 PM

Electric_Zen

02-11-2009, 02:05 PM

The press release states albums all the way up to Abbey Road, but what about Let it Be? Let it Be (album) was released after Abbey Road but it was finished before Abbey Road. Will we see Let it Be?

I'm guessing no Let It Be, but we'll see!

iamtheddrman

02-11-2009, 02:05 PM

I have a question. The press release states albums all the way up to Abbey Road, but what about Let it Be? Let it Be (album) was released after Abbey Road but it was finished before Abbey Road. Will we see Let it Be?
It's all speculation right now. We can only hope it's in there. I see no reason why it would be excluded though

Doesany1rememberlaughter

02-11-2009, 02:07 PM

It's all speculation right now. We can only hope it's in there. I see no reason why it would be excluded though
The only reason I could see was that they did not have the masters or the rights to the masters for that particular album. It seems odd that they would have the entire catalogue except for their last album though.

iamtheddrman

02-11-2009, 02:10 PM

The only reason I could see was that they did not have the masters or the rights to the masters for that particular album. It seems odd that they would have the entire catalogue except for their last album though.
Yeah. It's possible, but would be VERY strange to only exclude that one album. I'd be pretty disappointed to not get Let It Be, but it wouldn't stop me from getting the game

Doesany1rememberlaughter

02-11-2009, 02:12 PM

Yeah. It's possible, but would be VERY strange to only exclude that one album. I'd be pretty disappointed to not get Let It Be, but it wouldn't stop me from getting the game

well of course not! But I would be bummed to get the entire discography except some of my favorites like Let it Be, Across the Universe, and The Long and Winding Road.

iamtheddrman

02-11-2009, 02:19 PM

well of course not! But I would be bummed to get the entire discography except some of my favorites like Let it Be, Across the Universe, and The Long and Winding Road.
My thoughts exactly

cherokeesam

02-11-2009, 03:34 PM

The only reason I could see Let It Be not being part of the setlist would be if there's some kind of legal dispute between Apple Records and Phil Spector. McCartney HATED Spector's pawprints all over that album, to the point that he released Let It Be....Naked a few years ago to show what he *really* intended the album to sound like if Spector had not been around.

whofan

02-11-2009, 03:52 PM

/facepalm to this entire page.

As has been stated MANY times in this thread already (at least 2 or 3 times by myself) "Let It Be" was recorded BEFORE "Abbey Road".

Ventura

02-11-2009, 06:29 PM

They chased after and made sacrifices to ensure that one of the most requested bands on these forums signed onto their project.

I'm pretty sure the Beatles not being playable with the entire collection we have at present wasn't a condition of that request. As usual it's a sacrifice we make, not them.

I'll give them credit for re-licensing the entire collection of Rock Band 1 songs to be used in Rock Band 2. That was a good thing. Unfortunately the patch that added that functionality was only really the second patch to Rock Band 1, following the first which only really added the DLC store.

I suspect that same level of 'service' will also be applied to Rock Band 2. Hold me back.

DMBillies

02-11-2009, 07:16 PM

I'm pretty sure the Beatles not being playable with the entire collection we have at present wasn't a condition of that request. As usual it's a sacrifice we make, not them.

Yup... non-exportable = non-purchase. Maybe a rental, but definitely won't have the replay necessary to justify plunking down $60. The Beatles are great, but I've heard their music a LOT already and I won't feel I'm missing that much...

I'll give them credit for re-licensing the entire collection of Rock Band 1 songs to be used in Rock Band 2. That was a good thing. Unfortunately the patch that added that functionality was only really the second patch to Rock Band 1, following the first which only really added the DLC store.

Re-licensing the tunes is key and getting the song catalogue beefed up is the one thing that RB can claim as the clear victory over GH with no questions asked. It makes me shudder to think that they would even think about releasing a RB-style game without exportable DLC... especially in light of not having a RB3 release in lieu of The Beatles game.

I always laugh when people say, "they patched in the store" as if that were a selfless act that was a huge favor to RBers and that added a mode or addressed an unnecessary game play element that the community requested. You seem to have the same attitude as me... Thanks for patching in something that makes it easier for you to take my money. Honestly, thanks, I like it... but there's not a single HMX employee that could look at me with a straight face and tell me it was "just for the fans" or that it was the number 1 game play patch request.

I suspect that same level of 'service' will also be applied to Rock Band 2.

Why patch something for free when you can fix it for the next game and sell it to someone? At least you won't be disappointed...

As a general rule, companies do not patch in new game modes or game improvements for free. It allows them to flaunt new features in the next iteration that really just address the shortcomings of previous versions.

This post may sound slightly scathing but it isn't meant to be. I think HMX does a good job and RB2 is a good product, but it isn't perfect. I have not had enough drinks of HMX cool-aid to not have a realistic outlook on the situation.

JPSChampagne

02-11-2009, 07:16 PM

I'm a bit shocked by how much people are assuming they know about this project when virtually nothing has been said about it. HMX has all but denied a keyboard in the game and nowhere has it ever been officially stated that the songs won't carry over. Heck, they never even clearly stated "Not part of Rock Band". The closest I've heard to that effect is "Not JUST a Rock Band expansion". There's a difference between that and "Not a Rock Band expansion".

Unless I've missed something somewhere (and if I've missed something big, please post it), I think you guys are making a mountain out of some erroneous reports and a couple possibly out-of-context quotes.

Just my two cents.

jrinck

02-11-2009, 07:20 PM

whofan

02-11-2009, 07:23 PM

I'm pretty sure the Beatles not being playable with the entire collection we have at present wasn't a condition of that request. As usual it's a sacrifice we make, not them.

I'll give them credit for re-licensing the entire collection of Rock Band 1 songs to be used in Rock Band 2. That was a good thing. Unfortunately the patch that added that functionality was only really the second patch to Rock Band 1, following the first which only really added the DLC store.

I suspect that same level of 'service' will also be applied to Rock Band 2. Hold me back.
/facepalm again.

I was talking about AC/DC

whofan

02-11-2009, 07:25 PM

Yup... non-exportable = non-purchase. Maybe a rental, but definitely won't have the replay necessary to justify plunking down $60. The Beatles are great, but I've heard their music a LOT already and I won't feel I'm missing that much...

Re-licensing the tunes is key and getting the song catalogue beefed up is the one thing that RB can claim as the clear victory over GH with no questions asked. It makes me shudder to think that they would even think about releasing a RB-style game without exportable DLC... especially in light of not having a RB3 release in lieu of The Beatles game.

I always laugh when people say, "they patched in the store" as if that were a selfless act that was a huge favor to RBers and that added a mode or addressed an unnecessary game play element that the community requested. You seem to have the same attitude as me... Thanks for patching in something that makes it easier for you to take my money. Honestly, thanks, I like it... but there's not a single HMX employee that could look at me with a straight face and tell me it was "just for the fans" or that it was the number 1 game play patch request.

Why patch something for free when you can fix it for the next game and sell it to someone? At least you won't be disappointed...

As a general rule, companies do not patch in new game modes or game improvements for free. It allows them to flaunt new features in the next iteration that really just address the shortcomings of previous versions.

This post may sound slightly scathing but it isn't meant to be. I think HMX does a good job and RB2 is a good product, but it isn't perfect. I have not had enough drinks of HMX cool-aid to not have a realistic outlook on the situation.
You do realize that programmers need to be PAID for their work, don't you?

Here's a tip for you, and listen closely, programmers don't work for free. And how do you make money?

All together now: NOT ON FREE PATCHES!

cmenear

02-11-2009, 07:27 PM

Yup... non-exportable = non-purchase. Maybe a rental, but definitely won't have the replay necessary to justify plunking down $60. The Beatles are great, but I've heard their music a LOT already and I won't feel I'm missing that much...

Re-licensing the tunes is key and getting the song catalogue beefed up is the one thing that RB can claim as the clear victory over GH with no questions asked. It makes me shudder to think that they would even think about releasing a RB-style game without exportable DLC... especially in light of not having a RB3 release in lieu of The Beatles game.

I always laugh when people say, "they patched in the store" as if that were a selfless act that was a huge favor to RBers and that added a mode or addressed an unnecessary game play element that the community requested. You seem to have the same attitude as me... Thanks for patching in something that makes it easier for you to take my money. Honestly, thanks, I like it... but there's not a single HMX employee that could look at me with a straight face and tell me it was "just for the fans" or that it was the number 1 game play patch request.

Why patch something for free when you can fix it for the next game and sell it to someone? At least you won't be disappointed...

As a general rule, companies do not patch in new game modes or game improvements for free. It allows them to flaunt new features in the next iteration that really just address the shortcomings of previous versions.

This post may sound slightly scathing but it isn't meant to be. I think HMX does a good job and RB2 is a good product, but it isn't perfect. I have not had enough drinks of HMX cool-aid to not have a realistic outlook on the situation.

I actually hope what you say is the way they approach it. No export of the Beattles tracks because of all of the new features that it will represent. If you want to play the Beattles songs in a RB atmosphere, then you just have to wait for RB3, which will take any of the new features introduced in the Beattles edition and add to it to make a greater version of RB.

Forward looking, rather than back...anticipated greatness rather than a retread of the game (like the AC/DC edition).

justind

02-11-2009, 07:31 PM

Come on Rocky Raccoon, that's all I ask.

nickha0

02-11-2009, 07:38 PM

God, I don't want a Beatles game if it means no Rock Band 3.
Beatles are a good band, just not good for rock band.
Oh excuse me. I meant "Visual Exploration Bullcrap."

jrinck

02-11-2009, 07:40 PM

Come on Rocky Raccoon, that's all I ask.

I love this song, but playing bass on it would drive me completely insane, if I didn't fall asleep first.

DethBoxx

02-11-2009, 08:19 PM

Regarding the keyboard peripheral, if I was designing it, it would have 8 keys to represent one octave....

C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C

The note pattern would fly down in eight thin columns, each column representing one of the notes. No need to color code the keys, and no need to worry about changing octaves, as nobody cares about that with the guitar.

Eight thin columns, one for each note in an octave. Do-re-mi!

You would need 11 notes, or 12 since in your example you have the octave included. You forgot the black keys. Otherwise you might as well have some arbitrary number (like say 5) because real scales couldn't map to it anyway.

jrinck

02-11-2009, 08:38 PM

You would need 11 notes, or 12 since in your example you have the octave included. You forgot the black keys. Otherwise you might as well have some arbitrary number (like say 5) because real scales couldn't map to it anyway.

My musical opinion (which isn't worth much) is that the 8 basic notes would be good enough, for basic realism to screen real estate.

BUT, thinking like an engineer, a case could be made for five keys so that someone without a keyboard peripheral could play keyboard with the guitar solo buttons.

instantdeath999

02-11-2009, 08:48 PM

I'm hoping this game will sell well, considering The Beatles 1 was released 30 years after their break up, and became the highest selling album of the year, beating out extremely popular records like Hybrid Theory.

mimic

02-11-2009, 09:00 PM

Skode

02-11-2009, 09:58 PM

Rockbandfan23467

02-11-2009, 10:35 PM

Mimic is an *******.

mimic

02-11-2009, 10:37 PM

Mimic is an *******.

Is that fact or opinion?

instantdeath999

02-11-2009, 11:09 PM

I heard a rumor that most people that play this game like bands like blink 182 and metallica.

You're right. It's a well proven fact that it's impossible to like Metallica and the Beatles... simply too wide.

I heard that most people who like the beatles are like my dad, who is old and thinks video games are dumb.

Beatles records sell very well each and every year. Unless old people are re-buying the same records, I'd say this is wrong.

I also heard there will be no rock band 3 this year because of this dumb game.

There's always Guitar Hero...

cherokeesam

02-11-2009, 11:49 PM

I heard a rumor that most people that play this game like bands like blink 182 and metallica.

I heard that most people who like the beatles are like my dad, who is old and thinks video games are dumb.

From Noble's XBL DLC tracking thread:

Top 25 downloaded tracks(or packs/albums) of all time over xbox Live as of 02/09/09
1 - Still Alive
2 - Promised Land
3 - Charlene (I'm right Behind you)
4 - All the Small Things
5 - Move Along
6 - Dirty Little Secret
7 - Headphones on
8 - Buddy Holly
9 - Metallica pack 01
10 - The Kill
11 - Jukebox hero
12 - Fortunate son
13 - Interstate Love Song
14 - B.Y.O.B
15 - Crushcrushcrush
16 - My Sharona
17- Toxicity - up 1 spot
18 - Snow((Hey Oh)) - down 1 spot
19 - Wonderwall
20 - Gimme three steps
21 - More Than a feeling
22 - Afterlife
23 - Attack
24 - This ain't a scene it's an arms race
25 - Roxanne

Wow! Those same RB players who buy Metallica and Blink-182 (and AAR, Weezer, SOAD, A7X, Paramore and 30 Seconds to Mars) also buy Foreigner, CCR, The Knack, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Boston and The Police....

must be those old guys like your dad who think video games are dumb.

Ferocious Q

02-12-2009, 12:15 AM

Sgt pepper ftw

jdrager

02-12-2009, 12:44 AM

You're right. It's a well proven fact that it's impossible to like Metallica and the Beatles... simply too wide.

lawl, true dat

must i recommend Beatallica (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beatallica)?

DMBillies

02-12-2009, 12:52 AM

You do realize that programmers need to be PAID for their work, don't you?

Here's a tip for you, and listen closely, programmers don't work for free. And how do you make money?

All together now: NOT ON FREE PATCHES!

I may have miswrote... or you may have misread... but I was pretty much saying this.

I don't hold my breathe for HMX to patch in new game features that are non-essential because it is NOT free to make such a patch and as a company there is no direct payoff for a patch... especially when the company can save those non-essential patches and apply them to the next game release.

Ventura

02-12-2009, 08:19 AM

As a general rule, companies do not patch in new game modes or game improvements for free. It allows them to flaunt new features in the next iteration that really just address the shortcomings of previous versions.

I don't mind that, it's when they deliberately withhold arguably essential fixes in order to promote purchasing the sequel.

Rock Band 1 on the ps3 lagged so much with a sizeable amount of DLC installed that it took what felt like forever just to scroll through it all. When you're ready to play and have had to wade past the half dozen loading screens just to get to that list, scrolling through your DLC that slowly got very old, very quickly.

That's what I didn't like. You don't pass on fixing the bugs to entice customers to your sequel.

/facepalm again.

I was talking about AC/DC

Feeling pretty smug for something you didn't make atall clear, especially in light of this thread being about discussion of the Beatles project.

Ironically enough, my point about us generally having to be the ones making all the sacrifices still applies.

Can't help but notice that's something of mine you didn't comment.

/facepalm

You do realize that programmers need to be PAID for their work, don't you?

Here's a tip for you, and listen closely, programmers don't work for free. And how do you make money?

All together now: NOT ON FREE PATCHES!

Drama queen FTW.

How does improving their own software not benefit them? It makes for happy customers; happy customers are generally loyal customers, and loyal customers come back for more. They tell all their friends how happy they are that you're not abandoning each version of your software just to cash in at their expense, and that boosts sales even further.

Really, this isn't brain surgery mate.

shaybo

02-12-2009, 09:19 AM

When you're ready to play and have had to wade past the half dozen loading screens just to get to that list, scrolling through your DLC that slowly got very old, very quickly.

Wait, is it slowly or quickly? ;)
Sorry, had to.

mimic

02-12-2009, 10:52 AM

Drama queen FTW.

How does improving their own software not benefit them? It makes for happy customers; happy customers are generally loyal customers, and loyal customers come back for more. They tell all their friends how happy they are that you're not abandoning each version of your software just to cash in at their expense, and that boosts sales even further.

Really, this isn't brain surgery mate.

Exactly. Lack of stars is hurting my dlc purchases. Without that pretty list with stars next to it I don't feel the need to buy songs unless it's something huge.

When they flat out ignore their biggest request from their loyal fans that makes me feel activision isn't so bad afterall.

Jordashebasics

02-12-2009, 11:16 AM

Back to topic, I would suggest withholding judgment on if this will be exportable or not.
I strongly suspect that HMX is interested in making it possible, but the last updates we got were very vague, which only indicates that they don't know yet - it hasn't been ironed out.

jeccaneko

02-12-2009, 11:23 AM

Drama queen FTW.

How does improving their own software not benefit them? It makes for happy customers; happy customers are generally loyal customers, and loyal customers come back for more. They tell all their friends how happy they are that you're not abandoning each version of your software just to cash in at their expense, and that boosts sales even further.

Really, this isn't brain surgery mate.

Agreed. And sometimes developers do give out free patches or free downloads that add in new features. For a very recent example, Valve is giving out the upcoming new Left 4 Dead DLC for free that adds in new gameplay features.

moose39

02-12-2009, 11:25 AM

Just give me Paperback Writer and Helter Skelter and all will be good in the world. It's a Harmonix product--I'm already buying it as it is.

Bosco32

02-12-2009, 11:27 AM

Sayburr

02-12-2009, 11:30 AM

I'm in the "assume it's not, but be pleasantly surprised if it is" camp.
That is almost the camp I am in... Actually, I am in the camp that the current songs might be playable within the newer "Beatles" environment rather than the Beatles songs being exportable to the older 'RB2' environment.

What if this new game uses the already saved to hard drive songs in some way, Hmmmm?

TheGodFather73

02-12-2009, 11:34 AM

You do realize that programmers need to be PAID for their work, don't you?

Here's a tip for you, and listen closely, programmers don't work for free. And how do you make money?

All together now: NOT ON FREE PATCHES!

And making a good product and then improving it discourages future purchases? Seriously, this is one of the least thought out posts I've seen you make. And you have the nerve to be condescending in it.

A real example is Blizzard, which makes HUGE content patches for WoW, for free. Why? It keeps people coming back and maintaining their subscription.

The RB corollary would be DLC. Patch the game to improve it, more people keep playing the game and buying DLC, AND are also more inclined to buy RB3 when it comes out. Thus keeping the programmers paid.

White_PawZ

02-12-2009, 11:34 AM

I agree that playing your DLC, RB1 and RB2 songs in the Beatles game is the most likely option.

TheGodFather73

02-12-2009, 11:44 AM

I heard a rumor that most people that play this game like bands like blink 182 and metallica.

I heard that most people who like the beatles are like my dad, who is old and thinks video games are dumb.

I heard that gh metallica will sell well, but the beatles will not.

I also heard there will be no rock band 3 this year because of this dumb game.

Sorry I have no links to back me up. Except the first one according to dlc sales.

I agree with your points here also. Most Beatles fans probably don't play video games. A lot more Metallica fans play GH, and the ones that don't may very well start when they see GH: Metallica in Best Buy and Gamestop.

I believe there's a post from an HMX guy stating that they aren't working on RB3 due to the Beatles game (may have been from an interview also), so that would be more than hearsay.

I could see Beatles DLC selling well, but not a game dedicated to the Beatles, especially if it doesn't export to RB2, or vice versa. I think GH: Metallica will triple its sales, regardless of game quality and features.

I really wish HMX would have outbid Activision for Metallica rights instead of spending time on getting the Beatles, but that's just me.

Sayburr

02-12-2009, 11:46 AM

I believe there's a post from an HMX guy stating that they aren't working on RB3 due to the Beatles game (may have been from an interview also), so that would be more than hearsay.

There is... its listed in post #1 in this thread along with all of the other known information about the game...

Added 1/8/2009 - Firstly, don't expect a new Rock Band this year. The company stressed that Rock Band 3 is not yet officially an announced product; Harmonix is taking a break from the annual release cycle for Rock Band. The reason? The company is focusing on the upcoming Beatles-focused Rock Band-style game. "We want to make this an art object," Rigopulos told me as we chatted after the panel.

Maybe I need to redesign the OP so the latest info is at the top instead of the bottom... Easier to find the latest info that way.

TheGodFather73

02-12-2009, 11:49 AM

There is... its listed in post #1 in this thread along with all of the other known information about the game...

I should have looked there; you're always very thorough researching and quoting sources. :)

Electric_Zen

02-12-2009, 11:58 AM

Actually, I am in the camp that the current songs might be playable within the newer "Beatles" environment rather than the Beatles songs being exportable to the older 'RB2' environment.

What if this new game uses the already saved to hard drive songs in some way, Hmmmm?

I would be well served by the comical effect of The Beatles performing March of the Pigs. But heavily involved the licensors are in the look, feel, and content of this product, I doubt this is going to happen.

Sayburr

02-12-2009, 12:02 PM

I would be well served by the comical effect of The Beatles performing March of the Pigs. But heavily involved the licensors are in the look, feel, and content of this product, I doubt this is going to happen. As of right now we don't know if the likenesses of the Beatles will be used:

Added 1/8/2009 - ...neither MTV nor Apple Corps. would comment on whether or not Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, or John Lennon would be playable

Electric_Zen

02-12-2009, 12:08 PM

As of right now we don't know if the likenesses of the Beatles will be used:

True, but we know that the game will involve musical performances in the actual periods and locations.

I just can't see the stakeholders here going with the lame GH:Metallica route of "you are playing a contemporaneous cover band inspired by The Beatles!"

Sayburr

02-12-2009, 12:40 PM

I just can't see the stakeholders here going with the lame GH:Metallica route of "you are playing a contemporaneous cover band inspired by The Beatles!"
Yeah, I agree with your point there... Wonder when we will get more info? When did they announce RB2? Was it E3?

HyeJinx1984

02-12-2009, 01:01 PM

New article. Not really anything new, but I was a little confused that they refer to it as a "sim"

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/953/953694p1.html

mimic

02-12-2009, 01:06 PM

Lionhead is another company that gave free stuff with the new island being free so you can play it online. Have to pay to play it solo.

With no rock band 3 coming they really need to patch in stars for us to keep us playing it. I was insanely sick of rock band 1 when rock band 2 came out. No 3 and no patch means no rock band in my 360.

whofan

02-12-2009, 01:07 PM

I agree with your points here also. Most Beatles fans probably don't play video games. A lot more Metallica fans play GH, and the ones that don't may very well start when they see GH: Metallica in Best Buy and Gamestop.

I believe there's a post from an HMX guy stating that they aren't working on RB3 due to the Beatles game (may have been from an interview also), so that would be more than hearsay.

I could see Beatles DLC selling well, but not a game dedicated to the Beatles, especially if it doesn't export to RB2, or vice versa. I think GH: Metallica will triple its sales, regardless of game quality and features.

I really wish HMX would have outbid Activision for Metallica rights instead of spending time on getting the Beatles, but that's just me.
/facepalm

Why does everyone assume that Beatles fans are old? Beatles fans cover all age-groups.

I went to a Paul McCartney concert in 2002 and was one of the oldest people there! (and I was 20 at the time). Most of the crowd was made up of teens.

iamtheddrman

02-12-2009, 03:56 PM

A real example is Blizzard, which makes HUGE content patches for WoW, for free. Why? It keeps people coming back and maintaining their subscription.

The RB corollary would be DLC. Patch the game to improve it, more people keep playing the game and buying DLC, AND are also more inclined to buy RB3 when it comes out. Thus keeping the programmers paid.

Except that the average Rock Band owner has downloaded 4 songs. That's about 8 bucks per copy of Rock Band (1 and 2) over the course of about 16 months. That's nowhere near the $15 per MONTH you pay for WoW. Valve is a good example since you aren't really paying them for any subscription, but they also tend to have lots of repeat customers because of Steam (hacked accounts, more games, etc)

I've bought a lot of DLC. Does that entitle me to a patch for free? Nope. It entitles me to play the songs I've paid for and nothing more. The sense of entitlement in society these days is really sad

cmenear

02-12-2009, 04:28 PM

/facepalm

Why does everyone assume that Beatles fans are old? Beatles fans cover all age-groups.

I went to a Paul McCartney concert in 2002 and was one of the oldest people there! (and I was 20 at the time). Most of the crowd was made up of teens.

For the same reason they assume that all old people think that video games are dumb...and by that comment I'm guessing the "dad" in question was probably in my age group (40s)...you know, the age group that was young when the Atari / Intellivision hit the scenes, revolutionizing home video gaming...

Because all of us "old" guys can be placed in the same bucket...I guess i still have my 2600, 5200, Nintendo base, Genesis, Dreamcast, Genesis 32X, Genesis CDROM, PS1, PS2, N64, Gamecube, Xbox and Xbox360 because I felt they were so dumb that I purchased them, the games associated with them and decided to hang on to them to prevent some young punk from being morally dephiled by them.

Love the blanket statements.

BTW, my 15 yr old son loves Metalica, Dragonforce (lord only knows why), Tool, The Beatles and Elvis (to name a few). I hope he grows up to be a DUMB old guy too.

AlacrityFitz

02-12-2009, 05:19 PM

Bottom line it is insane to devote the manhours and other resources to producing a standalone game for beatles when there ARE enough people who will buy them as DLC. Everyweek I was checking for Beatles songs until I found out about this train wreck. Build the songs and let the market decide for you. And hurry cause I wanna play em

Julio_Strikes_Back

02-12-2009, 05:20 PM

TheGodFather73

02-12-2009, 05:23 PM

Except that the average Rock Band owner has downloaded 4 songs. That's about 8 bucks per copy of Rock Band (1 and 2) over the course of about 16 months. That's nowhere near the $15 per MONTH you pay for WoW. Valve is a good example since you aren't really paying them for any subscription, but they also tend to have lots of repeat customers because of Steam (hacked accounts, more games, etc)

I've bought a lot of DLC. Does that entitle me to a patch for free? Nope. It entitles me to play the songs I've paid for and nothing more. The sense of entitlement in society these days is really sad

While WoW isn't the best example, it was the first I could think of off the top of my head. I suppose Valve is better, but my whole point is that there are companies that release updates and upgrades FOR FREE. Whofan's statement that no one would do that except for a fee is incorrect. Nothing to do with entitlement.

For the same reason they assume that all old people think that video games are dumb...and by that comment I'm guessing the "dad" in question was probably in my age group (40s)...you know, the age group that was young when the Atari / Intellivision hit the scenes, revolutionizing home video gaming...

Because all of us "old" guys can be placed in the same bucket...I guess i still have my 2600, 5200, Nintendo base, Genesis, Dreamcast, Genesis 32X, Genesis CDROM, PS1, PS2, N64, Gamecube, Xbox and Xbox360 because I felt they were so dumb that I purchased them, the games associated with them and decided to hang on to them to prevent some young punk from being morally dephiled by them.

Love the blanket statements.

BTW, my 15 yr old son loves Metalica, Dragonforce (lord only knows why), Tool, The Beatles and Elvis (to name a few). I hope he grows up to be a DUMB old guy too.

I'm also one of the "old guys" at 35. And I didn't make a blanket statement that NO Beatles fans play video games, just that most probably don't. I did make an assumption; GH:Metallica will outsell the Beatles Rock Band game. You can look at the DLC stats and guess that much. There's a few classic rock tracks at the top, but the majority of top sellers are songs from newer artists. Also, from what I've read, GH: World Tour outsold Rock Band 2 by a 2:1 margin. So GH:Metallica has Metallica (a relatively younger group than the Beatles), and the GH brand. The Beatles are definitely a much more influential and famous band than Metallica, but I don't think their appeal will translate into sales equal to or greater than GH: Metallica.

I'm also not a GH fanboy; I have GH:WT and only play it when I really want to play a song not on RB, otherwise the disc collects dust on my shelf, same as GH: III.

Julio_Strikes_Back

02-12-2009, 05:26 PM

Who gives a crap if that ****ty GH spinoff sells more than The Beatles game? The first Halo outsold Shadow of the Collossi and Ico, does that make it better?

cmenear

02-12-2009, 05:34 PM

So GH:Metallica has Metallica (a relatively younger group than the Beatles), and the GH brand.

This is a beautiful statement. Truth be told, some of us "old" guys were in college when Metallica first hit the scene. Wonder if there's some similar discussion going on over on the GH forums about "FTW...why are they wasting their time on an old band like Metallica! Give us our Breaking Benjamin game!"

TheGodFather73

02-12-2009, 05:37 PM

Who gives a crap if that ****ty GH spinoff sells more than The Beatles game? The first Halo outsold Shadow of the Collossi and Ico, does that make it better?

It's not about "better." These games are very expensive to make. If HMX spends a huge amount of resources on the Beatles game and it flops, then they won't get much financial backing for RB3, which could mean it wouldn't improve much, have as good of a setlist (since it costs money to license popular groups), etc. I would rather see Rock Band at least do as well (financially) as the GH franchise so they can keep putting out a great product. And in my opinion, they would make more money with a Metallica game instead of a Beatles game, and I would rather not see any specific band-based game and get a lot more DLC and a patch or two for RB2.

That's all, and it's all my opinion. Everyone can chill out a little; it's not like I insulted anyone's mothers here.

whofan

02-12-2009, 05:40 PM

While WoW isn't the best example, it was the first I could think of off the top of my head. I suppose Valve is better, but my whole point is that there are companies that release updates and upgrades FOR FREE. Whofan's statement that no one would do that except for a fee is incorrect. Nothing to do with entitlement.

I'm also one of the "old guys" at 35. And I didn't make a blanket statement that NO Beatles fans play video games, just that most probably don't. I did make an assumption; GH:Metallica will outsell the Beatles Rock Band game. You can look at the DLC stats and guess that much. There's a few classic rock tracks at the top, but the majority of top sellers are songs from newer artists. Also, from what I've read, GH: World Tour outsold Rock Band 2 by a 2:1 margin. So GH:Metallica has Metallica (a relatively younger group than the Beatles), and the GH brand. The Beatles are definitely a much more influential and famous band than Metallica, but I don't think their appeal will translate into sales equal to or greater than GH: Metallica.

I'm also not a GH fanboy; I have GH:WT and only play it when I really want to play a song not on RB, otherwise the disc collects dust on my shelf, same as GH: III.
The thing is that you're basing this off of:
1) Two games that are clearly quite different. One has the name to it (GH) and the other doesn't yet (RB)

2) You're assuming again that "most" Beatles fans don't play games. Where are your numbers for this? It's still a blanket statement. I'd like to see someone pull out age group numbers of Beatles fans and then see how many of those Beatles fans have a system. You might be surprised by the numbers. The Beatles were and still are a far reaching group.

3) You're also assuming that a game on the shelves will sell equivalent to DLC. This is simply not true, because not everyone has an internet connection nor even knows about DLC and how to access it. It is generally the more tech-saavvy players (or uber-fans) who know about this stuff. Everyone else goes to the store to find their game.

Julio_Strikes_Back

02-12-2009, 05:57 PM

It's not about "better." These games are very expensive to make. If HMX spends a huge amount of resources on the Beatles game and it flops, then they won't get much financial backing for RB3, which could mean it wouldn't improve much, have as good of a setlist (since it costs money to license popular groups), etc. I would rather see Rock Band at least do as well (financially) as the GH franchise so they can keep putting out a great product. And in my opinion, they would make more money with a Metallica game instead of a Beatles game, and I would rather not see any specific band-based game and get a lot more DLC and a patch or two for RB2.

That's all, and it's all my opinion. Everyone can chill out a little; it's not like I insulted anyone's mothers here.
You're an idiot if you think it will flop. The Beatles are miles ahead of Metallica anyway.

iamtheddrman

02-12-2009, 06:05 PM

You're an idiot if you think it will flop. The Beatles are miles ahead of Metallica anyway.
This, and what whofan said on the last page (and I don't agree with him much :D)

The Beatles are huge. Discs on shelves in stores sell astronomically compared to DLC. HMX has said that the average RB owner has 4 songs as DLC. With 84 songs on the disc at a $60 price tag and 4 songs at a $8 (est.) price tag, where do you think the majority of the money is coming from? The people on these forums are generally the hardcore fans who buy lots of DLC (WARNING: blanket statement). There are hundreds of thousands of people who've NEVER bought a single song from the Music Store.

In short: Beatles game on the shelves will sell far more than Beatles DLC would. Especially if they make a pretty box, add some interesting new features, and do some sound marketing. HMX knows what they're doing here.

Ventura

02-12-2009, 06:17 PM

I agree that playing your DLC, RB1 and RB2 songs in the Beatles game is the most likely option.

I don't mind if that's how it would work. Wouldn't mind atall.

But having to swap disks, one for the Beatles, and one for everything else, goes against everything that (I feel) Rock Band is supposed to be about.

I can picture it now... they were in a boadroom, and they were talking about setting up the deal of a lifetime with quite possibly the biggest band the world has ever seen. That's fair enough.

But didn't someone at Harmonix think to pipe up and go "maybe we shouldn't do this to the fans"?

cherokeesam

02-12-2009, 08:28 PM

I agree with your points here also. Most Beatles fans probably don't play video games. A lot more Metallica fans play GH, and the ones that don't may very well start when they see GH: Metallica in Best Buy and Gamestop.

I don't think GHM will sell as well as Metallica and Activision hopes. For one thing, there's a pretty big backlash against Metallica in the tech-savvy geek world over the whole Napster war....a lot of dedicated geeks (i.e., gamers) are firmly in the "I HATE METALLICA" camp.

Even more so, I think both GHM *and* HMX Beatles will suffer in the gameplay department for entirely opposite reasons. Assuming that neither game develops an entirely new song-tracking system (and that's a reasonable assumption....so far, they seem to be working on the standard GH/RB formats), then most of The Beatles songs will, unfortunately, be largely unchallenging and frankly easy on the instruments. There's just not a lot of technical challenge there (although the vocals will certainly range into very hard levels on most songs).

Metallica songs, on the other hand, will likely *all* be mind-numbingly hard....hell, even on Easy, "Battery" and "And Justice For All" and the rest of the RB songs are nearly impossible. Imagine a game composed of 30,40-some odd "Battery"s.....even the most dedicated Metallica fan will quickly get frustrated with that. All the Expert FCers looking for a challenge will, of course, love it, but the casual guitar hero/drummer is going to go ballistic when he fails out on every frickin' song on the list....

instantdeath999

02-12-2009, 11:15 PM

I think I'm the only one who really doesn't give a **** about stars.

justin19954

02-13-2009, 01:45 AM

We have around 9 and a 1/2 months left before this hits shelves. Im gonna die from waiting :p

7RgCz7

02-13-2009, 02:46 AM

Got 3 words for you guys: Guitar Hero Metallica

BruceDickinson

02-13-2009, 03:27 AM

How did this turn into a GHMetallica thread?

iamtheddrman

02-13-2009, 03:30 AM

How did this turn into a GHMetallica thread?
That's what I'd like to know. Back to speculation on the Beatles game!

Sayburr

02-13-2009, 09:35 AM

The thing about ONLY getting Beatles DLC is I doubt they would have licensed the songs for DLC. Don’t forget, it took Harmonix 17 months to get the license and the OK to make the game. That tells me they had to come up with an “outside the box” idea to present to them in order to get the OK.

Thus, IMHO, the only way to get the Beatles was to create a game for them that was something different… Thus, the “Art Project” this game has become. So, for all of those saying The Beatles should only be released as DLC, put it in perspective and realize this was the only way to get them into a rhythm game.

I am excited to see what Harmonix comes up with. The have revolutionized the rhythm gaming sector several times. Guitar Hero was the first successful rhythm game. How did it get that way? Harmonix thinking outside the box. Then, they did it again with Rock Band by adding three more instruments and co-op play. Now, they are working on a new revolution with The Beatles game.

It’s not just a bunch of songs that you play along to. While they are holding their cards close to their vest and we can’t really see what is coming, we do know that it will be something special and unique to rhythm gaming. This was the only way to get The Beatles to agree to add their music, thus, they could not just provide gamers with DLC of the songs.

Hetz

02-14-2009, 06:00 PM

Yep, I really do think this game is going to be something special. I can't wait to get this game! Playing the Beatles in a game like Rock Band is what I have been dreaming about for years.

Thank you for making this game, Harmonix.

justin19954

02-14-2009, 06:07 PM

Yeah I hope it's really good. I've been waiting since they announced to see what it looks like.

1rish Shaman

02-15-2009, 03:10 PM

Only heard about this a few minutes ago...

At least now I can finish a Rock Band game on Expert Drums :D

Rockbandfan23467

02-15-2009, 03:24 PM

About how many songs do the Beatles have? Not counting remasters or unreleased tracks, but counting Free as a Bird and Real Love. Also counting covers, by the way.

Julio_Strikes_Back

02-15-2009, 03:34 PM

About how many songs do the Beatles have? Not counting remasters or unreleased tracks, but counting Free as a Bird and Real Love. Also counting covers, by the way.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles_Discography

About 180 on their albums, not counting singles. But rumor says that there will be only 45 Beatles songs in the game.

mimic

02-15-2009, 03:44 PM

cherokeesam

02-15-2009, 04:12 PM

I see most of us playing this game, going through the whole setlist and beating every song on our sightread. Then what? Play it again I guess, beat every song again. Then what? It's going to get VERY old playing the same band over and over again.

I see most of us wishing there was a rock band 3 so there is some variety. To those that think you'll be able to export the songs to rock band you're living in a dream world. They've cleary stated it's not part of the rock band series and the rock band platform.

I'll be renting it for the achievements most likely. Then I'll be coming on here to whine about the lack of stars in rock band 2 and the lack of rock band 3. I suggest you all brace yourselves for it.

You know what really pisses me off?
...The fact that I actually have to agree with Mimic for once.

I hate to say it, but if Beatles turns out to be issued in standard RB format, there's *not* going to be much challenge there at all. Hopefully there'll be other features to make it worth the while (and money) --- like a keyboard peripheral! Exporting songs to RB setlists! Totally new gameplay features!

Otherwise, I just don't see it having a lot of replay potential at all.

instantdeath999

02-15-2009, 04:20 PM

I still play Guitar Hero Aerosmith, and has a huge, huge Beatles fan, I doubt I'll get tired of it. This is bigger news than a Rock Band 3 for me... and I don't care about stars :)

justin19954

02-15-2009, 04:23 PM

I agree with instantdeath999, I am a huge Beatles fan and even though the game might not be challenging I know I will still play it a lot. So really this will be a really good game for Beatles fans.

mimic

02-15-2009, 04:25 PM

You know what really pisses me off?
...The fact that I actually have to agree with Mimic for once.

I hate to say it, but if Beatles turns out to be issued in standard RB format, there's *not* going to be much challenge there at all. Hopefully there'll be other features to make it worth the while (and money) --- like a keyboard peripheral! Exporting songs to RB setlists! Totally new gameplay features!

Otherwise, I just don't see it having a lot of replay potential at all.

Hehe welcome to the dark side my friend.

I'm holding out hope for a huge patch. Maybe even a dlc package where they have clothes, new gameplay, stars etc. If all we get is beatles it will be a sad day for this genre.

Julio_Strikes_Back

02-15-2009, 05:08 PM

Hehe welcome to the dark side my friend.

I'm holding out hope for a huge patch. Maybe even a dlc package where they have clothes, new gameplay, stars etc. If all we get is beatles it will be a sad day for this genre.

But The Beatles will have new clothes and new gameplay...

HMX aren't stupid. They know if it's standard RB format it will be too easy. That's why the beatles game isn't standard.

mimic

02-15-2009, 07:53 PM

But The Beatles will have new clothes and new gameplay...

HMX aren't stupid. They know if it's standard RB format it will be too easy. That's why the beatles game isn't standard.

If you don't like the beatles then new clothes and gameplay in a beatles game is useless.

cherokeesam

02-15-2009, 08:55 PM

If you don't like the beatles then new clothes and gameplay in a beatles game is useless.

Exactly.

The "conventional wisdom" on these boards --- operating from *what* secret fount of knowledge, no one knows -- is that HMX Beatles is basically operating like GH Aerosmith did.

GH Aerosmith featured a boatload of Aerosmith tracks; a handful of tracks by bands slightly associated with Aerosmith; game-specific venues based on real-life locations in the band's history; game-specific characters and guitars based on the real thing; and a few live interviews with band members. That made for a fun game for Aerosmith fans, but its replay value was almost nil.....once you were done with the game, you couldn't export the Aerosmith tunes to your GH3 core game; there were no new features or gameplay; and online play was virtually nonexistent (I used to spend hours on end vainly waiting for JUST ONE player to show up in an online GHA session....)

And so people on these boards naturally assume Beatles will operate in that vein. Even though HMX has given NO indication whatsoever of this. And if it *does* follow that same format, it's destined for the same early death as GHA.

You've GOT to have exportable songs for this to have any lasting value. You've GOT to have new gameplay features (a keyboard peripheral would be a GREAT selling point) to make it have any real replay value.

Without that, Beatles is a rental, and actual sales will be dismal.

instantdeath999

02-15-2009, 08:57 PM

Maybe it's just the Beatles fanboy in me, but I really can't see myself getting tired of this game, particularly with four instruments (Ringo has some rather interesting fills on some songs, and the vocals are definitely the selling point).

I'm not a huge Aerosmith fan, and to this day, I still play it. I also imagine I will be playing GH Metallica for awhile, considering how much I love their early albums.

But, I guess that is just me.

cherokeesam

02-15-2009, 09:02 PM

I'm not a huge Aerosmith fan, and to this day, I still play it. I also imagine I will be playing GH Metallica for awhile, considering how much I love their early albums.

But, I guess that is just me.

I *am* a huge Aerosmith fan, and so I was one of the first ones to buy the game when it came out and I was thoroughly psyched on the first playthrough.

But it didn't take long for me to start realizing how much I *really* wanted to play those Aerosmith tracks in GH3, and so I went back to GH3 and just played it instead (until I discovered the joys of RB, that is). I'm sure I'd follow the same route on GHMetallica, and Beatles too, if it follows the same standalone format.

JPSChampagne

02-15-2009, 09:23 PM

Even IF there is a keyboard added to the game, there are surely going to be parts for guitar, bass, vocals, and drums. Even if you can't export the keyboard track, or even if you can't export the songs with keyboard in them - an export is THE, and I mean THE ONLY selling point for this game. Anything else makes this a sure-fire rental. Even if it's NOT like GH:A, people are going to see it as that.

GH:A's bad reputation is going to hurt every featured-band game for the life of this genre. I wouldn't be shocked if that's what hurt ACDC's sales. The fact is, the Beatles game needs to be a good game in its own right, as well as having an export feature. Anything else is going to sink the project.

Sayburr

02-16-2009, 09:40 AM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles_Discography

About 180 on their albums, not counting singles. But rumor says that there will be only 45 Beatles songs in the game. Harmonix has said that is only a rumor and they have not announced the number of songs that will be in the game to anyone yet...

FancifulElk

02-16-2009, 10:09 AM

Speaking as a n00b who just discovered this thread, I can only say:

I WANT!

Thank you.

ShoTTySLanKiN

02-16-2009, 10:15 AM

I will never understand this argument that people make. So what if there are 5 instruments? You can only have 4 controllers connected at a time (on 360/Wii, 7 on PS3) so the game would let you select the 4 instruments that you currently have connected to the console. They already block out vocals on YYZ and Caprici, so why couldn't they block out "Keyboard" if there is no keyboard connected?

At any rate, keyboard is only a rumor, so it's all speculation anyway

Off Topic, but 7 controllers? why 7 just seems odd, why not 8?

Sayburr

02-16-2009, 10:34 AM

Speaking as a n00b who just discovered this thread, I can only say:

I WANT!

Thank you.
Hey! Welcome to the boards and glad to know this thread has got you excited about the game... I can't wait for more information to be released.

baldassbat

02-16-2009, 10:45 AM

Off Topic, but 7 controllers? why 7 just seems odd, why not 8?

This informationw as a little flawed from the start. PS3 will support up to 7 SONY sixaxis or DS3 controllers at once. Basically this is actually the number of bluetooth devices it can handle at once. Not sure why 7, probably something to do with hardware capability as regards bluetooth coding.

But, you can have more controllers when they aren't all BT controllers. For instance, in the Buzz Quiz TV game it comes with one dongle and four buzzers, but the game will use up to 8 buzzers if you have two dongles. I think instruments would be about the same. If you have USB splitters to hold them I think (not 100% here) it could take more than seven. Of course, you'd have to have a game that would recognize them all.

iamtheddrman

02-16-2009, 02:50 PM

This informationw as a little flawed from the start. PS3 will support up to 7 SONY sixaxis or DS3 controllers at once. Basically this is actually the number of bluetooth devices it can handle at once. Not sure why 7, probably something to do with hardware capability as regards bluetooth coding.

But, you can have more controllers when they aren't all BT controllers. For instance, in the Buzz Quiz TV game it comes with one dongle and four buzzers, but the game will use up to 8 buzzers if you have two dongles. I think instruments would be about the same. If you have USB splitters to hold them I think (not 100% here) it could take more than seven. Of course, you'd have to have a game that would recognize them all.
Yeah I neglected to mention it was bluetooth controllers. I've never played RB on the PS3 so I thought they were bluetooth.

My GUESS (and I stress GUESS) is that they (being Sony) used a 3-bit identifier for the controllers in order to save space in their instructions. This would put a theoretical limit of 8 controllers for the bluetooth, but you would also either need a pipeline (removing one controller) or they chose to eliminate Controller 0 since it would seem weird to the public. Again, only a GUESS with no facts, but a little programming experience to go on

1rish Shaman

02-16-2009, 02:57 PM

I will never understand this argument that people make. So what if there are 5 instruments? You can only have 4 controllers connected at a time (on 360/Wii, 7 on PS3) so the game would let you select the 4 instruments that you currently have connected to the console.

Am I still one of the only people I know who has a usb hub connected to my 360?.
I stuck it on when a few friends came round ages ago and it just stayed there. Pretty cheap too, so its not really that hard to get more ports.

Four on the hub and one remaining on the 360.

EDIT - Not talking about the one that came with RB... I think. I'm using a green one thats about five times the size I picked up last year.

iamtheddrman

02-16-2009, 03:08 PM

Am I still one of the only people I know who has a usb hub connected to my 360?.
I stuck it on when a few friends came round ages ago and it just stayed there. Pretty cheap too, so its not really that hard to get more ports.

Four on the hub and one remaining on the 360.

EDIT - Not talking about the one that came with RB... I think. I'm using a green one thats about five times the size I picked up last year.
It doesn't matter how many USB ports you have if the console can't recognize it though. The 360 can only have 4 controllers in use at once. You can plug in more, but they won't be recognized after the 4th one is connected.

DMBillies

02-16-2009, 08:55 PM

All of this talk of controllers has me thinking about one surefire way HMX can sell me a bundle whether the songs export or not...

If the instruments that the Beatles game comes with are RB compatible and, for the PS3, work off of bluetooth instead of the really messed up system RB currently uses.

This is an issue that has always miffed me... and I am constantly reminded by idiotic connectivity issues and controller port re-signing when the instruments go off.

iamtheddrman

02-16-2009, 09:04 PM

Sayburr

02-25-2009, 11:23 AM

Hey, a new Beatles take of Revolution has just recently been leaked to the public. A great new take as a matter of fact, it has some of the wierdness of Revolution #9 mixed in with the album verson. But, it makes me wonder if it has only now appeared because Harmonix is digging through The Beatles' archives.

http://www.thetalentshow.org/2009/02/24/revolution-1-take-20/

cherokeesam

02-25-2009, 11:28 AM

Sayburr

02-25-2009, 11:32 AM

Good find, but count me firmly in the camp that says "internet fake." Sounds basically like #9 with some poorly edited noise/voiceovers. Could be... I just found it very coincidental in the timing now that Harmonix is working on a Beatles Game.

DethBoxx

02-25-2009, 06:27 PM

I have the book "The Beatles Recording Sessions" which would verify whether such a take was even created in the first place, but I can't check it right now. I do seem to remember something like that though..

justin19954

02-25-2009, 08:38 PM

RockBand.com