Pleasant Surprises in LRB

[Apples]

I'm sure some of you were a bit skeptical when LRB was announced. Some even dismissed it as "a glorified track pack." Even myself, a diehard fan, was a bit reserved.

But now that it has been out a while, I think it has surpassed my expectations in a very positive way. It has even included a few new wrinkles which I would love to see in the main game. So I thought I'd throw out a discussion thread for others to post their "pleasant surprises" which made LRB great.

Setlist - Wasn't initially a big fan of the setlist, but after playing though it, I found a few new gems which I quite enjoy. And the song list has proven very popular in party/family settings.

Engine tweaks - From small improvements like the new 5 star "ding" sound, to the foot pedal "cheat" on drums, recovery mode, and even "super easy" for 5 year olds. These have all proven cool/useful at various times.

Artwork - There's a microphone shaped like an ice cream cone. I've been asking for that in the game for like 2 years. Amazing! Also, the minifig assortment from RB2 standins to pirates and aliens has proven adorable.

[SpeedyShort]

The ability to edit the AI members of the band, instead of just getting random people for each gig, you can create your own band and stick with it even if you're on your own.

Also like the unique instruments like the ice cream microphone mentioned.

[grim88]

The ability to edit the AI members of the band, instead of just getting random people for each gig, you can create your own band and stick with it even if you're on your own.

Also like the unique instruments like the ice cream microphone mentioned.

This is in RB2 as well. It's not new.

[solidsnakejt]

The ability to edit the AI members of the band, instead of just getting random people for each gig, you can create your own band and stick with it even if you're on your own.

Also like the unique instruments like the ice cream microphone mentioned.

you can already do a band in rb2
the only new thing in LRB is the entourage, like road crew, pr and etc.

[SpeedyShort]

Then tell me how to change the look of the band members that I'm not controlling? I can't seem to find that anywhere...

[cherokeesam]

Then tell me how to change the look of the band members that I'm not controlling? I can't seem to find that anywhere...

In RB2, you have to create new band members (you can store up to 24), edit/costume them as desired, then just go to Band Roster and assign them to drums, guitar, bass or vocals.

[cherokeesam]

As to the Original Post:

There's a lot of innovations to LRB that are simply awesome, and that I'd love to see carry over to the next installment in the regular RB platform ---

*gathering an entourage
*fleshing out the hired help (managers, execs, interns) to be actual editable characters instead of just a 2-D picture
*decorating a rock den
*Recovery Mode
*autokick for drums
*the 5-star "ding"
*making albums and promoting them
*lots more vehicles to play with
*lots more cool drumkits and mics (actually sort of a downturn in the # of guitars and bass, though, from RB2....unless I haven't unlocked them all in LRB yet)
*unlocking rock den furniture and new minifigures/costumes
*the setlist ain't too shabby, neither

[SpeedyShort]

In RB2, you have to create new band members (you can store up to 24), edit/costume them as desired, then just go to Band Roster and assign them to drums, guitar, bass or vocals.

Now I feel slightly stupid for not thinking of doing that... Although I can say that's an improvement in Lego Rock Band. They've made customisation easier for idiots like me

[OakTea]

I really do like the 'fantasy' theme of the game. The thought put into the setlists, venues, instruments and all that stuff was a great idea...so many people wanted these in Rock Band, but a lot of people would've felt that it was gimmicky. It's good to have this separation.

However, all the interface adjustments that made TB:RB a more pleasant experience than RB2 on the PS3 were absent from L:RB, despite L:RB being released after TB:RB. This caused many unpleasant surprises, because I was expecting them since HMX said they'd be moving forward with each release. L:RB was definitely a step backwards on the PS3.

Not to mention the loading times. I figured with less DLC songs to keep track of, as well as Lego (presumably) being easier to animate than The Beatles, there'd be less load times...another unpleasant surprise.

[cherokeesam]

I really do like the 'fantasy' theme of the game. The thought put into the setlists, venues, instruments and all that stuff was a great idea...so many people wanted these in Rock Band, but a lot of people would've felt that it was gimmicky. It's good to have this separation.

However, all the interface adjustments that made TB:RB a more pleasant experience than RB2 on the PS3 were absent from L:RB, despite L:RB being released after TB:RB. This caused many unpleasant surprises, because I was expecting them since HMX said they'd be moving forward with each release. L:RB was definitely a step backwards on the PS3.

Not to mention the loading times. I figured with less DLC songs to keep track of, as well as Lego (presumably) being easier to animate than The Beatles, there'd be less load times...another unpleasant surprise.

The load times *are* a pain, but it's probably because LRB is more graphics-intensive than RB2, from what I can see.

And: I forgot to add Rock Challenges to my list of Pleasant Surprises....there's something insanely satisfying about playing "Tick Tick Boom" while simultaneously blowing the crap out of a building.