Rock Band Blitz and the Rock Band World Facebook App

[moosegrinder]

Sorry if this has been covered somewhere, but I couldn't find an answer. How 'essential' to Rock Band Blitz is the Rock Band World app? I'm having a discussion with someone on another forum (if you're here, hello TTK) and he's not happy that you'll apparently get more coins than you'll ever need if you link to Facebook. I'm saying it's entirely optional.

Now, some people really don't like this social network integration thing, which is fair enough, but if you get a **** tonne of coins for the linking, and if you'd struggle with coins if it isn't (as implied on this weeks podcast) then isn't that a bit crap for those that have an aversion to FB? The coins buy the power ups, so having less coins requires more planning on playing, but those that have linked can go for whatever they want without fear of ballsing it up?
Some clarification would be great.

[metalkorn]

It's not - however it allows you to do a few extra things like challenges and is an additional way to get coins outside of the game - or at least that is what I have read. If you want a ton of coins then it's probably the way to go.

[Cipher_Peon]

You are able to gain coins by playing through normal means. However, linking your account to Facebook allows you to gain a lot more coins, due to being able to participate in goals and being able to choose Score Wars. And trust me, as someone who dislikes Facebook, the Facebook integration is FANTASTIC.

I'm having a lot of fun playing with members of this community through Facebook. Don't worry about running out of coins, if it's starting to look low you can grind for coins by playing songs without using powerups.

[Garwoofoo]

I'm not on Facebook, I don't want to be on Facebook, and if this app gives any kind of gameplay advantage in Rock Band Blitz then it is massively offputting. Basically you're saying I have to do a whole load of extra grinding as punishment for not signing up to an unrelated social network? That's rubbish.

[metalkorn]

your loss. you could create an account purely for this purpose though. Just an idea.

[Cipher_Peon]

I'm not on Facebook, I don't want to be on Facebook, and if this app gives any kind of gameplay advantage in Rock Band Blitz then it is massively offputting. Basically you're saying I have to do a whole load of extra grinding as punishment for not signing up to an unrelated social network? That's rubbish.

Uhhhhh, it's more like being rewarded for connecting on Facebook. The game doesn't punish you for not being on Facebook, but it's really great to be connected.

Make an account and set it to invisible to everyone if you have to. Really, it's worth it.

[Garwoofoo]

Not really my loss; Harmonix's loss if I don't buy the game because they're trying to force me towards a social network I don't want to be part of.

I don't see anything in the Facebook app that couldn't be implemented in-game. I was looking forward to Blitz but if I can't compete on a level playing field because I'm not on Facebook then I'll probably just pass on the game.

[Cipher_Peon]

No one is forcing you to do anything.
Goals are much easier to do on Facebook since they can keep updating them and Facebook allows you to send Score Wars to people you know.

You can still be competitive, playing one or two songs without any powerups will get you enough coins to last you for 2 hours or so. There's no reason to get angry at Harmonix trying to incorporate social media through their games, especially since we're all better for it.

Like I said, create an account, set it so no one will ever find you ever, and then connect it to Blitz. It'll take you 10 minutes, you never have to look at it ever again, and you can simply forget it exists. I don't understand why people have such an intense hatred of social networks, since nobody says you have to be social.

[Dangimarocker]

How is integrating one small RB arcade game into facebook a bad thing?
It might increase sales to people who wouldn't have seen the game.

[metalkorn]

There isn't anything wrong with it. I think it's a great thing and it allows more flexibility then having to include everything at ship. Only other alternative is something like Call of Duty Elite, having it's own website etc and requiring a subscription - I know what i'd prefer.

If you aren't connecting on Facebook it seems you are not getting the most out of the game so ultimately it's your choice if you buy it or not. No one is pulling the wool over your eyes.

P.S. You are missing out on winning the game for free by not using Social Media.