[E3 2010] Rock Band 3 Unveiled, Tracked, Accessorized
We've got all the latest deets, including a features list, smattering of tracks, official (and real!) Fender guitars, Mad Catz peripherals... oh yes, this one's gonna be huge.
Published: June 11, 2010
It started with a simple little icon reveal at the end of the two song Green Day: Rock Band demo released just a few weeks back: a little keyboard and the number 3. Internet detectives quickly swooped into action, wondering what it could all mean before realizing that it was pretty damn obvious what it meant: Rock Band 3 was coming, and it was bringing a new way to play along with it.
The reveal of a keyboard as one of the main instruments was only the tip of the iceberg, though; the boys and girls at Harmonix have finally pulled the wraps off some of the expanded features of the third full game in the full band experience they created, and they're... well, they're meaty to say the least. We normally hate doing this, but there's simply too much to break down without resorting to our oldest and most over-used friends, the Ctrl+C/Ctrl+V keystroke mega-combo. Behold!
[Redesigned Library for Better Music Management]
Rock Band 3 allows players to create and save setlists and share them with friends, both in-game and through RockBand.com. New song filters make it easier to find the types of songs fans want to play and hide the songs they don’t, while a built-in song recommendation system will suggest tracks from Rock Band’s colossal music library, based on personal fan preference.
[Expand the Band]
In addition to guitar, bass, drums and solo vocals, Rock Band 3 adds three-part vocal harmonies that were introduced with The Beatles: Rock Band and, for the first time ever, a keyboard peripheral to the band. Up to seven players can rock together for the ultimate social gaming experience.
[Go Pro: Play Just for Fun or Rock for Real with Rock Band Pro]
Rock Band 3 empowers players to develop actual musical skills through the fun of fully scalable Rock Band Pro gameplay. Fans can dive in on Easy to try out basic skills and work their way up to Expert for real mastery.
[.]Pro Drums supports three expansion cymbals, with gameplay differentiation between toms and cymbals.
[.]Pro Keys features pitch-accurate keyboard performance across a two-octave range, displayed on an easy-to-read keyboard track.
[.]Pro Guitar features notated guitar and bass performances, available for play with either the new Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar simulated guitar controller from Mad Catz or the Rock Band 3 Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar Controller that is a real guitar/controller hybrid. The Rock Band 3 Squier Stratocaster is a fully functional, full-sized, six-string electric guitar that also functions as a game controller.
[Something for Everyone (New Gameplay Modes!)]
For the casual player, Rock Band 3 has great new party modes that allow fans to get rocking with friends quicker than ever, including party shuffle and persistent drop-in/drop-out and difficulty selection from any gameplay screen.For the serious player, the revamped Career Mode features 700+ goals and rewards and seamless leaderboard integration for an endlessly deep campaign experience. Rock Band 3 also adds a suite of social networking tools to the game so fans can engage friends and fellow rockers over Facebook, Twitter and more. Whether players want to jump in for a quick song or take their band to the top, Rock Band 3 has a mode for everyone.
See? Lots of stuff, right? Oh, but that's not even all of it. In addition to offering the full suite of songs available on the Rock Band Store (it's inching close to two friggin' thousand of 'em now), the on-disc complement will be a whopping 83 songs strong, and supports goodies from the raft of previous releases, including Rock Band/Rock Band 2 discs, downloaded songs, track packs, the AC/DC Live: Rock Band Track Pack, LEGO Rock Band and the aforementioned Green Day: Rock Band). Not bad, eh? Ah, but they're willing to spill the beans on a few of the tracks, broken down by handy dandy decade:
[2000s]
Metric -- "Combat Baby"
Rilo Kiley -- "Portions for Foxes"
Them Crooked Vultures -- "Dead End Friends"
The Vines -- "Get Free"
The White Stripes -- "The Hardest Button to Button"
Phoenix -- "Lasso"
Ida Maria -- "Oh My God"
Juanes -- "Me Enamora"
[1990s:]
Jane’s Addiction -- "Been Caught Stealing"
Smash Mouth -- "Walkin' on the Sun"
Spacehog -- "In the Meantime"
Stone Temple Pilots -- "Plush"
[1980s]
Dio -- "Rainbow in the Dark"
Huey Lewis and the News -- "The Power of Love"
Joan Jett -- "I Love Rock and Roll"
Night Ranger -- "Sister Christian"
Whitesnake -- "Here I Go Again"
The Cure -- "Just Like Heaven"
Ozzy Osbourne -- "Crazy Train"
[1970s]
Queen -- "Bohemian Rhapsody"
[1960s]
Jimi Hendrix -- "Crosstown Traffic"
The Doors -- "Break On Through"
Given the new keyboard option, we're not at all surprised to see at least one Queen song in there, and if we don't see a few more and some Ben Folds action in there, we'll be very surprised (and disappointed) indeed.
Oh, but the fun doesn't stop there, oh no. Mad Catz, purveyors of peripherals of dubious quality (at least in our personal experience), have stepped up to apparently deliver an officially licensed complement of peripherals to go along with things in a rather staggering number of bundles and price points. Enter Darren Richardson, Mad Catz's Prez and CEO:
“We believe that Rock Band 3 will prove to be a revolutionary title in the rhythm music game genre and are excited to be working with Harmonix and MTV Games to help bring the game to life with this new line of products. The accessories we are announcing today will allow gamers to interact with music games like never before and when used alongside Rock Band 3, we believe they will set a new standard in realism and authenticity.”
Powerful words, Mr. Richardson, so let's see what you folks are adding to the mix, shall we?
[Rock Band 3 Wireless Keyboard Controller]
Designed for use exclusively with Rock Band 3, the Wireless Keyboard Controller has been crafted to resemble classic professional keyboards and is playable on a secure flat surface or while strapped over the player’s shoulder. Empowering gamers to take their enjoyment of rhythm music gaming to the next level, the Wireless Keyboard Controller also functions as a MIDI keyboard, boasting a two-octave (C3 to C5) range and non-weighted, velocity-sensitive key bed allowing gamers to take full advantage of the Rock Band Pro mode. The MIDI output connector provides compatibility with MIDI software sequencers and hardware devices while standard console-specific gaming controller buttons deliver seamless console integration and the Wireless Keyboard Controller can also be used to play the lead guitar or bass parts of the game. An optional Keyboard Stand will be sold separately and is expected to be available alongside the launch of Rock Band 3.
MSRP: $79.99
[Rock Band 3 Game & Wireless Keyboard Controller Bundle]
Ideal for gamers who wish to enjoy the holiday seasons hottest music title and latest instrument together, the bundle includes both the Rock Band 3 game and Wireless Keyboard Controller, representing a convenient and excellent value purchase for music fans everywhere.
MSRP: $129.99
[Rock Band 3 Wireless Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar Controller]
Introducing a new level of realism to the rhythm music genre, the Wireless Fender Mustang PRO-GuitarController is designed for use exclusively with Rock Band 3, allowing gamers to accurately replicate a real guitar when playing Rock Band Pro mode in the game. Featuring 17 frets along a button-based neck, the Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar includes a 6-string strumming area which allows for discrete picking of each string and a touch-sensitive string box which allows players to mute or 'cut-off' notes when pressed. In addition, the Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar operates as a fully functional MIDI guitar, with the MIDI output connector providing compatibility with MIDI software sequencers and hardware devices while standard console-specific gaming controller buttons deliver seamless console integration and navigation of the game menus. The Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar allows for left or right handed use and can also be used to play either lead or bass parts of the game in Rock Band Pro and standard game modes.
MSRP: $149.99
[Rock Band 3 Wireless PRO-Cymbals Expansion Kit]
Compatible with all wireless Rock Band drum kits, the Wireless PRO-Cymbals Expansion Kit features three newly designed Rock Band 3 cymbals which have been re-engineered for quiet operation. Fully supporting the Rock Band Pro mode where the cymbals represent Hi-Hat, Crash and Ride, the cymbals can also be used in standard game modes for all Rock Band software. Improved from the Rock Band 2 cymbals, the new PRO-Cymbals boast quieter sound with noise-dampening rubber covering the full surface area of the cymbal. The PRO-Cymbals also feature enhanced responsiveness, essential when playing in Rock Band Pro mode. In addition, the redesigned Rock Band 3 cymbals now permanently rest at a pre-defined 10° angle, better positioned for accurate play. The PRO-Cymbals are also available as part of the Rock Band 3 Wireless Drum and Cymbal Kit (sold separately).
MSRP: $39.99
[Rock Band 3 MIDI PRO-Adapter]
Designed for use exclusively with Rock Band 3, the MIDI PRO-Adapter allows musicians to use their real MIDI keyboards or MIDI drum sets to play Rock Band 3. Plugging directly into the console via USB, the MIDI PRO-Adapter works as an interface between the console and MIDI instrument, converting the MIDI messages into console controller data which the game translates into on screen action. The MIDI PRO-Adapter features a velocity sensitive adjustment for MIDI drums designed to reduce cross-talk during play. A full D-Pad and standard gaming controller buttons are located on the PRO-Adapter to deliver seamless console integration and navigation of the game menus. Ships with a removable clip, allowing MIDI PRO-Adapter to be attached to a belt, or rest on a table top or similar flat surface.
MSRP: $39.99
Well all right, Mad Catz, it would appear you aren't messing around this time out. But what's this?! The official axes are being provided by Fender! Ahhhh, more peripherals! More people talking!
"This groundbreaking partnership with Fender ushers in a new era in rhythm gaming, providing countless music fans their first opportunity to enter the world of real musicianship," gushes Harmonix Co-Founger and CEO Alex Rigopulos. "The Rock Band 3 Squier Stratocaster will allow players to enjoy the addictive fun of the rhythm gaming with Rock Band while simultaneously developing skills on a real musical instrument, helping to close the gap between simulation and reality."
"We’ve heard countless stories about how Rock Band has inspired folks to pick up and learn to play guitar," quckly adds Mark Van Vleet, Fender's SVP of Business Affairs. "This instrument and the Rock Band Pro gameplay contained within Rock Band 3 are uniquely poised to open the doors of musical enjoyment for music lovers around the world. Quite simply put, this is a huge step forward and a momentous occasion in guitar instruction and music entertainment."
Yeah, that's right, we went right to the quotes instead of talking up what the instruments actually add first and why it's all so whiz-bang revolutionary. The biggest additions are sensors crammed into the neck and fingerboard to help replicate the feeling of hitting frets rather than buttons on a real guitar. Frets, we'll remind you, because this thing is a full-sized electric guitar with actual strings. Praise Jeebus, we may actually learn to play guitar. And yes, since it's a proper guitar, you can easily plug the sucker into an actual amp and rock out with your... well, you know.
We'll all be able to do so later this year, but if this wasn't enough of an info dump for you, there's always next week's E3 shenanigans to enjoy.
The reveal of a keyboard as one of the main instruments was only the tip of the iceberg, though; the boys and girls at Harmonix have finally pulled the wraps off some of the expanded features of the third full game in the full band experience they created, and they're... well, they're meaty to say the least. We normally hate doing this, but there's simply too much to break down without resorting to our oldest and most over-used friends, the Ctrl+C/Ctrl+V keystroke mega-combo. Behold!
[Redesigned Library for Better Music Management]
Rock Band 3 allows players to create and save setlists and share them with friends, both in-game and through RockBand.com. New song filters make it easier to find the types of songs fans want to play and hide the songs they don’t, while a built-in song recommendation system will suggest tracks from Rock Band’s colossal music library, based on personal fan preference.
[Expand the Band]
In addition to guitar, bass, drums and solo vocals, Rock Band 3 adds three-part vocal harmonies that were introduced with The Beatles: Rock Band and, for the first time ever, a keyboard peripheral to the band. Up to seven players can rock together for the ultimate social gaming experience.
[Go Pro: Play Just for Fun or Rock for Real with Rock Band Pro]
Rock Band 3 empowers players to develop actual musical skills through the fun of fully scalable Rock Band Pro gameplay. Fans can dive in on Easy to try out basic skills and work their way up to Expert for real mastery.
[.]Pro Drums supports three expansion cymbals, with gameplay differentiation between toms and cymbals.
[.]Pro Keys features pitch-accurate keyboard performance across a two-octave range, displayed on an easy-to-read keyboard track.
[.]Pro Guitar features notated guitar and bass performances, available for play with either the new Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar simulated guitar controller from Mad Catz or the Rock Band 3 Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar Controller that is a real guitar/controller hybrid. The Rock Band 3 Squier Stratocaster is a fully functional, full-sized, six-string electric guitar that also functions as a game controller.
[Something for Everyone (New Gameplay Modes!)]
For the casual player, Rock Band 3 has great new party modes that allow fans to get rocking with friends quicker than ever, including party shuffle and persistent drop-in/drop-out and difficulty selection from any gameplay screen.For the serious player, the revamped Career Mode features 700+ goals and rewards and seamless leaderboard integration for an endlessly deep campaign experience. Rock Band 3 also adds a suite of social networking tools to the game so fans can engage friends and fellow rockers over Facebook, Twitter and more. Whether players want to jump in for a quick song or take their band to the top, Rock Band 3 has a mode for everyone.
See? Lots of stuff, right? Oh, but that's not even all of it. In addition to offering the full suite of songs available on the Rock Band Store (it's inching close to two friggin' thousand of 'em now), the on-disc complement will be a whopping 83 songs strong, and supports goodies from the raft of previous releases, including Rock Band/Rock Band 2 discs, downloaded songs, track packs, the AC/DC Live: Rock Band Track Pack, LEGO Rock Band and the aforementioned Green Day: Rock Band). Not bad, eh? Ah, but they're willing to spill the beans on a few of the tracks, broken down by handy dandy decade:
[2000s]
Metric -- "Combat Baby"
Rilo Kiley -- "Portions for Foxes"
Them Crooked Vultures -- "Dead End Friends"
The Vines -- "Get Free"
The White Stripes -- "The Hardest Button to Button"
Phoenix -- "Lasso"
Ida Maria -- "Oh My God"
Juanes -- "Me Enamora"
[1990s:]
Jane’s Addiction -- "Been Caught Stealing"
Smash Mouth -- "Walkin' on the Sun"
Spacehog -- "In the Meantime"
Stone Temple Pilots -- "Plush"
[1980s]
Dio -- "Rainbow in the Dark"
Huey Lewis and the News -- "The Power of Love"
Joan Jett -- "I Love Rock and Roll"
Night Ranger -- "Sister Christian"
Whitesnake -- "Here I Go Again"
The Cure -- "Just Like Heaven"
Ozzy Osbourne -- "Crazy Train"
[1970s]
Queen -- "Bohemian Rhapsody"
[1960s]
Jimi Hendrix -- "Crosstown Traffic"
The Doors -- "Break On Through"
Given the new keyboard option, we're not at all surprised to see at least one Queen song in there, and if we don't see a few more and some Ben Folds action in there, we'll be very surprised (and disappointed) indeed.
Oh, but the fun doesn't stop there, oh no. Mad Catz, purveyors of peripherals of dubious quality (at least in our personal experience), have stepped up to apparently deliver an officially licensed complement of peripherals to go along with things in a rather staggering number of bundles and price points. Enter Darren Richardson, Mad Catz's Prez and CEO:
“We believe that Rock Band 3 will prove to be a revolutionary title in the rhythm music game genre and are excited to be working with Harmonix and MTV Games to help bring the game to life with this new line of products. The accessories we are announcing today will allow gamers to interact with music games like never before and when used alongside Rock Band 3, we believe they will set a new standard in realism and authenticity.”
Powerful words, Mr. Richardson, so let's see what you folks are adding to the mix, shall we?
[Rock Band 3 Wireless Keyboard Controller]
Designed for use exclusively with Rock Band 3, the Wireless Keyboard Controller has been crafted to resemble classic professional keyboards and is playable on a secure flat surface or while strapped over the player’s shoulder. Empowering gamers to take their enjoyment of rhythm music gaming to the next level, the Wireless Keyboard Controller also functions as a MIDI keyboard, boasting a two-octave (C3 to C5) range and non-weighted, velocity-sensitive key bed allowing gamers to take full advantage of the Rock Band Pro mode. The MIDI output connector provides compatibility with MIDI software sequencers and hardware devices while standard console-specific gaming controller buttons deliver seamless console integration and the Wireless Keyboard Controller can also be used to play the lead guitar or bass parts of the game. An optional Keyboard Stand will be sold separately and is expected to be available alongside the launch of Rock Band 3.
MSRP: $79.99
[Rock Band 3 Game & Wireless Keyboard Controller Bundle]
Ideal for gamers who wish to enjoy the holiday seasons hottest music title and latest instrument together, the bundle includes both the Rock Band 3 game and Wireless Keyboard Controller, representing a convenient and excellent value purchase for music fans everywhere.
MSRP: $129.99
[Rock Band 3 Wireless Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar Controller]
Introducing a new level of realism to the rhythm music genre, the Wireless Fender Mustang PRO-GuitarController is designed for use exclusively with Rock Band 3, allowing gamers to accurately replicate a real guitar when playing Rock Band Pro mode in the game. Featuring 17 frets along a button-based neck, the Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar includes a 6-string strumming area which allows for discrete picking of each string and a touch-sensitive string box which allows players to mute or 'cut-off' notes when pressed. In addition, the Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar operates as a fully functional MIDI guitar, with the MIDI output connector providing compatibility with MIDI software sequencers and hardware devices while standard console-specific gaming controller buttons deliver seamless console integration and navigation of the game menus. The Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar allows for left or right handed use and can also be used to play either lead or bass parts of the game in Rock Band Pro and standard game modes.
MSRP: $149.99
[Rock Band 3 Wireless PRO-Cymbals Expansion Kit]
Compatible with all wireless Rock Band drum kits, the Wireless PRO-Cymbals Expansion Kit features three newly designed Rock Band 3 cymbals which have been re-engineered for quiet operation. Fully supporting the Rock Band Pro mode where the cymbals represent Hi-Hat, Crash and Ride, the cymbals can also be used in standard game modes for all Rock Band software. Improved from the Rock Band 2 cymbals, the new PRO-Cymbals boast quieter sound with noise-dampening rubber covering the full surface area of the cymbal. The PRO-Cymbals also feature enhanced responsiveness, essential when playing in Rock Band Pro mode. In addition, the redesigned Rock Band 3 cymbals now permanently rest at a pre-defined 10° angle, better positioned for accurate play. The PRO-Cymbals are also available as part of the Rock Band 3 Wireless Drum and Cymbal Kit (sold separately).
MSRP: $39.99
[Rock Band 3 MIDI PRO-Adapter]
Designed for use exclusively with Rock Band 3, the MIDI PRO-Adapter allows musicians to use their real MIDI keyboards or MIDI drum sets to play Rock Band 3. Plugging directly into the console via USB, the MIDI PRO-Adapter works as an interface between the console and MIDI instrument, converting the MIDI messages into console controller data which the game translates into on screen action. The MIDI PRO-Adapter features a velocity sensitive adjustment for MIDI drums designed to reduce cross-talk during play. A full D-Pad and standard gaming controller buttons are located on the PRO-Adapter to deliver seamless console integration and navigation of the game menus. Ships with a removable clip, allowing MIDI PRO-Adapter to be attached to a belt, or rest on a table top or similar flat surface.
MSRP: $39.99
Well all right, Mad Catz, it would appear you aren't messing around this time out. But what's this?! The official axes are being provided by Fender! Ahhhh, more peripherals! More people talking!
"This groundbreaking partnership with Fender ushers in a new era in rhythm gaming, providing countless music fans their first opportunity to enter the world of real musicianship," gushes Harmonix Co-Founger and CEO Alex Rigopulos. "The Rock Band 3 Squier Stratocaster will allow players to enjoy the addictive fun of the rhythm gaming with Rock Band while simultaneously developing skills on a real musical instrument, helping to close the gap between simulation and reality."
"We’ve heard countless stories about how Rock Band has inspired folks to pick up and learn to play guitar," quckly adds Mark Van Vleet, Fender's SVP of Business Affairs. "This instrument and the Rock Band Pro gameplay contained within Rock Band 3 are uniquely poised to open the doors of musical enjoyment for music lovers around the world. Quite simply put, this is a huge step forward and a momentous occasion in guitar instruction and music entertainment."
Yeah, that's right, we went right to the quotes instead of talking up what the instruments actually add first and why it's all so whiz-bang revolutionary. The biggest additions are sensors crammed into the neck and fingerboard to help replicate the feeling of hitting frets rather than buttons on a real guitar. Frets, we'll remind you, because this thing is a full-sized electric guitar with actual strings. Praise Jeebus, we may actually learn to play guitar. And yes, since it's a proper guitar, you can easily plug the sucker into an actual amp and rock out with your... well, you know.
We'll all be able to do so later this year, but if this wasn't enough of an info dump for you, there's always next week's E3 shenanigans to enjoy.
