Are you sitting down? Today MTV, Harmonix and EA surprised no one by confirming suspicion that Rock Band 2 was in the works. Yes, the worst-kept secret of sequels since Microsoft announced Halo 3 is scheduled to hit this September on the Xbox 360
In an interview with IGN, Harmonix lead designer Dan Teasdale spilled some carefully worded beans on the sequel. Most importantly Harmonix confirmed all Rock Band downloadable content will also work in Rock Band 2 and Teasdale also teased that new features are planned "that let you play your DLC in different ways." Teasdale also states that new downloadable content will be released for the Rock Band platform when Rock Band 2 is released, meaning you can download all DLC and play on either version. Also, the dreaded profile switching issue in the original is being examined and corrected for a more streamlined experience.
While Teasdale also confirms new instruments are in development for Rock Band 2 they are only receiving more reliable and cosmetic changes, meaning your old Rock Band sets will still work as well. While Teasdale doesn't confirm some of the questions posed to him, he does tease at the possibility of and online World Tour and multiple users on vocals instruments.
Jump in for a look at the new Stratocaster guitar as well as the top ten bands Teasdale hinted might make it onto the Rock Band 2 retail disc.
Top Ten Bands IGN asked Teasdale for in Rock Band 2, to which he replied some of the picks are on the disc but did not confirm which, are:
- Agent Orange
- The Beatles
- Built to Spill
- The Buzzcocks
- Journey
- Led Zeppelin
- Modest Mouse
- Pavement
- The Replacements
- Tool
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
6-30-2008 @ 4:13AM
UNSCleric said...
This is sweet news, but that is an awful list IGN came up with.
Reply
6-30-2008 @ 5:02AM
Xav de Matos said...
Where is my damned HARD-FI?!?
6-30-2008 @ 9:07AM
Gemini Ace said...
Totally agree. If those are some of the bands, then this just went from a must buy to an avoid.
6-30-2008 @ 9:55AM
Gemini Ace said...
I've been thinking about it, and I do want to play some Zeppelin. I do think Tool is a pipe dream, tho.
6-30-2008 @ 10:18AM
DBoyFlex said...
I have been waiting for Led Zeppelin for longer than I can remember. Wow, it should rock. And backwards compatability? Hell yeah. Rock Band 2 FTW!!!
6-30-2008 @ 4:15AM
SadisticHam said...
Don't worry Europe, it'll only cost you two PS3s to buy!
Reply
6-30-2008 @ 5:57AM
Mep said...
Well, Rockband 1 hasn't even come out in all of Europe yet, so....
6-30-2008 @ 7:48AM
tan said...
dude rock band 1 hasn't even come out around most of the world yet..
harmonix really have to work on their release timings..
6-30-2008 @ 8:47AM
SadisticHam said...
It's not? Lol wow,i never thought i could see a bigger cash in than the guitar hero franchise but rock bands done it.
Darn.
6-30-2008 @ 9:26AM
MasterInsan0 said...
Nah, this is less of a cash-in and more of an expansion pack. A cash-in is when the instruments and DLC you've heavily invested in aren't compatible across the games, and the song list is significantly shorter than the previous game's.
On that last point, I guess we'll see just how much Harmonix is looking to cash in when they announce the size. I find it hard to believe they've been both releasing DLC for RB1 AND licensing a bunch of music for RB2.
6-30-2008 @ 4:19AM
shay07 said...
Hey Xav I thought you guys said that Terrance was your midnight ninja!
Reply
6-30-2008 @ 5:02AM
Xav de Matos said...
I've been up playing Alone in the Dark for a write up that hits Big Download later this afternoon... and then this happened!
6-30-2008 @ 4:26AM
UNSCleric said...
Nice to see this is an Xbox 360 exclusive release too.
Reply
6-30-2008 @ 4:35AM
Scott Summers said...
"Yes, the worst-kept secret of sequels since Microsoft announced Halo 3 is scheduled to hit this September on the Xbox 360, PS3 and other yet-to-be named platforms."
Try again.
6-30-2008 @ 4:59AM
Xav de Matos said...
UNSCleric is correct actually. My mistake, I fumbled the details on that. Xbox 360 in September, PS3 later this year.
Sorry, it's 4am!
6-30-2008 @ 4:39AM
Tokeism said...
Wow, rock band isnt even out in Australia and number 2 is being released soon.
LOL
Reply
6-30-2008 @ 4:40AM
UNSCleric said...
The PS3 isn't getting it until November most likely actually. Nice try though. Might want to actually know the facts until you try and get cocky.
Reply
6-30-2008 @ 5:00AM
Xav de Matos said...
You are correct. Fixed the story.
6-30-2008 @ 5:32AM
UNSCleric said...
My comment wasn't towards you Xav just so you know. I didn't even notice your story saying anything about a simultaneous release. I was replying to Mr. double post up there.
6-30-2008 @ 5:54AM
Xav de Matos said...
Oh I know dude. Don't worry. It was my mess up, just clarifying it for everyone.
So you guys were both right and I was full on wrong!