Rock Band 3 looks pretty awesome!

ClockworkHouse wrote:

I'd love to play Radiohead's "Everything in Its Right Place" with the keyboard. It's nice to see them expanding the game more than they did with Rock Band 2.

I'd rather a real Prophet 5 to play it on, but hey, it'd be awesome to have it in RB3, too I really wondered whether Harmonix would be able to invigorate the genre and get people caring enough to pony up for RB3, and I'm very glad to see that the answer seems to be "yes".

We've had a tonne of fun in the past singing cheesy 80s crap on SingStar, so I can just about guarantee that those songs will be awesome-sauce in RB3 as well.

pneuman wrote:
ClockworkHouse wrote:

I'd love to play Radiohead's "Everything in Its Right Place" with the keyboard. It's nice to see them expanding the game more than they did with Rock Band 2.

I'd rather a real Prophet 5 to play it on, but hey, it'd be awesome to have it in RB3, too . . .

Will I have to sing backwards for this song?

NauticaLNaughT wrote:

I'm confused on some of the guitar features I've read today.

I think I read that there are strings down by the pickups but on the neck there are touch pads, are we talking 30 little touch pads over the first 5 frets or what?

Maybe they realized how much real strings hurt the first 2-3 weeks of playing guitar and went with touch sensitive pads instead if so this sounds harder to play than a real guitar to me with no tactile feedback of strings under your fret hand.

Having bought a set of the ion drums with 3 cymbals I'm really hoping there are separate gems or features on the gems to distinguish a tom from a cymbal. This is my biggest wish for RB3 but the fancy guitar might rank up there, I hope they do a bass as well.

Well like someone else stated it does look like the Mad Catz will have touch pads but they go all the way up the neck not just the first 5 frets like I thought it would, MSRP is $149.99 with the Fender full size yet to be seen (at least by me).

IMAGE(http://img2.pict.com/f0/09/44/3644920/0/phpib41mlam.jpg)

I'm somewhat confused about the way DLC is going to be handled after reading the GiantBomb article.

It sounds like future DLC will no longer work in RB1 and RB2 and existing DLC will not have the harmonies, keyboard and pro guitar content initially, I'm not sure about the pro drum content after reading that.

I'm curious as to how Harmonix is going to get these new RB3 features into that huge catalog of songs, are we going to buy new RB3 versions of our old content if we want the new features even though the old DLC will work the way it always has in RB3? Will they slowly update old content for free, a discounted price model maybe if you already own the old song, or will they just not bother updating the older songs at all? I really hope someone asks these questions at E3 and we get more than a "we are still looking into it" answer.

Their pro bass comment is incorrect. There is a pro bass mode.

Pro Bass mode:
IMAGE(http://www.bangormetro.com/images/cache/dfa6765b5b1d395ae3064a46270cac07.jpeg)

Jeff-66 wrote:

* Playlists can now be saved, and sent to friends to challenge them

Hot, I have wanted to be able to save playlists for ages. Hell, what I want is for my RB library to function like my iTunes library: playlists, recently added, etc.

$150 for the pro guitar puts it in this weird place: for $150 you could buy a used real guitar. Maybe that's a reasonable price for someone who wants to use RB3 to learn to play, then invest in a real guitar later on. But since I can already play guitar, that kind of cash for an ersatz one doesn't add up—I had might as well put that money towards another guitar. Or fix my existing guitars.

lostlobster wrote:

If they throw some 80's synth-pop in there — Erasure, Depeche Mode, etc. — I will snatch this up faster than you can say "spandex."

Word, yo. With some A-ha on top, whatever is the price, I'd pay the double.

Is it wrong that I had a Wayne moment after seeing the pic of the Fender on Joystiq?

It will be mine. Oh yes. It will be mine!

Gravey wrote:

$150 for the pro guitar puts it in this weird place: for $150 you could buy a used real guitar. Maybe that's a reasonable price for someone who wants to use RB3 to learn to play, then invest in a real guitar later on. But since I can already play guitar, that kind of cash for an ersatz one doesn't add up—I had might as well put that money towards another guitar. Or fix my existing guitars.

Well, you could go with the Strat that's also a controller rather than the "holy crap that's a lot of buttons" MadKatz toy.

I'm going to have to think hard about whether I want to go for pro-mode controllers for RB3. On the one hand: That's going to be a whole hell of a lot harder. On the other hand: Damn, that's cool, and it's that much closer to learning to play "for realz, yo".

I think the big question in my mind is: Will there be multiple "pro-mode difficulties"? Because being able to work your way up in pro-mode seems like it would be pretty nice, too. (i.e. something like the normal progression from beginner to expert in RB—a combination of removing simplifications in the tune and adding complexity in the control. (i.e. start with a subset of the frets/strings or something, and not playing note-for-note, working up to using all of the strings/frets and just slightly simplified in pro-mode hard, and then note-for-note on expert.)

If they do that, then pro-mode is still a game, and not just a learning tool. Without the progression, I'm afraid it'll be very very frustrating to make the jump from "expert" to "pro".

Chaz wrote:

Their pro bass comment is incorrect. There is a pro bass mode.

Thanks, Chaz. Do you know if Breakneck Speed is still available, and if so, will we be able to enable/disable it on the fly like we can with difficulty levels? I play some songs on expert with regular track speed, and others on Hard with breakneck speed on. It's a pain to change between them in RB2, esp. in multiplayer.

Gorilla.800.lbs wrote:
lostlobster wrote:

If they throw some 80's synth-pop in there — Erasure, Depeche Mode, etc. — I will snatch this up faster than you can say "spandex."

Word, yo. With some A-ha on top, whatever is the price, I'd pay the double.

Yes! Especially because I expect we'd get a chance to hear Cory drunkenly sing "Take On Me."

This looks familiar:

IMAGE(http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2010/06/rb3_midi.jpg)

IMAGE(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a254/Liquidmantis/drumset/controller2.jpg)

GiantBomb has a lot more new info up. In case you're at work and can't access the article, here are the highlights:

Highlights:

* it's got an 'all or nothing' vibe, could completely reinvigorate the genre

* majority of the new hardware is built by MadCatz

* new keyboard feels sturdy, and doubles as a keytar, complete with an effects strip and pegs for attaching a strap. It also has MIDI out, for other, non-RB uses

* if a song has no keyboard parts, you can opt to play guitar or bass parts on the kb

* game has a Pro Mode, and is much harder than you're used to. Pro Mode has it's own set of Easy, Medium, Hard difficulties

* kb will MSRP at $79.99, and $129.99 bundled with RB3

* there will be 3-part vocal harmonies.

* drums are unchanged by default, but, there will be new indications for when to hit external cymbals, a godsend for those with the extra cymbal peripherals.This tells you when you'll hit the pads down below and when you'll go up top to hit one of your three cymbals. Interestingly, the expanded drum parts are backwards compatible, so much of the existing Rock Band DLC and on-disc tracks from the previous games will automatically feature the proper pro drum data. The cymbals on the Ion Drum Rocker will also work for pro drums.

* bass parts get no love, no pro mode for bassists. corrected by Chaz (of Harmonix), there will be a Pro mode for bass.

* Pro guitar mode will require the purchase of a new, $150 controller. (NauticalNaught pictured this above). MTV has also inked a deal with Fender to produce a real, working guitar for RB3 Pro Mode. No word on it's price yet.

* Pro mode will produce shapes with numbers on them, that will tell you which keys to hit on the neck. You'll be able to slow this down in practice mode.

* Interface is being fully redesigned, with a focus on getting people playing together more easily. You can drop in, and drop out of songs at will. You can adjust your difficulty on the same multiplayer group menu that others are on. no more having to exit out of mp to the main menu to make small changes.

* 700 new world tour things to accomplish

* Playlists can now be saved, and sent to friends to challenge them

* there will be a multiplayer tie-in to facebook and twitter

* graphics and visuals are a step up from RB2

* up to SEVEN people can play in the same band

* It's due out for the 2010 holiday season

Hypatian wrote:

I think the big question in my mind is: Will there be multiple "pro-mode difficulties"? Because being able to work your way up in pro-mode seems like it would be pretty nice, too. (i.e. something like the normal progression from beginner to expert in RB—a combination of removing simplifications in the tune and adding complexity in the control. (i.e. start with a subset of the frets/strings or something, and not playing note-for-note, working up to using all of the strings/frets and just slightly simplified in pro-mode hard, and then note-for-note on expert.)

If they do that, then pro-mode is still a game, and not just a learning tool. Without the progression, I'm afraid it'll be very very frustrating to make the jump from "expert" to "pro".

As per my post: "Pro Mode has it's own set of Easy, Medium, Hard difficulties"

So Pro Mode is effectively teaching me to read Tablature, not actual notation? I understand why that makes sense, but the music teacher in me just died a little.

Jeff-66 wrote:
Chaz wrote:

Their pro bass comment is incorrect. There is a pro bass mode.

Thanks, Chaz. Do you know if Breakneck Speed is still available, and if so, will we be able to enable/disable it on the fly like we can with difficulty levels?

There hasn't been anything announced on this yet, so I can't say anything. Sorry.

Chaz wrote:
Jeff-66 wrote:
Chaz wrote:

Their pro bass comment is incorrect. There is a pro bass mode.

Thanks, Chaz. Do you know if Breakneck Speed is still available, and if so, will we be able to enable/disable it on the fly like we can with difficulty levels?

There hasn't been anything announced on this yet, so I can't say anything. Sorry. :(

No problem. Let us know if/when you can!

Hypatian wrote:

I think the big question in my mind is: Will there be multiple "pro-mode difficulties"? Because being able to work your way up in pro-mode seems like it would be pretty nice, too. (i.e. something like the normal progression from beginner to expert in RB—a combination of removing simplifications in the tune and adding complexity in the control. (i.e. start with a subset of the frets/strings or something, and not playing note-for-note, working up to using all of the strings/frets and just slightly simplified in pro-mode hard, and then note-for-note on expert.)

If they do that, then pro-mode is still a game, and not just a learning tool. Without the progression, I'm afraid it'll be very very frustrating to make the jump from "expert" to "pro".

Pro Mode has Easy, Medium, Hard and Expert, just like the other instruments.

I must admit to being completely surprised by the number of "day one!" comments here.

I jumped on board with RB2, and loved it as much as any man can love a videogame, but I feel like my time with music games has passed. For a while, I managed to get my co-workers over to play RB2, and it was a blast. I sang harmony with ONE friend, one session, and never had the man-power available to do it again. Unfortunately, my friends are now sick of playing RB2-- for most of them, it seems like a fad that has had its day.

That leaves me, as a solo gamer, with the prospect of buying another $200 game that is heading even further and further into the realm of expecting a full contingent of "musicians." Harmonies are cool, but I can barely get another person to sing, much less three. More complex instruments definitely seem to appeal to the crowd that bought the Ion drum kits, but also seem much more intimidating to those casual gamers that can barely get the "strum/push buttons" mechanic down.

So I'm torn. I know I'll essentially end up trying to play this thing mostly solo, and I just don't think I can go through that any more.

I'll be following the reviews and everything else, though, so maybe I'll eventually break down and get it anyway

The fact that no price-point has been set for the Fender Guitar is scary. Maybe they're gonna show us how cool the Pro Mode is, first, to lessen the sticker-shock of the Fender.

Needless to say, I'm gonna buy it. This game is going to set me back a small fortune.

Rock Band 3: the Steel Battalion of music games?

Gravey wrote:

Rock Band 3: the Steel Battalion of music games?

w00t! Timely reference - I'm off to play Steel Battalion all day tomorrow to stress-test the metacampaign that will be running at PAX Prime this year.

Never played it for more than a minute before - super excited.

The pro guitar thing is going to be a tough call. They won't have the support for my old library, I take it, and it will probably cost as much as my first real electric guitar, if not more. But it's probably going to be a kick-ass guitar teaching tool, which I'd be all over. I can also see the appeal for the in-between model. At least it's teaching you the basic dexterity, rhythm, that sort of thing, if not proper fingering.

I'm totally on board with RB3's direction, but upon reflection, how they handle bringing up the RB1/2/DLC library is going to be key for me. No question we'll have access to those tracks, but whether or not Harmonix updates them to "Pro" versions is huge. As much as I want to use that new controller, if I can't play everything from my RB library (or nearly so) in Pro mode, then I can't see shelling out that kind of scratch for new instruments. That said, I would be shocked (shocked!) if Harmonix doesn't find a way to get it done. These guys are like Cylons: They have a plan.

jlaakso wrote:

The pro guitar thing is going to be a tough call. They won't have the support for my old library, I take it, and it will probably cost as much as my first real electric guitar, if not more. But it's probably going to be a kick-ass guitar teaching tool, which I'd be all over. I can also see the appeal for the in-between model. At least it's teaching you the basic dexterity, rhythm, that sort of thing, if not proper fingering.

That's how I've convinced myself to put aside the cash for it. If it's less than $300 (it better be), I can rest easy knowing its going to teach me the fundamentals of playing actual guitar. Something I've wanted for a long time, but never put for the effort to learn. I'm trying not to think of it as just a video game peripheral.

Although, we haven't seen anything about the actual gameplay of the Pro Mode, so this could all be moot. I trust Harmonix to make this more than a gimmick, but we can't tell until we actually see what it's all about at E3.

I've got a real guitar which I can't play. Any idea if I'll be able to use that with the game, perhaps with an adaptor? Do RB heads here know if third parties would make that kind of thing?

skeletonframes wrote:
jlaakso wrote:

The pro guitar thing is going to be a tough call. They won't have the support for my old library, I take it, and it will probably cost as much as my first real electric guitar, if not more. But it's probably going to be a kick-ass guitar teaching tool, which I'd be all over. I can also see the appeal for the in-between model. At least it's teaching you the basic dexterity, rhythm, that sort of thing, if not proper fingering.

That's how I've convinced myself to put aside the cash for it. If it's less than $300 (it better be), I can rest easy knowing its going to teach me the fundamentals of playing actual guitar. Something I've wanted for a long time, but never put for the effort to learn. I'm trying not to think of it as just a video game peripheral.

Yep, I'm coming at it from the same angle. I wanna play a bit of guitar, and I think a game format would be a good entry point.

Think I'll wait and see how well RB3 matches up against that other game doing the same thing, though, for this specific purpose.

My first electric guitar and amp set me back around 400€. I'm pretty sure that Fender wouldn't want to soil their Strat name with anything less than an acceptable "my first guitar". So if you're looking to get a real guitar anyway, this could be an acceptable solution. Personally, I'm expecting something in the region of 300€.

Clemenstation wrote:

Think I'll wait and see how well RB3 matches up against that other game doing the same thing, though, for this specific purpose.

That's mostly where I'm at. I'm certainly getting RB3 in a game+keyboard bundle on launch day, but I'm reserving judgement on the outrageously priced guitar until a little later.