Posted by: Great One
- [201155199] Sun, Dec 16, 2007, 13:24
Any reccomendations as to which one they like better? I'm considering Rock Band but have seen the first release had some bugs and kinks to work out. But I like the idea of being able to play with a group of people and do all the different instruments.
I like the list of songs better there too and they seem to have online utility set up better, with song packs and album's you can buy later on to add on to the current songs. (i.e. The Who's "Who's Next" entire album.
Going one way or the other after the holidays.
1
Great One
ID: 201155199 Sun, Dec 16, 2007, 13:30
DENVER (Billboard) - The October 28 launch of "Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock" struck the first chord in a highly anticipated battle of the bands between music-based videogames that will only get louder when rival "Rock Band" arrives November 20.
Both games have captured the imagination of a music industry desperate for not only new sources of revenue but also for products that make music fans excited again. The games' on-disc soundtracks license 125 tracks between them, and music itself is treated as the star of each game -- fans virtually play along using a variety of instrument-based controllers and in-game prompts.
Both titles allow fans to buy and download additional tracks not included in the original game via an online store accessible directly from the game console, with record labels getting a cut of each. Prices and availability have not yet been announced for either game, but the downloadable songs for "Guitar Hero II" cost $5 for a pack of three -- and moved more than 650,000 units (totaling more than 2 million songs), according to Activision.
"Guitar Hero" is the incumbent here, in a sense. The first two installments of the franchise sold a total of 6 million units, a bona fide blockbuster for any game genre but particularly eyebrow-raising, considering that the game's publisher (RedOctane) and developer (Harmonix) were relatively niche players in the videogame industry.
Shortly after, Activision acquired RedOctane specifically to retain the rights to the franchise and has since put out an Xbox 360 version of "Guitar Hero II" as well as the newly launched "Guitar Hero III." Meanwhile, MTV Networks bought Harmonix and together developed "Rock Band," tapping Electronic Arts (EA) as the publisher.
Game industry analysts almost uniformly predict that "Guitar Hero" will sell more copies as a result of its earlier release date and established franchise as well as its lower price (about $70; "Rock Band" costs $170) and broader availability. ("Rock Band" is limited to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, while "Guitar Hero" includes both platforms plus the popular Wii and older PlayStation 2.)
TRYOUTS FOR SHOPPERS
But "Rock Band" isn't making it easy. The same weekend that "Guitar Hero" launched, the backers of "Rock Band" set up demo stations in Best Buy stores nationwide, allowing shoppers to demo the game in-store well in advance of the release, and similar stations will appear in Wal-Marts soon.
Meanwhile, Activision has given "Guitar Hero" the kind of prelaunch treatment expected from only the biggest blockbusters. It established an online community site where fans could preview tracks and get behind-the-scenes footage of rockers such as Slash and Tom Morello filming the motion capture for their in-game appearances. It has placed all the music ever licensed for the franchise on iTunes in a special "Guitar Hero Essentials" section. It even commissioned the Sex Pistols to record a new version of "Anarchy in the U.K." exclusively for the game.
But no matter which sells the most this holiday season, the music industry will emerge as the biggest winner. Both games represent new platforms for how music is sold to fans. Labels can coordinate with the games' developers so that the latter also release new music on a new album's street date -- or even in advance of it.
"We view this as not just a game title but a music entertainment platform," Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos said. "We're already actively in discussions with record companies about releasing new game content day-and-date with major new releases."
"Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero" "bring our artists' music to a new generation of fans and offer longtime fans a whole new way to interact," said George White, senior vice president of strategy and product development at Warner Music Group. "This is more than a way for us to promote our artists; it's a promising new channel for the distribution of music."
If the platform proves successful, expect other game developers to get involved as well.
"I wouldn't be surprised if some of the bigger names try to jump in some way," IGN analyst Nick Williams said. "I'm sure they're all looking into developing their own spin on it."
And while rock has led the way so far, expect hip-hop, country and other genres to receive their own versions of these games, complete with controllers specific to each, as early as next year, if the current versions sell as well as expected.
"This is the beginning of music and film and TV becoming interactive vs. linear forms of entertainment," EA head of music Steve Schnur said. "Interactive media is the only way media is going to be delivered in the future."
Reuters/Billboard
2
walk
ID: 31116915 Sun, Dec 16, 2007, 16:33
I can only add a personal recommendation. I have guitar hero 3 for the wii and like it a lot, so does my wife, a non-gamer, and basically any friend we invite over. I cannot compare it to rock bank though, never seen it.
3
Slackjawed Yokel
ID: 25105466 Wed, Dec 19, 2007, 23:00
Rock Band is under my Christmas tree right now. From what I've read the drums are a lot of fun, and the song selection, band creation/customization/group play is a lot better. Plus, Activision (maker of GH3) is not playing nice with Rockband and preventing the release of a patch from Harmonix (makers of RB) that would allow GH3 guitars to be used in Rock Band for the PS3 - link
I do have GH2 for the PS2, and it was fun (by the way it was made by Harmonix), but for next gen I'm going Rock Band. On the PS network, there are 3 downloadable Metallica tracks - Blackened, AJFA, Ride the Lightning, and some Radiohead, Black Sabbath for Rock Band, so they'll be getting even more of my money...
4
Great One
ID: 201155199 Wed, Dec 19, 2007, 23:11
maybe we need to get a RotoGuru band together- somebody work on a band name already!
5
The Beezer Dude
ID: 191202817 Wed, Dec 19, 2007, 23:41
Randro and the Tradeaholics. You're welcome. :)
6
Great One Sustainer
ID: 053272014 Thu, Dec 20, 2007, 10:16
Thats good... now we gotta come up with some album and song titles!
The Shanahan RB Shuffle?!
7
Kyle Donor
ID: 052753312 Thu, Dec 20, 2007, 12:58
I have a feeling that a 360 and GH3 are under my tree right now. If that's the case there are a few must haves on my to buy list. That is after I trade in my Xbox, games, and PS2.
These include Xbox Live, Call of Duty 4 (which is by far the best next gen game that's been released), and Rock Band.
The interesting thing is if it was reversed and Rock Band was under the tree, I don't think GH3 would be on my shortlist of games to buy. I really want Rock Band's ability to be like a karaoke machine. That will be the hit of the New Year's Party.
That said, when I've played GH3 it's been enjoyable. And if I do have GH3, I'll think about buying GH2 for the songs. I really like the songlist on GH2. (Freebird, Monkey wrench, Beast and the Harlot – Avenged Sevenfold, and Dead!- My Chemical Romance)
If you were to go out and buy one though I would buy Rock Band, but wait until February. The Bundle price will come down and the controls will be sold individually.
8
Great One Sustainer
ID: 053272014 Thu, Dec 20, 2007, 13:42
Also - Rock Band will have a wirelss guitar by February I hear.
9
Great One
ID: 27154129 Fri, Feb 22, 2008, 13:34
10
Great One
ID: 27154129 Fri, Feb 22, 2008, 13:35
Expert level in Guitar Hero. I can't even push the buttons that fast. Forget actually playing it!
Skip to the 2:50 mark if you want to just enjoy the solo's...
11
Texas Flood
ID: 211152514 Tue, Feb 26, 2008, 08:09
The guy is fast. I'll give ya that!
12
Matt G
ID: 4115787 Tue, Feb 26, 2008, 08:21
I have Guitar Hero III and a good friend of mine has Rock Band.
Guitar Hero is fun, you can pick it up, play a few songs and put it down, it's good for 1 player or 2 player, and it doesn't take much to setup.
Rockband is better if you have a group of people, like 3-4. There is a bit of setup involved... The drums are by FAR the hardest to play. Vocals are easy, you can just hum the tune. The thing about Rock Band is that it can get pretty loud. Banging on the drums makes a bit of racket, as does belting out the lyrics to the songs.
If volume is not a problem and if you and your friends are together enough, Rock band is probably the way to go, I found the guitar to be easier. Plus you can always switch the instruments around.
Guitar Hero is better if it's just you or just you and a friend, and if you need to keep the volume down.
My friend lives in an aparment building so we had to be tame on Rockband, I live in a single family home, so we could be loud... we should switch games.
Oh and both are markedly better if intoxicated.
13
Frick
ID: 23117516 Tue, Feb 26, 2008, 08:39
I played Rock Band last Friday, it was set-up in our office and people were playing before they left. I have to admit that I have never played either before, but it was hilarious to watch co-workers try it for the first time.
Just from what I saw I agree with the assessment above, Rock Band is more fun, but needs a slightly larger group and is noisier.
14
barilko6
ID: 30330711 Mon, Apr 07, 2008, 13:34
Quick question...
I have tried a google search, and talked with a number of guys at BestBuy and FutureShop who were useless fountains of misinformation...
My question is: I know I have used the Guitar Hero guitar with Rock Band for the PS2 in the past, but people have told me that certain ones are not compatible.
Anyone have rock solid information on which guitars for Guitar Hero can and cannot be used with Rock Band, for the PS2?
15
Species Dude
ID: 07724916 Mon, Apr 07, 2008, 13:50
I played GH3 for the first time during my Spring Training trip. It was HARD to put down. Someone had Rock Band but packing it for the flight was just too cumbersome. Too bad, because I'm certainly hooked enough to buy it soon.
I guess the question is - what system? I have a Wii and a (sorta busted, but I'm sure I could get it fixed easily) 360. Is the 360 version of GH wireless? (that certainly was handy with the Wii) Can you download more songs for Wii?
Suggesions on systems would be great. I think I'll stick to GH because the group of friends I'd play with already have Rock Band.
16
Great One
ID: 4231419 Mon, Apr 07, 2008, 14:04
I don't know about PS2... but as far as PS3 goes - Rock Band and Guitar Hero guitars are NOT compatible with each other. Obviously they want you to buy their equipment.
BUT... there is a third-party guitar which does work with both PS3 games and I believe comes out sometime this month. Keep an eye out for that one.
I don't believe the 360 version is a wireless guitar for Rock Band (in the bundle) BUT I do believe they are making a seperate one which will be wireless. I remember being glad I had PS3 instead of XBOX360 cause the PS3 was originally bundled with the wireless guitar and the XBOX wasn't for whatever reason.
17
barilko6
ID: 39343721 Tue, Apr 08, 2008, 07:44
Alright...got the answers that I need.
Apparently for the PS2, only the non-wireless guitars from Guitar Hero I or II work with the Rockband set, so I just bought an extra Rockband guitar.
Should hook it all up today!
18
Kyle Donor
ID: 052753312 Tue, Apr 08, 2008, 11:02
RE:15 Species, if you want to be able to download songs, get RB. GH3 just doesn't have the downloadable content that RB has. Every week RB has released at least 3 new songs, and with the promise of the entire "Nevermind" and "Who's Next" albums to be released I think it's a can't miss for number of songs available. For GH3 wii vs. 360, I'd go 360. I don't know about downloads for the wii but there seems to be a few downloads
GH3 does have the wireless guitar for the 360. RB does not, but from what I've heard there should be one released separately soon.
Finally, GH3 guitars are compatible with RB, but RB guitars aren’t compatible with GH3. The Gibson Les Paul that comes with GH3, is easier to use IMHO.
So for your purposes, get GH3 for the 360, take your guitar to your friends when you play RB and enjoy being the only one with a wireless instument.
19
Species Dude
ID: 07724916 Tue, Apr 08, 2008, 11:15
Great insights......thanks Kyle.
Considering one of our drunken contests on GH3 in Arizona was who could act the most ridiculous while playing (i.e. - duck walk, Pete Townsend circular motions, Angus Young head bobbing, guitar over your head, etc), being wireless (via Wii in this case) was a huge plus.
20
Kyle Donor
ID: 052753312 Tue, Apr 08, 2008, 12:35
I brought RB with me to a New Year's Party. At the end of one set, my friend took his GH guitar (we used 2 GH guitars so we were wireless) and tried to set it on fire ala Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock. That was just one of the many homages we payed to the rock gods that night. The drunken RB/GH3 conquests are great.
21
The Beezer Dude
ID: 191202817 Wed, Apr 09, 2008, 01:09
I picked up a Wii about 3 weeks ago and bought GH3 with it. Totally addicting. I've made it to tier 7 on hard and hopefully will be on expert by next week (only getting to play 2 days a week is limiting my ability to improve, but is probably best for staying employed, etc).
22
Species Dude
ID: 07724916 Fri, Apr 25, 2008, 15:02
Okay, I haven't made my GH purchase yet. GH - Aerosmith is coming in June. Obviously it makes sense to get the latest, but I also want GH3 because I was addicted to many of the songs and want to keep playing 'em.
So, from a pricing standpoint do I:
- Just buy a guitar and the Aerosmith version when it comes out, and buy maybe a used GH3 disk online/at Game Stop or the like? - Buy GH3 guitar and disk and maybe get a used Aerosmith disk a couple of months after it comes out?
23
The Beezer
ID: 40281619 Sun, Feb 22, 2009, 23:14
Resurrecting this thread to see if anyone out there is playing Guitar Hero: World Tour or Rock Band 2 on the Wii. I've been having an absolute blast with this, but it's even better when you have a full band going.
24
PuNk42AE Donor
ID: 036635522 Mon, Feb 23, 2009, 10:52
I have RB2 on PS3.
25
Rob J
ID: 24349813 Wed, Apr 08, 2009, 16:40
Rock Band is better for singing, Guitar Hero WT is better for instruments.
26
blue hen
ID: 8115717 Mon, Apr 13, 2009, 01:03
I played Rock Band extensively last week at my sister's house. I only both Guitar Hero III and Guitar Hero Aerosmith. I far prefer Guitar Hero. The game play is better and the game itself is more interesting.
Did you play rockband or Rockband 2? I thought RB2 has the best setup/interface. I assume you downloaded Ten - the whole album came out a couple of weeks ago on rockband.
I picked up GHWT at Christmas, and didn't like the gameplay nearly as much as rockband. I played to the point I unlocked the Tool songs and that was about it. however, I just picked up Guitar Hero Metallica a couple of weeks ago and it is really good. It may have been I had the calibration wrong for GHWT and that soured me on the game, but a big part of it why I like the GH Metallica be the songlist and a much-improved presentation.
28
blue hen
ID: 8115717 Wed, Apr 15, 2009, 23:00
Nah I think it was RB1. It had Creep and In Bloom. So maybe it wasn't the right experience.
I don't own the game so I didn't download the Pearl Jam songs. Hell, I only got the deluxe edition of the remaster, not the super deluxe. I am slipping.
I have GH World Tour for the Wii and really enjoy it. May just have to run out tonight to get the Beatles Rock Band which launched today now that I found out my peripherals are compatible
30
Species Dude
ID: 07724916 Wed, Sep 09, 2009, 17:29
I don't own a game system (the worst part of my divorce! lol) but may be tempted to get a PS3 now with the price decrease. Getting either GH or RB would be tops on the list for sure, especially with the compatibility.....I mean, I could get ONE guitar/instrument set and rock both!