RockBand Mods.net

For the first time, a rhythm games complete set list is revealed all at once.  And that is definately not the only first as far as music games goes when talking about the Rock Band 2 set list.  Today, harmonix revealed the entire 84 songs that will be available on the Rock Band 2 disc, and it contains some doozies!

For the first time ever in a video game, Rock Band 2 will contain tracks from AC/DC, and Bob Dylon.  Along with those firsts, for the first time in 14 years, a new Guns ‘N Roses song will be released, and in Rock Band 2 nonetheless.

For the complete press release and track listing, hit the jump: Read More…

The Ion Drum set featured in the latest issue of GameInformer, known as the Ion Drum Rocker, is set to be released in early September, but you can actually pre-order a set now.  That is if the price doesn’t scare you away.  Coming in at a paltry $299.99 the Ion Drum Rocker is one of the most expensive game accessories to ever hit the market.  However,  When you consider that it’s actually a real electronic drum set minus the brains, aka the scarecrow of electronic drums, it’s not that bad of a deal.

For more details and pictures of the Ion Drum Rocker or to place your pre-order, check out the official site for the drums at drumrocker.com.

The latest issue of GameInformer is starting to arrive in mail boxes across the country, and thanks to the fine peeps at ScoreHero, scans of the 8 page Rock Band 2 blow out have been made available.  While some of the information has been known for awhile, there are still some golden nuggets of info to be found. Read More…

Harmonix is starting to roll out the details on Rock Band 2 prior to the start of E3 next week and we can’t be more excited.  Besides confirming once again that all previously bought DLC tracks from Rock Band will transfer to Rock Band 2, it now appears that they’ve confirmed the long standing rumor that Rock Band on-disc songs will also transfer to Rock Band 2.

That’s a crapload of songs!

If you haven’t seen the features or the Officially announced tracks, be sure to hit the jump.

Read More…

When we posted about the announcement of Rock Band 2, we mentioned that the Xbox 360 version of Rock Band 2 would be available in Europe in September as well as North America.  Well, it appears that there may have been some miscommunication on EA’s part. Read More…

Thanks to the fine folks at the ScoreHero forums, some potential songs for Rock Band 2 have been revealed thanks to a screen grab from the X-Play preview of RB2.  After the initial shock that people still watch G4 wore off, I was blown away by the possible new additions to the Rock Band family.  With acts such as Journey, System of a Down, Red Hot Chili Peppers and more, the song selection is strong, varied and I think there’s probably something for everyone.  And this is just from one difficulty tier.

The tracks, and best guess at performing artists is below: Read More…

Well, Harmonix has finally let the cat out of the bag.  In case you had any doubts, Rock Band 2 is real and it’s coming alot sooner than most expected.  That’s if you have a 360.  The Xbox 360 version of Rock Band 2 will be hitting store shelves in September while all other platforms (read PS3, Wii, PS2) will be available later in the year.

One of the most asked questions when it comes to a Rock Band sequel is whether or not the DLC from the original Rock Band will be compatible with RB2, and the answer is YES!  Rock Band 2 will be the first game ever to offer cross game DLC compatibility on both the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3.  Another good piece of info for our Xbox 360 friends across the pond comes from VG247, as EA confirmed that Rock Band 2 will also be released in Europe in September for the 360.

The folks at IGN have a nice interview with Harmonix Lead Designer, Dan Teasdale, about much of the new features of Rock Band 2 and why anyone that has the original Rock Band should upgrade to the latest incarnation since the current and future DLC will work for both games. Dan also sheds a little bit of light on the new hardware, such as the new, and I must admit beautiful, guitar pictured below.

 We’ll keep you posted as more information starts to trickle out, so keep coming back for updates.  Otherwise, you can check out the official press release below:

The Ultimate Music Game Is Back For An Encore
Harmonix, MTV Games and Electronic Arts Unleash Rock Band™2

Entire Rock Band Downloadable Content Music Catalog Compatible with
Rock Band 2

More Music, Online Modes, Features Than Ever Before With New and Improved Drum and Guitar Peripherals

Rock Band Online Music Store Passes 15 Million Paid Downloads

Rock Band 2 Makes Exclusive Debut on Xbox 360 This September

Cambridge, Mass. – June 30, 2008 – Harmonix, the world’s premier music video game company in the world, and MTV Games, a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with marketing and distribution partner Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), are taking the groundbreaking music platform that forever changed the face of music video games to the next level this September with the release of Rock Band 2. With the original providing millions of players a new way to interact with the music and artists they love, Rock Band 2 is the next evolution of the franchise that redefined the standard for music games.

Rock Band is the groundbreaking platform that allows music fans and gamers to interact with music like never before – challenging players to put together a band and tour for fame and fortune while learning to master lead/bass guitar, drums and vocals.

Rock Band 2 builds upon its foundation as the first music game to introduce co-operative band gameplay, multiple instruments, a robust online multiplayer experience, an unrivaled offering of downloadable content and raises the bar by delivering an entirely new level of depth, connectivity, authenticity and features including:

- Backwards compatibility with Rock Band downloadable music content. All previously purchased tracks will immediately load into your Rock Band 2 song list. No need to re-purchase or re-download.

- The biggest and most diverse soundtrack ever featuring some of rock’s most prolific acts, comprised entirely of master recordings.

- Major new and dynamic online modes that will connect the entire Rock Band community in more ways than ever before both locally and globally.

- More variety of instrument choices than ever before with new and improved drum and guitar peripherals, enhanced functionality and innovative new designs – all fully compatible with the original Rock Band instruments.
And much more.

“As successful as the original Rock Band continues to be, we’ve now had the benefit of the last eight months to listen to our fans’ requests and to build upon that foundation,” said Alex Rigopulos, co-founder and CEO of Harmonix. “Rock Band 2 is a second-generation band game that will elevate the music game experience to the next level.”

Rock Band 2 will make its debut on Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft this September and have an exclusive launch window in North America. Rock Band 2 will be available for additional platforms later this year.

“We expect Rock Band 2 to continue to drive an amazing social music experience on Xbox 360, said David Hufford, senior director, Xbox Product Management for the Interactive Entertainment Business, Microsoft. “We look forward to supporting Rock Band 2 on Xbox 360 as gamers continue to download hundreds of new music tracks from Xbox LIVE so they and their friends can perform the rock music they love most.

More details regarding features and music for Rock Band 2 will be revealed at the 2008 E3 Media & Business Summit. Rock Band, the first installment in the franchise, garnered more than 40 awards including Game Critics Award: Best of Show E3 2007.

In addition, Harmonix and MTV Games today announced that The Rock Band online music store recently surpassed 15 million paid downloads since the game’s launch in late November 2007. With more than 200 tracks available to date via download purchase (complete list of tracks at http://www.rockband.com/dlc), the massive Rock Band Music Store allows players to preview and purchase downloadable individual music tracks, packs and albums from the vast selection of offerings available as they build their own custom Rock Band library.

Rock Band 2 is rated “T” for Teen (lyrics, mild suggestive themes) by the ESRB.

For more information on Rock Band and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockband.com and www.harmonixmusic.com.

#####

About MTV Networks
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 150 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services – MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 300 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

About MTV Games
MTV Games is dedicated to creating, marketing and publishing high-quality, innovative interactive products that are relevant to the MTV audience and complement the core values of the MTV Networks brands.

About Harmonix Music Systems, Inc Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., based in Cambridge, MA, and established in 1995, is the leading developer of groundbreaking music-oriented videogames. Harmonix was founded by Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy, who formed the company to invent new ways for non-musicians to experience the unique joy that comes from making music and have pioneered music and rhythm gaming in the US. For more information please visit: www.harmonixmusic.com .

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world’s leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, cellular handsets and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTSTM, EATM, EA SPORTS Freestyle TM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2008, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.67 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA’s homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA’s products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

© 2008 Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Harmonix, Rock Band, Rock Band 2 and all related titles and logos are trademarks of Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., a MTV Networks company. Rock Band and Rock Band 2 developed by Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. MTV: Music Television, MTV Games and all related titles and logos are trademarks of MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc All other marks are the property of their respective owners. EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS Freestyle and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Microsoft, Xbox. Xbox 360 and Xbox Live are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Rock Band 2 is coming, even if Harmonix doesn’t want you to know yet.  The evidence to support the fact is growing daily and the latest smoking gun in the case comes from our good friends at Joystiq.

Discovered in the obituary from the recently passed musical genius Bo Diddley, it was announced that Bo Diddley has been working with ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons to create the Billy-Bo-Jupiter Thunderbird guitar for Gretsch guitars.  The Billy-Bo-Jupitor Thunderbird guitar was based on Bo’s classic Gretsch Jupiter Thunderbird and according to the obituary it will be featured in the “impending” Rock Band 2.

If Harmonix is waiting until E3 to make the announcement on Rock Band 2, I’m sure that July can’t come soon enough for them.  Otherwise, at the rate that leaks have been appearing for the game, they won’t have anything left to announce. 

Thanks to a tipster at Joystiq, box art concepts for Rock Band 2 were revealed in an online survey posted by Listen Research.  The survey displayed the two box art images and asked the following questions:

• Indicate which of the two covers below would attract you more if you were shopping for a new game in a store.
• Indicate which game box cover you believe is a better fit with the description of the game.

The description of the game in the survey was as follows:

“Rock Band 2 lets you and your friends play as a virtual 4-person band, in person or online, to rock out to some of the biggest rock anthems from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s. Rock Band 2 will be a full featured sequel, similar to full featured sequels you see released by other big video game franchises, such as Need for Speed, Devil May Cry, Final Fantasy, Call of Duty, or Halo. In the music/rhythm genre, it is similar to the feature jumps made from Guitar Hero I to Guitar Hero II or Guitar Hero II to Guitar Hero III.”

And here are the concept images:

I was also asked to participate in the same survey, but unfortunately they thought I was too old.  So, it appears that Rock Band is getting closer to being announced day by day.

Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz recently posted on his Twitter account that they are currently mixing their song “Sorrow” to appear in Rock Band 2.  This is the second band to confirm that their songs are going to appear in the unannounced 2nd release of Rock Band.

While it’s great to see more bands state that they are working on songs for Rock Band and also great to see more modern punk bands get in on the act, it would be nice to hear some type of word from Harmonix on the mythical Rock Band 2.