Round two of the epic battle between “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band” is creeping inevitably closer. I expected that the months leading up to the titles’ fall releases would devolve into a slap fight for song and artist exclusivity.
Fortunately for gamers, that scenario has not happened. However, some music game aficionados might still find it difficult to pick a side. Even though both titles will provide a full-band experience, there are enough differences to distinguish each title. For instance, “Guitar Hero: World Tour” will allow gamers to create their own music (sans vocals). Not to be outdone, Harmonix will make over 500 songs available for “Rock Band 2″ owners by the end of 2008.
It can be a difficult choice. However, it is one that Xbox 360 owners (and hopefully PS3, PS2 and Wii owners) might not have to make ever again.
Cross-game peripheral compatibility is something that every music fanatic has wanted since the official introduction of “Rock Band.” It is simply too cost prohibitive for many gamers to purchase numerous music games, especially when those titles come bundled with plastic peripherals.
Last year, I chose “Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock” over “Rock Band” due to my preference for the final set list and affinity for the series. In the months following my purchase, I was convinced that I had made the right choice. Activision made one of hell of a game, and I played it for hours on end. However, as more DLC was made available for “Rock Band,” I began lamenting my inability to purchase both titles. Not only was the “Rock Band” bundle really expensive (nearly double that of the “Guitar Hero III” bundle), but last year brought a slew of quality titles that I had to have (”Ratchet and Clank Future,” “Uncharted,” “Mario Galaxy,” etc.). Therefore, there was no way that I could justify spending nearly $200 on another music game.
Harmonix has openly declared their willingness to make their plastic peripherals compatible with the games in the “Guitar Hero” franchise. According to the developer of “Rock Band,” that would only be possible with the blessing of the Activision. However, Activision has been reluctant to offer such compatibility. Now, it appears that the publisher of “Guitar Hero: World Tour” has finally removed the proverbial stick from its butt.
Activision revealed during its E3 press conference that owners of the 360 version of “Rock Band” will not have to purchase new guitars to play “Guitar Hero: World Tour.”
According to Stephen Totilo of the MTV Multiplayer blog:
They explained that the Xbox 360 version of “Guitar Hero: World Tour” will indeed be compatible with the instruments for the first “Rock Band.” The “GH” developers have, for obvious reasons, not been able to test their new game with the upcoming “Rock Band 2.” Other third-party guitar and drum controllers are expected to work with “GH: World Tour” as well.
While Activision might be withholding information until Microsoft’s period of timed exclusivity expires, I am unconvinced that the same functionality will be offered to PS3, PS2 and Wii owners. The “Guitar Hero II” and “Guitar Hero III” peripherals were both compatible with the 360 version of “Rock Band.” However, the PS3, PS2 and Wii guitars were not. PS3 owners argued (rightfully so) that they should be offered the same functionality as the 360 owners. However, Activision turned a deaf ear to their cries.
This is a smart move by Activision. The introduction of cross-game compatible instruments makes the title less cost prohibitive. Instead of having to purchase two guitars to play “Rock Band” and “Guitar Hero: World Tour,” gamers only need to purchase one. Suddenly, “Guitar Hero: World Tour” is just another $60 game. For many consumers, this means they won’t have to choose one franchise over the other.
I wonder if Activision’s willingness to eliminate peripheral incompatibility stems from some previously unseen generosity or the company’s desire to make money. I don’t know about you, but I am leaning toward the latter. Activision has obviously seen the success of the “Rock Band” platform. I assume this is the publisher’s way of getting some of the title’s early adopters to buy its product. Either way, let’s hope the company extends the compatibility to all platforms. Otherwise, expect to see the first draft of my angry letter to Activision really soon.
Source: MTV Multiplayer blog via Joystiq
![[Post to Twitter]](http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/tweet-this-small.png)
Tweet This| Related Posts:
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
10 responses so far ↓
1 Lord Butters I // Jul 16, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Fantastic! I will be getting both games then
2 Tekknogun // Jul 16, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Does this mean that the Guitar Hero equipment will work on rock band 2 too. Because,I was always planing on buying Guitar Hero: World Tour just because I like the new drums and the create your own music part..
3 Awoll SGF // Jul 16, 2008 at 4:21 pm
The new drums for Rock Band 2 are supposed to have the 3 pads, 2 cymbals, and kicker like the Guitar Hero set does.
Fortunately I didn’t buy the first Rock Band put will be ponying up the dough for Rock Band 2.
Guitar Hero got lame once Rock the 80’s came out… what a crime.
4 RK1 FaMiCuS // Jul 16, 2008 at 4:40 pm
@Awoll SGF
Rock Band drums have 4 pads and 1 kick, not 3 pads, 2 cymbals, and 1 kick.
I’m sorry but Activision has to be the biggest flip flop company ever. First they said Rock Band was copying Guitar Hero 3, now they are making a Rock Band copy. Then they wanted people to only use theirs controllers for their game and for nothing else, now this story happens. Come on Activision, you are starting to make yourselves look like Metallica, but I guess that is why you are making the next Guitar Hero game about them.
5 Eddiemilz // Jul 16, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Yeah i made my choice with Guitar Hero: World Tour. I hope the peripherals work with rock band 2! though i don’t know how the drums would work…
Speaking of drums, playing rock band at a friends house, i hope on guitar hero they don’t have such noisy plasticy drums. eugh.
6 TheTruePhoenix // Jul 16, 2008 at 10:40 pm
This is means i might actually be able to walk around my room after getting theses games….maybw
7 TheTruePhoenix // Jul 16, 2008 at 10:41 pm
*Maybe
8 RockerX // Jul 17, 2008 at 8:03 am
I was almost considering buying GH:WT as well just because of the new drum kit - but with the improved quality of the Rock Band kit, plus the forthcoming Cymbals add on I’m staying on board with the Rock Band franchise.
The new Rock Band kit with the cymbals will be a much more realistic set (as realistic as a fake plastic instrument can be!). Four heads would be the snare and the 3 toms, and three cymbals (high-hat, ride and crash). Plus doesn’t make the game more difficult, just lets you add your own “pieces of flair” to the game.
Harmonix is the original - I’m all Rock Band from here on out.
9 RK1 FaMiCuS // Jul 17, 2008 at 9:51 am
I also think Activision is trying to get people to buy this game anyway they can after hearing ALL Rock Band DLC will work with Rock Band 2 and almost all the on-disc songs from Rock Band can be transferred to Rock Band 2. That is basically two games worth of music into one, and that’s not even counting all the DLC they have for this game. They also announced by this holiday season there will be around 500 available to play on Rock Band 2. Ummm….. SOLD.
10 sonicjosh // Jul 17, 2008 at 12:13 pm
This is just so hard to believe that Activision would say something like that. Why? Because if anyone remembers they blocked a patch for the RB controller to work with GH on the PS3; first they block a patch to do this, then they announce it like they have always been for it. I guess Activision doesn’t know what side they want to be on.
Leave a Comment