As I have become the resident Rock Band 2 guy around these parts, it is my duty to bring you the latest news from the Harmonix camp.

The latest is located after the jump.

Last week, I updated a previous story with information that is reportedly incorrect. According to Joystiq, a Harmonix representative has refuted reports that Rock Band 2 owners will be able to download every track that shipped with its predecessor as free DLC. IGN, the original source of the information, has reportedly retracted the statements made by Nate Ahearn. I was unable to access the retraction as it requires an Insider membership.

Though the Harmonix representative seemed adamant that no such DLC would be available, he/she could simply be protecting sensitive information. Obviously, Harmonix and MTV Games would like to sell a few more copies of Rock Band before the sequel hits the Xbox 360 in September. Offering the entire set list as free DLC would completely crush any hopes of additional revenue.

Also, the comments from IGN, as they appeared on Joystiq, did not say the original Rock Band set list would not become DLC at some point. They simply said the comments were made by someone who hoped such content would be available.

These types of rumors will continue to pop up until the game’s September release for the Xbox 360. Hopefully, Harmonix will clear up some of the confusion when they debut Rock Band 2 at E3 next week.

Alright, with the bad news out of the way, it’s time for some good news.

Kotaku, the popular game blog, has received some new information on Rock Band 2 straight from the folks at Harmonix. The fact sheet is full of interesting tidbits, but you only care about the most important stuff.

Harmonix has gone to great lengths to improve the Rock Band experience. In addition to improved peripherals, Rock Band 2 will also feature improved online functionality. Chief among these improvements is the ability to take World Tour mode online.

This was something that was inexplicably absent from the original Rock Band. Playing World Tour mode locally with friends was a blast. However, what if you didn’t have any friends? Sure, you could go solo, but we all know that it’s much more fun to play with actual people (even if those people are strangers). This expansion on the popular formula is sure to please fans of the series, as well as newcomers who plan to burst their Rock Band cherry by purchasing the sequel.

What else does Harmonix have in store for gamers?

Find out on the next page.

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