Yeah, they look sweet - but at $99/piece, are they worth it?

Exactly two months ago today, Eoco gave us a fun little article on the leaking details of the upcoming “The Beatles: Rock Band” (B:RB for the sake of brevity from here out). He used actual Beatles song titles and was quite clever. Since I can’t live up to Eoco’s brilliance on such short notice, you’re stuck with whatever rubbish I spew.

Let me start: I don’t want to buy B:RB. It’s not for the reason of “waste of time,” or any of the other nonsense that the music game haters give us. I have RB and GH 2 & 3 and still enjoy them from time to time. Part of it is because I’m simply not that big of a Beatles fan. I’ve played guitar for several years, done a few bands, performed live gigs in front of as many as 2,000 people (and no, neither RB or GH give you the real feelings associated with them). However, when word came down the wire today about the peripherals and some of the features planned for the title, it made me reconsider.

Find out what’s so neat-o, daddy-o after the jump.

Rolling Stone and other various news sites announced today that there will be two guitar peripherals for B:RB, one modeled after Lennon’s Rickenbacker 325, the other after Harrison’s Gretsch Duo Jet. Both are pretty guitars in real life that helped define the vintage UK tone, something that guitar fx pedals and processors attempt to re-create even today. Neither guitar will be released in the “full” bundle, but will retail for $99/piece.

If you recall Eoco’s article, a “Limited Edition Premium Bundle” was announced back in March that would include replica peripherals. With this recent news update, that will include Ringo’s drums, McCartney’s bass, and potentially up to (but not necessarily) three microphones.

Wait, three microphones? Yes, three. Since the pricing point for this package is set around $250, its tough to say for sure if they expect people to pay extra for the name and branding, or if that extra is to help make up for wireless and extra mics.

Again, why three mics? Now, this feature is cool enough to make me re-consider getting the game. True to the Beatles’ sound, the game will feature the ability to set up three microphone stands so that players can attempt (emphasis added for some of our community members) to harmonize with the lead vocals.

Vocal harmonizing is an element that has largely been missing from the rhythm game franchises. I figured someone would get around to it someday. Not only will we now have the ability to harmonize, but we’ll be able to do triple harmonies. Sweet!

I’m against the idea of putting out yet another RB kit with unique peripherals in an attempt to lure us in to purchase another friggin’ set. I refuse. I’m also against the idea of Harmonix and MTV charging more simply because its the Beatles. Giving gamers more features and a different style of game play (such as the planned “follow the Beatles’ Career” mode) makes me reconsider my attitude about this title.

Pre-orders start today. For more information, visit the Rolling Stone article, or go take a trip down memory lane with Eoco’s coverage.

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