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At first glance, these Activision-made Guitar Hero/Rock Band instrument compatibility charts appear very handy. That is, until you realise that they're completely overrun by inaccuracies. It didn't take long for the Kotaku commenters to rip apart the list, with one reader finding flaws with data on each platform. So we're left with one question:
As a chick who's incredibly into both gaming and tech stuff, one of my biggest pet peeves EVER is the pinkification of girl stuff. Want to make me automatically hate something? Make it a shade of dusted coral. So despite these Aly & AJ-designed Rock Band and Guitar Hero-compatible controllers being in somewhat interesting shapes and relatively stylish (if you're 16) patterns... my first reaction is to want to puke all over them. Still, just because I can't stand pink doesn't mean there aren't gamer girls out there who actually do like the whole cutesy-wootsey ultra-femme look--if you know one, you can pick up one of these for $US70 at Daisy Rock Girl Guitars. Oh god, just the name of that store makes me nauseous. [Daisy Rock via Popgadget]
Since Guitar Hero: World Tour features a full set of instruments that are nearly identical to Rock Band's, Activision decided that it was time to take the high road and make their PS3 hardware completely compatible with their competition. Great, right? Well it is, except for one minor catch: PS3 Guitar Hero drums are not working in Rock Band. Oh, and the Rock Band mic isn't working in Guitar Hero, either.
Whether you are a KISS fan or not, you have to admit that this Rock Band and Guitar Hero compatible replica of his signature bass is just...plain...awesome. I know it is hard to look away, but if I could have your attention for just a moment you might be interested to know that it also features a bi-directional strum bar, ultra-responsive fret buttons, an analogue whammy bar and an $US80 price tag. Appropriately enough, it is set to be released on Halloween. [Amazon via Kotaku]
The Logitech Wireless Guitar Controller, Premiere Edition shows that even a keyboard and mouse manufacturer is ready to challenge Fender in the world of high end game guitars. The $US250 PS2/PS3 accessory features a premium build including a genuine wood neck, rosewood fingerboard and metal frets.
Before the wireless instruments came bundled in Rock Band 2, users needed to utilise a 4-port USB hub to connect all of the instruments. It was inconvenient, but no big deal. That was, until one user had his adaptor catch fire randomly after being plugged in for just ten minutes. Had he left the system on without being home, there very well could have been a more serious incident.
Posted by Nick Broughall at 8:51 AM on October 13, 2008
I normally wouldn't post something like this on Giz, but it's Monday, my mind is still in Sunday mode and I have this press release from Sennheiser sitting in my inbox, waiting to to be filed.
The big news here is that Sennheiser's premium microphones are available in EA's Rock Band 2 game (you know, the sequel to the peripheral-based game that still not available in Australia, although it will be very soon). Considering Both Rock Band and Guitar Hero before it used official guitar makes and models (plus amps and other musician's kit), this isn't so surprising.
What does make this interesting is that it's well-worked into the game. Considering Google is making (or planning on making) a big splash into in-game advertising, there's some concern that ads in games are going to detract from the gaming experience. Considering how demanding gamers are, this can only be a bad thing.
In any case, if (and when) you ever do get Rock Band 2, remember that Sennheiser mics are some pretty high-quality gear, even when they're just virtual copies of the original.
For when cords limit your artistic freedom (or screeching Rock Band karaoke), Logitech has announced a wireless version of their Vantage microphone (old model pictured here). Syncing via 2.4GHz frequencies, the Vantage can connect to PC, Xbox 360, Wii and PS3 through a USB dongle that holds (but doesn't charge) the mic when not in use. Operating for 20 hours from distances of 30 feet, the wireless Vantage will be available this December for $US80. But until someone releases a decent wireless mic that transmodulates my voice to Seal's, I'm not buying.
We know, Rock Band 2 just hit shelves and we're already speculating about the instruments in Rock Band 3. But according to a posting on the Harmonix job board, the company is looking to hire a keyboard expert, which we can only assume means that a keyboard will be part of Rock Band 3. From the listing:
Posted by Nick Broughall at 7:12 PM on September 23, 2008
Following on from yesterday's announcement that Rock Band will be hitting Australian shelves on November 7 comes confirmed pricing from EA. So what is the cost of rocking out down under?
Well, the complete kit will set you back $250, which includes the game, guitar, drum kit and microphone. You can also get drum and game and mic and game kits.
Hit the jump for the full pricing rundown. And tell us - is it too little too late from EA, or are you still keen on a 12 month old game?
