Rock Band 2 Ships, Prices Software, Peripherals, and Third-Party Accessories

Wed, Sep 10, 2008

So, in case you've been living under a rock -- a rock with no internet access -- Rock Band 2 is releasing this weekend. Just to keep all virtual virtuosos on the edges of their drumming seats, Harmonix and MTV Games reminded us all today that the game has officially shipped out, and you'll be able to grab the game this coming Sunday, September 14th. Also, just to make sure you're ready to pay to play, the press release contains pricing information for everything shipping this week, including the software, the standalone instruments, and the third-party instruments from Mad Catz and Ion. Here's the relevant info:

Available the "Week of September 14th:"

Rock Band 2 Standalone Software (Xbox 360) $59.99 MSRP
Rock Band 2 Standalone Wireless Drums (Xbox 360) $89.99 MSRP
Rock Band 2 Standalone Wireless Guitar (Xbox 360) $69.99 MSRP

Shipping "to retail this week:"

Mad Catz Rock Band Fender Precision Bass Guitar Controller - $69.99 MSRP
Rock Band ION Drum Rocker - $299 MSRP

Assuming you don't own a single Rock Band or Guitar Hero instrument -- that is to say, if this is going to be your very first foray into simulated rock -- I hope you're prepared. To get the full four-player experience, you and your three pals will need to pony up a minimum of $290 for the basic setup, not including a microphone -- though the Xbox headset mic will work in a pinch. If you go the Ion route, mind you, you're looking at a $500 hit. Is Rock Band 2 worth two games each to all four of you?

Full press release is after the break. Look for our Rock Band 2 review next week!

CAMBRIDGE, MA – September 10, 2008 – Harmonix, the world’s premier music video game development company, and MTV Games, a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with distribution partner Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), today announced its highly anticipated music videogame Rock Band 2™is shipping to retail.

The award-winning Rock Band 2 standalone software will make its debut on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft on Sunday, September 14, 2008 with an exclusive launch window in North America. Rock Band 2 standalone wireless drums and guitars will also arrive at retail later in the week. In addition, look for the epic Rock Band 2 TV commercial featuring AC/DC’s rock anthem “Let There Be Rock” that premiered during the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards at www.rockband2.com.

“Rock Band 2 and Harmonix are raising the bar in the music game category again with an incredible music setlist, innovative online features, and new authentic instruments. With over 300 songs available on disc and via weekly downloads, no other music game can compete with the Rock Band 2 music catalog,” stated Bob Picunko, Vice President of Electronic Games and Interactive Products, MTV. "Mark your calendar, call your band mates, and get set for the best Rock Band party ever on Sunday, September 14th."

Rock Band 2 is set to revolutionize music gaming with the ability to export most of the songs from the original Rock Band disc, Online World Tour, daily Battle-Of-The Band Tournaments, Auto-Calibration to eliminate TV lag, wireless drums, quieter, velocity sensitive drum heads, support for up to three cymbals (sold separately), advanced voice detection technology, No Fail Mode, and a real Drum Trainer. Rock Band 2’s massive list of innovations also includes the ability to export your in-game band avatar to the internet and order custom Rock Band merchandise including apparel and figures.

Shipping and pricing information:
Week of September 14, 2008

Rock Band 2 Standalone Software (Xbox 360) $59.99 MSRP

Rock Band 2 Standalone Wireless Drums (Xbox 360) $89.99 MSRP

Rock Band 2 Standalone Wireless Guitar (Xbox 360) $69.99 MSRP

With a focus on authenticity, quality and blurring the line between playing a game and performing music, Rock Band partners Mad Catz and Ion have introduced officially licensed high–end instruments which are already shipping to retail this week:

Mad Catz:

Rock Band Fender Precision Bass Guitar Controller: The Fender Precision Bass equipped with a split strum bar and innovative features designed to enhance the Rock Band experience. This new guitar peripheral is designed for bass players but can be used to play both lead and bass guitar portions of Rock Band and Rock Band 2.

MSRP: $69.99

ION:

Rock Band ION Drum Rocker: A real electronic drum kit with three cymbals that functions as a Rock Band game controller brings the Rock Band fantasy to life. A drum conversion kit is also available to transform the kit from a game controller to a real instrument (sold separately).

MSRP: $299

Rock Band 2 features the largest music catalogue of any music-based videogame to date including over 100 songs on the Rock Band 2 soundtrack with an unrivaled blend of classic and new artists including AC/DC, Guns ‘N Roses, Bob Dylan, Pearl Jam, Motorhead and more! With the addition of complete and immediate backwards compatibility for songs purchased from Rock Band’s ever-expanding online music store and the ability to export most songs from the original Rock Band disc, the Rock Band music library will feature more than 500 songs by year’s end.

The Rock Band online music store recently surpassed 21 million paid downloads since the game’s launch in late November 2007. With more than 300 tracks available to date via disc and 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 with descriptors of lyrics and suggestive themes by the ESRB.