In the wake of yesterday's announcement of Rock Band 3, there's a ton of new information about the game today. First off, we've gotten the first details of the new guitar controller, which was designed in partnership with Fender and is the first major change in the game's controller design. While old guitar controllers will work, Rock Band 3's "Pro Mode" guitar will actually teach you how to play:
"This groundbreaking partnership with Fender ushers in a new era in rhythm gaming, providing countless music fans their first opportunity to enter the world of real musicianship," said Alex Rigopulos, CEO and Co-Founder, Harmonix Music Systems. "The Rock Band 3 Squier Stratocaster will allow players to enjoy the addictive fun of the rhythm gaming with Rock Band while simultaneously developing skills on a real musical instrument, helping to close the gap between simulation and reality."
That alone is big news, but there's much more info on the game, so read on.
As was widely expected, Harmonix has officially passed the manufacturing over to third-party peripheral company Mad Katz. The company has released the first details on what types of bundles you can expect to see, and it's a much wider range than just instruments. |
| Rock Band 3's stringed guitar |
Products expected to ship as part of the range include:
·Rock Band 3 Wireless Keyboard Controller - Xbox 360 / PlayStation 3 / Wii
Designed for use exclusively with Rock Band 3, the Wireless Keyboard Controller has been crafted to resemble classic professional keyboards and is playable on a secure flat surface or while strapped over the player's shoulder. Empowering gamers to take their enjoyment of rhythm music gaming to the next level, theWireless Keyboard Controller also functions as a MIDI keyboard, boasting a two-octave (C3 to C5) range and non-weighted, velocity-sensitive key bed allowing gamers to take full advantage of the Rock Band Pro mode. The MIDI output connector provides compatibility with MIDI software sequencers and hardware devices while standard console-specific gaming controller buttons deliver seamless console integration and the Wireless Keyboard Controller can also be used to play the lead guitar or bass parts of the game. An optional Keyboard Stand will be sold separately and is expected to be available alongside the launch of Rock Band 3.
MSRP: $79.99
·Rock Band 3 Game & Wireless Keyboard Controller Bundle
Xbox 360 / PlayStation 3 / Wii
Ideal for gamers who wish to enjoy the holiday seasons hottest music title and latest instrument together, the bundle includes both the Rock Band 3 game andWireless Keyboard Controller, representing a convenient and excellent value purchase for music fans everywhere.
MSRP: $129.99
 |
| Rock Band 3's keyboard controller |
·Rock Band 3 Wireless Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar Controller
Xbox 360 / PlayStation 3 / Wii
Introducing a new level of realism to the rhythm music genre, the Wireless Fender Mustang PRO-GuitarController is designed for use exclusively with Rock Band 3, allowing gamers to accurately replicate a real guitar when playing Rock Band Pro mode in the game. Featuring 17 frets along a button-based neck, theFender Mustang PRO-Guitar includes a 6-string strumming area which allows for discrete picking of each string and a touch-sensitive string box which allows players to mute or 'cut-off' notes when pressed. In addition, the Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar operates as a fully functional MIDI guitar, with the MIDI output connector providing compatibility with MIDI software sequencers and hardware devices while standard console-specific gaming controller buttons deliver seamless console integration and navigation of the game menus. The Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar allows for left or right handed use and can also be used to play either lead or bass parts of the game in Rock Band Pro and standard game modes.
MSRP: $149.99
·Rock Band 3 Wireless PRO-Cymbals Expansion Kit - Universal
Compatible with all wireless Rock Band drum kits, the Wireless PRO-Cymbals Expansion Kit features three newly designed Rock Band 3 cymbals which have been re-engineered for quiet operation. Fully supporting the Rock Band Pro mode where the cymbals represent Hi-Hat, Crash and Ride, the cymbals can also be used in standard game modes for all Rock Band software. Improved from the Rock Band™ 2 cymbals, the new PRO-Cymbals boast quieter sound with noise-dampening rubber covering the full surface area of the cymbal. The PRO-Cymbals also feature enhanced responsiveness, essential when playing in Rock Band Pro mode. In addition, the redesigned Rock Band 3 cymbals now permanently rest at a pre-defined 10° angle, better positioned for accurate play. The PRO-Cymbalsare also available as part of the Rock Band 3 Wireless Drum and Cymbal Kit (sold separately).
MSRP: $39.99
· Rock Band 3 MIDI PRO-Adapter - Xbox 360 / PlayStation 3 / Wii
Designed for use exclusively with Rock Band 3, theMIDI PRO-Adapter allows musicians to use their real MIDI keyboards or MIDI drum sets to play Rock Band 3. Plugging directly into the console via USB, the MIDI PRO-Adapter works as an interface between the console and MIDI instrument, converting the MIDI messages into console controller data which the game translates into on screen action. The MIDI PRO-Adapter features a velocity sensitive adjustment for MIDI drums designed to reduce cross-talk during play. A full D-Pad and standard gaming controller buttons are located on the PRO-Adapter to deliver seamless console integration and navigation of the game menus. Ships with a removable clip, allowing MIDI PRO-Adapter to be attached to a belt, or rest on a table top or similar flat surface.
MSRP: $39.99
To be formally announced in due course, Mad Catz will be offering updated versions of the guitar and drum peripherals from prior versions of Rock Band, as well as improved microphones in support of the Rock Band 3 vocal harmony feature.
 |
Tags: Instruments, Rock Band 3
Join The Joystick Division!
Become part of the Joystick Division community by following us on Twitter and Digg and Liking us on Facebook.
