14 DAY TRIAL // Rock Band developer Harmonix, MTV Games and distribution partner Electronic Arts have just confirmed the music title's gold status. The game is "in final production and manufacturing, and set for launch." The trio have also confirmed contents of The Rock Band Special Edition Bundle, which will be available in North America for PS3 and Xbox 360 on November 20th, at $169.99 a piece. As for the PlayStation 2 version of Rock Band, this one launches on December 18th, for ten bucks less than the next-gen version: $159.99.
"Rock Band is a true symbol of Harmonix's vision, dedication and passion for music and after two years of development, we are thrilled that Rock Band is finally ready to get in the hands of rock fans everywhere," said Alex Rigopolous, CEO of Harmonix. "We have a small army filling our warehouses with final product, ready for our November 20th ship date so players can fulfill their rock and roll aspirations. Now, our focus is putting together an amazing selection of downloadable music content for players so players can continue to further customize their Rock Band experience post launch."
As mentioned in the introductory column, Rock Band also ships as a Special Edition bundle on the 20th of November. Care to know what each console version features? Take a look below:
￭ The Xbox 360 version of the Rock Band Special Edition Bundle will feature a wired drum kit, microphone and Fender Stratocaster guitar controller as well as a USB hub for easy plug-in access for all instruments.
￭ The PLAYSTATION 3 system version of the Rock Band Special Edition Bundle will feature a wired drum kit an d microphone, as well as a wireless Fender Stratocaster guitar controller, which will be interoperable between the PlayStation 2 system and PLAYSTATION 3 system.
￭ The Rock Band Special Edition Bundle for the PlayStation 2 system will feature a wired drum kit, wired microphone, wireless Fender Stratocaster guitar controller and a USB hub.
Yes, you read that right. In case you didn't know, it's not only the next-gen ports that feature wireless play, but also the PS2 version. Now, if you remember, when Fender was confirmed as the Guitar controller brand, everyone started speculating on the whole bundle's price. It looked scary at first but then Harmonix and everyone involved with the game assured fans that they were making it as affordable as possible. And so they did. But not only did they make it affordable, they're also allowing everyone to just get the game and leave some of the peripherals behind, if they already have guitar controllers. Here's what you can do, if you don't need the whole bundle:
As the same official report reads...:
￭ Suggested retail pricing for standalone Rock Band software for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system versions will be $59.99.
￭ Standalone instrument peripherals for Rock Band, including a wireless guitar option for the Xbox 360, will be available at a later date to be announced.
￭ The standalone Rock Band software will support a variety of 3rd-party instrument peripherals as well as enable owners to share peripherals with those who or win the Special Edition bundle.
Keep in mind that Rock Band has just gone gold (meaning that the game is being stamped on discs). The game launches in North America for PS3, Xbox 360 and PS2 on November 20th, at $169.99, while Europeans are getting it in Q1 2008.