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Video Games

Rock Band 3 details

There’s a whole bunch of stuff that’s come out of E3, but given my fixation on Rock Band, this one sort of requires its own entry. The big news, of course, is the official announcement of Rock Band 3 features.

Gameplay

Some pretty nifty stuff here. Harmonix has recognised that RB and GH excel most as party games, and as such are adding more social dimensions. Although not bleeding edge, drop-in/drop-out will be helpful for those Endless Setlist sessions that I keep trying to organise.

There will apparently also be a party mode which includes playlist management, party shuffling, and mid-song difficulty adjustments.

With the new instruments (below), there will also be a new “Pro” mode where those of us bored with poor plastic simulations will get a much more authentic experience.

Instruments

I guess it’s no surprise that the three-part harmony from RB: Beatles made it into Rock Band 3. I really hope that they’ll re-release (and maybe discount) some of the older tracks I downloaded to take advantage of this.

So Giant Bomb’s speculation (and that of everybody else who saw the RB:Green Day hint) was correct: keyboarding is the new big thing — and it can be strapped like a keytar for an authentic 80s feel. Although the game only requires two octaves, Destroid reports that we will be able to hook up any MIDI keyboard using the Rock Band MIDI adaptor. I think I’ll be going that route (I’ve been looking for an excuse to buy a new keyboard anyway).

Of course, adding a new instrument isn’t the only way to push the envelope. If you’re interested in splashing out, there’s a new guitar that’s much closer to the real thing, and a cymbals add-on for the drumkit that puts the snare in a much more realistic position:

That should keep my drummer friends a little more happy

Also, the MIDI adaptor will work with existing MIDI drumkits. I think that if my “bandmates’ want the PRO experience, they can make their own arrangements.

17 frets and 6 strings! Like playing the real thing!

Release will be late this year, so if you’re stuck on what to buy me for Christmas a contribution to any of this gear would be appreciated, even if it’s a Microsoft Points voucher for DLC.