Rock Band 2

Infobox VG
title=Rock Band 2


caption=
developer=Harmonix Music Systems
publisher=MTV Games"'|distributor=EA Distribution
designer=Dan Teasdalecite web | url = http://www.rockband.com/rockers_blog_entry/hmxspraynwipe/365708 | title = Let There be Rock Band 2! | publisher = Harmonix | date = 2008-06-30 | accessdate = 2008-06-30 | first = Dan | last = Teasdale ]
Sylvain Dubrofsky
Casey Malone
engine=
released= Xbox 360
vgrelease|NA=September 14, 2008cite web | url = http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/885/885167p1.html | title = Rock Band 2 in September| publisher = IGN | date = 2008-06-30 | accessdate = 2008-06-30 | first = Hilary | last = Goldstein ]

PlayStation 3
vgrelease|NA=October 19, 2008cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/objects/142/14263132.html|title=IGN: Rock Band 2: Special Edition (Rock Band 2 Bundle)|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-09-11]

PlayStation 2
vgrelease|NA=November 18, 2008cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/objects/142/14263136.html|title=IGN: Rock Band 2|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-09-14]

Wii
vgrelease|NA=November 18, 2008cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/objects/142/14263140.html|title=IGN: Rock Band 2|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-09-14]
genre=Music, Simulation [cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=195708|title=Rock Band 2|publisher=GamePro|accessdate=2008-07-09]
modes=Single player, multiplayer
ratings=vgratings|ESRB=T
platforms=Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PlayStation 2
media = DVD (Xbox 360, PS2), Blu-Ray (PS3) Wii Optical Disc (Wii)
requirements =
input=Guitar controller (game packaged with Fender Stratocaster controller), drum controller, USB microphone, gamepad

"Rock Band 2" is a music video game developed by Harmonix Music Systems, as the sequel to "Rock Band". The game software was released in North America for the Xbox 360 on September 14, 2008, with individual instrument peripherals also available at this date, [http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=zFhgBDeml70] while the software and hardware bundle will be available on October 19, 2008. [ http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/08/13/rock-band-2-xbox-360-bundle-not-coming-till-october/ ] Versions of the game for the Wii, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 2 platforms will be released later in the year.

"Rock Band 2" allows players to perform in virtual bands by providing up to four players with the ability to play three different peripherals modeled after music instruments (a guitar peripheral for lead guitar and bass guitar gameplay, a drum peripheral, and a microphone). These peripherals are used to simulate the playing of rock music by hitting scrolling notes on-screen. In addition to the 84 songs included on the game disc and 20 free downloadable songs, thousands of additional downloadable songs are being released for the Xbox 360, Wii, and PlayStation 3 versions; all of these songs, existing and future, are compatible with all "Rock Band" titles. "Rock Band 2" will feature improved drum and guitar controllers, while supporting older controllers, as well. New features include a "Drum Trainer" mode, a "Battle of the Bands" mode, online capabilities for "World Tour" mode, and merchandising opportunities for the players' virtual bands.

Gameplay

"Rock Band" players use peripherals modeled after musical instruments to simulate the performance of rock music. Players must play these instruments in time with musical "notes" as they scroll towards them on the screen. "Rock Band" offers single-player and multiplayer gameplay for lead guitar, bass guitar, drums, and vocals, allowing for any combination of parts to play as a band.

During song performances, "Rock Band" displays up to three tracks of vertically scrolling colored music notes, one section each for lead guitar, drums, and bass. The colored notes on-screen correspond to buttons on the guitar and drum peripherals. Along the top of the screen is the vocals display, which scrolls horizontally. The lyrics display beneath green bars, which represent the pitch of the individual vocal elements. The remainder of the screen is used to display the band's virtual characters as they perform in concert.

During cooperative play as a band, all players earn points towards a common score, though score multipliers and "Overdrive" are tracked separately for each player. Overdrive is individually collected by players during select portions of a song by successfully playing all white notes within that section (guitar and bass players can also use the guitar controller's whammy bar to extract Overdrive from white sustained notes). Once a player's meter is filled halfway, they can deploy their Overdrive, resulting in the "Band Meter" (which tracks how well each player is doing) changing more dramatically. This allows players to strategically use Overdrive to raise the Band Meter and pass portions of a song they otherwise might have failed. In solo play, a player deploying Overdrive doubles the player's score multiplier. However, in band play, a player activating Overdrive instead increases the score multiplier of the entire band to two; individual players can coordinate their Overdrive activation to achieve multipliers of four, six, or even eight.

Each band member can choose the difficulty at which they play (spanning Easy, Medium, Hard, and Expert). If a player does not play well enough and falls to the bottom of the Band Meter, they will fail out of the song and their instrument will be muted from the audio mix. However, any active player can activate their Overdrive to bring failed players back into the song, "saving" the band member. However, a band member can only be saved twice; after the third failure, they cannot be brought back for that song. Failed players continuously drag the band's Band Meter down until they are saved. If the player is not saved before the Band Meter reaches the bottom, the band fails the song. Bonus overdrive can be gained by playing "Unison Phrases", and more points can be achieved with "Big Rock Endings."

Customization

Players can create and customize their own in-game character, complete with adjustable hair, body physique, clothing, tattoos, piercings, onstage movements, and instruments. Using cash earned within the game, the player may purchase items at the in-game "Rock Shop," with which they can customize their rock star. The game features an art maker where players can combine different clip art elements to create custom face paint, tattoos, clothing designs, instrument artwork, and band logos. The same character will be usable to play any of the instruments in the game, unlike in "Rock Band" where a character was fixed to one specific instrument. Players' characters created in the first "Rock Band" will not be able to be transferred to "Rock Band 2", although the "Rock Band" customization clothing and accessories will be present in "Rock Band 2". [cite web | url = http://www.destructoid.com/ch-ch-ch-ah-ah-ah-a-look-at-rock-band-2-s-updated-character-creation-100798.phtml | title = Ch-ch-ch, ah-ah-ah: A look at Rock Band 2's updated character creation | publisher = Destructoid | first = Nick | last = Chester | date = 2008-08-22 | accessdate = 2008-08-22] Through the game's updated website on October 6, 2008, players are able to view their characters and band, and obtain posters and figurines of their bands and characters. [cite web | url = http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2008/07/17/rock-band-2-will-allow-you-to-create-your-bands-merch | title = Rock Band 2 will allow you to create your band's merch | publisher = Ars Technica | first = Ben | last = Kuchera | date = 2008-07-17 | accessdate = 2008-07-17] The six-inch-tall figurines are created by the Z Corporation using 3D printing techniques, and will cost $75. [cite web | url = http://blog.wired.com/music/2008/08/rock-band-2-ava.html | title = Rock Band 2 Avatars To Be Printed in 3D | date= 2008-08-25 | accessdate = 2008-08-25 | publisher = "Wired" | first = Eliot | last = Van Buskirk] In Quickplay modes, players can create custom setlists, allowing multiple songs to be played in sequence without returning to the song selection menu.

Tour mode

Unlike "Rock Band", which segregated the single-player Solo Tour mode and the multiplayer Band World Tour mode, "Rock Band 2" features a single "Tour Mode" that makes no distinction of the number of players. Any combination of 1–4 players, both online and local, can create a band composed of the player(s)' virtual characters. A band leader is no longer necessary, allowing the characters within the band lineup to change at will, as well as swap instruments. The band must also select a name and hometown before proceeding to their "practice space". From here, the band can choose to "Start Tour", undertake "Tour Challenges", or compete with other bands in "Battle of the Bands."

If the band chooses to "Start Tour", they will enter the game's equivalent of the original "Rock Band"'s Band World Tour mode, allowing the band to play gigs and tour a virtual representation of the world. Once setup is complete, the band can begin playing concerts in small venues in their hometown until they unlock vans, tour buses and private jets, which unlock more cities and different continents. Unlocking and completing new gigs unlocks additional songs for play across all game modes. Successful performances also earn the band fans (used as a metric of measuring the band's popularity), stars (which accumulate based on the success of each individual song performed), and in-game cash (which each player can spend at the "Rock Shop"). Most cities and larger venues require the band to achieve a certain number of fans and stars before they are unlocked.

The band must complete unique sets of activities at each venue. Performances consist of single songs, multiple song sets, "make your own" setlists, and mystery setlists. Bands need to choose which sized venue they perform at carefully, as a poor performance at a larger venue poses a greater threat of the band losing fans. For certain performances, bands are faced with an optional challenge that requires the band to average a certain number of stars for their gig in order to reap the rewards. Bands can also hire personnel, including band managers, roadies, security personnel, and sound guys.

The second option from the band's "practice space" is "Tour Challenge", which is a set of non-linear challenges. Some of these challenges include completing certain band-specific setlists, sets of songs that are difficult on a particular instrument, or songs all with a common theme. New downloadable songs will be integrated into this mode, allowing the creation of new challenges. Players can save their progress through these setlists and complete them at a later time. Newly purchased songs that will extend the length of a Tour Challenge setlist will also need to be completed in order for the challenge to be completed.cite web | url =http://www.rockband.com/rockers_blog_entry/hmxspraynwipe/400385 | title = Rock Band 2 Small Stuff | first = Dan | last = Teasdale| date = 2008-08-07 | accessdate = 2008-08-07 | publisher = Harmonix]

The final option from the band's "practice space" is "Battle of the Bands", only available for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 version of the game. This mode allows the band to virtually compete against other bands via online scoreboard tracking. This mode will be composed of limited-time online tournaments created by Harmonix, with approximately five to ten challenges available any time. Challenges may be made up of one or more songs, and may be geared to one instrument or a full band. The songs will not be limited to those on the "Rock Band 2" disc and will include ones that use songs off the "Rock Band" disc and downloaded content; it is expected that challenges centered around downloadable albums will also be made available. Challenges may also provide special rules, such as turning on the "no fail" mode for a difficult guitar song, or completing a song without activating "Overdrive". While playing the challenge, the band will see the score of the next highest band from the online leaderboard, as well as a "tug of war" meter to show how close they are to the score. If a band's score is surpassed, they will be notified the next time they are online. Challenges participated in and the corresponding scores will be tracked as part of the band's history, with this information also being made available through the game's website.cite web | url =http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/rock-band-2-game-only-/890663p1.html | title = Rock Band 2 (game only) Preview | first = Sal | last = Accardo | date = 2008-07-16 | accessdate = 2008-07-16 | publisher = Gamespy] [cite web | url = http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/899/899820p1.html | title = Rock Band 2: Battle of the Bands | first = Hilary | last = Goldstein | publisher = IGN | date = 2008-08-18 | accessdate = 2008-08-18]

Unlike the original "Rock Band", players can designate custom characters as "stand-in musicians" for their band members, which will be available to place in the position of the default musicians created by Harmonix.

Other modes

Also included in "Rock Band 2" is a "Training" mode, which will help players learn how to play each instrument. Within this mode is the "Drum Trainer", which will help improve players on the drums through a "Beat Trainer" (with dozens of drum beats to practice), "Fill Trainer" (which will teach players how to perform better drum fills), and a "Freestyle Mode" (which will allow player to freeplay the drums over MP3 songs on their console). [cite web | url = http://www.avclub.com/content/node/82519 | title = Rock Band 2: The AV Club Hands-On Preview | first = Chris | last = Dahlen | date = 2008-07-09 | accessdate = 2008-07-09 | publisher = AV Club] The "Extras" menu of the game allows "modifiers" to be activated; some of these include "No Fail Mode," which will allow playing through songs without anyone being able to fail, and a "Breakneck Speed" mode, similar to the Hyperspeed code in "" which doubles the track's scrolling speed. [cite web | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/rock-band-2-features-no-fail-option/ | title = Rock Band 2 features no-fail option | date = 2008-07-16 | accessdate = 2008-07-27 | publisher = Joystiq]

Instrument peripherals

All of the original "Rock Band" peripherals are compatible with "Rock Band 2" for the same console. Similarly, the newly designed peripherals for "Rock Band 2" are backwards compatible with the original "Rock Band".

The game features special "Rock Band 2"-branded guitar controllers modeled after the Fender Stratocaster. The guitar is nearly identical to the original "Rock Band" Stratocaster in terms of gameplay. To use the guitar controller, players must hold the fret button that corresponds to the scrolling colored note on-screen while simultaneously pushing the strum bar. The Stratocaster controller has five additional fret buttons of smaller size located lower down the guitar neck, allowing for notes to be played as finger tapping during solos. The controller also features an effects pickup switch that can toggle between five different effects. Overdrive for guitarists can be deployed by holding the controller in a vertical position or pressing the "Select/Back" button. "Rock Band 2" features a "Lefty Flip" setting, supporting left-handed guitar players. Improvements to the new guitar include a sunburst paint job, a more reliable strum bar and Overdrive accelerometer, a self-timing calibration, and quieter fret buttons. The bass drum pedal from the drum set can also be used with the guitar to activate Overdrive mode. [cite web | url = http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2008/09/18/rock-band-2-drum-pedal-strat-controller-overdrive-switch | title = Rock Band 2: drum pedal + Strat controller = Overdrive switch | date = 2008-09-18 | accessdate = 2008-09-18 | first = Ben | last = Kuchera | publisher = Ars Technica]

The bundled drum controller is also similar to the one featured in the original "Rock Band". It features four rubber drum pads and a kick pedal. The pads have colored rings around the edges that correspond to the notes on-screen. The kick pedal simulates the bass drum, with on-screen notes represented as orange horizontal lines. To use the drum controller, players must strike the pads with the included authentic drum sticks and/or press the kick pedal in time with the scrolling notes on-screen. Drummers can improvise in special "freestyle drum fill" sections of songs, indicated by the columns for each note turning a solid color. Overdrive for drummers can be deployed by hitting the crash cymbal (green note for right-handed configuration) that appears directly after a freestyle drum fill. New improvements include velocity-sensitive drum pads (the force of the drum hits will dictate the in-game volume) with more rebound and less noise, a metal-reinforced kick pedal,cite web | url = http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2008/07/09/harmonix-unleashes-rock-band-2-details-en-masse | title = Harmonix unleashes Rock Band 2 details en masse | publisher = Ars Technica | first = Frank | last = Caron | date = 2008-07-09 | accessdate = 2008-07-09] expansion plugs for separately-sold cymbals manufactured by Mad Catz,cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/news/6193657.html | title = Rock Band 2 getting cymbal-ized | first = Tom | last = Magrino | date = 2008-07-11 | accessdate= 2008-07-11 | publisher = Gamespot] and wireless capabilities.

"Rock Band 2"'s USB microphone instrument is identical to the microphone from the original game. Singers are judged by pitch, or during "talking parts", their ability to enunciate spoken vocals. The phoneme detection system used for atonal vocal parts has been completely replaced with a new, more accurate engine, and songs imported from "Rock Band" and pre-existing downloadable content will be converted to use the new phoneme system. Some sections without vocals will display circle notes, allowing for the microphone to be used as a tambourine and cowbell by tapping it or making vocal cues. Overdrive for singers can be deployed by singing in freestyle vocal sections of songs, denoted by yellow artwork in the background of the vocals interface.

Harmonix and MTV Games will also be providing limited edition instruments, including an authentic Fender Squire Stratocaster guitar and Precision Bass retrofitted with the game's input controls by Mad Catz.cite web | url = http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/live-shots-of-mad-catzs-full-size-rock-band-2-fender-stratocast/ | title = Mad Catz Squire Axes | publisher = Engadget | first = Joshua | last = Fruhlinger | date = 2008-07-17 | accessdate = 2008-07-17] . Additionally, Ion Audio is selling a "Premium Drum Kit" that not only works within "Rock Band 2", but can also be expanded into an authentic electronic drum kit through the purchase of a separately-sold drum brain. The "Premium Drum Kit" features four drum pads, two cymbal pads (with the option of a third), and a bass pedal.

The peripherals will not be cross compatible with the Guitar Hero Wold Tour peripherals, but they will be backwards compatible with the Rockband 1 peripherals.cite web | url = http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/08/18/ps3-music-peripheral-compatibility-update/ | title = PS3 Music Peripheral Compatibility Update | publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment of America | first = Michael | last = Shorrock | date = 2008-08-18 | accessdate = 2008-08-18 ] Microsoft has also stated that instruments on the Xbox 360 will be compatible between the two games, as well as "Rock Revolution". [cite web | url = http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2008/08/19/560611.aspx | title = Speaking of Instrument Compatibility... | publisher = Gamerscore Blog | first = Chris | last = Paladino | date = 2008-08-19 | accessdate = 2008-08-19]

Development

A sequel to "Rock Band" had been reported as in development for release in late 2008 in a "Wired" blog by Chris Kohler. According to Kohler, Harmonix was working on improving the instrument controllers, but the current controllers would be forward compatible with "Rock Band 2". Kohler's piece also stated that the game would likely include similar features as announced for "Guitar Hero World Tour", also planned for release in late 2008. [cite web | url = http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/05/music-game-wars.html | title = Music Game Wars Heat Up -- What Will Rock Band 2 Do? | date = 2008-05-22 | accessdate = 2008-05-22 | first= Chris | last = Kohler | publisher = Wired]

According to lead designer Dan Teasdale from Harmonix, the game includes many features that players have been asking for, including "first time ever" features.cite web | url = http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/885/885168p1.html | title = Rock Band 2: The Opening Act | publisher = IGN | date = 2008-06-30 | accessdate = 2008-06-30 | first = Hilary | last = Goldstein ] Band World Tour mode allows the use of downloadable content, in addition to on-disc tracks, and there are several new solo play modes that "not only provide new ways for you to experience your music library, but also new ways for you to transition from Expert to real instruments".

Eric Brosius, Harmonix's Audio Director, described the process of selecting songs for "Rock Band 2" to be organic, allowing the set list to grow as needed with influence from fans' reaction to the first game but without any specific vision of the final list, and knowing that tracks that failed to make the main disc content would end up as content for download.cite web | url = http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/899/899325p1.html | title = Rock Band 2: Behind the Music | date = 2008-08-15 | accessdate = 2008-08-16 | first = Hilary | last = Goldstein ] The team often licensed several songs from a single group, and then select one that would be the most satisfying for all players in the game; additional songs not used in the main set list will likely appear as downloadable content in the future, though Brosius stated that the initial twenty songs to be made available immediately after "Rock Band 2"'s release will feature new bands. The final setlist features songs with harder drum and vocal parts compared to "Rock Band", given that a "second generation" of such players now exist after getting used to the instruments on the first "Rock Band". Songs, where necessary, were censored to achieve the desired game ratings; however, the team did not alter songs that had suggestive themes. Brosius stated that the inclusion of Guns N' Roses' "Shackler's Revenge" was due to the team knowing they wanted a Guns N' Roses song, then determining that they wanted one off the "mysterious" "Chinese Democracy" album; Axl Rose helped the team to select the specific song.

While a "Jukebox Mode" was originally planned, which would have allowed players to simply listen to the music and watch their band perform without interacting with the game, Harmonix stated that it was removed in the final stages of development, and that there are no plans to add it back to the game. [cite web | url = http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3169942 | title = Harmonix Confirms Free Rock Band 2 DLC | publisher = 1UP | first = Kat | last = Bailey | date = 2008-09-16 | accessdate = 2008-09-16 ]

"Rock Band 2" was officially announced by EA Games on June 30, 2008, and was presented at the 2008 E3 conference. The game premiered exclusively on the Xbox 360 on September 14, 2008 as a result of a marketing agreement with Microsoft. [cite web | url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117988326.html?categoryid=18&cs=1 | title = MTV takes a stand on 'Rock Band' | first = Ben | last = Fritz | date = 2008-06-30 | accessdate = 2008-07-04 | publisher = "Variety"] All other versions of the game, including the PlayStation 3 and Wii versions, will be released later in the year. The PlayStation 3 version will support Trophies. [cite web | url = http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/897/897649p1.html | title =Rock Band 2 Trophies | first = Erik | last = Brudvig | coauthor = Roper, Chris | publisher = IGN | date = 2008-08-08 | accessdate = 2008-08-09] The Wii version of "Rock Band 2" has been promised to be a "more competitive product" compared with the Wii version of "Rock Band", as stated by "Wired"'s Chris Kohler after speaking with Harmonix at the E3 conference. [cite web | url = http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/08/harmonix-rock-b.html | title = Harmonix: Rock Band 2 Wii Version Is Fully-Featured | first = Chris | last = Kohler | date = 2008-08-05 | accessdate = 2008-08-06 | publisher = "Wired"] "USA Today" confirmed that the Wii version will support downloadable content and the same multiplayer modes as the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 version. [cite web | url = http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/marcsaltzman/2008-09-25-rock-band_N.htm | title = 'Rock Band' sequel steals the show | publisher = "USA Today" | date = 2008-09-25 | accessdate = 2008-09-29 | first = Marc | last = Saltzman ] The PlayStation 2 versions will not have these features.

Band Specific Expansions

Similar to the Guitar Hero III expansion Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, Rock Band 2 has announced an AC/DC Live: Rock Band Track Pack. AC/DC Live will release November 2nd for the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Playstation 2; it will release on November 16th for the Nintendo Wii. It will cost $39.88 for the Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii, and 29.88 for the PS2. AC/DC Live will not be sold as downloadable content, and will only be avaliable exclusively at Wal-Mart. Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 owners will be able to import the tracks from the AC/DC Live disc to Rock Band or Rock Band 2 using an export key provided. The export process will be similar to that of exporting original Rock Band track to Rock Band 2. [http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86939]

=SKUs and pricing=

The release of "Rock Band 2" was originally exclusive to the Xbox 360 console for a one-month period. The game software and individual instruments were made available on September 14, 2008. The "Special Edition" bundle packaging the game software and peripherals will be made on October 19, 2008, when the PlayStation 3 version of the game software will also be released.

Promotion

A special "Rock Band 2" premiere event at the 2008 E3 conference was held on July 16, 2008, featuring a performance by surprise special guest The Who, in conjunction with the release of the "The Best of The Who" pack as downloadable content. [cite web | url = http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/07/the-who-rock-ro.html | title = The Who Rock Rock Band 2 at E3 | first = Chris | last = Kohler | date = 2008-07-17 | accessdate= 2008-07-17 | publisher = "Wired"] A "Rock Band Live" concert tour will tour North America in October and November 2008, and will feature bands such as Panic at the Disco, Dashboard Confessional, Plain White T's and The Cab, as well as local acts selected by radio promotions, contests, and on-site at each show. All acts featured during the tour included songs available as downloadable content for the game prior to the tour. [cite web | url = http://music.ign.com/articles/895/895081p1.html | title = Rock Band Live Tour | date = 2008-07-30 | accessdate = 2008-07-30 | publisher = IGN ] Mark Burnett, along with MTV, is sponsoring an "Ultimate Rock Band Experience" in Los Angeles, California for the launch of "Rock Band 2", offering the chance for any four-member set of players to participate in the competition; [cite web | url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117991955.html?categoryid=1009&cs=1 | title = Burnett's 'Band' looking for rockers | publisher = "Variety" | date = 2008-09-09 | accessdate = 2008-09-10 | first = Daniel | last = Frankel ] it is speculated that this will be the basis for a new reality television show. [cite web | url = http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/09/mtv-planning-ro.html | title = Rumor: MTV Planning Rock Band Reality Show | first = Earnest | last = Cavalli | date = 2008-09-11 | accessdate = 2008-09-11 | publisher = "Wired"] An early public showing/demo of "Rock Band 2" attended by lead designer Dan Teasdale and other Harmonix Music Systems personnel took place on September 2, 2008 [cite web | url = http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/archives/2008/08/28/rock-band-2-hits-ground-kontro | title = Rock Band 2 Hits Ground Kontrol 10 Days Early | first = | last = | date = 2008-08-28 | accessdate = 2008-10-04 | publisher = "Portland Mercury"] , at Ground Kontrol, a video arcade in Portland, Oregon that puts on weekly "Rock Band Tuesdays" events [cite web | url = http://www.myspace.com/rockbandtuesdays | title = Rock Band Tuesdays - Are You Ready To ROCK? | first = | last = | date = | accessdate = 2008-10-04 | publisher = "MySpace"] .

oundtrack

The full set list for on-disc material was announced on July 14, 2008 during E3. [cite web | url = http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63006 | title = Official Rock Band 2 Set List! | date = 2008-07-14 | accessdate = 2008-07-14 | publisher = Harmonix ] All 84 tracks included with the "Rock Band 2" game disc utilize the songs' master recordings;cite web | url = http://kotaku.com/5020463/acdc-coming-to-rock-band-2-survey-says | title = Rock Band 2 To Get A Jolt of AC/DC, Survey Says | date = 2008-06-27 | accessdate = 2008-07-02 | publisher = Kotaku] [cite web | url = http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2008-06-30-rock-band-2_N.htm | title = 'Rock Band 2' to include new online modes, songs | date = 2008-06-30 | accessdate = 2008-07-24 | publisher = USA Today ] 75 of these are featured tracks in the main setlist, while the other 9 tracks are "bonus songs" by independent or lesser-known bands, as well as bands made up of Harmonix employees. Featured songs include "Ace of Spades" by Motörhead, "Any Way You Want It" by Journey, "Everlong" by Foo Fighters, "Let There Be Rock" by AC/DC, "My Own Worst Enemy" by Lit, "Pinball Wizard" by The Who, "Psycho Killer" by Talking Heads, "Spoonman" by Soundgarden, and "White Wedding" by Billy Idol. The song "Shackler's Revenge" from the long-delayed Guns N' Roses album "Chinese Democracy" is part of the soundtrack, and it is seen as a precursor to the actual release of the album. [cite web | url = http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/14/arts/music/14guns.html?ex=1373774400&en=bc273cccddb07d37&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink | title = Planned Guns N’ Roses Deal Underscores Power of Video Games to Sell Songs | publisher = "New York Times" | first = Robert | last = Levine | date = 2008-07-14 | accessdate = 2008-07-16] All existing and future downloadable songs are cross-compatible between both "Rock Band" titles. To promote "Rock Band 2", 20 free downloadable songs will be released soon after the game's launch.

Additionally, 55 of the 58 songs from the original "Rock Band" game disc can be exported to the player's console hard drive and used within "Rock Band 2".cite web | url = http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/53595 | title = New Rock Band 2 Bands, Details Announced | first = Maarten | last = Goldstein | date = 2008-07-14 | accessdate =2008-07-14 | publisher = Shacknews] cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/video/949926/6194201/rock-band-2-e3-2008-stage-show-demo | title = Rock Band 2 E3 2008 Stage Demo | date = 2008-07-16 | accessdate =2008-07-17 | publisher = GameSpot] The disc export feature was made available on the Xbox 360 version of the original "Rock Band" via a title update on September 4, 2008, with a cost of 400 MS Points ($4.99 USD) required to purchase a transfer license.cite web | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/rock-band-disc-export-goes-live-costs-5-for-55-tracks/ | title = Rock Band disc export goes live, costs $5 for 55 tracks | publisher = Joystiq | date = 2008-09-04 | accessdate = 2008-09-04 | first = Alexander | last = Sliwinski ] Four songs from "Rock Band" are not transferable: "Enter Sandman" by Metallica, "Run to the Hills" by Iron Maiden, and "Paranoid" by Black Sabbath are unavailable for transfer in all versions of "Rock Band", and "Monsoon" by Tokio Hotel is non-transferable in the European release of "Rock Band".cite web | url = http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1166247#post1166247 | title = Title Update for 360 Available Today | date = 2008-09-04 | accessdate =2008-09-04 | publisher = Harmonix] Each "Rock Band" song had to be relicensed for use within "Rock Band 2." [cite web | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/harmonix-clarifies-rb1-compatibility-to-rock-band-2/ | title = Harmonix clarifies RB1 compatibility to Rock Band 2 | publisher = Joystiq | first = Alexander | last = Sliwinski | date = 2008-07-15 | accessdate = 2008-07-16]

Other sources have reported that their songs would be in "Rock Band 2", but are presently not listed in the on-disc track listing and may be downloadable content. Game developer Funcom announced in a press release for the soundtrack for the "Age of Conan" that the band Turbonegro would be featured in "Rock Band 2".cite web | url = http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/53128 | title = Rock Band 2 Revealed in [Age of Conan] PR | publisher = Shacknews | date = 2008-06-13 | accessdate = 2008-06-13 | first = Chris | last = Faylor] [cite web | url = http://consolehero.com/2008/06/12/turbonegro-in-rock-band-2/ | title = Turbonegro in Rock Band 2 | date = 2008-06-12 | accessdate = 2008-06-12 | publisher = Console Hero] cite web | url = http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/53128 | title = Rock Band 2 Revealed in Age of Conan PR | | publisher = Shacknews | accessdate = 2008-08-23]

Reception

VG Reviews
OXM=9.0/10 [ [http://www.oxmonline.com/article/reviews/xbox-360/m-r/rock-band-2 OXM: Rock Band 2 Review] ]
1UP=A-cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3169919&p=4&sec=REVIEWS|title=Rock Band 2 Review|first=Robert|Last=Ashley|date=2008-09-14|accessdate2008=09-14|publisher=1UP.com]
IGN=9.0/10 [cite web | url = http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/909/909663p1.html | title = Rock Band 2 Review | first = Hilary | last = Goldstein | date = 2008-09-12 | accessdate = 2008-09-13 | publisher = IGN]
GSpot=8.5/10 [cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/puzzle/rockband2/review.html | title = Rock Band 2 for Xbox 360 Review | first = Aaron | last = Thomas | date = 2008-09-16 | accessdate = 2008-09-17 | publisher = GameSpot]
XPlay=5/5cite web | url = http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1833/Rock_Band_2.html | title = Rock Band 2 | publisher = G4TV | first = Abbie | last = Heppe | date = 2008-09-16 | accessdate = 2008-09-17]
GR=92.9% (based on 20 reviews)cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/949926.asp?q=rock%20band|title=Rock Band 2 reviews|accessdate=2008-09-14|publisher=Game Rankings]
MC=93%(based on 20 reviews)cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/rockband2?q=rock%20band|title=Rock Band 2 (xbox 360: 2008): Reviews|accessdate=2008-09-14|publisher=Metacritic] "Rock Band 2" received highly positive reviews from several publications. 1UP.com likened it to a "system update" rather than an entirely new game, describing it as "a collection of interface tweaks and non-earth-shattering new features designed to make the "Rock Band" experience more enjoyable and less frustrating". The "No Fail" mode has been recognized as a very useful feature for balancing the skill levels of players at different levels, particularly inexperienced players.

References

ee also

*"Guitar Hero World Tour"
*"Ultimate Band"
*"Rock Revolution"

External links

* [http://www.rockband2.com/ Official "Rock Band 2" website]
* [http://www.rockbandlivetour.com/ "Rock Band Live Tour" website]