It's been a long time coming, but Harmonix, MTV Games and Electronic Arts have finally put a release date to Rock Band in the UK. The game will hit the Xbox 360 on May 23rd.
Yup, that's the Xbox 360 version. As rumoured, PS3, PS2 and Wii owners will have to wait until "later this summer", according to EA. The rumour - which accurately put the 360 launch in May and other platform versions at a later date - suggested September will be when everyone else will be able to get Rock Band.
In North America the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of Rock Band launched simultaneously.
Over in Europe we'll get nine exclusive tracks that weren't released across the pond spread across the English, French and German languages. The list goes as follows:
• Blur - Beetlebum (English)
• Oasis - Rock ‘n’ Roll Star (English)
• Tokio Hotel - Monsoon (English)
• Muse - Hysteria (English)
• Les Wampas - Manu Chao (French)
• Playmo - New Wave (French)
• Die Toten Hosen - Hier Kommt Alex (German)
• Juli - Perfekte Welle (German)
• H-Block X - Countdown to Insanity (German)
Those will join the 58 tracks available in the North American version at launch. Additionally, the full catalogue of downloadable tracks for Rock Band available over there (currently numbering 70) will be opened up to us on May 27th at 160 Microsoft Points a pop. Following that, new DLC will be made available simultaneously on both sides of the Atlantic.
Pricing has yet to be confirmed.
You can find out what SPOnG's Girl Gamer thought of Rock Band when she played it on import here.
Yup, that's the Xbox 360 version. As rumoured, PS3, PS2 and Wii owners will have to wait until "later this summer", according to EA. The rumour - which accurately put the 360 launch in May and other platform versions at a later date - suggested September will be when everyone else will be able to get Rock Band.
In North America the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of Rock Band launched simultaneously.
Over in Europe we'll get nine exclusive tracks that weren't released across the pond spread across the English, French and German languages. The list goes as follows:
• Blur - Beetlebum (English)
• Oasis - Rock ‘n’ Roll Star (English)
• Tokio Hotel - Monsoon (English)
• Muse - Hysteria (English)
• Les Wampas - Manu Chao (French)
• Playmo - New Wave (French)
• Die Toten Hosen - Hier Kommt Alex (German)
• Juli - Perfekte Welle (German)
• H-Block X - Countdown to Insanity (German)
Those will join the 58 tracks available in the North American version at launch. Additionally, the full catalogue of downloadable tracks for Rock Band available over there (currently numbering 70) will be opened up to us on May 27th at 160 Microsoft Points a pop. Following that, new DLC will be made available simultaneously on both sides of the Atlantic.
Pricing has yet to be confirmed.
You can find out what SPOnG's Girl Gamer thought of Rock Band when she played it on import here.
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Comments
Serpream 8 Apr 2008 10:13
1/10
This has been something that has disgusted me for a long time. Now they will release it and i still reckon it will be 2x the american price.
Something like this that has been delayed for so long gives me the impression it will end up bringing new models out very soon, which voids the need to purchase this.
Do they not realise that the delays have harmed them greatly and specialy with the PS3 people have imported, aswell as thanks to the wii freeloader is now also possible on the wii.
This is going to be very critical depending on the price.
A full kit i would pay max of £120
Drum only kit about £80-90
Anything above that simply is robbery considering the price drop of GH2/3 now.
Something like this that has been delayed for so long gives me the impression it will end up bringing new models out very soon, which voids the need to purchase this.
Do they not realise that the delays have harmed them greatly and specialy with the PS3 people have imported, aswell as thanks to the wii freeloader is now also possible on the wii.
This is going to be very critical depending on the price.
A full kit i would pay max of £120
Drum only kit about £80-90
Anything above that simply is robbery considering the price drop of GH2/3 now.
Thegavsters 8 Apr 2008 10:43
2/10
Other site are reporting it will be £129 for the intrument pack (guitar, drums and microphone) and it wont come with the game. You will have to buy the game seperately.
Everybody bend over for EA.
Everybody bend over for EA.
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PreciousRoi 8 Apr 2008 11:51
3/10
I highly doubt that.
the 129 GBP likely refers to the full pack, which includes Guitar, Drums, Microphone, 4-port USB hub, and two Communicator adaptors (needed to connect Communicator with Guitar and Drums). Unless HMX has decided to radically revise their sales and marketing strategy, which previously never included an instrument only pack, which I tend to doubt.
this same pack went for 180 USD at launch here, now I think it runs closer to 140 USD.
drum kit sells for 80 USD (no game).
the 129 GBP likely refers to the full pack, which includes Guitar, Drums, Microphone, 4-port USB hub, and two Communicator adaptors (needed to connect Communicator with Guitar and Drums). Unless HMX has decided to radically revise their sales and marketing strategy, which previously never included an instrument only pack, which I tend to doubt.
this same pack went for 180 USD at launch here, now I think it runs closer to 140 USD.
drum kit sells for 80 USD (no game).
realvictory 8 Apr 2008 12:18
4/10
Yeah, it's not acceptable. I was waiting for this, but if it's going to be delayed, and expensive, I might just as well get Guitar Hero instead.
PreciousRoi 8 Apr 2008 12:39
5/10
Well, as long as you get the 360 or PS2 version, you'll be able to use your GH controller with Rock Band, and if combined with the Special Edition Rock Band I mentioned above, provides a complete package for a full band experience. Activision is unfortunately blocking a patch (to Rock Band for PS3) which would allow the PS3 GH controllers to be used with Rock Band. Its been mooted that once multi-game compatible guitars are made availible by Nyko and others the resistance to these patches would evaporate, but I wouldn't hold your breath. Rock Band for the 360 is apparently the best version, with a few more features, like in-game online chat (which admittedly might not matter to you), and guitar compatibility. The PS2 version is missing online, most significantly, no DLC, which is huge.
PreciousRoi 8 Apr 2008 12:58
6/10
That said, the Rock Band controller is far superior to the GH one, IMNSHO...if you aren't already used to the GH controller I think you'll agree.
YenRug 8 Apr 2008 13:47
7/10
Wonder if EA have realised they've mis-priced the packages, since releasing the details to other sites?
http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/865/865093p1.html
http://kotaku.com/377168/europe-totally-f**ked-over-on-rock-band-pricing
http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=130927
It sounds like EA have gotten the exchange rate wrong, somewhere, thinking they have to charge us double what they do in the US, when it's meant to be the other way round.
http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/865/865093p1.html
EU Rock Band Priced and Dated
Good news for rich 360 owners, not so great if you're poor or have a PS3.
by Alex Simmons, IGN UK
UK, April 8, 2008 - Electronic Arts has at long last settled on an official European release date for Rock Band. However, don't get too excited unless you're an Xbox 360 owner – the May 23 launch on Microsoft's console will doubtless please 360 owners, but those hoping to jam on PlayStation 3, PS2 and Wii will have to wait until later in the summer. Initially it will only be available in the UK, France and Germany too, with other European territories to follow.
Perhaps more disappointing is the price: unlike the US, which received a Special Edition that includes the game, a Fender Strat guitar, the drum kit and a mic, all for $169 – Europe will only get an Instrument Edition priced £129.99 / 169 Euros, including the three peripherals but not the game – which, bought separately, will set you back £49.99 / 69.99 Euros. So, if you want the proper Rock Band experience, the minimum you're going to have to shell out is around £180 / 240 Euros.
Quite why EA has decided to release the Instrument Pack without the game is anyone's guess, although it's likely retailers will bundle the two together, if not at launch then hopefully shortly after. In addition, wireless guitars will be available separately for the princely sum of £59.99 / 79.99 Euros, with standalone drum kits setting you back £69.99 / 89.99 Euros.
There is some good news though. In addition to the 58 songs featured in the US game, Europe will get eight news tracks from English, French and German bands, all bundled on the disc:
- Beetlebum (Blur)
- Rock 'n' Roll Star (Oasis)
- Hysteria (Muse)
- Manu Chao (Les Wamaps)
- New Wave (Playmo)
- Hier Kommt Alex (Die Toten Hosen)
- Perfekte Welle (Juli)
- Countdown to Insanity (H-Block X)
What's more, the 70-plus downloadable tracks already available in US will be waiting for European rockers come May 27, priced 160 MS points each. Plus, US players can get their mitts on the eight European tracks around the same time. Quick recap then: if you want to the ultimate Rock Band experience, with two guitars and every song at your fingertips, be sure to put aside £330 / 430 Euros. On a positive note, going forward, Europe will have access to new downloadable songs at the same time as the US.
Good news for rich 360 owners, not so great if you're poor or have a PS3.
by Alex Simmons, IGN UK
UK, April 8, 2008 - Electronic Arts has at long last settled on an official European release date for Rock Band. However, don't get too excited unless you're an Xbox 360 owner – the May 23 launch on Microsoft's console will doubtless please 360 owners, but those hoping to jam on PlayStation 3, PS2 and Wii will have to wait until later in the summer. Initially it will only be available in the UK, France and Germany too, with other European territories to follow.
Perhaps more disappointing is the price: unlike the US, which received a Special Edition that includes the game, a Fender Strat guitar, the drum kit and a mic, all for $169 – Europe will only get an Instrument Edition priced £129.99 / 169 Euros, including the three peripherals but not the game – which, bought separately, will set you back £49.99 / 69.99 Euros. So, if you want the proper Rock Band experience, the minimum you're going to have to shell out is around £180 / 240 Euros.
Quite why EA has decided to release the Instrument Pack without the game is anyone's guess, although it's likely retailers will bundle the two together, if not at launch then hopefully shortly after. In addition, wireless guitars will be available separately for the princely sum of £59.99 / 79.99 Euros, with standalone drum kits setting you back £69.99 / 89.99 Euros.
There is some good news though. In addition to the 58 songs featured in the US game, Europe will get eight news tracks from English, French and German bands, all bundled on the disc:
- Beetlebum (Blur)
- Rock 'n' Roll Star (Oasis)
- Hysteria (Muse)
- Manu Chao (Les Wamaps)
- New Wave (Playmo)
- Hier Kommt Alex (Die Toten Hosen)
- Perfekte Welle (Juli)
- Countdown to Insanity (H-Block X)
What's more, the 70-plus downloadable tracks already available in US will be waiting for European rockers come May 27, priced 160 MS points each. Plus, US players can get their mitts on the eight European tracks around the same time. Quick recap then: if you want to the ultimate Rock Band experience, with two guitars and every song at your fingertips, be sure to put aside £330 / 430 Euros. On a positive note, going forward, Europe will have access to new downloadable songs at the same time as the US.
http://kotaku.com/377168/europe-totally-f**ked-over-on-rock-band-pricing
Europe Totally F**ked Over On Rock Band Pricing
When Rock Band was released in the US, it cost $169, and came with the game, guitar, microphone and drums. Not a bad deal. But in Europe, on May 23? Good heavens. The game won't come in a single bundle. Instead, there's two products available at lauch. One is called the "Instrument Edition", which costs £130/€170. It comes with a guitar, drums, and mic. That's it. No game. No, if you want the game as well, it'll cost you another £50/€70. That brings the cost of the game and three instruments to £180/€240. Or, USD$378. Three hundred and seventy-eight dollars. I know, things are always more expensive in Europe, but...damn. Whether it's MTV or EA behind this price, you can take that price, and you can stick it up your arse.
EA clarifies Rock Band pricing [Eurogamer]
When Rock Band was released in the US, it cost $169, and came with the game, guitar, microphone and drums. Not a bad deal. But in Europe, on May 23? Good heavens. The game won't come in a single bundle. Instead, there's two products available at lauch. One is called the "Instrument Edition", which costs £130/€170. It comes with a guitar, drums, and mic. That's it. No game. No, if you want the game as well, it'll cost you another £50/€70. That brings the cost of the game and three instruments to £180/€240. Or, USD$378. Three hundred and seventy-eight dollars. I know, things are always more expensive in Europe, but...damn. Whether it's MTV or EA behind this price, you can take that price, and you can stick it up your arse.
EA clarifies Rock Band pricing [Eurogamer]
http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=130927
EA clarifies Rock Band pricing
News by Rob Purchese
Today 10:15
EA has confirmed the price for Rock Band, following the European date announcement this morning.
Europe, unlike the US, will not get all of the instruments bundled together with the game.
Instead, you will have to fork out for an Instrument Edition at GBP 129.99 / EUR 169 - comprised of the drum kit, guitar and microphone - then buy the game separately for GBP 49.99 / EUR 69.99.
Anyone after the whole lot will be looking at a total of GBP 180 / EUR 240, then. That's rather more than in the US, where you can buy the game and all the instruments for USD 169 - equivalent to around GBP 85 / EUR 107.
Wireless guitars will be sold separately for GBP 59.99 / EUR 79.99, while the drum kit will be GBP 69.99 / EUR 89.99.
Hopefully retailers will be offering their own bundles.
Rock Band will be out in Europe exclusively for Xbox 360 on 23rd May. PS3, PS2 and Wii versions will follow later this summer.
News by Rob Purchese
Today 10:15
EA has confirmed the price for Rock Band, following the European date announcement this morning.
Europe, unlike the US, will not get all of the instruments bundled together with the game.
Instead, you will have to fork out for an Instrument Edition at GBP 129.99 / EUR 169 - comprised of the drum kit, guitar and microphone - then buy the game separately for GBP 49.99 / EUR 69.99.
Anyone after the whole lot will be looking at a total of GBP 180 / EUR 240, then. That's rather more than in the US, where you can buy the game and all the instruments for USD 169 - equivalent to around GBP 85 / EUR 107.
Wireless guitars will be sold separately for GBP 59.99 / EUR 79.99, while the drum kit will be GBP 69.99 / EUR 89.99.
Hopefully retailers will be offering their own bundles.
Rock Band will be out in Europe exclusively for Xbox 360 on 23rd May. PS3, PS2 and Wii versions will follow later this summer.
It sounds like EA have gotten the exchange rate wrong, somewhere, thinking they have to charge us double what they do in the US, when it's meant to be the other way round.
PreciousRoi 8 Apr 2008 14:05
8/10
It would appear that HMX HAS decided to completely change their marketing and sales strategy....possibly as a result of lessons learned with the US launch, I don't know...seems like a fairly dumb move.
whats that price for the wireless guitar work out to in USD? I'm not even sure if a wireless guitar for 360 is availible here yet....
whats that price for the wireless guitar work out to in USD? I'm not even sure if a wireless guitar for 360 is availible here yet....
Joji 8 Apr 2008 15:10
9/10
While Rock Band looks good, at that price I'll be missing this. I'm but that's just crap. £130 then you have to buy the game on top of it. These guys are too freaking greedy.
I can see a lot of gamers importing this pack for a reasonable price. £70-80 I would pay for the lot.
I can see a lot of gamers importing this pack for a reasonable price. £70-80 I would pay for the lot.
realvictory 8 Apr 2008 19:22
10/10
Yeah, it may be good, but who's going to pay £130 without even the game included! I find that ridiculous - even if you were to buy the game on its own, you'd be missing the entire point of it.
And when you compare it to the $169 for the US entire bundle, it turns out to be literally half the price. Which isn't so bad, if it wasn't so high as £180.
Guitar Hero, I think. But I'll wait and see, to give it a chance.
And when you compare it to the $169 for the US entire bundle, it turns out to be literally half the price. Which isn't so bad, if it wasn't so high as £180.
Guitar Hero, I think. But I'll wait and see, to give it a chance.