Rock Band Wii - No Downloadable Content

US release date confirmed

Posted by Staff
Wii owners are confronted with a good news/bad news situation today. The bad news is that there will be no downloadable content or online play for the Wii version of Rock Band, at least in the initial release. The good news, for North Americans, at least, is that the release date has been confirmed for the game across the pond.

A Harmonix representative explained:

"Regarding downloadable content: During Rock Band for the Wii development Harmonix focused on making the core gameplay experience as solid and enjoyable as possible while tailoring it specifically to the strengths of the platform.

The Wii version still contains the robust four-player band experience and all the fun at the core of other versions of Rock Band. However, because the Wii's online capabilities and potential have yet to be fully realised, we wanted to wait before we explored online functionality for Rock Band to ensure that players get the high-quality of online performance they've come to expect."


That's right, "the Wii's online capabilities and potential have yet to be fully realised". That has to sting for Nintendo. The platform holder declined to comment on that specific element of the Harmonix release when contacted by SPOnG.

Still, Wii owners now know that June 22nd is when they'll be able to get their twitching fingers on the game. The suggested retail price is set at $169.99 (£85).

The official announcement tells us, "Rock Band for Wii will be released as a Special Edition bundle including the software, drums, microphone and a wireless guitar. Stand alone instruments will also be available on June 22nd for people who want to build their band one instrument at a time or want to play the drum versus drum game mode. The game will feature 63 songs including five bonus songs for Wii gamers to enjoy.”

As you'd expect, the occasion hasn't passed without a spot of bland comment. Today we have Bob Picunko, VP of Electronic Games and Interactive Products, MTV, telling us, “The Wii’s success among casual and core gamers of all ages makes it an ideal match for the cross-generational appeal of the music featured in Rock Band.”

Similarly, we have Steve Singer, licensing VP from Nintendo, who says, “The social interaction and addictive nature of the Rock Band experience is a perfect fit for the Wii and will undoubtedly be fun for the entire family.”

†Source: Kotaku

Comments

Daemon 25 Mar 2008 14:35
1/2
Any news on compatibility 'twixt Rock Band Wii's guitars and Guitar Hero III for Wii?
Tremor 28 Mar 2008 14:50
2/2
It's already been confirmed your guitar hero guitar will not work on Rock band due to activision. Not Rock bands fault.
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