Today, Harmonix and EA have announced toIGNthatRock Band 2will hit this September. The only catch is that potential consumers must have an Xbox 360 to join the fun early. The other “relevant” console incarnations of the game will be releasing later on in the year.
The CEO of Harmonix, Alex Rigopulos, had this to say in a press release about the much-anticipated sequel:
As successful as the originalRock Bandcontinues to be, we’ve now had the benefit of the last eight months to listen to our fans’ requests and to build upon that foundation.Rock Band 2is a second-generation band game that will elevate the music game experience to the next level.
Before you start clawing at the walls because you just bought the Jimmy Buffet pack, rest easy. The downloadable content for bothRock BandandRock Band 2will beentirely cross-title compatible. That means that anything released for either title will be fair game to download and enjoy. Even better, there will no need to litter your living rooms with a second drum kit. Every instrument from the originalRock Bandcan be utilized inRock Band 2, although that doesn’t mean thatRock Band 2won’t have its own newer and better stuff.
There is much more information available. Hit the jump to learn about the multiplayer experience, user-generated songs, and setlist forRock Band 2.
IGNhad the opportunity to have a sit-down with lead designer Dan Teasdale. One of the many things they combed over included enhanced online play. When asked about an online version of Band World Tour, Teasdale hinted at the possibility, but didn’t go into any specifics.
On the topic of user-created songs, Teasdale said, “If we’re going to do it, we want to do it right as our goal is to create a fully-realized, fully-integrated way for people to become real musicians and release quality music throughRock Band.” While that is not necessarily a confirmation thatRock Band 2will have a music composer of sorts, we would venture to guess that if Activision’sGuitar Hero: World Touris going to have one,Rock Band 2probably will as well.
As to the set list ofRock Band 2,Teasdale promises that it will not disappoint. “Rock Band 2has the strongest playlist we’ve ever assembled, and I think fans will be blown away not just at the spread, but also at the caliber of acts we’ve attracted.” Also, look forward to more complete albums in the near future and, likeGH WT, a setlist composed entirely of master tracks.
Personally, I thinkRock Band 2looks to be shaping up quite nicely. Keep checking in all day as we get updates and clarifications on all the great things coming toRock Band 2. The game will make its debut atE3, so look for even more info in a few weeks.
