Rock Band 4 - The Encore! (PS4/X1)

[alvarado52]

Yusssss.

via Kotaku UK (http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2015/03/05/rock-band-returns-year-ps4-xbox-one)

After months of hints, Harmonix has just confirmed that the Rock Band series will be returning on current-gen consoles this year.

Here's the vital information:

- It will be on PS4 and Xbox One

- Harmonix intends it to be fully backwards-compatible with ALL plastic instruments you may have already bought back in the mid-late '00s, and is working with Microsoft and Sony to make this a reality

- All the DLC you bought for last-gen versions of Rock Band will be carried over (again, depending on the platform holders' co-operation)
- There will be new instruments to buy if you want to buy them, and people who pre-order them will get exclusive colours

- The new controllers will be largely similar in size and shape to the old ones, as Harmonix still has a relationship with Fender, but they will be identical in functionality: no new bells and whistles

- It's no longer being published by EA – instead, Harmonix is partnering with Mad Catz both to manufacture the new instruments and to distribute the boxed game

- Rock Band 4 is intended to be a platform that lasts for years rather than the first step in another sequence of yearly releases. It will be continuously updated with new songs, modes, and anything else the community wants
It will be out during summer

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[Kalyx triaD]

http://s3.amazonaws.com/rapgenius/funny-gif-Colbert-screaming.gif

[Fignuts]

Fuck yes.

Wonder what the chances of the on disc songs being transferable is. They have been in the past, but with new consoles being the platform, who knows.

[Kalyx triaD]

On-disc songs will not transfer due to license issues. May change in the future. If it happens I'm betting that will have a fee unlike the DLC transfer.

[Disturbed316]

Whoa, highly impressed that DLC will transfer over. I imagine it will take a huge amount of time to redownload everything again though. I would be seriously tempted to get this if I had more time for videogames that I do now.

[Emperor Smeat]

Harmonix states the Xbox One version will be getting some special tweaks done to ensure the Kinect won't cause issues while playing the game.

Last night, former Joystiq editor-in-chief Ludwig Kietzmann tweeted wondering "if singing [in Rock Band 4] in front of Kinect is going to lead to mistaken instances of it hearing 'Xbox.'" It's certainly a fair question, and nothing will kill the momentum of rocking with friends quite like Kinect trying to take over and navigate elsewhere. It could have all the makings of the current-gen "Ugh, who hit the pause button?"

Fortunately, that won't be the case. We followed up with Harmonix and asked if this poses a possible problem. While the developer noted that this would make for a humorous situation, it's taking preemptive steps to ensure it won't cause trouble. In a brief statement, Harmonix said "It will be a non-issue, as we can disable voice commands during a song."

http://www.destructoid.com/kinect-interference-won-t-be-an-issue-in-rock-band-4-288834.phtml

[Kalyx triaD]

http://www.harmonixmusic.com/games/rock-band/request/

[Emperor Smeat]

Rock Band 4 to allow more freedom with improvisation for songs according to the studio.

To start off a song, the drummer can count the band in with hits on the green tom. During drum fills, a randomly chosen fill from a set will display instead of the "go nuts" bars from the past. Vocals will be afforded much more freedom than in past games, with scoring based on following the given melody or for improvising a new one in tune.

http://www.destructoid.com/rock-band-4-wants-players-to-color-outside-the-lines--291608.phtml

[drave]

Probably getting this solely based on having drums. The blurb above also seems nifty. Disliked the "go nuts" bars.

[Heisenberg]

Time to return to fun town then. They already have me sold by letting me keep my DLC. Good shit

[Kalyx triaD]

Avenged Sevenfold – "Hail to the King"
Fleetwood Mac – "You Make Loving Fun"
Jack White – "Lazaretto"
The Killers – "Somebody Told Me"
Spin Doctors – "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong"
The Who – "The Seeker"

[Emperor Smeat]

Harmonix is currently asking for fans to sign up to be part of the live action crowds for Rock Band 4.

All you need to do to join the glamorous world of periphery fame and being denied access to the craft services table is follow the instructions listed in this Harmonix developer forum post. They'll need your full name, a picture, and you'll have to sign an NDA (which hopefully means you might be able to sneak a peek at some as of yet unannounced features for Rock Band 4). Participants will be paid but the exact figure isn't disclosed in the forum post, so if you're interested, you'll probably be doing it out of love.
http://www.destructoid.com/live-action-rock-band-4-trailer-looking-for-bodies-292524.phtml

[Kalyx triaD]

The campaign mode is going more RPG like with a progression system based on which kind of 'Quests' you take as a band.

- From your hometown, you then choose shows that either grow your renown or get you fast money. Yes, staying niche vs selling out.
- The meta-game here is staying popular with your fans makes it easier to excite them during gameplay. But if you play a show shilling a product (actual shilling was alluded to, potential sponsored gear), you will have to play harder to win those fans over. Maybe you just can't. It pays though.
- The downside of staying to your roots is more complicated fan engagement via social media, and not being known globally. And less money per show.
- Finding ways to make money and/or fans will open up new venues, cosmetic gear and instruments, and of course themed set-lists.

Basically don't think as fans as 'XP' as it was before, they're more like a barometer for money. There doesn't seem to be a 'wrong' way to go, it all depends on what kind of band you wanna be. Just like the real deal.

[Kalyx triaD]

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Yesssss

[Kalyx triaD]

Aerosmith – “Toys in the Attic”
The Cure – “Friday I’m In Love”
Dream Theater – “Metropolis - Part 1 “The Miracle And The Sleeper”
Foo Fighters – “The Feast and the Famine”
Judas Priest – “Halls Of Valhalla”
Live – “All Over You”
The Outfield – “Your Love”
Ozzy Osbourne – “Miracle Man”
Paramore – “Still Into You”
St. Vincent – “Birth In Reverse”
Van Morrison – “Brown Eyed Girl”

[alvarado52]

Still havent spotted a game only version of this for preorder, digitally or otherwise.

[Kalyx triaD]

Think they're using pre-orders in the original sense of the term - to ensure people get the instruments.

Funny that that's when it feels odd.

[alvarado52]

So...is TPWW starting a band or wut?

[Kalyx triaD]

I already know I'm playing this offline with live bandmates all the time. I think I went online less than ten times the entire series.

[drave]

I just wish/hope they redesign the drums to something closer to Guitar Hero's. Absolutely hated RB's drums.

[DaveWadding]

What's wrong with RB drums?

[drave]

I don't like the placement or feel of them compared to GH's.

[drave]

I also drum IRL, so I am a picky about that stuff.

[DaveWadding]

there's all kinds of mods for them (the cymbal kit being #1). did you ever think about doing that?

[drave]

Yep. Wanted to do something like the pic below, but it was not worth the $$$$ at that time. Each individual pad is adjustable. Also had a double bass on my GH drums that worked very well. I just enjoyed them more.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2010/07/drumrockerpro713.jpg

[DaveWadding]

the ION kit is pretty great, but cost prohibitive, esp when a 2 cymbal kit is $15 on Amazon right now, and there's also a double bass splitter.

[alvarado52]

Isnt the ION kit a legitimate electronic drum set though? I mean, considering that, its not too bad a deal as opposed to buying the plastic drums for game-only.

[Kalyx triaD]

4 Non Blondes – What’s Up?
The Black Keys – Fever
Disturbed – Prayer
Duck & Cover – Knock Em Down
Eddie Japan – Albert
Fall Out Boy – Centuries
Halestorm – I Miss The Misery
Heart – Kick It Out
Heaven’s Basement – I Am Electric
Lightning Bolt – Dream Genie
Rick Derringer – Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo
Rush – A Passage To Bangkok
Scorpions – No One Like You
Slydigs – Light The Fuse
Soul Remnants – Dead Black (Heart of Ice)
System of a Down – Spiders
White Denim – At Night In Dreams

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[alvarado52]

Ugh, I requested Artic Monkeys Brainstorm....WHERE IS IT!?

YOU CANT TELL ME THIS SONG ISNT PERFECT FOR ROCK BAND

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[Kalyx triaD]

"True Survivor" please

[Kalyx triaD]

38 Special - "Caught Up In You"
Arctic Monkeys - "Arabella"
The Both - "Milwaukee"
Cake - "Short Skirt/Long Jacket"
Little Big Town - "Little White Church"
Lucius - "Turn It Around"
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - "The Impression That I Get"
The Protomen - "Light Up The Night"
Soundgarden - "Superunknown"
Tijuana Sweetheart - "Pistol Whipped"

[Emperor Smeat]

For those interested in the Xbox One version and want compatibility with Xbox 360 instruments, game's real cost is $80 due to the requirement of a special wireless adapter. PS4 version doesn't need a special adapter in order for PS3 instruments to be useable.

Those who plan to play Rock Band 4 on Xbox One with their instruments from Xbox 360 will have to pay a bit for the privilege. As it turns out, the standalone Rock Band 4 disc will cost $80 instead of $60. That price hike is thanks to a wireless adapter.

Mad Catz, who is publishing the game as well as manufacturing peripherals, opened up pre-orders on its site today. The Xbox One version comes bundles with the Legacy Game Controller Adapter. This device appears necessary because Microsoft changed the wireless protocol for its controllers in the transition from Xbox 360 to Xbox One.

PS4 users won't encounter the same difficulties. For them, legacy instruments will automatically work without requiring any additional hardware. Thus, the game's price is the standard $60.

http://www.destructoid.com/the-rock-band-4-disc-will-cost-20-extra-on-xbox-one-307691.phtml

[Fignuts]

The mother fucking protomen. Incredible. Mskes me really hopeful for a megas track.

[Disturbed316]

Had a slightly panicked thought earlier regarding the previous DLC. When I bought the tracks previously it was when my gamertag was linked to the UK store, but it's now linked to the NZ store after I moved here. I'm now wondering what, if any, will be available to download again.

Might need to look up the harmonix forums to find out.

[Kalyx triaD]

Wouldn't the licenses carry over?

[Disturbed316]

I assume they would, haven't really needed to try that theory out. I guess the main issue might be whether the songs were also licenced to come out over here at the same time.

Might have to investigate this further.

[Disturbed316]

Holy shit, band in a box will be $529 in my region! Absolutely criminal! Although it does come with a bonus mic stand.....

Guitar bundle is $279.

[Emperor Smeat]

Track listing for launch:


.38 Special - Caught Up in You
4 Non Blondes - What’s Up?
Aerosmith - Toys in the Attic
Arctic Monkeys - Arabella
Avenged Sevenfold - Hail to the King
Benjamin Booker - Violent Shiver
The Black Keys - Fever
The Both - Milwaukee
Brad Paisley ft. Keith Urban - Start a Band
Brandie Carlile - Mainstream Kid
Cake - Short Skirt/Long Jacket
The Cure - Friday, I’m in Love
Dark Wheels - V-Bomb
Disturbed - Prayer
Dream Theater - Metropolis, Pt. 1: The Miracle and The Sleeper
Duck & Cover - Knock ‘Em Down
Eddie Japan - Albert
Elvis Presley - Suspicious Minds
Fall Out Boy - Centuries
Fleetwood Mac - You Make Loving Fun
Foo Fighters - The Feast and the Famine
Gary Clark Jr. - Ain't Messin 'Round
Gin Blossoms - Follow You Down
Grouplove - Tongue Tied
Halestorm - I Miss the Misery
Heart - Kick It Out
Heaven’s Basement - I Am Electric
Imagine Dragons - I Bet My Life
Jack White - Lazaretto
Jeff Allen - Recession
Johnny Blazes and the Pretty Boys - Cold Clear Light
Judas Priest - Halls of Valhalla
The Killers - Somebody Told Me
Lightning Bolt - Dream Genie
Little Big Town - Little White Church
Live - All Over You
Lucius - Turn It Around
Lynyrd Skynyrd - That Smell
Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - The Impression That I Get
Mumford & Sons - The Wolf
The Outfield - Your Love
Ozzy Osbourne - Miracle Man
Paramore - Still Into You
The Protomen - Light Up the Night
Queens of the Stone Age - My God is the Sun
R.E.M. - The One I Love
Rick Derringer - Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo
Rush - A Passage to Bangkok
Scandal - The Warrior
Scorpions - No One Like You
Slydigs - Light the Fuse
Soul Remnants - Dead Black (Heart of Ice)
Soundgarden - Superunknown
Spin Doctors - Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong
St. Vincent - Birth in Reverse
System of a Down - Spiders
Tijuana Sweetheart - Pistol Whipped
Van Halen - Panama
Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl
The Warning - Free Falling
White Denim - At Night in Dreams
The Who - The Seeker

http://www.destructoid.com/these-are-all-of-the-songs-in-rock-band-4-310719.phtml

[Tammy]

who wants to play rockband with me

[alvarado52]

FYI, if anyone plans on picking this up for X1 digitally, you can snag the adapter separately on Amazon for $10 with promo code RB4ADAPTER

Not sure for how long though.

[Disturbed316]

Got a little bonus from work so despite my earlier bitching about the price I've splashed out for the band in a box version, which should hopefully be delivered on Friday when it releases here.

Anyone managed to get their hands on this yet?

[alvarado52]

So how do we download our old songs?

[Fignuts]

lol babymetal 's gimme chocolate is dlc

[Kalyx triaD]

Excellent. Should be tons more Japan stuff.

[Disturbed316]

Got this today and falling back in love with the whole plastic instrument thing. My fingers aren't as quick as they used to be, some of the songs are killing me (hard difficulty).

So far downloaded about 40 of my previously purchased songs on top of the 30 bonus ones I got from pre-ordering, so awesome.

[Kalyx triaD]

Jealous of people rocking out. I need a lil while to dive in.

[Emperor Smeat]

Harmonix says Rock Band 3 tracks should be able to be importable by December 8th when the next major update is released for the game. It will cost $15 to import those songs into the game and requires that you'd have owned Rock Band 3 before.

Other Rock Band series games are also being planned to have their tracks be exportable for Rock Band 4 mostly due to expiring licenses for those games.

The export fee isn't new to Rock Band, but it has steadily increased over the years. The cost to export the first Rock Band's tracks into Rock Band 2 was $5; it was $10 to export from Rock Band 2 to Rock Band 3.

An interesting aside in Harmonix's note is that the developer is soon losing the rights to sell Rock Band 3. That agreement comes to an end on October 30, at which point the game won't be sold digitally anymore. Of course, you can still pick up a physical copy at any retailer that's still carrying stock.
http://www.destructoid.com/rock-band-3-tracks-should-be-playable-in-rock-band-4-by-end-of-year-316792.phtml


Small scandal regarding the game involves the recent discovery of Harmonix employees padding user review scores for the game as a way to influence the game's hype and image to the public. Harmonix ended up confirming the reports to be true and had those reviews updated to state they were from official employees and not from random consumers.
http://www.destructoid.com/-update-harmonix-employees-have-been-posting-reviews-of-rock-band-4-on-amazon-316870.phtml

[Kalyx triaD]

You absolutely have to read those fake reviews. So obvious.

[Disturbed316]

So will you need the disk to export as well? The line 'requires that you'd have owned Rock Band 3 before' implies possibly not and will work like previous downloaded songs?

[Kalyx triaD]

I once harassed EA into giving me the transfer code for Rock Band 2 but they're not a factor anymore.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

So will you need the disk to export as well? The line 'requires that you'd have owned Rock Band 3 before' implies possibly not and will work like previous downloaded songs?

They say they'll verify "electronically", so maybe an achievement/trophy or just on play history.

[Emperor Smeat]

Harmonix stated the next patch arriving won't be the big one allowing Rock Band 3 song importing but instead mostly to fix some minor issues. Current plan is for this patch to arrive by November 2nd but could get released a bit earlier if the approval process goes quickly.

In addition to adding in custom characters as stand-ins for quickplay, there's also a 5.1 crowd audio improvement, and various microphone enhancements like the power to use the touchpad for Overdrive.

There's also a number of bug fixes present. The latest the patch will drop is November 2, but Harmonix also notes that it may hit sooner than that as it's currently going through certification on both platforms.
http://www.destructoid.com/rock-band-4-is-getting-an-interim-patch-next-month-317675.phtml

[Disturbed316]

Brutal Mode has arrived:

http://www.harmonixmusic.com/blog/the-rock-band-4-brutal-mode-battle/

Also, RB3 export is expected to become available this week, probably on Friday.

[alvarado52]

Anyone have a RB4 disc on Xb1 I can barrow so I can snatch up the export? Or is it not timed? I remember them saying something about licensing about to expire

[Disturbed316]

I don't think it's timed. When they were sorting out the export they also sorted out any licensing issues so that shouldn't be a problem.

Got the export the other day, it's been so long since I've played RB3 I had completely forgotten the majority of the songs. Had about 82 to download in total. Really looking forward to when I can nab the RB1/RB2/Lego soundtracks, which according to the latest blog post from Harmonix, will be coming in January :love:

There's also been another update about new features coming next year, mainly, practice mode, setlists and the possibility of online multiplayer.

http://www.harmonixmusic.com/blog/the-future-of-rock-band-4/

[Disturbed316]

Haven't played this for a little while but will no doubt get dragged back in shortly, especially since the RB1 export has been released for PS4 in North America. It should be coming to Xbox in the next couple of days.

[Disturbed316]

Finally downloaded the RB1 tracks, I had forgotten how many good songs it had.

[Disturbed316]

Track/Exports from all the previous eligible games are now live on Xbox One, currently downloading another 114 tracks :love: