Rock Band 3 (Keyboards!!!! And other "pro" instruments)
 

There's enough info coming out of this now and it's going to be detailed at E3 in less than a month, so here it goes.

When you exit the demo of Green Day: Rock Band, you get this logo:

http://bulk2.destructoid.com/ul/174510-rockband3.jpg

(From http://www.destructoid.com/keyboards...o-174510.phtml )

I'm a little pumped to see this now. Especially with all the new song oppertunities if it is true.

A new toy? Oh boy...

You don't even need to get it though, I'm more happy that there will be more potential for bands/songs as they tend to avoid the songs with a large keyboard presence, even if the other parts are still good.

Probably get a keyboard when they go down in price as well....

The three mic logo thing will probably confirm harmonies in it like Beatles as well.

Depends on how it works. If they managed to make it like a real keyboard, it would motivate me to actually practice. If it's just another fake instrument, I doubt I'd buy it. Still, it doesn't take anything away, so....

I'm thinking the same. An actual keyboard (even if it's only a two octave one or something) would make the keyboard a day one purchase.

Well there's been a lot of talk of more authentic displays of music so... hopefully 2 octaves?

Agreed. My only concern is with the viability of an OSD for keyboards. Drums are fine, but adding one more note in Rock Rebellion helped to make things terrible (though admittedly, that was only one flaw in the game). They'll have to start limiting number of instruments as it is, and even a one octave display could get cramped fast. Though admittedly, a piano roll like the vocal track could work.

If you didn't look like nerds before

The guitars already technically are keytars.

Given that Harmonix already teased the inclusion of a new instrument in Rock Band 3 -- the keyboard -- we almost feel like we've been taken for a ride. That is, if today's report from Ars Technica's mole on the game is correct and the keyboard is actually a keytar. "What?!" you cry. Much like Frankie, we must say, "Relax!" because, well, we're totally on board with the concept. Just think about the possibilities!

The Ars report also alleges the addition of a "Pro" mode "that will require proper technique, and may lead to actual skills on guitar and bass." Perhaps that mode will have some tie to the peripherals, which will all be assembled by Mad Catz, apparently, (as hinted at earlier this year); meaning EA would only handle the distribution of game discs.

Though Ars' mole has been accurate with rumors in the past, without confirmation from MTV Games, Harmonix, EA, or Mad Catz (yes, we tried -- only MTV Games responded, saying, "We do not comment on rumors or speculation"), this report is still, unfortunately, unconfirmed.


Wow, I wasn't serious when I said it's a keytar. :-\

I'm going to kill you, G.

Freezepop is gonna be sweet on keytar.

I'm probably one of the few that think keytars are awesome, but how would one for Rock Band be any different than a RB guitar?

Also, knowing Acti, how long until Guitar Hero announce they've added keyboard as well?

If it has keys, it would be different by default?

They did yesterday. Granted, it looked like they duct taped a keyboard to a GH controller, but....

:shifty:

If this is the official thread Hasney then change the title to such.

The official thread's already up.

where

Here.

Then change the title.

Or at least take the (Keyboards?) off.

No wait, sorry, over there.

I don't see it.

Behind that thing?

<object style="height: 344px; width: 425px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/u5VpclLWsfM"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/u5VpclLWsfM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></object>

http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=126498

http://content.usatoday.com/communit...nced-so-far-/1

RAINBOW IN THE DARK

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets.../500x_rb31.jpg

I'm thinking RB3 will have a setting and controller that does what the new games does, rendering it moot.

25 key MIDI keyboard, better tracklist than GH6 already.

SOLD.

What Hasney said.

Even pro-mode guitar/drums sounds incredible. Fully functioning 6 string Fender Squier Strat guitar that knows where your fingers are with no buttons?

The other pro-guitar is from Mad Katz and sounds like a good "Teach me guitar" way of playing:

And drums with 3 cymbals as well as the 4 drum pads. Kinda hoped for a hi-hat pedal, but this is cool too.

Here's hoping for a pro bass.

And for that easier to use menu system, sounds good for those of us with large libraries:

My fucking God.

Just wanna remind a few of you that when I suggested the addition of a mere one extra fret set, "I'd never rest until there were six strum bars" and shit like that. Kalyx was crazy wanting a slightly more authentic experience...





I love being on the right side of history.

Sweet Jesus

- SEVEN PLAYER MAX

Special Note:



The Mad Katz Pro has fret buttons, a lot of them. The strum area does have strings. While...



...The Squire Strat will use strings completely (with special sensors to find your fingers).

Holy shit, looks like they're not holding anything back. I know Dhani Harrison, George's son was doing some consulting and helping with the early phases of RB3. Makes me wonder if the keyboard was one of his ideas that he pitched to them. If so, kudos to him.

jesus christ. this game looks awesome. wonder if it will even be released here. had to go to some obscure store in a giant shopping mall to get rock band 2. has still not officially been released here.