Rock Band 4 Announced by Harmonix for PS4 and Xbox One
It's official — Harmonix is tuning up its plastic peripherals for a PlayStation 4 and Xbox One debut of Rock Band 4.
Polygon reports that Harmonix has announced Rock Band 4 is coming to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Before you all start rolling your eyes and start thinking they're going to saturate the music game scene once again with annual Rock Band games and new peripherals every few months, it looks like Harmonix has learned its lesson. Harmonix has listened to what the fans have been saying and they're going to be catering to the masses. What's so different this time? Well, all of the DLC that you had from the multiple last-gen Rock Band titles will carry over to Rock Band 4. Likewise, all of the previously released peripherals should work if you're going from PS3 to PS4 or Xbox 360 to Xbox One. It's been five years since Rock Band 3, and we can't wait to see what Harmonix will be doing to change the game, since its core gameplay never really changed over the years. Luckily, we have already learned some of these new gameplay details.
"None of the games in the genre really delivered a lot of innovation, or maybe the right kind of innovation in the experience during that period. Consumers want something new," said Harmonix co-founder and chief creative officer Alex Rigopulos. "We view it as a responsibility to deliver that innovation this time around."
Rigopulos mentioned that there are three major aspects of Rock Band 4 that his team will be focusing on. One focus is the overall experience, such as chasing those high scores, learning to better your playing. Another is the party experience, for those who would like to play with their friends in one cohesive unit. Could we be playing together with our friends online? We hope so. The last aspect would be the narrative progression of Rock Band, for those who would like to become an in-game star. Harmonix mentioned that over 95 percent of Rock Band's existing library of songs (both core tracks and DLC) will be carrying over to Rock Band 4, which is particularly great if you dropped beaucoup bucks into the series' downloadable content.
In terms of new peripherals, Mad Catz will be creating your new guitars and drums this time around. Harmonix is making sure your old sets, both wired and wireless, can work on your PS4 or Xbox One. Upon its release, you'll be able to buy Rock Band 4 in a few different ways, depending on price and accessories, here are just a few options:
• The Band-in-a-Box Bundle, which includes the Rock Band 4game, a Wireless Fender Stratocaster Guitar Controller, a Wireless Drum Kit Controller and a Microphone.
• The Guitar Bundle, which includes the Rock Band 4 game and a Wireless Fender Stratocaster Guitar Controller.
• A special Wireless Stratocaster Guitar Controller, featuring custom artwork of "Gabe" from the Penny Arcade webcomic. This limited-edition collectible will only be available via on-site pre-orders at the Harmonix booth during PAX East.
Harmonix claims that there will be no carrying cases, no additional peripherals or any of the overloading they did with the brand over the years. They're going to let gamers' demands play a vital role in what they want to see released next. Rock Band 4 is going to be released more so like a platform, with no random spin-off sequels or annual Rock Band releases, putting a bigger emphasis on expansions and DLC (both free and paid). While no release date is in sight, you can expect to play Rock Band 4 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One sometime in 2015.