A few days ago we discussed how Guitar Hero was trying to reinvent itself, but that is nothing compared to what the makers of Rock Band 3 have in mind. The fine folks at USA Today were able to capture the above video and post not one but two separate articles about all the new features in the game. Here is a quick rundown of three of the more interesting features in the game:
Keyboards: The biggest new feature is the addition of a keyboard peripheral which is a "25-key, fully functioning MIDI" version of the real thing. The playlist (viewable below) is very heavy on tracks with keys in them. For a look at the gameplay of the key-tar, check the above video.
Rock Band Pro mode: The game makers are introducing a new form of gameplay for the most hardcore of Rock Band fans, called Pro mode. Pro mode is essentially playing the songs exactly the way they would be played on a real guitar: "numbers flow down the screen along six guitar strings, telling you where to place your hands on the neck and when to strum." Custom Fender guitars will be built for people interested. They promise similar improvements for drums and keyboards, where you would be playing as close to the real notes as possible. This feature may lay to rest the debate of "Why not just play a real guitar?" because you would actually be doing that!
Better gameplay features: A feature that I think was a long time coming is users being able change difficulty levels mid song. There is nothing worse than thinking you can pull off Slayer on hard only to realize 10 seconds in you can't and they having to start over and go through all the menus again. You can also change instruments or just jump out of a game, quickly and within the confines of the song, so as not to interrupt any friends who are also playing. There are also mini-tour modes, for when you and your friends want to get together for a quick sesh. Finally, they have introduced a much more structured song filtering system so you can now sort the playlists by genre, downloadable, etc. The makers of the game have said all previously purchased peripherals for earlier Rock Band games will be compatible with this version. Additionally, all the downloadable songs will also be compatible.
These are all really positive improvements that are sure to make anybody who is still into these games very excited. Unfortunately, the leaked playlist leaves a bit to be desired for metalheads:
2000s
Combat Baby — Metric
Dead End Friends — Them Crooked Vultures
Get Free — The Vines
Lasso — Phoenix
Me Enamora — Juanes
Oh My God — Ida Maria
Portions of Foxes — Rilo Kiley
The Hardest Button to Button — The White Stripes1990s
Been Caught Stealing — Jane's Addiction
In the Meantime — Spacehog
Plush — Stone Temple Pilots
Walkin' on the Sun — Smash Mouth1980s
Crazy Train — Ozzy Osbourne
Here I Go Again — Whitesnake
I Love Rock and Roll — Joan Jett
Just Like Heaven — The Cure
Rainbow in the Dark — Dio
The Power of Love — Huey Lewis and the News
Sister Christian — Night Ranger1960s-1970s
Bohemian Rhapsody — Queen
Break On Through — The Doors
Crosstown Traffic — Jimi Hendrix
