Rock Band 2 announced today, out in September for 360

[SirFozzie]

http://kotaku.com/397427/rock-band-2-announced

Key Points Known or surmised so far:

1) Release Date is September, but ONLY for Xbox360, "later" for other systems. Looks like Microsoft has purchased a timed exclusive.

2) All DLC from RB1 will work with RB2 (the word is "cross-functional DLC"), you will not need to even re-download it.

3) Doesn't sound like they'll match the 6th drum from Guitar Hero World Tour, but are promising: "Quieter, more realistic, and more reliable instruments". They're also actively welcoming new peripheral makers and sharing information with them.

4) Online Band World Tour. (Hoooooya! The FOFC Band will happen after all!)

5) Amongst new features being promised, is a feature/mode that will encourage singing and playing guitar at the same time.

6)Tweaks for the BWT mode, they're taking some pains to avoid people getting hit with stuff like Metallica or Green Grass and High Tides during early setlists.

7) The plan for the Who's signature album "Who's Next" fell through, due to the unfortunate loss/theft of the masters for that album, but the week of E3 (where the game will be formally announced), and to celebrate the Who "VH1 Rock Honors" ceremony, MTV Games and Harmonix are releasing 12 "Rock Band" songs on July 15 from The Who — ranging from "My Generation" to "Who Are You" — that all utilize the band's master recordings. The tracks will be available for $1.99 individually or $19.99 together

Artists:

Confirmed
Turbonegro

Probable
AC/DC
Bad Religon

New RB Guitar (let me know if this img doesn't show so I can edit it out)

http://xbox360media.ign.com/xbox360/...114481-002.jpg

[Karlifornia]

Any timetable for when these games start going the way of the tomagotchi?

[Pyser]

they can pretty up the guitar all they want, but if its similar to the first rb guitar, i aint touching it

[SackAttack]

Similar how? They're calling out "more reliable" instruments. Was that the similarity you hoped to avoid?

Or do you just have a grudge against the solo frets?

[hawk4669]

Edit: Look around before I ask a stupid question....sorry about that!

Cheers!

[Pyser]

i do hate the solo frets. but i love the game.

[Flasch186]

cost prohibitive IMO

[MikeVic]

Yeah I don't like the current Rock Band guitar. It makes my hands hurt after a short period of time, and I find it hard to tell when I'm actually pressing the buttons.

[Big Fo]

Originally Posted by Karlifornia

Any timetable for when these games start going the way of the tomagotchi?

2012, unless they start making all peripherals from the different companies compatible with the different games. People will get tired of having to store all that crap.

[Flasch186]

or spending $150 for a game every year.

[cartman]

I'm looking forward to some of those Keith Moon drum solos on expert!

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by MikeVic

Yeah I don't like the current Rock Band guitar. It makes my hands hurt after a short period of time, and I find it hard to tell when I'm actually pressing the buttons.

The GHIII guitar has a better feel on the buttons and whatnot, but that sharp thick edge on it digs into my forearm whenever I play.

They are different sizes (RB is a bit bigger), so I can definitely see that being a factor. If the RB guitar had the same button styles as the GHIII one, I think I'd be in heaven.

[Ksyrup]

Possible sneak peak at a few of the tracks on RB2 here:

http://kotaku.com/5021315/rock-band-...rhead-and-more

And here:

http://kotaku.com/5021693/rumor-more...2-songs-leaked

[cartman]

Sweet! I was thinking the other day that Aqualung would make an awesome Rock Band song.

The rest of the songs make for a pretty solid offering as well, if accurate.