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Maybe it’s the lack of a reasonable storage solution (can you play Rock Bank on the 360 Core?), maybe it’s the lack of a server-based online infrastructure. Blame it on Nintendo if you want, it doesn’t matter. The fact is that without even some small portion of the online functionality that the Wii version of Guitar Hero III offers, and without the downloadable content to extend the lifespan of the game, Rock Band on Wii really doesn’t make any sense, and is going to be lost in a wave of Guitar Hero sequels. Further, the five songs the Wii version of Rock Band will have over the 360 and PS3 versions seem more like an afterthought than some kind of consolation prize.

In case you don’t know what I’m talking about, the long-discussed Wii version of Rock Band (which came out last year for everyone else) has a date and and extremely spinny press release at the Rock Band website, in which online play is conspicuously absent. Follow-up questioning by others has confirmed that there will be nothing in Rock Band for Wii to make it worth buying.

Finally, the game appears to have the one issue that makes it an automatic no-sale for me: the guitar will not use a Wii Remote, which implies to me that I can’t use my Guitar Hero guitar to play the game. I’ve heard enough about how lousy that Rock Band guitar is, so no thanks. Too bad, guys. Late to the party and not even wearing pants. Maybe this game will launch without sound, so they can fall short of Guitar Hero III in one more area.

I’m upset. Oh, it’s coming in June, by the way.

Source: RockBand.com via Game|Life.

See also:
Rock Band Confirmed for the Wii
EA still not confirming, denying Rock Band for Wii.

MTV Games, Harmonix and EA Announce Rock Band‚Ñ¢ for Wii on June 22, 2008

The number one selling game in February 2008 is coming to Wii!

Cambridge, MA – March 24, 2007– Harmonix, the leading developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, a division of MTV Networks, which is a division of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with distribution partner Electronic Arts, Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), today announced plans to release the award-winning music video game Rock Band on the Wii‚Ñ¢ home video game system from Nintendo in the U.S. and Canada on June 22, 2008 for the suggested retail price of $169.99.

Rock Band for Wii will be released as a Special Edition bundle including the software, drums, microphone and a wireless guitar. Stand alone instruments will also be available on June 22nd for people who want to build their band one instrument at a time or want to play the drum versus drum game mode. The game will feature 63 songs including five bonus songs for Wii gamers to enjoy.

“The Wii’s success among casual and core gamers of all ages makes it an ideal match for the cross-generational appeal of the music featured in Rock Band,” says Bob Picunko, Vice President of Electronic Games and Interactive Products, MTV

“The social interaction and addictive nature of the Rock Band experience is a perfect fit for the Wii and will undoubtedly be fun for the entire family,” says Steve Singer, licensing VP from Nintendo.

Rock Band is an all-new platform for music fans and gamers to interact with music like never before. The game challenges players to put together a band and tour for fame and fortune – all while learning to master lead/bass guitar, drums and vocals. Featuring the most master recordings of any music game ever by the world’s biggest rock artists, Rock Band includes tracks that span every genre of rock ranging from alternative and classic rock to heavy metal and punk. Rock Bandhas garnered over 40 awards this year including Game Critics Award: Best of Show E3 2007and three awards at The 11th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards including Outstanding Innovation in Gaming, Family Game of the Year, and Outstanding Achievement in Soundtrack.

Rock Band is rated “T” for Teen (lyrics, mild suggestive themes) by the ESRB.

Rock Band is currently available on the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and on the PLAYSTATION®2 computer entertainment system.

EA is the exclusive distribution and marketing partner for Rock Band.