Ok so as you all know by now, Harmonix, MTV and Apple are all in on a deal to bring a Beatles game to the market. I did not have to go to the conference call, as Jen was already there. Based on her report and the report on the Rock Band boards, here is what we do know.

It is a stand alone title

We do not know if the songs will be able to be used in Rock Band or Rock Band 2

We do not know if we will be able to play as the Beatles.

We do not know if the instruments we have now will work with this game.

My thoughts? Well I have read several post where people are saying they will not buy it for the same reason that they will not buy the AC/DC pack. They feel it should be DLC.

Well comparing The Beatles to AC/DC is like comparing a corvette to a Pinto. THERE IS NONE!! The Beatles is the largest selling rock band in history! This is the same band song who’s songs have been denied to the show American Idol for 4 years straight! Last season when they got it, they were so happy that they did two nights of Beatles songs.

A lot of people said that having their own game was the only way to get AC/DC to do this. Maybe that is true, but it is still under the Rock Band banner.

However this is a total stand alone that is not even going to carry the name Rock Band. They would not even give control to one company! It is going to take three to get it out.

Do not forget this is the most guarded band catalog in the entire business, and certain things has to happen to get Sony who controls the rights to let this happen.

For one you have to get the blessings of Sir Paul, Ringo and Yoko which the did. Yes Yoko is very much in control for the John Lennon side of things.

The next is you have to agree to the terms they want, not what you want! They know everyone wants to use The Beatles Catalog, so by not meeting their demands is not a big deal to them as they will just go to the next person who will.

No matter what,Harmonix has now set themselves up to conquer this war of the music games. Although it will not be a Rock Band title, I bet somehow the songs make it into the game.

If you came to my Q&A last week, Miguel said that John Drake of Harmonix made a statement that the next few months his life was going to be a living hell. Well I think this is it.

No matter if the name is Rock Band on the cover or not, Harmonix’s name will appear at the beginning of the game and that is all that matters.

So I am thrilled about The Beatles coming to the music game side of things. I will not say that I am a huge fan of the whole catalog, but like everyone else I have my favorites. My question not is, how is Activision going to come back from this one?

PEACE LOVE AND KEEP ROCKING OUT!

Cena

This is probably the first and last time I will sincerely wish that I played Guitar Hero or Rock Band on the Playstation or Wii console rather than owning the Xbox.  Hitting Amazon on November 15 for the Playstation 2 and Playstation 3 systems is the Gene Simmons Axe Guitar by Kobian. Wii fans will have to wait until December 1st.  In the meantime, take a look at this beauty.

For just $79.99 you can look like a complete bad-ass playing this guitar.  According to the Amazon website, the wireless guitar will be compatible with both Guitar Hero and Rock Band, has an analog whammy bar, and “ultra responsive fret buttons”.  It states it should have a range of 30 feet and is USB ready, so make some space in your living room for some wild flailing of your arms and get read to rock out like KISS. 

For a larger image, click here.

The Xbox Live Calendar of Events highlights a new sweepstakes for Guitar Hero World Tour fans.  Lots of points, tshirts and other prizes - so if you were planning on buying the R.E.M downloadable content anyway (apparently we’re now referring to this as “add-on content packs”), make sure you follow the instructions to get your entry in the contest.  Read on for the full details including how to register. Continue Reading “Xbox Live Guitar Hero World Tour R.E.M. Download & Win Sweepstakes” »

Months after rumors and speculation that the music game companies were in battle to win the enormous catalog of Beatles tunes, a winner has emerged.  Apple Corps and MTV, along with Harmonix today announced their partnership to create a brand new video game to feature the songs and span the career of the Beatles.  Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Star, as well as Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison have been involved and have blessed the deal.

Very few details about the game itself were discussed and more details are expected over the coming months.  What we do know is that this will not be a Rock Band title.  This will be a custom title, released by Holiday of 2009.  “By presenting their music and artistry through the creative filter of a groundbreaking video game, we are giving legions of fans and music lovers all over the world a profound, new way to experience The Beatles,” said Alex Rigopulos, CEO and Co-Founder, Harmonix. “This game will be a celebration of the Beatles undeniable legacy.”

Continue Reading “Harmonix To Make New Beatles Game, Not a Rock Band Title” »

Coming from the Wall Street Journal, it appears that Harmonix and MTV have done the impossible and licensed one of the groups that were generally considered ‘off-limits’ due to the tight hold on their rights. Several sources familiar with the matter have announced that The Beatles have been licensed for Rock Band.

Proudly controlling what is arguably the largest deal relating to music gaming yet, MTV and Harmonix are expected to announce confirmation and additional details tomorrow morning.

Will this sway your feelings in the Rock Band vs Guitar Hero battle? Personally, I’m a little excited, but I’ll keep hoping for The Eagles to make a swing over to Rock Band sometime soon.

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ Players can now tune up their guitars and crank the volume to 11 as they take their inner rockstar on the road and shred with some of the biggest names in music from 70s classics to today’s greatest hits as Activision Publishing, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI) unleashes the full set list for Guitar Hero(R) On Tour: Decades(TM), the encore to the top-selling Guitar Hero: On Tour.

Continue Reading “Activision Reveals Complete Guitar Hero: On Tour Decades Setlist” »

While out in California last month visiting Neversoft headquarters, I made a whole pile of new friends; most from Scorehero and many of which are the best Guitar Hero players in the world.  Little did I know that one of those folks, Dave Barley, was about to become THE player to beat to celebrate tonight’s Guitar Hero World Tour event in New York City.  Nice job Dave!  Read on for the press release with all the details about the event sponsored by KFC.

Continue Reading “KFC Challenges America to Beat ScoreHero Player at Guitar Hero World Tour” »