First off, Harmonix have continued to include support for having three microphones available for use within songs. Of course, just like with previous titles, not all of the songs included will support use of all three microphones, but there should be a fairly wide selection to choose from. Secondly, and one of the more major additions, is the new keyboard instrument. On the easier difficulties the full keyboard will be split into five coloured groups, containing five keys, that correspond with each colour. So, to press red all you will have to do is press one of the five keys assigned to the red section of the keyboard. We can already hear the more avid Rock Band fans saying that playing like that is much too easy and that the game in general is becoming too easy for them now, even on the elite difficulty.
The final force of rock is here!
To silence these compliants, the final and biggest addition is the new ‘Pro Mode’ and the instruments that correspond with it. Pro Mode is meant to a mode where, utilising the new instruments, you can actually learn how to play the real instrument. The drums are getting a 4 cymbal attachment where you have to hit the proper cymbal while playing and when using the keyboard in pro mode you will have to hit the correct key, unlike in the easier difficulties. The guitar controllers are where the real overhaul is though, with two new guitar controllers being created. The first is a Fender Mustang which has buttons where all of the frets are on a regular guitar, leading to it having 102 different buttons for you to use while you play. The second, and the real show stopper, is a fully functional Gibson electric guitar that you plug into the game, complete with steel strings, and play. Consequently, you learn how to play a real guitar, and can then unplug it, connect it into an amp and play it like it was always meant to be played. With the volume turned up to 11.
Rock Band 3 is looking to be very promising and shows that Harmonix is again willing to take their franchise in another direction to better fit their vision of what it should be. With the inclusion of the keyboard and pro mode, there is no doubt that Rock Band 3 will continue to innovate in the music game genre.
Loading...
