Beatles Rock Band bundle ignores John and George
by Stevie Smith - Apr 17 2009, 15:00
A few instruments short of a band. Image: Teo Brito/Flickr.
Videogame fans thrilled by the prospect of strumming and drumming along to the upcoming Beatles-themed edition of Rock Band might just explode with anticipatory delight today following news that the game will come with a large-scale replica guitar controller resembling Macca’s iconic Höfner Bass.
However, while popping on a shaggy wig, wobbling your head from side to side, and giving the thumbs-up between each song might add a touch more pop-deity authenticity to the Höfner Bass experience, the rest of the game bundle is somewhat disappointing.
Specifically, The Beatles: Rock Band ‘Premium Bundle’ will come with a special pearl-finished Ludwig drum set and Beatles kick pedal, a microphone and also a microphone stand – but no swanky guitar replicas for players to use while fulfilling their John Lennon and George Harrison fantasies.
However, hopes of a more rounded Beatles tribute act still exist thanks to a Rock Daily report at Rolling Stone magazine, which has indicated that individual guitar peripherals will be sold separately in a standalone package costing $99.99 USD. The game makers are yet to confirm this.
Those existing Rock Band fans not willing to invest in new controllers need not worry about incurring extra costs as current Rock Band instruments will be compatible with the new Beatles edition.
“The game will take you on a journey from the Beatles first album Please Please Me until the last album Abbey Road,” outlined Apple Corps. CEO Jeff Jones regarding the game’s musical content. “It will span samples of the whole catalogue all the way through.”
Developed by Harmonix and published by Electronic Arts, The Beatles: Rock Band is scheduled to arrive at retail on September 09. The limited edition ‘Premium Bundle’ instrument pack (with game) is expected to cost $249.99 USD.
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