Rock Band - Impressions...

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 5:16 pm

Leebo33 wrote:I freakin' love Rock Band (playing RB2 with RB 1 equipment...I've never played GH). I picked up the AC/DC pack and it is truly awesome. I wish there was more Metallica, but Sandman, Battery, and Metallica pack1 isn't too bad. Rock Band is expensive though. I spent $170 on the original game, $60 for RB2, $5 for the transfer code, $50 for an extra guitar to replace the one that just broke, $40 for AC/DC, and around $30 for other DLC. Ouch!

That said, the entertainment/replay value for me and my family/friends has been outstanding.

Is the AC/DC pack only available at the store? Not on DLC?

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 5:20 pm

Only at the store Jack.

LAking · Post by **LAking** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 5:23 pm

Isn't there an add-on for the RB drum set which can give you symbols?

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 5:40 pm

Well...decided to go RB2. I like the drums on the GHWT set much better, but the content library is ultimately what swayed me. Plus, being able to use my instruments on my buddies PS3 (even with a patch) is golden. Now we have both kits and ALL of the songs. seems to me that was the best of both worlds, even though I feel like I have the inferior set of instruments. Had to go with PS3, so that way I can bring the kit to his house and play on his system. Plus, the PS3 is easier to move at my house, lol.

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 5:43 pm

LAking wrote:Isn't there an add-on for the RB drum set which can give you symbols?

Yes, but they are supposedly kind of ghetto, and not really integrated into gameplay very well.

1 cymbal for $20, 2 for $30, 3 for $40.

And for those that want to go all out;

$33 at Best Buy

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 5:49 pm

I haven't tried the new GH guitar, but I am quite happy and impressed with the RB2 guitar. I've read where people weren't overly happy with the guitar on RB1, but the second one has gotten very good reviews. Of course, it all takes getting used to. I think initially it might be easier to get the hang of the GH guitar, because the buttons aren't flush like the RB2 guitar is.

I think you made the right choice. Especially since it's simpler to use the RB drumset with the GH game. I've read using the GH drum set with the RB game does not work as well. Plus, rent RB1 and for an extra $5, you automatically have 60 something additional songs to play.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 5:53 pm

I was thinking about buying the drum throne from Best Buy, but it doesn't seem like it raises high enough for me. I'm 6'3 so I need a taller drum throne or chair. The drum thrones at the music stores start at $75! That's a little too much. I'm thinking an office chair might work.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 5:55 pm

sportdan30 wrote:Plus, rent RB1 and for an extra $5, you automatically have 60 something additional songs to play.

I'm definitely gonna do that.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 5:59 pm

sportdan30 wrote:I was thinking about buying the drum throne from Best Buy, but it doesn't seem like it raises high enough for me. I'm 6'3 so I need a taller drum throne or chair. The drum thrones at the music stores start at $75! That's a little too much. I'm thinking an office chair might work.

We just use folding chairs. Worked great for the GHWT drums anyway.

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 6:09 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:Well...decided to go RB2. I like the drums on the GHWT set much better, but the content library is ultimately what swayed me. Plus, being able to use my instruments on my buddies PS3 (even with a patch) is golden. Now we have both kits and ALL of the songs. seems to me that was the best of both worlds, even though I feel like I have the inferior set of instruments. Had to go with PS3, so that way I can bring the kit to his house and play on his system. Plus, the PS3 is easier to move at my house, lol.

Cool, good luck and enjoy. The GHWT drum set is really the only thing I really feel I'm missing out on, playing both games with my RB1 stuff.

What took you so long to get into these games? Were you one of those guys afraid of how you looked playing a plastic guitar?

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 6:13 pm

webdanzer wrote:What took you so long to get into these games? Were you one of those guys afraid of how you looked playing a plastic guitar?

No, I look foolish playing video games period, so that's not the deal at all. I just never thought I'd enjoy it and a 200 dollar investment is kind of steep when you can't return it if you don't like it. So just never put much thought into it. Then my buddy just got it last week and it's addictive and fun as hell, so here we are. LOL.

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 6:23 pm

Someone may have posted this once already, but if not, here is a pretty good resource for Rock Band DLC:

http://www.rbdlc.com/

You can view charts for most instruments soon after the release of the DLC, and read instrument specific reviews for each song.

I definitely think it's useful to check out when considering DLC purchases. It helps you pick out songs that look fun to play even if you aren't a huge fan of the band or song, and can help you steer clear of some songs you like but have awfully boring charts.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 6:30 pm

Holy crap that is an impressive collection of info. Thanks web.

BTW...anyone know why there isn't a single Tom Petty song on either game? I'm not a fan, but the wife is.

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 6:34 pm

webdanzer wrote:Someone may have posted this once already, but if not, here is a pretty good resource for Rock Band DLC:

http://www.rbdlc.com/

You can view charts for most instruments soon after the release of the DLC, and read instrument specific reviews for each song.

I definitely think it's useful to check out when considering DLC purchases. It helps you pick out songs that look fun to play even if you aren't a huge fan of the band or song, and can help you steer clear of some songs you like but have awfully boring charts.

Nice site!

vader29 · Post by **vader29** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 6:46 pm

JackB1 wrote:
Is the AC/DC pack only available at the store? Not on DLC?

I inputted the code last night and it downloads the songs from the server, doesn't rip them from the disc so maybe at some point they will make them downloadable songs since they are already there anyway.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 7:41 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:Holy crap that is an impressive collection of info. Thanks web.

BTW...anyone know why there isn't a single Tom Petty song on either game? I'm not a fan, but the wife is.

Good question. There's more than a few Tom Petty songs I like. I wonder why there aren't any Queen songs either. My son loves a couple of theirs.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 3:19 am

Well, I got RB2 home and I love it. I don't like the drums as much as GHWT, but they are still pretty good. So far so good...but man I suck at the guitar, that's for damn sure. My fingers are too small apparently.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 10:37 am

dbdynsty25 wrote:Well, I got RB2 home and I love it. I don't like the drums as much as GHWT, but they are still pretty good. So far so good...but man I suck at the guitar, that's for damn sure. My fingers are too small apparently.

Make sure you check out the guitar and drum tutorial modes. I was a newbie to the guitar and drums up until a few weeks ago, and there are some really good suggestions on there. Also, don't be afraid to practice and slow down the speed of some of the verses giving the most trouble.

I'd start on easy and stay on that level until you're hitting 90 percent and above. I seriously thought I'd never play above easy, but at the time I didn't care. I was still having fun. After about a week, I decided what the heck, I'll try Medium. It took even more practice, but that's when the game really opened up. I'm still struggling on medium with certain songs, but the time spent on "easy" made the switch that less frustrating. Be patient and go at your own pace.

FYI, you can start a band by yourself and just play the challenges on easy or medium. It's fun because it'll pick between a 3 and 6 song set. You'll quickly start to unlock new songs as the initial songs get old after a week or so.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 11:47 am

dbdynsty25 wrote:Well, I got RB2 home and I love it. I don't like the drums as much as GHWT, but they are still pretty good. So far so good...but man I suck at the guitar, that's for damn sure. My fingers are too small apparently.

Welcome to the addiction!!!

I love the new wireless drums.. and the new wireless guitar... just takes some getting used to.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 12:18 pm

I definitely started on easy because I attempted medium one time and it was a disaster. I played the same song (that short Cheap Trick song) like 10 times on easy till I was in the upper 90s on the guitar and then I switched it to Medium. By the end of the night I was in the 90s on medium too. I can see how it can be frustrating, that's for sure. But going easy for a bit is definitely a good thing...at least to start each song anyway.

Couldn't get into the drums like I wanted to last night cuz the wifey was asleep...don't have that much room between the two rooms so I had to roll with the guitar.

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 12:46 pm

Spooky wrote:
JackB1 wrote:
I was amazed at all the after market stuff that Best Buy now sells for the RB and GH games now. They had all kinds of drum mod kits, after market wireless guitars and accessories up the ying yang. One thing that really caught my eye was a replacement drum pedal for RB. It was made by Blockhead / Rhythm Maker and you can see it here:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 8007399851
It's only $29 and looks to be very heavy duty and it even had a spring like a real bass pedal. Seems like this would be a HUGE upgrade over the pedal that came with the RB1 drums. Anyone try this?
Jack, you're a GOD for posting this!!! I had no idea and this looks like it might absolutely save my distain for the GH drum kit!!!!!!

Going to pick one up right now. Thanks SO much!!!

I grabbed one of these for myself last night. I didn't get to break it in too much because it was late when I got home, but first trials were very encouraging. It seems well-built and I was able to stomp out some double and triple bass kicks pretty easily. I didn't try its splitter functionality, but I understand it is not a true splitter anyway. No biggie, as I really didn't get it for that. My first heavy MacGuyver'ed pedal has just about had it!

I saw an Ion Drum Rocker in the store too. Looked niiiice...

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 1:03 pm

Yeah, that Ion Drum Rocker looks AWESOME!

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 1:52 pm

Db,

Check out the silencing drum pads they sell at Best Buy. They're $20 but well worth it. They definitely don't silence the drums, but it helps.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 1:56 pm

sportdan30 wrote:Db,

Check out the silencing drum pads they sell at Best Buy. They're $20 but well worth it. They definitely don't silence the drums, but it helps.

Do you have a link? When I search on there for silencer drum pads it brings back 280 or so items! Not sure what they would be called.

Edit: Nevermind, got it...in case anyone else is interested:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 3815922215

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 5:18 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:
sportdan30 wrote:Db,

Check out the silencing drum pads they sell at Best Buy. They're $20 but well worth it. They definitely don't silence the drums, but it helps.
Do you have a link? When I search on there for silencer drum pads it brings back 280 or so items! Not sure what they would be called.

Edit: Nevermind, got it...in case anyone else is interested:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 3815922215

If you want to do even better, go to a local music store and buy some pads that they use on drums to muffle the sound for practicing. Cut them in circles to fit the drums and use some double sided carpet tape to stick them down. Now you can play at night and they have great bounce. Oh yeah and get some wireless headphones that you can plug into your console's sound system.