Rock Band 2 Bundle Delayed a Month

Thu, Aug 14, 2008 (Rating: 5 stars, Click to rate this article!) Loading ...

Bah, it looks like the Rock Band 2 complete bundle (game + instruments) will be delayed an entire month until October 19th and only the game itself will be available at the original September 14th release date with the option to buy the instruments separately.

Unfortunately for gamers that don’t already have the complete Rock Band 1 instrument set, buying the instruments separately comes out to a total of $250, instead of the bundle price of $199 (NOTE: Read one other site that gave a price point of $189, not sure which one is right).

An interesting note to make… given how competitive the Rock Band and Guitar Hero franchises are, I really have to wonder what the Rock Band team knows that I don’t, that caused them to give up a month-of-sales-lead over the Guitar Hero: World Tour franchise (set for release October 26th)?

While I can appreciate the desire to gouge gamers for every last penny, with such a high-profile competitor in the market space as well, it seems odd to me to give up that lead. I think I’ll hold off on getting either until I see some fairly indepth reviews, and a good few months worth of drum-stomping to see if that breaks or not.

Thanks ShackNews!

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delay, Guitar Hero, release, Rock Band, World Tour

This post was written by:

Riyad Kalla - who has written 1599 posts on The “Break it Down” Blog.

Bringing you summarized technical news, announcement and reviews quickly and to the point.

5 Comments For This Post

Ben Says:
August 14th, 2008 at 9:22 am

Is there any word on whether or not the instruments from the first game will work with the second? It would make sense for them to just release the game if owners of the first could just pick it up and start playing immediately.

Editor Says:
August 14th, 2008 at 11:24 am

Good Q Ben, yes the Rock Band 1 instruments are completely backward compatible with Rock Band 2. So if you already bought Rock Band 1, you are all set and can get the game on opening day… although isn’t one of the big turn-ons for Rock Band 2 the new guitar and drums?

Common… you *know* you want to spent another $200 for duplicate instruments that look a little different, who doesn’t?!

Jigsawhc Says:
August 16th, 2008 at 5:45 pm

I’ve not decided if I’m just getting the game or the new instruments yet, but having to wait an extra month does not make me want to get the bundle.

Editor Says:
August 17th, 2008 at 11:28 am

Jigsawhc,

I really don’t see a big difference in the instruments. The guitar looks a bit nicer, is a bit bigger and the drums have a metal plate in the pedal now but besides that I think you’ll be more or less disappointed with the differences.

You are probably safe just getting the game itself unless your Rock Band 1 instruments were broken and you needed replacements anyway?

Jigsawhc Says:
August 17th, 2008 at 2:15 pm

The drums are suppose to be a lot quieter. Living in a condo I’m sure my neighbors would appreciate that I did the foam/felt mod on my current ones, but that only helps a little.

Plus, I’ve been wanting to get another Rock Band guitar. So, if I get the bundle I have to wait longer, but I then have the quieter drums and another guitar.

Ben Says:
August 14th, 2008 at 9:22 am
Is there any word on whether or not the instruments from the first game will work with the second? It would make sense for them to just release the game if owners of the first could just pick it up and start playing immediately.
Editor Says:
August 14th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Good Q Ben, yes the Rock Band 1 instruments are completely backward compatible with Rock Band 2. So if you already bought Rock Band 1, you are all set and can get the game on opening day… although isn’t one of the big turn-ons for Rock Band 2 the new guitar and drums?

Common… you *know* you want to spent another $200 for duplicate instruments that look a little different, who doesn’t?!
Jigsawhc Says:
August 16th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
I’ve not decided if I’m just getting the game or the new instruments yet, but having to wait an extra month does not make me want to get the bundle.
Editor Says:
August 17th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Jigsawhc,

I really don’t see a big difference in the instruments. The guitar looks a bit nicer, is a bit bigger and the drums have a metal plate in the pedal now but besides that I think you’ll be more or less disappointed with the differences.

You are probably safe just getting the game itself unless your Rock Band 1 instruments were broken and you needed replacements anyway?
Jigsawhc Says:
August 17th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
The drums are suppose to be a lot quieter. Living in a condo I’m sure my neighbors would appreciate that I did the foam/felt mod on my current ones, but that only helps a little.

Plus, I’ve been wanting to get another Rock Band guitar. So, if I get the bundle I have to wait longer, but I then have the quieter drums and another guitar.

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