Rock of Ages

Is it a case of "better late than never" for the Wii version of Rock Band?
6/20/2008 6:23 PM | 0 Comments | Page 1 of 3

It would be understandable if Wii owners were offended. After all, Rock Band is only now coming out for the Wii when it's been out on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 since last November. Heck, even the PlayStation 2 got its first. But it's obvious that the guys at Harmonix and EA recognize that patience is a virtue, since they've augmented the Wii version of the musical challenge with five songs not originally included in the other versions (though they are available for download), including such rock classics as "Roxanne" by The Police and "Rockaway Beach" by the Ramones. But while this is the final version of the original Rock Band to be released, this is clearly not the end of the Band. We spoke to producer Matt Kelly about the state of the Band and what we can expect from future releases.

Crispy Gamer: Okay, first off, my upstairs neighbors borrowed my copy of Rock Band months ago and they won't give it back. What should I do?

Matt Kelly: That's cold. Well, if you're feeling particularly vindictive, you could invite them over for dinner, drug their food, and take back Rock Band before they wake up. Alternatively, you could just admit defeat, form a band with them, and start rocking out together. I would probably go with the latter option.

Crispy Gamer: Are you guys surprised at how well the game has done, or were you guys worried the price might keep people away?

Kelly: We're humbled and relieved. Since no one had ever done something like this before, we weren't sure how people were going to respond. We've always believed that Rock Band provides this totally awesome experience, and is a great value. Judging by its success, I guess we were right.

Crispy Gamer: Now the game is finally coming to the Wii. Is there anything different about this version?

Kelly: We've added five of our favorite songs to the disc as a bonus. The real thing that's different is that the fit for the audience is so perfect. We see the Wii as the ultimate social console and we'd like to think that Rock Band is the ultimate social game.

Crispy Gamer: The game, like Guitar Hero, has become a favorite of musicians. Is there anyone who, when you heard they were big on Rock Band, just really blew you away?

Kelly: We've heard that Pete Townsend of The Who plays with his family. How cool is that? And now that it's coming out on the Wii, which is such a great family console, I'm sure they'll be a lot more stories of family bands popping up -- which is still cool, even if, you know, your dad isn't Pete Townsend.

Crispy Gamer: It was recently announced that Guitar Hero might add vocals and drums. Do you guys view this as a victory or as a slight?

Kelly: Neither really. We were happy to be the first to bring a full band experience into your homes, and we're incredibly excited to keep pushing the rhythm genre further and further.

Crispy Gamer: Has there been any thought to challenging the Guitar Hero guys to a game of Dance Dance Revolution, with the loser agreeing to stop making games?

Kelly: Oh boy. Well, here's the thing: I really love making games for a living. I'm also probably the worst Dance Dance Revolution player on the planet. What if we just each agree to keep making games, and then no one has to see me flail spastically on a DDR pad? Pretty please?