Lately I've been having a bash at the latest iteration of the Rock Band Franchise. Rock Band 4.
I will maintain that the second game in the franchise is the best. Oh sure, RB3 introduced the Music Library but it lacked the spark that made RB2 so special. matters aren't helped with the difficulty and the ugly character models.
So does RB4 bring anything new to the table?
So far i am liking the RPG-nature of the main campaign. I really like the choices one has to make - opting for either song selections or something random for the sake of cosmetic differences. Naturally, I gravitated towards the former option - there's no way I was going to play against something unfamiliar. Or lousy. Or hard. Clearly this game is built around having a substantial music library - perhaps more than ever before.
On the downside, the in-game store store seems limiting. The selection of guitars on sale seem smaller and the clothes on offer seem scant on 'sensible' options - but wide on the 'sillier' options. Mean if you, like me, want your band not looking like a bunch of idiots then you're out of luck.
Also, it seems the numbers of selections are restricted to the point of horrendous: I can't choose individual things for my band members, like shoes, earrings, t-shirt designs, and gloves. Instead a lot of these are lumped in together as accessories. And even the options that are already available seem paltry compared to previous Rock Band games. One would think that the more powerful hardware would lead to more customizing options but, strangely enough, the opposite is true.
I did like how the same cosmetic options were carried over from RB2 to RB3 - meaning that it was possible to recreate the same band members (even if the results weren't entirely successful). But to see such limiting cosmetic options in RB4 is disheartening at least. I suppose there is something to be said of making a new band instead of replicating previous members but that doesn't change the feeling of being, as a creator, hamstrung.
Still, it would be interesting to see what waits once the campaign is done....
Showing posts with label Rock Band. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rock Band. Show all posts
Friday, November 2, 2018
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Expelled from the Academy
Been having a go at the Don Bradman's Cricket 2017 demo that turned up on Steam.
As it turns out, characters made in the 2014 Academy can be imported into the new one. The bad news is however that the characters at this stage are frozen as is. They can't be altered in any way - which is a shame that no one can be assigned to appropriate roles that are now available (ie Batsman, Bowler, Wicket Keeper, Opening Batsmen).
Still this is a demo so this problem should be sorted out...hopefully.
Still not sold on the character designs though. Compared to 2014, these new designs look lifeless and freaky - which is kind of the same problem i faced when making the transition from Rock Band 2 to Rock Band 3.
As it turns out, characters made in the 2014 Academy can be imported into the new one. The bad news is however that the characters at this stage are frozen as is. They can't be altered in any way - which is a shame that no one can be assigned to appropriate roles that are now available (ie Batsman, Bowler, Wicket Keeper, Opening Batsmen).
Still this is a demo so this problem should be sorted out...hopefully.
Still not sold on the character designs though. Compared to 2014, these new designs look lifeless and freaky - which is kind of the same problem i faced when making the transition from Rock Band 2 to Rock Band 3.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Well, that was random
I've been playing Rock Band 2 recently - largely out of a curiosity.
That curiosity being: Just how random is the random feature?
And is there some way the user can somehow influence the song selection in the randomiser?
The last point may be unlikely but surely, once one gets a gold star on a song (the highest possible rating), they wouldn't have to do that song again?
Well lets find out:
Firstly lets establish my list of songs:
There are 80 songs from Rock Band 2
There are 63 songs from Rock Band 1
There are 45 songs from Lego Rock Band
There 50 songs from Green Day Rock Band (including 6 DLC)
And there are 163 Downloaded songs
This amounts to a total of 401 songs
Now earlier this month I started a new band career to test this theory out.
At time of writing, I'd amassed a star score of 684
3 + (18*4) + (67*5) + (68*5)
3 + 72 + 335 + 340
= 750
750 - 684 = 65 (rounding down to the nearest five)
This means 13 songs may have been duplicated.
Now, lets break down the song scores by game:
And finally there is my own personal experience: Whilst I may have so many songs in my RB music library that remembering when each and every one comes one may be near impossible, I do know of when I've had duplicates. And funnily enough, the majority of the ones I can remember came from RB2, ie Alex Chilton, Hello There, White Wedding and Livin' on a Prayer and that Winter song.
And yes, one such song was a song I'd already achieved a Gold Star for.
So to conclude this incoherent rambling of mathematics, it would seem that the user has little to no influence on the songs selected at random. However whether or not Harmonix programmed something different is another matter entirely.
This is however only part way through the game: Insofar, I've done a lot of the Random Setlists and about one Make a Setlist (what you think I'm going to waste them?!). Needless to say, it would be interesting to keep up this experiment and see what happens in the near future...
That curiosity being: Just how random is the random feature?
And is there some way the user can somehow influence the song selection in the randomiser?
The last point may be unlikely but surely, once one gets a gold star on a song (the highest possible rating), they wouldn't have to do that song again?
Well lets find out:
Firstly lets establish my list of songs:
There are 80 songs from Rock Band 2
There are 63 songs from Rock Band 1
There are 45 songs from Lego Rock Band
There 50 songs from Green Day Rock Band (including 6 DLC)
And there are 163 Downloaded songs
This amounts to a total of 401 songs
Now earlier this month I started a new band career to test this theory out.
At time of writing, I'd amassed a star score of 684
- 274 stars were from 'set songs'
- 356 stars were from random setlists
- and 54 were from Make a Setlist
- This in turn breaks down to 55 songs, 72 songs and 11 songs respectively
- And three set songs have also been gold starred elsewhere
- One is a three star song
- 18 songs are four star songs
- 67 songs are five star songs
- 68 songs are gold star songs
- And 247 songs are unplayed
3 + (18*4) + (67*5) + (68*5)
3 + 72 + 335 + 340
= 750
750 - 684 = 65 (rounding down to the nearest five)
This means 13 songs may have been duplicated.
Now, lets break down the song scores by game:
And finally there is my own personal experience: Whilst I may have so many songs in my RB music library that remembering when each and every one comes one may be near impossible, I do know of when I've had duplicates. And funnily enough, the majority of the ones I can remember came from RB2, ie Alex Chilton, Hello There, White Wedding and Livin' on a Prayer and that Winter song.
And yes, one such song was a song I'd already achieved a Gold Star for.
So to conclude this incoherent rambling of mathematics, it would seem that the user has little to no influence on the songs selected at random. However whether or not Harmonix programmed something different is another matter entirely.
This is however only part way through the game: Insofar, I've done a lot of the Random Setlists and about one Make a Setlist (what you think I'm going to waste them?!). Needless to say, it would be interesting to keep up this experiment and see what happens in the near future...
Monday, March 10, 2014
Selling in
It's been a few years since Rock Band 2 but it's still a game I keep finding myself coming back to. Sure the glory days of the music/rhythm games has long since passed but I still find a lot of enjoyment in Rock Band 2 - indeed more so than Rock Band 3.
However i find a particular fascination with the 'sellout' event. You know the one: Your band is sponsored by Hot Topic, they make you play a tune by Paramore and whilst the band itself can make a wad of cash, they run the risk of having their number of fans decreasing.
This in turn doesn't really place Hot Topic or Paramore in a positive light. How do they both feel about it? Did either sue Harmonix? In addition, considering that the fan numbers keep increasing with every show played, the Rock Band fans are quite the forgiving bunch aren't they?
However i find a particular fascination with the 'sellout' event. You know the one: Your band is sponsored by Hot Topic, they make you play a tune by Paramore and whilst the band itself can make a wad of cash, they run the risk of having their number of fans decreasing.
This in turn doesn't really place Hot Topic or Paramore in a positive light. How do they both feel about it? Did either sue Harmonix? In addition, considering that the fan numbers keep increasing with every show played, the Rock Band fans are quite the forgiving bunch aren't they?
Monday, February 10, 2014
Seventh Heaven
And so the seventh generation of console gaming has well and truly rode off into the sunset. So where does this leave us? Well for me this may as a good a time as any to do a retrospective on this generation outgoing.
At first I had no interest in the seventh generation. At the time the seventh generation was dawning, I got off my arse and got a PS2. A bit late to the party true but I didn't care: I merely wanted to find out what the PS2 had to offer - as well as what I'd missed out on with the PS1. And the shaky start of the Xbox 360 confirmed the wiseness of this decision.
True I did eventually obtain a Wii but that was more for the Virtual Console than the actual games the Wii had to offer.
But it didn't take long before something came along that really piqued my interest. The game was Dragon Age Origins - and somehow it being marketed as a successor to the mighty Baldur's Gate was enough to warrant more investigation. And then, seeing a friend play Mass Effect 2 furthered my decision to fork out for a 360. It seemed a dumb decision to get yet another console when I had a PC, PS2 and a Wii but I don't regret it one bit.
Now. Do I have any favorite games from this last generation. Funny you should say that: I've got a top ten list prepared!
So here's my favorite games of the last generation all arranged in order of preference. All of these games I may have, at one stage or another, already talked about at length on this blog so I'll try and keep this brief.
10. Cave Story
It was made by one guy but damn what a labor of love this was. True the last boss may have prevented me for beating the game (otherwise this will be ranked much higher) but Cave Story has plenty of charm that puts a lot of triple A games to shame.
9. Braid
I found Braid bogged down by the pretensions towards artiness this game had. But then I remembered this game had fun puzzles, clever mechanics and a lovely art direction. Enough to save it? Damn right.
8. Dragon Age Origins
Say what you like about Bioware but somehow Dragon Age Origins feels like one of their last watermarks. True it is more enjoyable on the PC, with mods, than the Xbox, but there is still a lot going for this game with it's art direction, gripping plot and solid writing.
7. Bioshock
Before I played Bioshock I was feeling somewhat unhappy with gaming - but by playing Bioshock I got the kick up the arse I was needing. Compelling in it's narrative, inventive in it's ideas and a great game all round, Bioshock was all this and more. Now about System Shock 2....
6. Bastion
A lot of games seem to rely on spectacle and explosions - so any game that attempts the 'Less is More' approach is worth nothing less than my interest. Four characters, a glorious narration, and an art direction to die for, Bastion is nothing short of brilliant.
5. Spec Ops the Line
The slap in the face that military shooters needed. It's not a game I'd play for enjoyment but it's a game that is indeed worthy of my respect. It takes balls for a game to critique it's audiences and Spec Ops The Line has the biggest balls of them all.
4. Thomas Was Alone
If the seventh generation proved anything it's the time that indie games truly flexed their muscles. And Thomas Was Alone could well have been the best of the lot. It may have won me over on sheer personality alone but being a great game certainly didn't hurt either.
3. Rock Band 2
I hate to think how many hours i may have sunk into Rock Band 2 but I honestly loved every minute of it. The implementation of the music library was a masterstroke and I've gained a new appreciation for music I wouldn't have otherwise been aware of.
2. Mass Effect 2
Dragon Age Origins may have proven that the seventh generation my be worth my time but Mass Effect 2 truly sealed the deal. It seems to me that Bioware were taking the concept of the Dirty Dozen and putting into game form for the first time. And I personally wouldn't have it any other way,
1. Red Dead Redemption
Game of the generation? Hell yes. Beyond that I can't really think of much else to say about Red Dead Redemption. It's the game I got the most out of in the entire generation and it looks set to be a favorite in the years to come. Can something top it? Now there's a challenge to rise up to.....
So where am I at the beginning of the eighth generation? Anything but confident.
I'm serious: Nothing has come along that has really grabbed my attention. Indeed I have found, like most people, the seventh generation being truly defined by the presence of indie games on XBLA & Steam. And in particular I've found, much to my surprise, that many of them are more substantial than the games available on the shelves of EB Games. It is indeed telling that the only game I've truly gotten excited over in the past twelve months is The Stanley Parable.
But then again I have no patience for the eighth generation - not while my Hall of Shame continues to exist anyway.
At first I had no interest in the seventh generation. At the time the seventh generation was dawning, I got off my arse and got a PS2. A bit late to the party true but I didn't care: I merely wanted to find out what the PS2 had to offer - as well as what I'd missed out on with the PS1. And the shaky start of the Xbox 360 confirmed the wiseness of this decision.
True I did eventually obtain a Wii but that was more for the Virtual Console than the actual games the Wii had to offer.
But it didn't take long before something came along that really piqued my interest. The game was Dragon Age Origins - and somehow it being marketed as a successor to the mighty Baldur's Gate was enough to warrant more investigation. And then, seeing a friend play Mass Effect 2 furthered my decision to fork out for a 360. It seemed a dumb decision to get yet another console when I had a PC, PS2 and a Wii but I don't regret it one bit.
Now. Do I have any favorite games from this last generation. Funny you should say that: I've got a top ten list prepared!
So here's my favorite games of the last generation all arranged in order of preference. All of these games I may have, at one stage or another, already talked about at length on this blog so I'll try and keep this brief.
10. Cave Story
It was made by one guy but damn what a labor of love this was. True the last boss may have prevented me for beating the game (otherwise this will be ranked much higher) but Cave Story has plenty of charm that puts a lot of triple A games to shame.
9. Braid
I found Braid bogged down by the pretensions towards artiness this game had. But then I remembered this game had fun puzzles, clever mechanics and a lovely art direction. Enough to save it? Damn right.
8. Dragon Age Origins
Say what you like about Bioware but somehow Dragon Age Origins feels like one of their last watermarks. True it is more enjoyable on the PC, with mods, than the Xbox, but there is still a lot going for this game with it's art direction, gripping plot and solid writing.
7. Bioshock
Before I played Bioshock I was feeling somewhat unhappy with gaming - but by playing Bioshock I got the kick up the arse I was needing. Compelling in it's narrative, inventive in it's ideas and a great game all round, Bioshock was all this and more. Now about System Shock 2....
6. Bastion
A lot of games seem to rely on spectacle and explosions - so any game that attempts the 'Less is More' approach is worth nothing less than my interest. Four characters, a glorious narration, and an art direction to die for, Bastion is nothing short of brilliant.
5. Spec Ops the Line
The slap in the face that military shooters needed. It's not a game I'd play for enjoyment but it's a game that is indeed worthy of my respect. It takes balls for a game to critique it's audiences and Spec Ops The Line has the biggest balls of them all.
4. Thomas Was Alone
If the seventh generation proved anything it's the time that indie games truly flexed their muscles. And Thomas Was Alone could well have been the best of the lot. It may have won me over on sheer personality alone but being a great game certainly didn't hurt either.
3. Rock Band 2
I hate to think how many hours i may have sunk into Rock Band 2 but I honestly loved every minute of it. The implementation of the music library was a masterstroke and I've gained a new appreciation for music I wouldn't have otherwise been aware of.
2. Mass Effect 2
Dragon Age Origins may have proven that the seventh generation my be worth my time but Mass Effect 2 truly sealed the deal. It seems to me that Bioware were taking the concept of the Dirty Dozen and putting into game form for the first time. And I personally wouldn't have it any other way,
1. Red Dead Redemption
Game of the generation? Hell yes. Beyond that I can't really think of much else to say about Red Dead Redemption. It's the game I got the most out of in the entire generation and it looks set to be a favorite in the years to come. Can something top it? Now there's a challenge to rise up to.....
So where am I at the beginning of the eighth generation? Anything but confident.
I'm serious: Nothing has come along that has really grabbed my attention. Indeed I have found, like most people, the seventh generation being truly defined by the presence of indie games on XBLA & Steam. And in particular I've found, much to my surprise, that many of them are more substantial than the games available on the shelves of EB Games. It is indeed telling that the only game I've truly gotten excited over in the past twelve months is The Stanley Parable.
But then again I have no patience for the eighth generation - not while my Hall of Shame continues to exist anyway.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Second Prize
Following on from the previous post, has there ever been a game I purchased a second time around? Why yes there have - and not just one. I'm sure I'm the only one who's purchased multiple games more than once but in some cases, not without good reason.
So here's a list of the games I purchased a second time - and some cases my reasons for doing so may make for fascinating stories by themselves:
Age of Empires
Had the original but seeing it on Steam was too good to miss (expect to see those words a lot ahead). Funnily enough I am still hanging onto the original disc seeing as Steam tends not to be kind to the modding community
Freedom Force
Got it on ebay but it didn't come with an install code. But then I saw it on Steam....
Dragon Age
In my previous post, I mentioned I was considering buying Dragon Age for the PC just to get my meat-hooks onto the mods available. But what would come as a surprise to some people is that my current version of Dragon Age Origins isn't the first: I got my first version of Dragon Age Origins second hand and Awakenings on the cheap. And then I found about about the Special edition....
So I got the special edition, with all it's DLC but to this day I'm still not sure if I saved any money from not buying the DLC on XBLA
Still one can't argue having all the DLC on a handy disc.
Half Life
In 2009, I was in Melbourne and I saw this in a store. I grabbed it and thought I was very lucky to get such a find. And then in 2013, I discovered something called Steam...
Pharaoh
I got Pharoah as a birthday present in 2001. Sadly, in recent years, the original disc disappeared on me so I got a new version. I was fortunate to find one in a Melbourne EB store for $10 - and this one had the Cleopatra expansion too!
Rock Band
I had a Wii at the time so naturally I'd download songs to use for it. But then I got a 360 and discovered that songs could be saved to the console's hard drive and utilized the songs from all the Rock Band games. So I got all the Rock Band games for the 360 and downloaded all the songs I liked a second time. A terrible lack of foresight true but at least I'm keeping certain musicians from going hungry.
Secret of Monkey Island
I managed to get this game working using Scummvm - only to go on Steam and finding the special edition/version.
Sonic CD
I got the Sonic gems collection on PS2 to play this - but then it reappeared on XBLA in HD graphics and with the original soundtrack restored.
Soul Calibur
Once again, it was nice in it's original format (Dreamcast) but to see it on XBLA in HD is even better (still bitter they dropped the Direct the Opening feature though....)
Stars Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Funny story: I purchased this game on the PC before encountering the Xbox and figure dit may be a better played on the console (stay with me). I played the Xbox version a lot but found, much to ym dismay that it wouldn't work on the 360. Solution? Download it on Steam
Xcom
Again: Had it on disc but then saw it on Steam
The GoG parade
Duke Nukem 3d, Baldurs Gate, Deus Ex, Thief 2, Rayman 2, Planescape Torment, Sim City 2000, Clive Barker's Undying, Fallout, Heroes 2, System Shock 2. Why buy them all again? Well I like that I have them all in digital format and they are continuously updated for modern OS by the tireless folk at GoG. Duke Nukem 3d is of special note: I had it on XBLA but then I saw a special event where GoG was giving it away for free for a limited time...
Looking back over what I've just typed, I can see a pattern emerging: If I've purchased games a second time it's largely down to two reasons: 1) a lack of foresight and 2) the game in question comes on a preferred format or system. The former can be dismissed as pure human error but the latter is more interesting: There is certainly a lot on offer for a digital format in that it is always in easy reach, it takes up less physical space than a boxed game (besides my 500g game hard drive isn't going to fill up itself) and, in the case of GoG and Steam, it's not going to disappear any time soon. And in some cases, sometimes it's better for some games to be played through gripping a console controller than bashing a keyboard. And at the same time, modded games can sometimes yield a greater experience than the restrictions imposed by a console game.
Still, once again, there is the thought that if I'm continually striving for the best than I deserve to be ripped off.
So here's a list of the games I purchased a second time - and some cases my reasons for doing so may make for fascinating stories by themselves:
Age of Empires
Had the original but seeing it on Steam was too good to miss (expect to see those words a lot ahead). Funnily enough I am still hanging onto the original disc seeing as Steam tends not to be kind to the modding community
Freedom Force
Got it on ebay but it didn't come with an install code. But then I saw it on Steam....
Dragon Age
In my previous post, I mentioned I was considering buying Dragon Age for the PC just to get my meat-hooks onto the mods available. But what would come as a surprise to some people is that my current version of Dragon Age Origins isn't the first: I got my first version of Dragon Age Origins second hand and Awakenings on the cheap. And then I found about about the Special edition....
So I got the special edition, with all it's DLC but to this day I'm still not sure if I saved any money from not buying the DLC on XBLA
Still one can't argue having all the DLC on a handy disc.
Half Life
In 2009, I was in Melbourne and I saw this in a store. I grabbed it and thought I was very lucky to get such a find. And then in 2013, I discovered something called Steam...
Pharaoh
I got Pharoah as a birthday present in 2001. Sadly, in recent years, the original disc disappeared on me so I got a new version. I was fortunate to find one in a Melbourne EB store for $10 - and this one had the Cleopatra expansion too!
Rock Band
I had a Wii at the time so naturally I'd download songs to use for it. But then I got a 360 and discovered that songs could be saved to the console's hard drive and utilized the songs from all the Rock Band games. So I got all the Rock Band games for the 360 and downloaded all the songs I liked a second time. A terrible lack of foresight true but at least I'm keeping certain musicians from going hungry.
Secret of Monkey Island
I managed to get this game working using Scummvm - only to go on Steam and finding the special edition/version.
Sonic CD
I got the Sonic gems collection on PS2 to play this - but then it reappeared on XBLA in HD graphics and with the original soundtrack restored.
Soul Calibur
Once again, it was nice in it's original format (Dreamcast) but to see it on XBLA in HD is even better (still bitter they dropped the Direct the Opening feature though....)
Stars Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Funny story: I purchased this game on the PC before encountering the Xbox and figure dit may be a better played on the console (stay with me). I played the Xbox version a lot but found, much to ym dismay that it wouldn't work on the 360. Solution? Download it on Steam
Xcom
Again: Had it on disc but then saw it on Steam
The GoG parade
Duke Nukem 3d, Baldurs Gate, Deus Ex, Thief 2, Rayman 2, Planescape Torment, Sim City 2000, Clive Barker's Undying, Fallout, Heroes 2, System Shock 2. Why buy them all again? Well I like that I have them all in digital format and they are continuously updated for modern OS by the tireless folk at GoG. Duke Nukem 3d is of special note: I had it on XBLA but then I saw a special event where GoG was giving it away for free for a limited time...
Looking back over what I've just typed, I can see a pattern emerging: If I've purchased games a second time it's largely down to two reasons: 1) a lack of foresight and 2) the game in question comes on a preferred format or system. The former can be dismissed as pure human error but the latter is more interesting: There is certainly a lot on offer for a digital format in that it is always in easy reach, it takes up less physical space than a boxed game (besides my 500g game hard drive isn't going to fill up itself) and, in the case of GoG and Steam, it's not going to disappear any time soon. And in some cases, sometimes it's better for some games to be played through gripping a console controller than bashing a keyboard. And at the same time, modded games can sometimes yield a greater experience than the restrictions imposed by a console game.
Still, once again, there is the thought that if I'm continually striving for the best than I deserve to be ripped off.
Monday, October 14, 2013
You know, For the Kids!
Being a fan of the Rock Band games, I do indeed have all of them and a slew of DLC songs. I think it's great that the same songs can be played across the games but Lego Rock Band remains an intriguing case. As this is a game clearly aimed at a younger audience, the DLC songs that can be played are classified as 'family friendly'. Not a bad decision but there are some cases of 'family friendly' material that left me baffled as to how they managed to acquire such a tag. Namely:
Alice in Chains - No Excuses
What, did someone forget to inform Harmonix that this is a song about drug addiction?
Clash - I Fought the Law
One gets the impression that Harmonix was intent on inserting ideas into the minds of would-be troublemakers and already-there troublemakers.
Damned - Smash it Up
See above. In addition, I think it;s funny to see a song entitled Smash it Up in a game based around a toy dedicated to building.
Franz Ferdinand - Do You Want to
Hurrah for gay sex. Okay, so I see nothing wrong with parents teaching children about gays and explaining how people are different but the omission of the line "I blew him before you' is sure to puzzle some young minds.
Green Day - Good Riddance (Time of your Life)
Okay so there's nothing wrong with this one - but I'd just like to point out that's nice that Harmonix is there to remind us that there is a first half to the song title (even as so many people like deny it)
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Foxey lady
This is 'family friendly'? Now that i think of it I'm not sure. Or maybe I'm speaking as someone who was first exposed to the song as an eight year old watching Wayne's World at the cinema.
Megadeth - Hanger 18
Seems one can never be too young to be exposed to Thrash metal
Pearl Jam - Porch
Again some missing words may trigger some suspicions in the young child's mind.
Ramones - Teenage Lobotomy
And it seems that one isn't too young to be exposed to the Ramones either. Me, I'm not sure when I first became aware of the Ramones but I do know that I had heard the word lobotomy for years before I actually learned what it meant.
Stephen and the Colberts - Charlene (I'm Right Behind You)
Yes it may be a parody but surely a song about stalking would be anything but 'family friendly'?
System of a Down - Toxicity
Considering the hyper-politicized content and intensity of System of a Down's material it is indeed puzzling that they managed to get the 'family friendly' tick of approval.
Tenacious D - The Metal
One can imagine the kids would be familiar with Jack Black through Kung fu Panda - so needless to say they're in for a shock when they discover the music of Tenacious D.
Of course I'm not saying all of this to be some stick in the mud - after all, if a parent is doing the responsible thing in what their children can and cannot see then there is no problem - but has to wonder at the decisions being made in the Harmonix think tank.
Alice in Chains - No Excuses
What, did someone forget to inform Harmonix that this is a song about drug addiction?
Clash - I Fought the Law
One gets the impression that Harmonix was intent on inserting ideas into the minds of would-be troublemakers and already-there troublemakers.
Damned - Smash it Up
See above. In addition, I think it;s funny to see a song entitled Smash it Up in a game based around a toy dedicated to building.
Franz Ferdinand - Do You Want to
Hurrah for gay sex. Okay, so I see nothing wrong with parents teaching children about gays and explaining how people are different but the omission of the line "I blew him before you' is sure to puzzle some young minds.
Green Day - Good Riddance (Time of your Life)
Okay so there's nothing wrong with this one - but I'd just like to point out that's nice that Harmonix is there to remind us that there is a first half to the song title (even as so many people like deny it)
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Foxey lady
This is 'family friendly'? Now that i think of it I'm not sure. Or maybe I'm speaking as someone who was first exposed to the song as an eight year old watching Wayne's World at the cinema.
Megadeth - Hanger 18
Seems one can never be too young to be exposed to Thrash metal
Pearl Jam - Porch
Again some missing words may trigger some suspicions in the young child's mind.
Ramones - Teenage Lobotomy
And it seems that one isn't too young to be exposed to the Ramones either. Me, I'm not sure when I first became aware of the Ramones but I do know that I had heard the word lobotomy for years before I actually learned what it meant.
Stephen and the Colberts - Charlene (I'm Right Behind You)
Yes it may be a parody but surely a song about stalking would be anything but 'family friendly'?
System of a Down - Toxicity
Considering the hyper-politicized content and intensity of System of a Down's material it is indeed puzzling that they managed to get the 'family friendly' tick of approval.
Tenacious D - The Metal
One can imagine the kids would be familiar with Jack Black through Kung fu Panda - so needless to say they're in for a shock when they discover the music of Tenacious D.
Of course I'm not saying all of this to be some stick in the mud - after all, if a parent is doing the responsible thing in what their children can and cannot see then there is no problem - but has to wonder at the decisions being made in the Harmonix think tank.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Throwing a bone
It's official: A successor to the Xbox has been announced. It will be dubbed the XBox One...and will feature zero backwards compatibility.
Well thanks a lot Microsoft. The library of 360 games and original Xbox games is now looking useless. The songs I downloaded for Rock Band is looking equally pointless. And the money I've spent on customization for my XBLA account, with the games, wallpapers and avatar features, is looking hazy.
So good move there Microsoft. Have fun not getting my money.
Of course, there's plenty of other rage over the recent Xbox One announcement over the internet - but rather than repeat them, I'll just say that if the Xbox One doesn't do what I want it to then there's not much hope for it.
And one can only wonder what Microsoft was thinking.
Geez, and they said Sega dropped the ball....
Well thanks a lot Microsoft. The library of 360 games and original Xbox games is now looking useless. The songs I downloaded for Rock Band is looking equally pointless. And the money I've spent on customization for my XBLA account, with the games, wallpapers and avatar features, is looking hazy.
So good move there Microsoft. Have fun not getting my money.
Of course, there's plenty of other rage over the recent Xbox One announcement over the internet - but rather than repeat them, I'll just say that if the Xbox One doesn't do what I want it to then there's not much hope for it.
And one can only wonder what Microsoft was thinking.
Geez, and they said Sega dropped the ball....
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Keep on Rockin'
The biggest news so far this week is Harmonix announcing an end to regular DLC additions to the Rock Band store.
Some might say that this news has been long overdue as the wave of music rhythm games (or whatever you want to call it) has long since passed, those who've played it have since moved on and it's now only the diehards left still playing Rock Band.
Personally it's something I have mixed feelings about:
On one hand, the time of Rock Band has passed. But for me it's not just in popularity but somehow Rock Band 3, unlike it's predecessor, had no sense of longevity. Rock Band 2 had enough gigs and challenges to justify the DLC and hours of play time - conversely Rock Band 3 had a story mode and...then what? What do you do then? Face down a list of unplayed songs in the Music Library? It's far from a carrot and somehow, it makes the idea of obtaining more DLC feel more like a hollow exercise.
But on the other hand, the use of DLC available to RB2 still holds appeal (as mentioned above). Why, when Harmonix announced the 50% off sale, I picked up a lot of new stuff and gave RB2 another spin. And I must give props to Harmonix for keeping the music rhythm game genre going for as long as they did: they had a great selection of music and they didn't fall into the trap Guitar Hero did of releasing a new game every year.
Still, this may well be the death knell of the music rhythm game genre (if it hasn't already happened). And, like most people, I have a whole wide range of DLC songs on my console hard drive so there is certainty that I won't stop playing Rock Band for good. Whilst a potential revival seems (however remotely) possible it's unlikely music rhythm game genre will match the heights of it's heyday.
But for what;s worth I invested many hours in the Rock Band games and enjoyed it to bits.
So, for now, lets all raise a glass to Rock Band...
Some might say that this news has been long overdue as the wave of music rhythm games (or whatever you want to call it) has long since passed, those who've played it have since moved on and it's now only the diehards left still playing Rock Band.
Personally it's something I have mixed feelings about:
On one hand, the time of Rock Band has passed. But for me it's not just in popularity but somehow Rock Band 3, unlike it's predecessor, had no sense of longevity. Rock Band 2 had enough gigs and challenges to justify the DLC and hours of play time - conversely Rock Band 3 had a story mode and...then what? What do you do then? Face down a list of unplayed songs in the Music Library? It's far from a carrot and somehow, it makes the idea of obtaining more DLC feel more like a hollow exercise.
But on the other hand, the use of DLC available to RB2 still holds appeal (as mentioned above). Why, when Harmonix announced the 50% off sale, I picked up a lot of new stuff and gave RB2 another spin. And I must give props to Harmonix for keeping the music rhythm game genre going for as long as they did: they had a great selection of music and they didn't fall into the trap Guitar Hero did of releasing a new game every year.
Still, this may well be the death knell of the music rhythm game genre (if it hasn't already happened). And, like most people, I have a whole wide range of DLC songs on my console hard drive so there is certainty that I won't stop playing Rock Band for good. Whilst a potential revival seems (however remotely) possible it's unlikely music rhythm game genre will match the heights of it's heyday.
But for what;s worth I invested many hours in the Rock Band games and enjoyed it to bits.
So, for now, lets all raise a glass to Rock Band...
Friday, December 14, 2012
Planet of Sound (no.13)
Name: Rick Clarke
Birthdate: 14th December 1979
Instrument: Guitar
Affiliations: Dire Tribe
Bio: An old friend of Spike’s, both Spike and Rick came to know each other through living in the same town. There, Rick was something of a bully but he ended up in the same street as Spike and, by accident, found out they had similar musical tastes. Eventually they began playing together and Rick learnt how to play guitar. In return, he stood up for Spike against the bullies of his school.
Although Rick never quite achieved the success Spike did, there is no bad blood between them – as such, when Rick began writing songs, Spike decided to use his status to get a start for his friend. And thus the Dire Tribe was formed.
Through his background as a bully, Rick’s experiences have left him hardened and cynical. He has a rather morbid outlook on life (he insists this is to keep himself sane) but he does possess a degree of intelligence and the ability to make snap decisions. He is married to a woman named Maria.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Planet of Sound (no.12)
Birthdate: 2nd November 1978
Instruments: Drums
Affiliations: Tension Heads
Bio: John is an experienced drummer and a journeyman musician who has played in a number of bands prior to joining the Tension Heads. Little is known of his past life but he has a wide knowledge of music and has enough talent to be actively sought out after by Spike.
For some years John has been a contributor to Demon Flower with several song-writing credits to his name and playing both guitar and bass on studio recordings. He even played with Demon Flower for live performances on several occasions. Such was the connection to Demon Flower that when Spike got the Tension Heads together, he offered the role of drummer to John.
Something of a dark horse, much of John’s background is up for speculation. He doesn’t speak much of his past and is extremely defensive when the subject comes up. What is known is a) he has known Thom for years prior to joining the collective, b) he enjoys fast cars and owns a Ferrari and c) he has a wide knowledge of metal music. However, regardless of his mysterious nature, John gets on well with the other members of the collective and often relies on experience to help them with problems – which, in turn, strengthens the mystery of his background….
Monday, October 1, 2012
Planet of Sound (no.11)
Name: Sam Brooker
Birthdate: 1st October 1984
Instruments: Lead vocals / Guitar
Affiliations: Demon Flower
Bio: Sam was born and raised in New York. He is the middle child of five and has three sisters and a brother.
At first, he was a well-mannered lad from a good family, with a decent education, handsome looks, overflowing charisma and many admirers. Things however took a nasty turn when his father died when he was in high school. This put Sam on the path of delinquency he skipped school and joined a gang of troublemakers, engaging in gang violence and property destruction. It was during this time that he discovered Metal. Inspired, Sam decided to clean up his act and commit his time to learning a guitar. He went back to school to learn all he could about the guitar - and when he was done, he moved onto the bass. He would later credit metal as saving his life.
By the time he came to Spike’s attention, Sam had become a talented musician. With his skills and dashing good looks to match, he was welcomed into the ranks of Demon Flower. However, it didn’t take long before Spike figured that his presence would be better off suited up front entertaining the crowds.
Sam was already involved with Demon Flower before Jasmine left. He was already working with Demon Flower on tour and in the studio so went it came time to find a new vocalist he was a natural fit. With good looks, stage presence, guitar playing and a powerful roar in him, Sam quickly won over the crowd and the press and made his presence known. And when Jasmine returned, he agreed to share vocalising duties.
In the collective, Sam is more or less the front man: He talks to the media and the fans – being the only one who can stomach such attention. This suits both Sam and the other band members who are then left to concentrate on their duties. Nevertheless Sam has made put forth several ideas to the collective and has had several song writing credits to his name.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Planet of Sound (no.10)
Name: Bernard Free
Birthdate: 15th September 1988
Instruments: Drums
Affiliations: Dire Tribe
Bio: A recent addition to the Planet of Sound collective, Bernard came to Spike’s attention through answering an advertisement for a drummer. Little is known about his background although it is understood he spent several years living on the streets – this in turn has shaped him into something of an aggressive character. Eventually, through social support, Bernard was assigned to play drums in a community musical project. Finding an out let for his anger, Bernard took to drumming like a duck to water. And within time, he eventually found his way to the Planet of Sound collective.
In the collective, Bernard doesn’t contribute much to discussions or put forth any ideas – he’s more intent on drumming and as long as he does so, he’s happy. His relationships with everyone else seem somewhat strained as he seems intent on following on from his experiences on the streets. As such he seems to enjoy the idea of living like a rock star and the rebelliousness that comes with such a lifestyle. Whilst this make for some difficult times, Rick is intent on keeping Bernard largely due to his drumming prowess and the fact that his presence certainly livens up due moments backstage and on the tour bus.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Planet of Sound (no.9)
Name: Robin Banks
Birthdate: 25th August 1985
Instruments: Guitar / Bass / Keyboards
Affiliations: Dire Tribe / Demon Flower
Bio: Robin is the daughter of a single mother: Her father, disappeared when Robin was at a young age and has never been seen since. As such, her childhood has been fraught with feeling different to the others around her and building up resentment. During high school, she built up a reputation for being difficult to work with amongst students and teachers alike, even to the point of being dubbed ‘The Ice Queen’. Eventually dropping out of school, Robin entered a rebellious phase where she became a goth, bought clothing to match her nickname, and listened to The Cure, Joy Division and Nick Cave. Inspired by this music, Robin got her act together and applied for a proper musical education - studying the ins and out of musical theory.
Eventually, Robin coming out the other side a talented multi-instrumentalist, proficient in guitar, bass and keyboard. In time, she caught the attention of Spike and invited to join Demon Flower. Since then, Robin and Spike became good friends.And as the star of Demon Flower began to rise, Spike began to rely upon Robin’s musical expertise and suggestions.
At first Robin was the replacement bass player for Jasmine but when Jasmine and Rock left, Robin became part of a brains trust that Spike often deferred to for song writing and band decisions. And when Jasmine eventually returned, Robin deferred bass duties for the guitar and keyboard.
As part of the Planet of Sound collective, Robin is still the same Ice Queen and, along with Evan, part of the brains trust that works with Spike. She is also known for defusing arguments on tour. Robin as all too aware that Spike considers her too valuable to let go but is too loyal to walk out on him – after all, who’d be stupid enough to walk away from the rock star lifestyle?
Robin is also known for bass duties in the Dire Tribe during her downtime.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Planet of Sound (no.8)
Name: Jasmine
Birthdate: 27th July 1984
Instruments: Vocals / Bass / Guitar
Affiliations: Demon Flower
Bio: Jasmine is the daughter of two very wealthy parents. She has two sisters.
From an early age, Jasmine showed a keen interest in singing, a love that would be with her for the rest of her life. During her middle-school years, Jasmine would increase her musical ability, learning to play the bass. But it was her singing that bowled many people over, with her gorgeous voice and understanding of various styles of music.
However, it was also in this time that she developed a rebellious phase, indulging in punk music (Sex Pistols and Joan Jett being particular favourites) and becoming embodied in the goth culture, buying an entirely new wardrobe in the process.
With her musical talents, taste in clothing and generally cute disposition, Jasmine found herself growing attached to a number of college bands and playing whenever and wherever she could. Within time, she eventually met Spike - there they bonded over similar tastes in music and the two became fast friends.
At first Jasmine was the bass player within Demon Flower – but eventually a lot of media attention was placed upon her so Spike decided to go with it, promoting Jasmine to lead singer. This move paid off at first but eventually the success went to Jasmine’s head and she began making a spectacle of herself and lost focus on the music. Finally after much frustration Spike fired Jasmine.
Since leaving Demon Flower Jasmine tried to keep her music career going through playing in other bands and trying to write some songs but neither went anywhere. Eventually however Spike contacted her and they reconciled. As a result Jasmine was welcomed back into Demon Flower as a bass player and a co-vocalist (singing the softer material as Sam handled the heavier stuff). Whilst Jasmine’s role in the band has been reduced from before, she is however glad to have a second chance and determined not to muck it up.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Planet of Sound (no.7)
Name: Chloe
Birthdate: 7th July 1986
Instruments: Lead vocals / Guitar
Affiliations: Tension Heads
Bio: Chloe is a cousin of Jasmine. Through the familial connections, Chloe and Jasmine often sung and played together. Thus, when the collective was building up, Jasmine brought Chloe to Spike’s attention and she was welcomed in to jam. After several visits, Chloe became friendly with the collective. So when Spike wanted to form a new band to work on a new batch songs he'd been developing, he invited Chloe in as the singer. Chloe accepted and quickly developed a working partnership with both Spike and Alison.
An experienced musician on all fronts, Chloe made the transition to the microphone with ease and certainly enjoys working the crowds up at live performances.
Chloe’s greatest contribution to the Planet of Sound collective is conflict resolution. Whilst a decent performer on guitar & bass and a singer of solid capacity, Chloe is perhaps at her best when it comes to resolving conflicts within the collective. Fulfilling the role of diplomat, Chloe speaks with experience, world-weariness and, amazingly for a front-woman, without ego. As such she’s come to be regarded as a go-to person should an argument or a fight erupt.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Planet of Sound (no.6)
Name: Spike
Birthdate: 11th June 1982
Instruments: Lead Guitar / Vocals
Affiliations: Dire Tribe / Demon Flower / Tension Heads
Bio: Spike was the youngest child in a middle-class family. His musical education came from his family, being raised on a diet of melodic guitar pop and, through his brother, a love for loud, crunching guitar riffs. Indeed, this period brought forth a long standing admiration for Pearl Jam and the Beatles.
It was during Spike’s childhood that Seattle became legendary for Nirvana, Pearl Jam and the birthplace of the early nineties grunge/alternative rock explosion. Having come from a city holding a distinguished place in the history rock and roll music, it didn’t take much for Spike to realise that he wanted to form a band and spend his life playing music and winning fans the world over. Well, it was either that or facing lifetime of being broke and unemployed.
At first Spike was a musician for hire, playing through various bands and building up numerous contacts. Eventually however he decided to try leading his own band. This led to the formation of Demon Flower. When Demon Flower had some breakthrough success, Spike decided to put his fame to good use and encourage a new band, Dire Tribe, and assemble a group of musicians for his friend Rick. Later still, when Demon Flower achieved a degree of comfort and stability, Spike formed a new band to work on some new songs that wouldn’t have fit in with the rest of Demon Flower’s repertoire - hence the Tension Heads were born.
Spike is the leader of the Planet of Sound collective. Whilst there are three bands currently in functioning within it (Demon Flower, Dire Tribe and the Tension Heads), Spike is the focal point gathering all the musicians under his banner and having a hand in each band. Through the collective Spike is able to keep track of the contacts he’d built up over the years and find anyone to play with when he needs to get out of a rut. He is the leader of Demon Flower, advisor of the Dire Tribe and, more recently, progenitor of the Tension Heads. Having passionate love for music in all forms, Spike is keen to try new things but is smart enough to set up various avenues to do such a thing.
Despite a dictatorial role in his collective, in what music is played and what his bandmates should do, Spike does however possess a lighter side with him being humorous and of an easy-going nature. And he still plays some mean guitar.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Planet of Sound (no.5)
Name: Alison
Birthdate: 2nd May 1989
Instruments: Keyboards / Bass
Affiliations: Tension Heads
Bio: Alison is a well-trained musician and the youngest of two children. Originally from Montreal, she came from a wealthy family. However she disapproved of her parents elitist and condescending views and sought to escape.
So she came to the US to seek her fortune and to escape her father’s disapproval of her chosen career. Seeking a room-mate she eventually ran into Thom and they bonded over music. Eventually, she was introduced to Spike and welcomed into the Planet of Sound Collective.
Alison was shy at first – no doubt out of bewilderment by the other members of the collective - but gradually became more talkative with time. When she speaks she does with intelligence, politeness and maturity. She is occasionally flirtatious with the men and always willing to provide help and musical suggestions. The youngest of the collective, Alison has nonetheless built up a partnership with Spike and John and worked together in building material for the Tension Heads. Talented on multiple instruments, Alison’s role in the band is that of playing bass and keyboards.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Planet of Sound (no.4)
Name: Evan Williams
Birthdate: 4th April 1984
Instruments: Drums
Affiliations: Demon Flower / Dire Tribe
Bio: Evan spent his first decade as an abandoned child on the Bronx: his parents disappeared for reasons unknown and left him in the hands of an uncle. Evan grew up never knowing his parents and resentment grew. Evan also had an older brother but it’s unknown what became of him.
When Evan’s teens came about, the resentment got the better of him and he decided to see the world for himself. Alas, he fell in with the wrong crowd and ended up living on the streets. Evan eventually joined a street gang and engaged in numerous anti-social activities. However things take a turn for the worse when the gang was involved in a riot where several of them were killed and Evan barely escaped with his life.
Upon entering adulthood, Evan was unable to find peace of mind. Eventually however, he answered an ad for a roommate and met a young musician called Spike. Through living with each other, Evan and Spike became friends. And eventually Evan learned a new appreciation of music and was inspired enough to take up the drums.
Through growing up on the streets, Evan has little respect for authority but, having achieved success as musician, he shows concern for the homeless. He is reliable to Spike and good friends with Sam.
Through growing up on the streets, Evan has little respect for authority but, having achieved success as musician, he shows concern for the homeless. He is an excellent drummer and known for being drinking buddies with Jasmine (if anything to keep her out of trouble).
Along with the Robin, Evan is part of the brains trust that Spike utilises for Demon Flower. He provides many musical ideas and suggestions as to how to handle certain problems. Evan insists on wearing his sunglasses so he doesn’t get blinded by the bright light of fame and such a cool head is something that Spike respects deeply and relies a lot upon. Evan is also known for drumming in the Dire Tribe during his downtime.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Planet of Sound (no.3)
Name: James Squire
Birthdate: 27th March 1984
Instruments: Vocals / Guitar
Affiliations: Dire Tribe
Bio: James Squire comes from a family of some prestige. He has an older sibling and enjoyed a decent upbringing. He discovered an interest in singing at a young age through his parent’s record and CD collection. Eventually he discovered soul music and set out to expand his singing ability and learn the guitar. He spent most of his teens playing in a number of bands before eventually coming across Spike who needed a singer for his band.
Being handsome and charismatic, James was a logical fit, in his musicianship and his ability to work a crowd. Inspired by the success, he decided to go solo and left Demon Flower however on good terms. However when the solo career didn’t work out, Spike offered him a spot in the Dire Tribe to which James accepted.
Off stage, James is indeed intelligent and whilst he enjoys the rewards of being famous, he is fully aware how it can mess with one’s head. Thus James exhibits some self-restraint and caution when confronted with them and even treats it with a degree of cynicism. James also a girlfriend named Theodora who he is quite supportive of.
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