The music game genre is preparing for a major overhaul thanks to the upcoming release of the Rock Band 3 instruments. Dubbed “Pro Mode, the new instruments will not only let you tour the virtual world of a rocker from your couch, but you might actually end up learning a thing or two after those long hard hours of gaming. The upgrading instruments were a joint creation between MTV Games and Harmonix who teamed up with aftermarket controller expert Mad Catz to produce the new Wireless Keyboard, Fender Mustang Pro Guitar, Drum Kit and High-Fidelity Microphone.
Reports from E3 also suggest that Mad Catz had an integral part in implementing a few notable tweaks to the Rock Band Microphone and Wireless Drum Kit, but we’ll need to test drive the game to confirm. The biggest change to the microphone is the departure from the old Logitech design in favor of a more accurate 1:1 stage microphone with an increased frequency range. The drums on the other hand now offer optional symbol attachments and a double-kick pedal to mimic life on the tour as a real rocker.
As far as a price tag, the Wireless Keyboard will be released when the game ships on October 26 for $79.99, or bundled with the game for $129.99. The Fender Mustang Pro Guitar controller, a fully functional MIDI controller compatible with digital recording software, will be available separately for $149.99 at launch. The new microphone will retail for $29 and the add-on cymbals will be priced at $39.99. At this point in time the new drum kit has not been priced, but seeing as the guitar is priced at $149.99, a $199.99 price point would not surprise us.
Personally, I’ve spent more than my fair share of nights behind the guitar and drums in the original Rock Band. If the instruments in the original had been as accurate as the third generation, I’d have actually learned a thing or two about playing the guitar and maybe we’d be having this conversation in the back of my tour bus. Rock Band 3 takes over the music gaming genre on October 26, get ready to rock on!
Xbox 360
Fender Mustang Pro Guitar Buy Now
Pro Cymbals Expansion Buy Now
Wireless Keyboard Buy Now
Pro Microphone Buy Now
PS3
Fender Mustang Pro Guitar Buy Now
Pro Cymbals Expansion Buy Now
Wireless Keyboard Buy Now
Pro Microphone Buy Now
