Rock Band 3: Shit just got real, yo

[Piotyr]

IGN's preview

So, Harmonix decided to actually try to revamp the gameplay with Rock Band 3, offering two specific new things.

First, the game has keyboard support and a 25-key keyboard peripheral, along with a full set of 83 songs that support it.

Second, the game has what is called "pro mode", and "pro instruments". The pro guitar, for example, has all the frets and strings of a real guitar, and you will have to pick the correct string holding the correct fret to play the right notes.

The pro drums have two additional actual cymbal attachments that must be played appropriately, as well as double bass drum support.

The pro keyboard setting requires the use of all 25 keys, instead of pushing the colored buttons.

So, theoretically, this could be used as a tool to teach real instrument playing, at some level. It won't be cheap, though, for sure.

EDIT: And here's a video:

 

[CynicismKills]

KEYBOARD SUPPORT SWEET

...and Huey Lewis? My God, it's full of win.

 

[Chibibar]

that is pretty awesome. It is a good start that you can use "almost" real guitar (it was a quick look so those who actually play a real guitar does it look close enough to a real thing?) The keyboard is sweet. I do like that the key you are playing are actual part of the song which is good for starting keyboard player who suck (like me)

 

[checkeredhat]

Looks neat. I'm still kinda hoping for a 'non-game' version of this where you can just play along with genuine instruments to any song that has been converted to this system. It would allow me to practice in band formation even if some/none of the other band mates are present. It's getting closer though.

Did Guitar Rising ever come out? I remember reading that was supposed to come out like two years ago. It was a program where you plug an actual electric guitar into your computer, and the strings are represented by colours on the screen, with numbers written in the colours to tell you which fret to hold that string down at. My roommates and I planned on getting it to trick ourselves into learning to play guitar and then we realized we have no money.