LOS ANGELES, June 30 (Reuters) - The makers of video game
"Rock Band 2" said on Monday the sequel to last year's
best-selling predecessor "Rock Band" will be released for the
Xbox in September, months ahead of key rival "Guitar Hero."
Both games allow players to simulate being in a rock band
by playing musical instruments.
"Rock Band 2" makers Harmonix Music Systems Inc, Electronic
Arts Inc (ERTS.O: Quote, Profile, Research) and MTV games, a unit of Viacom Inc (VIAb.N: Quote, Profile, Research),
said the new version would include more instruments, a new
soundtrack and an online community. Music downloads for the
first "Rock Band" will be compatible with "Rock Band 2."
The game will be available initially for Microsoft Corp's
(MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) Xbox, with versions for other game consoles released
later in the year. Further details are expected to be revealed
at the E3 video game conference in Los Angeles, July 14-17.
Since the first game's release last November, the "Rock
Band" online music store has sold more than 15 million music
downloads. Over 200 tracks are available.
"Rock Band" can be played with up to four people and
includes a drum set, microphone, guitar and bass controllers.
Players follow notes streamed on a television screen and earn
points if they hit the notes on their instruments accurately.
Activision's (ATVI.O: Quote, Profile, Research) new "Guitar Hero: World Tour" will be
released during the upcoming Christmas season and include a
drum set and microphone in addition to its guitar controller.
(Reporting by Jennifer Martinez; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte
and Braden Reddall)
From : http://uk.reuters.com/
