Switched has a new home! Huffpost Tech.

Click here to visit the new home of Switched!

Hot on HuffPost Tech:

See More Stories
AOL Tech

'Rock Band 3' Adds a Keytar and 'Real' Guitars, Lands This Winter

by Caleb Johnson on June 12, 2010 at 09:00 AM

Rock Band 3
Back in May, we reported on rumors that 'Rock Band 3' might include a keytar peripheral and a mysterious new "Pro Mode." Today's official announcement clarified details on the next generation of everyone's favorite party game, arriving later this year. Pro gamers willing to shell out $150 can get a Mad Catz Fender Mustang peripheral loaded up with 102 buttons, 17 frets and six pluckable nylon strings, all to be played in the game's new "Pro Mode." Milking the peripheral market for all it's worth, there are also plans to release an official Squier Stratocaster that functions as both a real guitar and a game controller.

The keytar is very functional, and depending on the level of difficulty, you'll either press a couple keys or hit every note using the two-octave instrument. Billy Joel fans will be able to play the black and whites flat like an upright, and Devo-tees will be able to sling the peripheral around their shoulder in proper keytar style. In the never-ending pursuit of realism, three expansion cymbals are also available for the drum set.

Rockband 3



The song list, 80-strong this time around, contains everyone from Rilo Kiley and Phoenix to Queen and The Cure, and is slowly being unveiled as we get closer to launch. Joystiq reports that you'll also be able to import songs from the previous 'Rock Band' games.

With 'Rock Band 3,' it's clear that Harmonix is pushing hard to deliver a more realistic musical experience. The addition of new gameplay modes, like a "party mode," and the ability to simplify an instrument's functions, should ensure that casual gamers don't get left behind. [From: Joystiq, via: Engadget]

Tags: e3, guitar hero, GuitarHero, Harmonix, keytar, madcatz, music, peripherals, rock band, RockBand, RockBand3, squier, squier stratocaster, SquierStratocaster, top, VideoGames

HuffPost AOL Social News Most Popular