The Beatles: Rock Band has been officially unveiled by Harmonix (and given an official name. Previously it was thought to not feature the “Rock Band” labeling) along with pricing info and release dates among other details.
The most interesting aspect to me is the fact that you will be able to get a “Limited Edition Premium Bundle” at a steep price point (see below) that will feature instruments modeled after the REAL instruments (including guitars, basses and drums) used by John, Paul, George and Ringo. Something that is sure to be a real treat if you are a huge Beatles fan, and also something that hasn’t really been done before. I mean sure you can probably find a REAL guitar modeled after the real Beatles instruments, but now you can do so at a much cheaper price, and play with your friends to boot!
The release date for The Beatles: Rock Band is September 9, 2009 (9/9/9). A date that may be familiar to Dreamcast owners, who will recall that the Dreamcast also came out on a 9/9/9 date, September 9th, 1999.
Here is the breakdown as far as system releases and pricing goes:
* The Beatles: Rock Band Software – Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Wii: $59.99 MSRP (GBP 43 / EUR 48)
* The Beatles: Rock Band Standalone Guitars – Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Wii: $99.99 MSRP (GBP 70 / EUR 80)
* The Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition Premium Bundle -Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Wii: $249.99 MSRP
Update:
The Rock Band Limited Edition Premium Bundle will include:
* A Höfner Bass controller
* A Beatlesque and Ludwig-branded Rock Band drums with classic pearl finish
* A metal kick pedal and a vintage replica drumhead
* A microphone with stand
* And possibly “additional special content.”
The game will be released simultaneously in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand with other dates to follow I’m sure.
There will also be exclusive content and goodies for those who pre-order the game, although details on that were not disclosed. Which is natural given that the game is still quite far off. Regardless, it’s best to get the kids excited early on, eh.
And in case you are wondering, yes the game is fully compatible with previous Rock Band instruments, so you will not have to spring for the expensive sets unless you want to rock out in true Beatles form with your plastic instrument replica.