Sony PS2

Review: SingStar Abba for PS2 and PS3

Dale — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:00:00 -0500

When I was a kid in the 70's, ABBA was about the only pop band my mom would listen to, and we had one ABBA tape in the car, so given the option between that and instrumental easy listening, I chose ABBA, and I enjoyed the catchy melodies and beautiful harmonies. Since then, I've built my own music collection, and ABBA remains in the mix, so I was excited when I heard that the latest edition of SingStar featured ABBA.

For the most part, this is yet another edition of the popular (and excellent--we love this series) SingStar karaoke game with mostly the same features: sing single or through various multiplayer modes, either cooperative or competitive while either watching the original music videos or connecting an EyeToy or Playstation Eye to watch yourself boogie down.

The PS3 version also includes the new features introduced with SingStar PS3: the SingStore, allowing you to download any songs you want to add to your collection (for $1.49 each) from hundreds of great tunes for every fan and the My SingStar Online social media element, that allows you to post your best singing to entertain (or torture) your friends. It's a cool feature, but unless you have a bunch of SingStar-using friends, it gets old pretty fast.

Normally, at this point in the review, you'd see a list of songs we consider appropriate for all ages, but that's the beauty of ABBA. Both the lyrics and videos are completely family-friendly. Some have subtle innuendo and an alcohol reference or 2, but overall, this is a game you can hand to your kids and not have to supervise which songs are appropriate. Add the SingStore, and you can create a collection of family-friendly songs for the entire family to enjoy. Given that combination, this may be the perfect SingStar edition for families.

If you like to sing and would rather do Karaoke in the privacy in your own home or want to do so with your kids, buy this one, especially if you have a PS3. All I can say is, "Thank You for the Music."

Review: Singstar Country for PS2

Dale — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 09:04:02 -0500

It's about time, really. While Country music may not be popular on the coasts, it's been very popular for years in the Midwest and South, so Sony has finally released a Country version of their popular SingStar karaoke series.

This version includes all of the modes of previous games such as Pass the Mic and Freestyle. This game also includes "Golden Notes" like earlier titles, particularly high or long notes that give bonus points for hitting perfectly. By adding the Eyetoy camera, you can see and record yourself singing instead of watching the original music video during golden notes, then play back those segments afterward. You can also playback your entire performance to hear your own voice and even add in sound effects, which younger kids especially will enjoy.

The game includes 30 popular Country songs. Of those 30, we recommend the following as suitable lyrics for all ages (with minor exceptions noted):

Alan Jackson: Chattahoochee (Some innuendo)
Alan Jackson: Good Time (Alcohol reference)
Blake Shelton: Home
Brooks & Dunn: Boot Scootin' Boogie (Alcohol reference)
Brooks & Dunn w/ Reba McEntire: If You See Him/If You See Her
Bucky Covington: It's Good to Be Us
Faith Hill: Red Umbrella
Jessica Simpson: Come on Over (Possible innuendo)
Jewel: Stronger Woman (Some innuendo)
Johnny Cash: I Walk the Line
Josh Turner: Another Try
Keith Urban: Days Go By
Kellie Pickler: Red High Heels
Kenny Chesney: Big Star (Some innuendo)
Lady Antebellum: Love Don't Live Here
Martina McBride: A Broken Wing
Miranda Lambert: Kerosene (Smoking reference and metaphorical violence reference)
Montgomery Gentry: My Town
Rascal Flatts: Bless the Broken Road
Sara Evans: Born to Fly
Taylor Swift: Our Song
Terri Clark: Girls Lie Too (Some innuendo)
Trace Adkins: You're Gonna Miss This
Willie Nelson: Poncho and Lefty

As I went through the lyrics to these songs, I noticed that, while Rock and Roll has been villainized since its inception for inappropriate lyrics, Country isn't exactly clean and pure. Some of the music videos also include women dressed inappropriately for public consumption.

If your family enjoys Country music and likes to sing while line dancing, this entry into the SingStar series is a welcome and quality addition. There's nothing too groundbreaking here, but fans will want to pick this one up.

Review: Spider-man: Web of Shadows for PS2

Dale — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:20:49 -0500

Before I go any further, note that Spider-man: Web of Shadows for PS2, besides the plot premise, some superficially similar elements, and the same box art, bears no resemblance to the PS3/360 version. They are completely different games, both better and worse. The PS2 version shares a limited form of skill enhancement, calling for help from allies, and the ability to switch between black and red/blue costumes, but the similarity ends there. The 360/PS3 version is a much better "sandbox-style" game, whereas this, unlike the movie-based games, is a basic 2D side-scrolling action platformer. That said, the PS3/360 version is rated "T" and contains graphic violence, whereas the PS2 version, rated E10+, has less intensity than the recent Spectacular Spider-man cartoon and is thus more appropriate for younger children. Think of the PS2 game as the Kidz Bop version--the similarities are obvious, but it's totally different. So if you're not interested in the 360/PS3 versions, your curiosity about the differences likely ends there, so I'll look at the game independently from its cousins from here on.

What would happen if the alien symbiotic costume currently known as Venom spread around the city like a virus? Spidey, with the help of S.H.I.E.L.D. and lots of other friends, finds out this time around. But the costume he rejected because it was affecting his personality has joined up with him again, leading him to have to think about every action and its moral implications. These decisions are left up to the player to decide, and those decisions not only affect how the rest of the city, allies, and enemies interact with him, but how powerful he is, depending which suit he wears. Because the game changes based on these decisions, it has lots of replay value, and an intriguing story adds to the desire to pick up and play.

The graphics fall short of previous PS2 Spidey games, often looking muddy and blurred, lacking the detail that a PS2 game should have by this point. The sound, though, is good, and Spidey fans will be thrilled with the Spidey's hilarious banter.

While the game operates on a 2-D plane, it is a Spider-man game, so there's a lot of up and down, puzzles, rescues, and a half dozen earnable special moves. Spidey faces a broad range of enemies from symbiote creatures to thugs to classic villains, mixing it up enough to keep things interesting.

Gameplay is easy enough for kids around age 10 or older to pick up, although the game suffers from minor collision problems, causing charge attacks to pass through enemies harmlessly, and while frequent, we didn't find it enough of an issue to seriously detract from the game.

Compared to other recent PS2 Spider-man games, this one falls short. You're better off with Spider-man 2 or Ultimate Spider-man, but as a side-scrolling action platform game, it's decent, and fans of the wallcrawler will enjoy this one. Rent it before you buy.

New Lego Batman Launch Trailer

Dale — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:05:54 -0400

Here's the new launch trailer for Lego Batman, which comes out tomorrow for all major consoles. Check back soon for reviews, and check out the new screens at the Image Gallery.

Rock Band Track Pack Volume 2 Coming in October

Dale — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:23:38 -0400

For Wii and PS2 users looking to increase your musical library for your Rock Band game, Amazon.com lists Rock Band Track Pack Vol. 2 to be due out October 3. The ESRB confirms the T rating for Wii, PS2, PS3, and 360, but if you have a PS3 or Xbox 360 and like less than 15 songs, just download them. Watch here for more details when available.

Review: Monster Jam for PS2

Dale — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 22:38:52 -0400

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! What's with Monster Truck exhibitions and Sundays, anyway? Monster trucks are big vehicles with spectacular over the top stunts, amazing crashes, and everything huge. But can this game live up to the huge factor on the small screen?

Initial Impressions

When I got to the first menu screen, I had to double-check the box for developer and publisher. The menu screens look almost identical to the MX vs. ATV series menus. Nope, different developer--I guess imitation is the greatest form of flattery.

The game does well to capture the environment of monster trucks, including stadiums and outdoor tracks, but graphics are blocky, even for a PS2 game, and the engine noise just doesn't sound very "monster." The focus of the game is on the crash, getting bonus points for breaking things, but this is hit and miss, as you never know what's destructible and what's not until you slam into something and screech to a halt. On the positive side, even the trucks themselves show signs of damage. In some modes, you can even lose wheels, which makes control rather difficult.

Gameplay

The controls use a standard system, so nothing complicated there, except that getting used to controlling these beasts takes some getting used to. My 7 and 10-year-olds were able to understand the controls and enjoy playing, but I would not consider "control" to accurately describe what they were doing.

Part of the problem is the collision system. Smashing into a semi pulling a trailer full of logs makes a big boom, but it barely slows your truck down. But driving over a pile of cars, what monster trucks were really designed for, sends you flying into the air, completely out of control, and the sheet metal wall of an airplane hanger can stop your truck in its tracks.

The other part is simply control. These beasts can turn on a dime and will often do so at the slightest bump. Control, especially for kids who tend to over-compensate their steering, is extremely difficult and needs a certain degree of precision in some spots that just doesn't quite happen. The camera also has a hard time keeping up, so if you get suddenly spun around, you have to wait for the camera to turn around so you can see where you're going. Add in a stadium full obstacles with a turn every few yards, and you have an exercise in frustration. That said, the game isn't all bad.

Modes

Championship (1 player) This is the equivalent of the "Career Mode" in many games. Play events to unlock more events, trucks, tracks, and stunts. It combines most of the modes below.

Eliminator (1 player) A race to the finish line with one truck eliminated each lap in an outdoor setting.

Circuit (1-2 player) A more standard race mode, outdoors again.

Freestyle (1 player) Focusing on stunts, this stadium setting is what most people expect at a monster truck rally. Rack up points with stunts and smashes, but if you land upside-down, you're done.

Stadium Racing (1 player) A race to the finish line in a small stadium, my least favorite because of the difficulty, plus some of the tracks are so short, you have no time to catch up after even a small blunder.

Stadium Circuit (1-2 player) Stadium Racing with additional tracks.

Cross Country (1-2 player) A practice mode, allowing you to drive all over the Circuit tracks for as long as you like. My kids love this mode, because it's like a giant game of bumper cars. My 7-year-old laughed until she started coughing. "I'm going to get you, Daddy!" That said, I really wish they meant the name of the mode. If you stray from the track, though, it puts you right back. A 4-player option or online play would really improve this mode as well.

Time Trial (1 player) Race against the clock--standard stuff here.

Battle Royale (2 player) Similar to the Freestyle mode, players smash up as much as they can, including each other, in a stadium, which makes it even more like bumper cars than Cross Country, although this one has a timer and clear winner. The kids enjoyed this one as well until both front wheels fell off.

Final Word

Monster trucks are supposed to be huge and glorious. but these just aren't there yet. Rent it for a weekend if you have kids aged around 6-12 and let them have fun smashing each other and you up, but as a purchase, I couldn't recommend it.

Sonic Unleashed Video

Dale — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 01:39:15 -0400

In order to re-unite a shattered world, Sonic the Hedgehog races from continent to continent fighting Dr. Eggman’s evil minions. One such content is the naturally striking Chun-nan. With forests of ancient bamboo and stunning architecture -- such as a great stone dragon which snakes its way through the landscape -- Chun-nan is one of the most distinct places Sonic has ever visited.

However, with the recent invasion of Dr. Eggman, Chun-nan is also one of the most dangerous locales on Sonic’s tour throughout the world.

SEGA® of America Inc. has released all-new footage of Sonic the Hedgehog as he fights his way through Chun-nan!

Review: Premium Rock Band Drum Covers

Dale — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 01:17:27 -0400

I love Guitar Hero, but my biggest complaint about it is the click of the strum bar. Some people like the auditory feedback, but for me, it detracts from hearing the music, and the game is all about the music. So although many people don't like the Rock Band guitar, I love the fact that it's quiet so I can hear the music coming from the TV, or at least I can until the drums start tapping. Drums can be fairly loud instruments, but on Rock Band, unless you crank it up (and wake up the kids), you won't hear the virtual drums over the drum controls (which may be loud enough to wake up the kids).

The answer here is simple, and Premium Drum Covers has answered with, you guessed it, Premium Drum Covers. (I know. It's these cryptic Web 2.0 companies whose odd names give no hint as to their actual product!) The sturdy cloth covers wrap around the drum heads to provide a tight-fitting, good-looking solution.

The box includes two plastic bags, one with the four covers, and one with 16 liners. The covers are fabric, a coarse material for the "skin" and smoother stitched material around the sides. All of the fabric is sturdy and seems relatively dirt resistant. (We don't recommend throwing liquids at them, as they must be hand washed (washing instructions included), not to mention the damage to the drum set!) They are currently available in Wii white (our set) or black to match the other consoles' sets. The faces come in colors corresponding to the set colors, but solid instead of just outlined, allowing players to see the colors with peripheral vision and enhancing accuracy. An all-black set is available for those who play by position only, and the company informs me that they plan a Designer Series in the future with leopard print, faux fur, faux leather, denim, or other distinct designs. (I'm thinking studded leather would go over well or silkscreened designs with custom business logos, hippy flowers, etc.) I look forward to seeing their Rock Band 2 and Guitar Hero World Tour designs.

The covers tie on tightly. When I saw the images for the first time, they looked a bit bulky, but having tied them on myself, I can say that they fit as tightly as you can tie them and fit almost like the skin on a baseball. At the same time, they're easy to remove for any reason--just untie the knot.

With 16 soft felt drum liners, you can customize the amount of dampening to rebound ratio you prefer. We found no noticeable dampening difference between 3 and 4 liners per drum, and the rebound doesn't change all that much unless you're a professional drummer or playing for hours on end. That said, with 3 liners, the loud taps become muffled thumps, and for the first time, we could actually hear the drums on the TV.

At $39, we highly recommend these pads for all Rock Band fans. It literally adds value to your game, as you can actually hear the music, which is, of course, the whole point! It may seem a bit pricey, but these are quality covers that will likely last for years and allow you to discover Rock Band all over again.

E308: Sony makes announcements for PS3, PS2, PSP (PS2 refuses to die; PS3 unable to thrive)

Dale — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:23:13 -0400

It has to be absolutely killing Sony that the PS2 is still doing better than the PS3, but here's what they have up their digital sleeve:

Sony Computer Entertainment America Announces New 80GB PLAYSTATION(R)3, Limited Edition PlayStation(R)2 Bundle, and PlayStation(R)Portable Entertainment Pack at E3 2008

Company Also Launches New PLAYSTATION(R)Network Video Delivery Service and Showcases More Than 140 First-Party and Third-Party Games Across All Platforms

LOS ANGELES, July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) held its annual press conference today at the E3 Media & Business Summit, making a series of announcements which demonstrated the strength of the PlayStation brand across all three of its platforms and further leveraged the heritage and momentum of PlayStation's family of products to provide consumers with more compelling entertainment options than anyone in the videogame industry.

Starting in September 2008, the newly announced PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) 80GB model will become the mainstay of the company's hardware line-up. The 80GB model will retail for $399, and will offer all of the features and functionality of the 40GB model with double the storage to accommodate more movies, graphics, music, photos and other entertainment content -- all for the same price. As with its predecessor, the new 80GB model will be a complete entertainment system comprising of a Blu-ray(TM) player, HDMI output, an integrated Wi-Fi connection, Cell Broadband Engine(TM) and a built-in 80GB hard-disk drive. The multi-functionality of the 80GB PS3, combined with more than 140 exclusive and third-party titles and the PLAYSTATION(R)Network, is a comprehensive entertainment value designed to appeal to a wide range of consumers from hard-core gamers to general entertainment enthusiasts.

Following the success of five PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) Entertainment Packs, SCEA announced the Ratchet and Clank(R) Size Matters PSP Entertainment Pack, a new bundle showcasing PSP's multi-functional feature set, targeted for holiday gift-giving. Launching in October 2008 for $199.99 MSRP, the bundle will include a limited-edition "Silver" PSP system with the highly acclaimed game, Ratchet and Clank(R) Size Matters; a blockbuster movie on UMD(R) (Universal Media Disc); a PLAYSTATION(R)Network voucher to download the innovative puzzle game, echochrome(TM) from PLAYSTATION(R)Store: and a 1GB Memory Stick PRO Duo(TM) for storing music, videos, photos and more.

In addition, SCEA introduced a new family entertainment bundle for the PlayStation(R)2 system, the most successful console in industry history. The limited-edition LEGO(R) Batman(TM): The Videogame PlayStation(R)2 Pack will feature the highly anticipated TT Games/Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment title LEGO(R) Batman(TM): The Videogame, Warner Home Video's Justice League: The New Frontier on DVD, and a PlayStation(R)2 system -- all for $149.99 MSRP, which represents a $30 savings for consumers if the contents were purchased separately. SCEA will also launch more than 130 new titles for PlayStation(R)2 system this year, totaling 10,000 PlayStation(R)2 titles by end of the year.

"It's undeniable we have three successful platforms, the broadest and best line-up of some of the biggest exclusives in the business, and are continuing to deliver compelling and original content to our consumers," said Jack Tretton, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Expect to see continued momentum this year as we remain focused on delivering products and services that extend the strength of our brand and reaffirms PlayStation's place at the center of consumers' homes."

Additionally, the company previewed more than 140 first and third-party games at E3 2008 proving its content line-up this year is unmatched in the industry due to its depth, breadth, and diversity. Throughout the holiday season and this fiscal year, SCEA and its third-party partners plan to release more than 140 software titles for the PS3 available on Blu-ray Disc(TM) (BD).

SCEA is also developing more than 50 games, game packs, and add-ons downloadable via PLAYSTATION(R)Network in North America this year, offering something for every taste, lifestyle and budget. Also, to continue offering greater value to PlayStation fans, SCEA will launch PS3 Greatest Hits program on July 28 with 10 first and third party titles at a reduced price of $29.99. The PS3 Greatest Hits titles include Warhawk(TM), Motorstorm(TM) and Resistance: Fall of Man(R) from SCEA; Call of Duty(R) 3, Activision(R); Need for Speed: Carbon, Electronic Arts; The Elder Scrolls(R) IV: Oblivion(TM), Bethesda(R) Softworks; Ninja Gaiden(R) Sigma, Tecmo(R); Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six(R) Vegas and Assassin's Creed(TM), Ubisoft(R).

SCEA also reiterated its commitment to make PLAYSTATION(R)Network the best entertainment experience in the industry, by announcing a new video delivery service on PLAYSTATION(R)Store for PS3 and PSP systems in the United States. The new video service, available today, allows U.S. consumers to download full-length TV shows and movies to both their PS3 and PSP through the PlayStation Store for rental or purchase.

In addition, SCEA further outlined progress against its revolutionary online experience, PlayStation Home. Highlighting new first party high definition virtual environments for hit PlayStation titles including, Unchartered: Drake's Fortune and Warhawk. With significant third party support already on board, Sony Computer Entertainment will be expanding the beta in Summer 2008 and commence the open beta service by Fall 2008.

E308: More Rock Band 2 Details

Dale — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:15:06 -0400

This is really starting to sound cool, not that the original isn't already awesome. We can't wait to get our hands on this one.

For the First Time Ever in a Music Videogame - Compete Against Other Bands Online; Export Music Tracks from Original Disc to Rock Band 2(1)

Upgraded World Tour, Battle of the Bands, Set Challenges and Drum Trainer All Deliver an Authentic, Optimized Experience

Soundtrack to Feature Over 100 Songs From Unrivaled Blend of Classic, Developing and New Artists

Rock Band is the first music game to Support Open Platform By Officially Licensing Third Party Rock Band 2 Instruments: Mad Catz Premier Guitar Controllers, Cymbal Expansion Pack and Professional ION Alesis Drum Set

LOS ANGELES, July 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Harmonix, the world's premier music video game development company, and MTV Games, a division of Viacom's MTV Networks (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , along with marketing and distribution partner Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) , today revealed at the 2008 E3 Media & Business Summit new features for the next evolution of the groundbreaking music platform, Rock Band(TM) 2. With the original Rock Band title providing millions of players with a new way to interact with the music and artists they love, Rock Band 2 builds upon its core band foundation to offer an unparalleled, deeper, dynamic gameplay experience.

Rock Band 2 raises the bar in music gaming innovation with new features to rock the world:

-- Local and global online modes to connect the entire Rock Band community

-- World Tour mode, now online, simplifies the best of gameplay from the original Rock Band by fusing Solo Tour and Band World Tour modes and cranks it up a notch with an all new collection of opportunity gigs, challenges, cities, venues and hirable staff

-- Tour Challenges that offer rockers a chance to play through mini-campaigns focused on the best songs by instrument, decade, genre, artist, album and more

-- Battle of the Bands mode challenges players to go head to head against other bands in constantly refreshed contests* created by Harmonix (*internet connection required)

-- Quickplay makes it easier than ever to get in and jam without hassle while allowing for new prefab characters or customized characters that can play on any instrument plus lets you make your own set lists and organize your song lists in a variety of categories (genre, era, etc.)

-- Customizable Set Lists keep the music rolling and your band rocking in Quickplay mode

-- Drum Trainer mode gives players the fundamentals of different beats and fills, translating gameplay into real drumming skills

-- Character Creator completes your look with all new choices in clothing, accessories, tattoos, hairstyles, instruments and more to keep your unique rock avatar playing the full rock part

-- Backwards compatibility with all Rock Band downloadable music content released to date

-- Disc Export Feature gives owners of the original Rock Band the ability to export most of the Rock Band disc tracks and upgrade them into Rock Band 2 gameplay -- the first time ever in videogame history!(1)

Rock Band 2 features the largest music catalogue of any music-based videogame to date including:

-- The Rock Band 2 soundtrack will feature over 100 songs -- with over 80 songs on disc plus an additional 20 bonus tracks which will be made available for free download this fall.

-- Unrivaled Blend of Classic, Developing and Emerging rock acts including Pearl Jam, Metallica, Allman Brothers, Motorhead, Devo, Jane's Addiction, Megadeth, Paramore, Modest Mouse and more.

-- Rock Band 2 is the first and only video game to feature the music of AC/DC. It includes their epic rock anthem, "Let There Be Rock"

-- After 14 years since Guns N' Roses last official music release, Axl Rose selects Rock Band 2 to debut official new track, "Shackler's Revenge" from the highly-anticipated album Chinese Democracy

-- For the first time ever, music from American music icon, Bob Dylan, is featured in a video game with "Tangled Up In Blue"

-- With ongoing weekly DLC releases including individual tracks, track packs and full albums, the Rock Band music library will feature more than 500 songs by year's end!

From the solid officially licensed Rock Band 2 instruments to the expanded third party options, Rock Band 2 introduces new and improved choices that promise to deliver unsurpassed realism. In addition, Harmonix and MTV Games have become the first companies to officially support third party instruments and accessories in a music videogame.

Achieve ultimate stardom with the upgraded functionality and smooth new look of the official Rock Band 2 instruments.

-- Fender Stratocaster Controller takes on a new authentic look plus adds a reinforced strum bar, quieter buttons, wireless functionality and a built in calibration tool that automatically sets your AV setup to an ideal setting for maximum rock.

-- Drum set goes wireless while also featuring quieter, velocity sensitive drum pads and a metal reinforced pedal.

-- Microphone showcases authentic styling and weight.

Kick up the intensity with officially licensed third party instruments from Mad Catz:

-- Fender Telecaster Controller features soft buttons with lower action to help you shred faster than ever.

-- Fender Bass Controller, the first bass guitar controller ever, takes the shape of the Fender P-Bass with extended length, tuning pegs and a split strum bar to replicate finger-bass style picking.

-- Full-sized Squire Stratocaster Guitar Controller multiplies the authentic guitar experience by featuring a controller built into an actual Squire Stratocaster body.

-- Cymbal Expansion Pack is a straightforward but amazing upgrade to the Rock Band 2 drum set featuring add-on cymbals.

Take Rock Band 2 instrument authenticity to a whole new level with a high-end peripheral from ION:

-- ION Drum Rocker, a real electronic drum kit that functions as a game controller, brings the Rock Band fantasy to life featuring a simple substitution that takes the drum kit from a controller to a real instrument.

Rock Band 2 will make its debut on Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft this September and have an exclusive launch window in North America. Rock Band 2 will be available for additional platforms later this year. Rock Band 2 will be available for the PLAYSTATION(R) 3 and PlayStation(R) 2 computer entertainment systems and Wii(TM) later this year.

As previously revealed today, Rock Band will ship with an exclusive launch window on the Xbox(TM) 360(TM) videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft in Italy, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland and Benelux July 24th, and on other platforms this Fall.

The Rock Band online music store recently surpassed 16 million paid downloads since the game's launch in late November 2007. With more than 200 tracks available to date via disc and download purchase (complete list of tracks at http://www.rockband.com/dlc), the massive Rock Band Music Store allows players to preview and purchase downloadable individual music tracks, packs and albums from the vast selection of offerings available as they build their own custom Rock Band library.

Rock Band 2 is rated "T" for Teen (lyrics, suggestive themes) by the ESRB.

For more information on Rock Band and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockband.com and www.harmonixmusic.com.