The Beatles: Rock Band - Bigger Than Jesus Edition; Bundle Contents Revealed

[Rock Bandit]

While that's the official name for the bundle only in my own little fantasy world where Skittles grow on trees and every high-five is punctuated by a fireworks display, the press release detailing The Beatles: Rock Band information revealed recently by Harmonix is very real:

MTV GAMES, HARMONIX AND EA REVEAL CONTENTS AND EUROPEAN PRICING FOR THE BEATLES™: ROCK BAND® LIMITED EDITION PREMIUM BUNDLE

Reserve Your Copy and Become Eligible to Join The Beatles: Rock Band Pre-Order Club to Receive Access to Breaking News, Exclusive Game Elements Including Art and Behind-The-Scenes Footage, and More Beginning in May

New York, NY – April 16, 2009 – Harmonix, the leading developer of music-based games, MTV Games, a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with distribution partner Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), today revealed the first details surrounding The Beatles: Rock Band (http://www.thebeatlesrockband.com) Limited Edition Premium Bundle which will include:

• The Beatles: Rock Band software
• Höfner Bass controller: Large scale replica of the Bass famously used by Sir Paul McCartney
• Beatles-inspired and Ludwig-branded Rock Band 2 drums with classic pearl finish and vintage replica Beatles kick drum head
• Microphone
• Microphone Stand
• Additional special content

In addition to the previously announced US MSRP of $249.99, The Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition Premium Bundle will retail in continental Europe for MSRP €199.00 and for MSRP £179.00 in the UK.

North American and European fans who pre-order any version of the game will be eligible to join the The Beatles: Rock Band Pre-Order Club and receive breaking news and access to exclusive game elements including art and behind-the-scenes footage directly from MTV Games and Harmonix. New material will be released regularly starting in May and leading up to the game’s launch on 9/9/09.

As previously announced, The Beatles: Rock Band will allow fans to pick up the guitar, bass, mic or drums and experience The Beatles’ extraordinary catalogue of music through gameplay that takes players on a journey through the legacy and evolution of the band’s legendary career.

Available simultaneously worldwide in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other territories for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Wii™ home videogame console from Nintendo on 09/09/2009, the game will be compatible with all Rock Band® instrument controllers, as well as most Guitar Hero® and other third party music video game peripherals and microphones.

"Additional special content" is still floating in that nebulous realm where it could mean anything from "Beatles stickers" to "a single plum, floating in perfume, served in a man's hat" but everything else looks great. Does it look $250 great, however, is a question I'm sure some people will be struggling with all the way up to the cash register. But what's really exciting about The Beatles: Rock Band is that it opens up the door to getting that other legendary English band, The Rutles.

[Cyndair]

I just splurged on all the new Rock Band 2 instruments last fall so I'm afraid I'll have to sit this round of plastic instruments out. I still really want to see pictures of what everything will look like, however.

EDIT: So I can torture myself...

[Stmfuller]

I'm going for game only on this one but I'm really thinking it's going to be pretty sweet.

[biosc1]

Having just seen Paul McCartney play a couple of nights ago at Coachella, I will definitely be purchasing this package

[Mike Kelehan]

We need Rutles DLC, and more Spinal Tap to go with it.

[Nameless]

I guess I'll wait to see what the drum kit looks like before I decide. No pics yet, right?

[Suave Peanut]

I'd hit it.

[MosBen]

Yeah, I'm still playing on the Rock Band 1 instruments, so I'm looking for an upgrade at some point and this may be it. I guess it depends on what the instruments are really like, though I have to say that I'd be more interested in getting a large scale replica of some iconic guitar rather than an iconic bass.

[Farsight]

These standalone games are all rentals for me. None of them are going to get repeated play time when ROCK BAND's huge, variety-filled setlist is available. It'll be cool to play through the Beatles' tracks once or twice, but after that the game would be an expensive shelf decoration.

It doesn't help that neither Harmonix nor Neversoft have shown much interest so far in making a compelling "game" out of their addictive gameplay. If all you have is fun gameplay, there's no reason to ever plaything beyond the best example... ROCK BAND 2.

[violent]

I miss classic Simpsons.

[Spigot]

I'm still happy with my RB1 stuff and until it breaks, I'll just rent this and see how it goes over at Casa Del Spig.

That said, this is what stood out for me in that presser.

North American and European fans who pre-order any version of the game will be eligible to join the The Beatles: Rock Band Pre-Order Club and receive breaking news and access to exclusive game elements including art and behind-the-scenes footage directly from MTV Games and Harmonix. New material will be released regularly starting in May and leading up to the game’s launch on 9/9/09.

See, I can kind of understand this is done on a purely intellectual basis, but this is the kind of stuff you give out to the masses to drum up more interest in the game.

It's like giving out demos exclusively to people who pre-order your game. If I had my way, you would be locked out of demos if you pre-order since you've already spoken with your $5 down and don't need to be sold on the game. You've already put your money behind it!

And I'm someone who actually thinks pre-orders are a useful tool (when you're talking about niche games or things that have a gazillion people lining up to buy them day 1).

But don't hide the stuff that is basically pure marketing behind a wall that only people who don't need to be marketed to can peer through. How does that help anyone?

[Raen]

Nice Simpsons reference. Doubt I'll pick this up. Don't care about the Beatles enough really.

[total]

After spending most of yesterday singing the, "Across the Universe," soundtrack I can easily say I will be picking this up. Just the game though thanks.

[Zanzibar]

I'd be interested in a wireless version of the Mad Catz bass, but I'm truly happy with every other component I already have. Well, at least I will be when the wireless Lips mic becomes RB-compatible, because then I'll be buying Lips.

I'll be purchasing the game, though, since my GF's son is a wild Beatles fan.

[Wasson_]