An open letter from Harmonix to Wii owners
Tuesday, December 16th, 2008 at 12:00pm by Blake
Sounds like Harmonix wants to step up their Wii game, because the thing sells gazillions. After experiencing the wonky online play of World Tour, I’m excited for Rock Band 2 on Wii.
Hi Everyone:
We just announced on Friday that we’ll officially be shipping out the Wii version of Rock Band 2 on December 18th. This is just 2 months after our September 14th launch on Xbox 360, and we’re really pleased with the game we were able to put together.
As most of you know, we’re avid readers of our forums, and we place a lot of stock into what our fans think. We’ve seen that many users in the Wii community have been unhappy with the period of time between Rock Band’s release on other platforms and on Wii. We want to apologize for the delay in getting RB2 onto the Wii and to reaffirm that we believe that Wii is an amazing and unique fit for Rock Band 2, and one that we care deeply about getting right.
The extra time we’ve spent on RB2 Wii has resulted in the definitive full band experience on that platform. In addition to a fully functional online world tour, updatable battle of the bands, robust character creation, and a DLC catalog that will be growing exponentially after launch, we’ve maintained the highest standard in 4-player collaborative game play, allowing you to rock to over 100 amazing songs just by purchasing Rock Band 2. Also, we can confirm that this game is compatible with other existing instrument controllers available for Wii for both guitar and drums. Even if you’ve picked up another full band game, you can grab Rock Band 2 in its standalone software format, buying individual instruments and the disc itself to customize your band. We believe we’ve created an extraordinary game with the help of Nintendo, and we think that you’ll all be very pleased when you get your hands on it.
This game could not have been completed without the tireless efforts of our partners at Pi Studios in Houston, who literally worked through a hurricane to bring this game in before the holidays. It was a sight to behold, and anyone waiting for Rock Band 2 for Wii (or PS2 for that matter) owes them a big thanks. Their efforts, combined with our internal Rock Band team and Nintendo, are what made the game the best Wii game available in full band gameplay this holiday. Going forward, it is our ambition to release future games on Wii simultaneously with releases on the other platforms.
We’re going to continue to watch these forums to see how you’re enjoying the game and how we can best support you moving forward. With the launch of our DLC catalog (which will work seamlessly with an SD card) and ongoing online support (with new battles posted consistently), Rock Band 2 brings the living breathing world of rock to Wii in full effect. We know you will enjoy it.
Yours,
Harmonix
December 16th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
The Wii version of Guitar Hero: World Tour is the best selling bundle of the big three. No kidding Harmonix is kissing our asses now.
December 16th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
@ Jack
lol, I’m not surprised either.
but cool, they did something right for the Wii.
December 16th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
looks like some publishers are starting to get that people want quality games instead of just another sequel
December 16th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Yeah, but still have to get rid of the PS2 ports:
“… for Rock Band 2 for Wii (or PS2 for that matter) …”
Not saying it will suck, just that they may have downed something due to the simultaneous PS2 version.
Best!
December 16th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
“we’ll officially be shipping out the Wii version of Rock Band 2 on December 18th. This is just 2 months after our September 14th launch on Xbox 360″
2 months, eh? Looks like someone could use a calendar for Christmas.
December 16th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
lol gunder, I didnt notice that at first. Its 3 months between
I guess I was just bugged about then saying just, as if 2 months wasnt that long to wait to play a game that others get to play.
December 16th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Haha Gunder, nice find, what i found is they said that guitar and drums will be compatible but not microphone, but that has to be compatible right? Anyway, i am happy that this has been confirmed through press release, and Jack, your absolutely right.
December 16th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
I have a really important statement to make and an opinion to share that no one will read.
December 17th, 2008 at 6:31 am
Lol, yeah 3 months is still a bit of a joke, so is 2 to be honest
.
Even so, if they are paying attention to their forums and listening to what people say than that can only be a good thing.
Oh and Lmfao @ seriusguy
December 17th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Unfortunately, Rock Band 2 for Wii was too late for me. I bought the GH WorldTour Wii band kit for our family Xmas gift. However, now I will buy the RB2 disk only since the instruments are compatible. Basically, I want more songs to play, and the GHWT download content is sparse, poor selection. I’m looking forward to it. I do like the interface for RB2 better in the screen shots. It appears the words for singing are in a much easier to read font and the “no fail” option will be great for when my kids play in the band.
December 17th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
So, I’m guessing someone at Harmonix chewed a new one in the marketing department for putting out the PS3 version or RB2 before the Wii. It seems they should have put out the 360 and Wii versions first to meet the Xmas rush, and then delay the PS3 to Dec 18th. They screwed up, so to fix it, they needed to make the GH instruments compatible to get all of use GH Wii owners to buy it. At least they are finally starting to wise up.