Rock Band 3 adds keyboard and real guitars
Those old enough to remember the days of overblown prog rock rejoice: the next sequel to Rock Band will include a 25-key piano and a replica Squier St
Those old enough to remember the days of overblown prog rock rejoice: the next sequel to Rock Band will include a 25-key piano and a replica Squier Stratocaster guitar, developer Harmonix has revealed. Sadly, the hoped-for keytar mooted when the rumour first emerged, is nowhere to be seen.
The new keyboard peripheral isn’t just a toy – it can be plugged into computers to become a fully functional MIDI keyboard. The guitar is also closer to the real thing than ever before, with six strings to sort the axe-slinging wheat from the chaff.
Details of the game’s tracklisting have also trickled through. Expect treats from the likes of The Doors, Jimi Hendrix and Them Crooked Vultures, as well as the chance to pretend to be Brian May and play Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody.
There will also be a new pro mode, which will teach players the ropes of rocking out on a real guitar, instead of tapping plastic buttons.
Despite eye-boggling sales figures of rhythm action games in the past, the genre has seen a 50% decrease in plastic peripheral buying, so it’s no surprise to see Harmonix edging closer to realism in a bid to stay relevant.
Expect a release this Christmas.
Dan Grabham
Editor-in-Chief 
