Reader "shroom" wrote to us recently to let us know that he'd taken part in an online survey that asked his opinion on a number of Rock Band related topics, including questions that hinted at new pricing structure possibilities for the current release and a "full featured sequel." Describing Rock Band 2 as "similar to full featured sequels you see released by other big video game franchises, such as Need for Speed, Devil May Cry, Final Fantasy" adding new capabilities on par with a "Guitar Hero to Guitar Hero II" iteration, the survey simply asks how interested one would be in purchasing Rock Band 2.
That couldn't be more devoid of details, sadly. More interesting is the survey's data gathering on alternate pricing schemes, indicating that EA and MTV Games may be looking at giving you more Rock Band for your buck.
The full list of questions is as follows.
- How interested would you be in purchasing Rock Band 2?
- How likely would you be to consider Rock Band Special Edition if it is priced at $199, but included an extra guitar (two wireless guitars, drums and microphone included)?
- How likely would you be to consider Rock Band Special Edition if it is priced at $169 (one wireless guitar, drums and microphone included)?
- How likely would you be to consider Rock Band Special Edition if it is priced at $149 (one wireless guitar, drums and microphone included)?
- If Guitar Hero released a new game with full band play (guitar, bass, drums, singing) similar to Rock Band, which game would you be most likely to purchase?
- Now, which game would you be most likely to choose if one were priced slightly lower than the other?
We know that Guitar Hero IV plans to match Rock Band feature-wise in the instrument department, adding a drum set and vocals, so EA and MTV Games are going to have battle it out with above and beyond software tricks and appeal to gamer's wallets. For many current Rock Band owners, I have a feeling future purchasing decisions are going to come down to already owned hardware, but for those who haven't committed, we have to wonder what Harmonix has up its sleeve to keep fence sitters interested.