Archive for September, 2009
Nintendo Wii, Now Retailing For $199.99!
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Nintendo Wii
Nintendo just announced that they’ve lowered the Wii console price to only $199.99!
Wii, one of the most advanced consoles out there has revolutionized the way people play games.
Nintendo’s Wii video game system (pronounced “we”) brings people of all ages and video game experience together to play. This simple yet ground breaking idea is expressed not only though the system’s evocative name, which is easily pronounced in a variety of languages, and suggests two players side by side, but also through its innovative list of features and extensive list of playable titles.
A Little Box With Plenty of Power
As with every console, much of the buzz surrounds the specs. The Wii boasts 512 MB of internal flash memory, two USB 2.0 ports, and a slot for SD memory expansion. The system’s technological heart — a processing chip developed with IBM and code-named “Broadway” and a graphics chipset from ATI code-named “Hollywood” — deliver stunning performance. And instead of a tray, Wii uses a single, self-loading media bay that plays both 12-centimeter optical discs used for the new system, as well as Nintendo GameCube discs.
Revolutionary Control
No bigger than a small traditional remote control, the wireless Wii Remote is a truly multi functional device. The magic of the Wii Remote’s design lies within; acellerometers inside the controller measure movement in all directions and at all speeds. In a tennis game, it serves as your racket as you swing away. In driving games it serves as a steering wheel, allowing you to swerve to avoid obstacles or pickup power-ups. In first-person shooters, it acts as a firearm that you can point directly at an on-screen enemy. The controller also has a force feedback “Rumble” feature and an expansion port for use with accessories, such as the Nunchuck, which adds an analog thumbstick and trigger buttons. The system allows for up to four controllers to be linked at a time and utilizes standard Bluetooth wireless technology. For those who prefer the feel of a traditional controller an adapter is available that fits over the Wii’s remote.
A Channel for Everyone
More than just a game machine, Wii also provides information and entertainment suitable for every member of the family. Some of the channels available include:
•Mii Channel – Miis are cute little caricatures you create to use as characters in a variety of Wii software. Store Miis on your Wii or load them onto your Wii Remote and take them over to a friend’s house to use on their Wii.
•Everybody Votes Channel * – The Everybody Votes Channel is packed with national and worldwide polls. Answer interesting questions and have your say. Up to six members of your family can vote. Just choose an answer and check in later to see the results.
•News Channel * – Wii might be great for games, but you can also use it to get updates on the latest news from across the Internet organized into easy-to-browse categories.
•Forecast Channel * – Your Wii can automatically update you on the weather from around the globe.
•Wii Shop Channel * – Download the Opera web browser and access games from classic consoles from the past. All you need is a Wii Points account.
•Virtual Console – Every Virtual Console game you download from the Wii Shop Channel appears in the Wii Menu as a separate Channel ready to select and play any time you like.
•Wii Message Board – Leave or receive messages for other family members on the calendar-based message board or use WiiConnect24 to send messages to people outside your home.
•Internet Channel * – Just download the Opera browser for 500 Wii Points and within minutes, you’ll be a professional sofa surfer, pointing-and-clicking your way around the web with your Wii Remote.
•Photo Channel – Show off all your digital photos on your TV. Just insert an SD memory card into your Wii and away you go.
•Disc Channel – The Disc Channel is backwards compatible with Nintendo GameCube, so you can play all your new Wii discs, along with all your classic Nintendo GameCube discs too!
Viacom CEO: Beatles Rock Band Sold Out 25 Percent of Inventory in First Week.
Posted by: | CommentsThe reports on sale numbers of The Beatles Rock Band reveal that 25% of the stock was sold on the first week after launch. These numbers wwere confirmed by Viacom CEO, Philipe Dauman.
According to Philipe Dauman, “The sales have exceeded our internal expectations. We sold about 25 percent of our inventory.”
On the business side, looking ahead to the holiday season, Dauman said, “We think it has legs.”
“There’s a lot of built-in promotion with the Beatles in addition to the marketing we’re putting behind it,” Dauman continued, referring to the remastered CDs of the band’s back catalog. He also claimed that the limited-edition premium bundle of the game—featuring a Beatles-branded drum kit and mini Höfner bass—is selling out.
Beatles Rock Band Limited Edition Bundle – What’s In It?
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to sources in the industry, The Beatles Rock Band limited edition bundle has broken sales records and is the favorite product people are buying out of the total TB:RB products range.
compare to other TB:RB products like the special edition package or even the rock bottom prices of Rock Band 2 which is also compatible with The Beatles Rock Band, it is surprising that the limited edition bundle is selling out so fast. It is a well known fact that a product priced at almost $250 is not easy to sell.
This fact shows the power The Beatles have and how a brand name, even in the music industry can get people to buy expensive niche products, even at a time of a financial crisis.
So, What’s in the magic box anyway?
The Beatles Rock Band Limited Edition Bundle contains almost anything you need in order to feel like the Fab Four:
1. The Beatles Rock Band Software (PS3, Wii or Xbox)
2. The Hofner Bass Controller, an exact replice of the famous Bass guitar Sir Paul McCartney used to play on
Rock Band Beatles Hofner Bass Controller
3. The Beatles Branded Drum Set, Played by Ringo Starr including a metal pedal
Take Ringo's spot on the drums
4. Microphone and microphone stand, that will make you feel like a real Beatle
The Beatles Rock Band Microphone
5. Special content like never before released audio and video from The Beatles recording as well as intimate conversations between the band memebers that were never released to the public, not even in the Anthology series.
Rumors say that The Beatles Rock Band stock will run out before christmas but We wouldn’t count on it. The guys over at Harmonix know exactly when is peak times and chances are slim that they will stay with no stock in the middle of the holiday season.
But, if you want to stay on the safe side, you can order The Beatles Rock Band Limited Edition Bundle over at our online store
Rolling Stone Review Of TB:RB. 3.5 Out Of 4 Stars!
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Rolling Stone Magazine
The Rolling Stone magazine just reviewed The Beatles Rock Band, giving a top socre of 3.5 out of 4 possible stars.
Here’s one quote out of the review, describing the magic of Rock Band Beatles: “When The Beatles: Rock Band really clicks — when you’re pounding out “Helter Skelter” hard enough to get blisters on your fingers; when you’re loping through the bass line of “Dear Prudence”; when it starts feeling like you are, in fact, the Walrus — the experience is almost eerie…”
However, not everything is perfect. The magazine claims that TB:RB is missing the one thing that will make it a “revolutionary game” and set it apart from other Rock Band or Guitar Hero games. Quote: “That said, unlike the Beatles’ music — and the original Guitar Hero and Rock Band games — there’s nothing particularly revolutionary here. Aside from the ability to sing in three-part harmony (a frippery that few users are likely to exploit), the gameplay is familiar: You hit the correct color at the proper time and score points.”
To read the full article go to The Rolling Stone Magazine
The Beatles: Rock Band Unique Xbox360 Sells For $17,300
Posted by: | CommentsToday Microsoft announced that gamers, Beatles fans, music lovers, and do-gooders across the world are raising tens of thousands of dollars to benefit Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) by downloading the exclusive Xbox LIVE track, “All You Need Is Love,” at a record-setting pace and bidding for a limited edition “The Beatles: Rock Band” Xbox 360 console. The rare Xbox 360 console featuring illustrations from the eye-popping cinematic intro to “The Beatles: Rock Band” attracted more than 110 bids from around the globe, finally raising $17,300 for the charity in its 10 day online auction.
With $17,300 raised from the auction of the first limited edition Xbox 360 console, Doctors Without Borders will be able to purchase the equipment needed to carry out 86,500 immunizations using auto-disposable syringes, or purchase enough emergency kits composed of drugs and medical supplies to meet the basic needs of more than 2,800 people for 15 days in the aftermath of a disaster. Only a small number of these numbered, Beatles-themed Xbox 360 consoles will ever be available to the public with all proceeds to benefit Doctors Without Borders. Information on the release of the remaining limited edition consoles in regions worldwide is coming soon to
www.xbox.com/thebeatlesrockband
The love doesn’t stop there. Xbox 360 sales of the exclusive “All You Need Is Love” track broke records as the fastest selling downloadable song in “Rock Band” history within two days of its availability, demonstrating the passion and power of more than 20 million Xbox LIVE members to rally behind this social cause while enjoying The Beatles’ iconic anthem of love and peace. It’s not too late to join hands with the Xbox LIVE community to contribute to Doctors Without Borders – Microsoft, Apple Corps Ltd, MTV Games and Harmonix proceeds from ”All You Need Is Love” sales will continue to benefit the charity, which was personally selected by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison.
As a bonus, continuing through Dec. 9, 2009, players who purchase and download the “All You Need Is Love” track for 160 Microsoft Points for charity will also be registered for the “The Beatles: Rock Band” Download & Win* for a chance to win one of the limited edition “The Beatles: Rock Band” Xbox 360 consoles and a Rickenbacker 325 replica guitar controller. Head on over to xbox.com/tbrbsweep to find out how you can be eligible to be one of five potential Grand Prize winners.
Doctors Without Borders is an international medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and journalists in France in 1971 working in more than 60 countries to assist people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe.
Xbox 360 “The Beatles: Rock Band” Limited Console Up For Auction
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A very special edition Xbox 360 console professionally customized to honor the Fab Four is being auctioned for charity with proceeds benefiting Doctors Without Borders. This console is numbered and hand-painted with illustrations from the eye-popping intro cinematic for The Beatles: Rock Band.
The auction will take place on Ebay.com and the bid currently stands on $12,365 with more than 100 bids already placed. The auction will end on Spetmeber 17th, 18:59:46 PDT.
Here is some information on this unique Xbox360 console:
“The Beatles challenged us to change our taste, our perspective and open our eyes to the world around us. Now, on the eve of a second round of Beatlemania, they are once again setting out to change the world. A very special edition Xbox 360 console professionally customized to honor the Fab Four is being auctioned for charity with proceeds benefiting Doctors Without Borders. This console is numbered and hand-painted with illustrations from the eye-popping intro cinematic for “The Beatles: Rock Band.” The cinematic was created by Harmonix with the Oscar winning film and animation company Passion Pictures, best known for its ground breaking animation for the hit band Gorillaz.
Doctors Without Borders is an international medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and journalists in France in 1971 working in more than 60 countries to assist people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe. Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison personally selected the charity as the beneficiary of these proceeds.
Starting Sept. 9, Xbox 360 will also give its more than 20 million Xbox LIVE members the opportunity to give to charity and support the Beatles’ eternal message of peace and love. “All You Need Is Love,” the Beatle’s iconic anthem of peace, will be released exclusively on Xbox 360 as a downloadable song for the game through Xbox LIVE with Apple Corps Ltd, MTV Games, Harmonix and Microsoft proceeds benefitting Doctors Without Borders. Good deeds never go unnoticed: purchasing and downloading the “All You Need Is Love” track for 160 Microsoft Points for charity will also register you for the “The Beatles: Rock Band” Download & Win* for a chance to win one of the limited edition “The Beatles: Rock Band” Xbox 360 consoles and a Rickenbacker 325 replica guitar controller.”
Conan O’brien Plays The Beatles: Rock Band
Posted by: | CommentsWatch Conan O’brien plays the newly launched Beatles Rock Band. I wouldn’t want him to join my band! 
Watch A Full Video Review On The Beatles Rock Band
Posted by: | CommentsGameTrailers.com just released a full video review on The Beatles rock Band. Check it out:
Alex Rigopulos And Giles Martin On Behind The Scenes Of TB:RB
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Harmonix CEO and Co-founder Alex Rigopulos
An exclusive interview with Harmonix CEO and Co-founder Alex Rigopulos, and Creative Producer and Music Supervisor for The Beatles: Rock Band, Giles Martin straight from Abbey Road Studios in London.
Alex and Giles took a few minutes to offer The Beatles: Rock Band fans some insight on the difficult process of deciding which songs would make it onto the disc; they also shed some light on what to expect from the dreamscapes and cut scenes featured in the game.
The interview is revealing the way TB:RB was created, starting from the concept, choosing which songs will be featured and the challenges the creative team had to deal with.
In an anwer to the question What were the most challenging tracks you had to work with that you had to de-mix, Giles answered:
“The most challenging tracks are the early ones such as, “Twist and Shout” and “I Saw Her Standing There” because they are all just stereos and are using different elements. For example, take “I Want To Hold Your Hand” – its bass, guitars and drums are all on a single track, so we had to be very careful when de-mixing these earlier songs to ensure that we didn’t alter the sound. We have to represent [The Beatles] in the best way possible and they were such an amazing band and amazing players that we have to sync to that. The later the music gets the easier it becomes for us.”
Giles and Alex also explains what is the difference between The Beatles Rock Band and other Rock Band games:
Giles: “It is very different because Rock Band generally favors bands that have lots of guitars and play riffs and stuff like that. People know Beatles’ songs by the words and they know them by singing along. But it’s funny because their instrumentation has always been very precise and very good, and it’ll be the first time that people will start listening to what’s being played underneath. I think that’s a great thing because they were damn fine players.
Alex: “They were, and particularly some of the drum parts. There were intricacies in some of the drum grooves that I had just never noticed before and I think people are going to touch that for the first time and it’s going to change how people understand this music.”
