Before this point, the game controllers didn't allow for realistic crossover from the video game to real life. Many debates in internet forums have started over which is harder, real guitar or the Guitar Hero video game? Most arguments seem to be biased or inconclusive, and while these recent video games didn't teach how to play real instruments in their entirety, the basic concepts and coordination were beginning to set in for avid players. Once Rock Band hit the shelves in 2007, not only were Guitar and Bass supported, but vocals and drumming as well. Now that both Guitar Hero and Rock Band support multiple "fake instruments," the past few years have allowed game companies to hear feedback from professionals and fans on how they can better improve the gaming experience. Many players who have begun to conquer the highest "expert" level of difficulty were searching for something harder and more realistic.
Just this past week (Oct 2010), Rock Band released it's third main title (following spin-off titles for bands The Beatles and Green Day, respectively). In this game, they have are striving to make the music experience more realistic to close the gap between what is considered video gaming, and what is considered playing a real instrument. Harmonix has decided to include a "Pro" mode to the game to make the gaming more like a real instrument if gamers want the extra challenge. Those who wish to play the game in the traditional manner may still do so as well.
In an interview (read here) with Ultimate-Guitar.com, Harmonix developers talked about the induction of the "Pro" mode. They heard from music teachers that many students they were receiving became interested in playing instruments through Rock Band or Guitar Hero. Many drum teachers, in fact, told them that the coordination and technique of some new players was great, which is remarkable for anyone who has never actually played a real drum kit! Harmonix was seeing that their game was starting to pave the way for people to learn real instruments.
To take the game a step further, the "Pro" mode for drums requires players to hit the correct cymbals or tom drums to pass a song. In any other mode they must just be sure to hit the proper color corresponding with the chart on screen, regardless of whether it is a cymbal or tom drum.
The most daring introduction, however, has been the introduction of new, more complicated instruments. A keyboard/keytar instrument (pictured above) has been added for Rock Band 3. If a player chooses to play on "Pro" mode with the keyboard, they will be learning the real notes (with sharps and flats included) for the right hand section of the piano part. This should be able to translate over to a real piano or keyboard.
The most compelling of the new instruments seems to be the new, 150 button "Pro Guitar" (also pictured above), that gives a more realistic approach to gaming with the guitar. They now have more than five frets to choose from, and six strings to strum. This can be used with both Guitar and Bass in Rock Band 3, and will prove to be a much larger challenge for those who have no trouble for even the daunting "Expert" charts in former games. Following later is a real-sized Squier guitar (above) that is a Rock Band video game guitar and a ready-to-play electric guitar, all in one.
Is this a good move on Harmonix's part, or are they making things too complicated? Should video games stay separate from the real world, or are these games going to further enrich the gaming population, making our society more music literate? In such a short time, so much has developed in the way of these music/rhythm game genres. How much further can they develop, and will there be a point where the gap between fantasy and reality is completely bridged?
(Original news report by engadget)
~K. Rodgers
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