CAMBRIDGE, MA. (Top40 Charts/ MTV Games) - Harmonix, the world's leading developer of music-based games, MTV Games, a part of Viacom's MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), and distribution partner Electronic Arts Inc. (Nasdaq: ERTS) announced plans today to release Rock Band Unplugged for the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system. Rock Band Unplugged, developed by Harmonix in partnership with Backbone Entertainment, a Foundation 9 Entertainment studio, and based on the award-winning Rock Band series of games, will launch simultaneously in both North
America and
Europe June 9, 2009. The game will launch exclusively on the PSP system with software retailing for $39.99 in North America.
"Rock Band Unplugged reinvents band gameplay while staying true to the authentic feel of the Rock Band console games," said Bob Picunko, Senior Vice President of Electronic Games for MTV Games. "Harmonix delivers innovation with every game they develop and we are excited to continue our long-list of industry firsts with the Rock Band in-game wireless music store on the PSP system."
Rock Band Unplugged creates a full band experience in the palm of your hand by combining traditional beat match gameplay with key elements from both Rock Band and Rock Band 2, such as overdrive and chords. Your hands are the "peripherals" in Rock Band Unplugged allowing you to take direct control of the lead/bass guitars, drums and vocals. In addition, players can expect a rich Rock Band experience with fully functional modes like World Tour, Band Survival and Warm Up and a robust character creator for full customization!
Rock Band Unplugged will feature over 40 master-recordings including nine brand new, exclusive songs for the PSP system for a limited time! Plus, Rock Band Unplugged will include the first fully-featured in-game store for downloadable content on the PSP system in the North American and European markets, leveraging the PSP system's wireless capabilities. The in-game store will be powered by PlayStationNetwork, and players will be able to use their existing PlayStation Network account to purchase tracks, similar to the Rock Band console experience. PSP system owners will also have the option of purchasing tracks via PlayStationStore on the PC.
The following tracks will launch exclusively through Rock Band Unplugged on the PSP system for a limited time before becoming downloadable content for the other platforms:
* 3 Doors Down - "Kryptonite"
* AFI - "Miss Murder"
* Alice in Chains - "Would?"
* Audioslave - "Gasoline"
* Black Tide - "Show Me the Way"
* Blink 182 - "What's My Age Again"
* Freezepop - "Less Talk More Rokk"
* Jackson 5 - "ABC"
* Tenacious D - "Rock Your Socks"
To commemorate the debut of the Rock Band franchise on the PSP system, Sony Computer Entertainment America plans to release a limited edition Rock Band branded PSP Entertainment Pack at the launch of Rock Band Unplugged. The bundle will include the game, a voucher to download Paramount Pictures' School of Rock from PlayStationStore, a 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, and a "Piano Black" PSP system. The Rock Band Entertainment Pack will be available in North America for $199.99 (MSRP).
Rock Band is the ultimate platform for music fans and gamers to interact with music like never before. The game challenges players to put together a band and tour for fame and fortune - all while learning to master lead/bass guitar, drums and vocals. Featuring the most master recordings of any music game ever by the world's biggest rock artists, Rock Band includes tracks that span every genre of rock ranging from alternative and classic rock, to heavy metal and punk.
