Konami is to return to its musical roots in Q1 2009, with the advent of Rock Revolution – a music-based party game – for Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Wii and Nintendo DS.
Konami is arguably the originator of the ‘rhythm action’ genre, with titles such as the Dancing Stage series, plus classic music-themed titles as Karaoke Stage, Beatmania and Guitar Freaks.
Rock Revolution for Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 showcases a wide-ranging set list with more than 40 tracks, wherein players are charged with matching on-screen instructions with the corresponding action on their instrument. Players can compete on and offline using one of 15 realistic avatars, while co-operative modes and band competitions up the ante as groups take on like-minded friends in a true battle of the bands. Alternatively, a ‘Rehearsal’ mode allows users to practice their favourite tracks, while a stunning ‘Studio’ mode allows users to freeform their own tracks and record them on the game’s exhaustive multi-track studio.
Konami has also ensured that the various versions of Rock Revolution are bespoke to their host format. The Wii game, for example, allows for Air Guitar and Air Drum play via the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers, while the motion-sensitive nature of the hardware can also reward the user for rock star-like behavior in pulling off scissor kicks or instrument abuse during the course of a performance. Up to four players are also supported in the game’s many multi-player options.
Likewise, the DS allows users to choose their instrument and use stylus gestures to match the on-screen instructions for the 20 tracks on offer. This system is also used to perform the aforementioned on stage moves, while the DS game also has customisable venues where props such as fireworks and laser shows can be unlocked to wow the crowd.
Rock Revolution will be released across Australia and New Zealand in Q1 2009, with further song packs to follow regularly on the PSN and Xbox Live.