Harmonix: No Early Rock Band Release, Beware 'Hobbled' Demo Units

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With reports flooding the internet that Harmonix's Rock Band (PS2, PS3, X360) is already for sale in some stores, Harmonix warns that the such copies are intended for in-store demo use and are not complete.

"They are demos for the store that are getting accidentally sold," wrote a Harmonix employee. "These demo builds are kind of hobbled--for one the drums don't have [a] kick pedal. Some of the demos don't have mics. And the build isn't a full-real retail version of the game. It is hobbled a bit and, obviously, the bass drum autoplays since there is no pedal that comes with the demo."

Contradicting Harmonix's word on the matter, forum members of Cheap Ass Gamer claim that full retail Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 bundles have indeed been sold at Wal-Mart stores and that retailers are stocking multiple copies. Others maintain the demo units are simply packed in the game's final box and aren't labeled as demos until you open them, leading to retailer confusion.

Regardless, it's obvious that some stores have something Rock Band-branded on their shelves, and readers looking to acquire early copies of Rock Band are advised to ask for assistance with items on the top shelf.

Both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 editions of Rock Band and their 58 tracks will launch November 20. The game will sell by itself for $59.99 and will also be available in a $169.99 special edition bundle that comes with a microphone, guitar, and drum kit. The PlayStation 2 version launches December 10 at $159.99.

Due to supply constraints, separate instruments are not expected in stores until 2008, though the Xbox 360 version is known to be compatible with the Xbox 360's USB X-Plorer guitar, with the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 editions said to work with the console's respective wireless Guitar Hero III guitars as well.

Chris Faylor was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

From The Chatty
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    November 1, 2007 11:52 AM

    How does a store manage to accidentally sell a DEMO unit? That's one of the more idiotic things I've heard all day.

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      November 1, 2007 11:59 AM

      Why does the game by itself cost 70? :(

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      November 1, 2007 12:02 PM

      I doubt they accidentally sell it but when they get caught thats what they claim.

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      November 1, 2007 12:23 PM

      a lot of stores probably have old ladies who stock their electronics department.

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      November 1, 2007 12:36 PM

      Go to your 24-hour wal-mart at midnight or just past midnight when everyone's doing the restock. You'll see.

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      November 1, 2007 1:42 PM

      Is that even possible, I thought that the barcodes were locked at the register for stuff like this, let alone a demo unit that probably doesn't have retail packaging.

      Sounds like CYA mode to me.

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      November 1, 2007 1:43 PM

      From what was posted and in the picture it doesn't look like it's labeled as a demo unit anywhere on the box. Looks like Harnonix fucked up (well their publisher to be fair) and didn't put one of those huge DEMO UNIT giant red stickers or whatever on the box in plain view.

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      November 1, 2007 1:55 PM

      How is rok ban formed?

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        November 1, 2007 2:50 PM

        The need to do way instain walmart>

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