« Tasty Links for November 27th 2007 | Main | Tasty Links for November 29th 2007 »
Rock Band vs. Guitar Hero Compatibility : What game is right for you?
Rock Band and Guitar Hero III are both some completely awesome music games and they offer some great choices for gamers but there is some serious confusion about the guitar controllers out there. There was a Wikipedia article that had an easy to understand chart. Unfortunately the pencil necked Uber Geek cabal that runs Wikipedia has deemed it important to delete it. Luckily there is a Google Cache of the article with an easy to understand chart. Since the Wikipedia article is under a GNU License I might post it here if this article does not clear up the confusion.
Originally the first semi popular guitar type game was GuitarFreaks by Konami. It was an arcade game that also came out on the PS2 in Japan and Korea but it never officially came out in the states. In the movie Lost in Translation you can see someone playing the arcade game.
Then Harmonix teamed up with accessory maker Red Octane to make Guitar Hero for PS2, Guitar Hero 2 PS2 and Xbox 360 and Guitar Hero Encore Rocks the 80s for PS2. Then they spit up and Harmonix developed Rock Band with EA/MTV for Xbox 360 and PS3. Then Activision and Red Octane went on to develop Guitar Hero 3 for PS2, PS3, PC, Wii and Xbox 360.
First the Games and their respected hardware.
Platform : Playstation 2
Game: Guitar Hero
Guitar : Wired SG Gibson (Black)
Guitar compatible with : GH 1, GH 2 and GH 3 on PS2 only.
Notable Features: A real classic, Guitar Hero 1 and 2 for PS2 are available in a double pack without the guitars.
Game: Guitar Hero II
Guitar : Wired SG Gibson (Red)
Guitar compatible with : GH 1, GH 2 and GH 3 on PS2 only.
Notable Features: An awesome follow up with a great track list, Dual Mode, Guitar Hero 1 and 2 for PS2 are available in a double pack without the guitars.
Game: Guitar Hero Encore : Rocks the 80s.
Guitar : None, Not Bundled with a Guitar but it uses PS2 guitar controllers
Notable Features: Totally Rad Track List that is currently only on the PS2. I really hope that they eventually port it to the Xbox 360.
Game: Guitar Hero III
Guitar : Wired SG Gibson (Red)
Guitar compatible with : GH 1, GH 2 and GH 3 on PS2 only.
Notable Features: Still and awesome game on the PS2, Dual Mode, Not Online, Target is selling a double pack of two SG Gibson guitars with a copy of GH3.
A wireless version of the Guitar Hero SG Gibson for the PS2 is sold separately. Also the PS2 versions of the controllers do NOT work with the Playstation 3.
Platform : Nintendo Wii
Game: Guitar Hero III
Guitar : Wireless Les Paul
Guitar compatible with : GH 3 for Wii
Notable Features: A Wii game that actually features online gameplay and is a pretty popular version of the game. the Wiimote snaps into the guitar.
Platform : Xbox 360
Game: Guitar Hero II
Guitar : Wired X- Plorer
Guitar compatible with : GH 2, GH 3 and Rock Band on Xbox 360
Notable Features: An awesome HD version with additional songs than the PS2 version. Supports downloaded additional tracks including many songs from the original Guitar Hero. The guitar works with Rock Band on the Xbox 360 but there is no sound effect filters since there is no switch for them.
The wired X-Plorer controller is also sold separately without the game.
Game: Guitar Hero III
Guitar : Wireless Les Paul
Guitar compatible with : GH 2, GH 3 and Rock Band on Xbox 360
Notable Features: An awesome game with an awesome track list. Has the best feeling wireless guitar that is compatible with the most games. This is the one version that I recommend the most. The guitar works with Rock Band on the Xbox 360 but there is no sound effect filters since there is no switch for them. However I love the feel of this controller and it's my favorite Guitar controller.
Game: Rock Band
Guitar : Wired Fender Stratocaster
Guitar compatible with : Rock Band on Xbox 360, (At this time was not able to find info to confirm that the wired Xbox Stratacaster works on Guitar Hero III) Update: Readers have confirmed that you can NOT play Guitar Hero III with the Rock Band guitar on Xbox 360.
Notable Features: An completely awesome game. The only guitar that has sound effect filters and has two sets of fret buttons. A very realistic feeling guitar that looks great.
Platform : Playstation 3
Game: Rock Band
Guitar : Wireless (with a USB Dongle) Fender Stratocaster
Guitar compatible with : Rock Band on PS3, (It has been confirmed that it is NOT compatible with Guitar Hero III on PS3)
Notable Features: An completely awesome game. Has sound effect filters and has two sets of fret buttons. A very realistic feeling guitar that looks great. Online game play with additional downloable content.
Game: Guitar Hero III
Guitar : Wireless Les Paul
Guitar compatible with : Guitar Hero III on PS 3 (Confirmed that it does not work with Rock Band on PS3 and it will not work playing the PS2 games on the PS3)
Notable Features: An awesome game with an awesome track list.
Windows PC
Game: Guitar Hero III
Guitar : Wired X- Plorer
Guitar compatible with : Windows PC GH 3, GH 2, GH 3 and Rock Band on Xbox 360
Notable Features: An awesome game that is now on PC.
So what game is right for you? In a perfect world I would recommend going with the Xbox 360 version of the game since it has three guitar games that it can run with out any major compatibility issues if you get a Guitar Hero guitar.
All are awesome games and I can't wait to see more Guitar Hero and Rock Band in the form of downloaded songs or sequels.
Guitar Hero 3 is going to be awesome on the Nintendo Wii and I see a lot of overlap for the Wii audience and Guitar Hero.
Rock Band is sort of for more experience music gamers with a PS3 or xbox 360s and are into cooperative online gameplay. I also think that Rock Band has a better approach to Downloaded Content and that the effect of playing with others doing multiple instruments is a much greater sum than just playing a single instrument.
Probably the only thing that can create more performance anxiety than public speaking is public singing with an audience. So I understand why the singing is a much more intimate performance than playing the instruments. But it's all about roll playing and laying it out for all to see. However at this point everyone is about the same level of experience and no one has ever told me that I sucked after singing a song. However I did get kicked out of a band for dissing Emo.
While I am on the topic of music games. Where is the rap music games? Where is Rap Hero or Rap Band?
Rap and Hip Hop has been super popular for a couple decades now and where is the video game music love? I mean the closest that we have had to rap music game is Parappa the Rappa 1 and 2. Rap stars have been in wrestling games, pimping rides, racing games, crime action games, fighting games but not actually rapping games. I've played Epic and Sabotage in Rock Band and that seems to work awesome So where us the plastic wheels of Steel USB controller?
Update: There was a PS2 game called Get On Da Mic but it looks like the developers did a really bad job.
Sleater-Kinney's guitarist tests out Rock Band. As a guy with a deeper voice when ever I have to sing something that is intended for a female vocalist I'll either try to sing it like a crooner or with a British accent. I have yet to hear a female singer on Xbox Live. I can't wait because there is something awesome about girl rockers belting out traditionally macho songs like Paranoid or Enter Sandman. Both Rock Band and Guitar Hero should be inviting to female gamers as well as gamers of all ages.
Party on Wane.... Party on Garth..
Jake at November 28, 2007 
Games
Comments
Thanks Jake, just what I was looking for.
I'm tempted to buy GH2, since the price is cheaper now- but that Guitar for number three looks pretty sweet. I'm just not that hot for the track list.
Rock Band looks great and the track list is great, but the choice between buying a bundle or buying the game and controllers separately is a killer.
In the end, I'll probably get either GH2 or 3 and buy Rock Band in the future- my wife wants to sing and I have no problem passing on that!
Posted by: HellblazerUSA at November 28, 2007 5:00 AM
Are you 100% sure about the Guitar Hero 3 controller working with Rock Band?
Posted by: BNasty at November 28, 2007 5:51 PM
I am sure about both the Xbox 360 and PS3.
You can use the guitar hero 3 controller on Rock band on the Xbox 360 but not on the PS3.
nf
I have the GH3 controller on Xbox 360 and it works great on Rock Band.
Posted by: Jake of 8bitjoystick.com at November 28, 2007 6:15 PM
I have all the PS2 guitar hero games and finally broke down and bought a 360 mostly to play Rock Band on-line. I bought the bundle and got my wife bought me an Xplorer separately because when she went to the store they didn't have any of the Les Pauls.
I f'ing hate the Xplorer. I apparently got one of the ones that is broken (the tilt sensor works only sporatically) and I just hate the feel of the controller compared to the SGs, and especially compared to the Fender.
It's disappointing that the Fender doesn't work with GH2/3 because after using it, all the Gibsons just feel wrong. I don't think I'll be buying GH2/3 for 360 as I can just keep playing it on my PS2.
That being said, I've had a cold for the last week and haven't been able to sing, but I've been working on my drum skills and am trying to complete 2 last songs on expert in the guitar campaign.
I haven't ventured on-line just yet, but I have had friends over to jam locally. The track list is fantastic and I'm looking forward to more DLC.
Posted by: Bob Kinney ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.8bitjoystick.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at November 30, 2007 4:24 PM
I've never been interested in Guitar Hero much at all but since I heard about Rock Band I became a lot more interested in the war between the two games. I always thought that Rock Band would be better for me.
But I played some GHIII at a mate's place recently and throughly enjoyed that, so I'm not sure if I will get into either game or give them a miss. I'll have to wait for some Australian prices but thanks for the insight, it should help in my decision making process.
Posted by: Daniel Primed at December 2, 2007 5:00 AM
Would the Rock Band XBOX Fender work on GH3 for PC? I can't see it not being as though it's just a USB controller, but I may be missing something...
(this one: http://www.ebgames.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=802676)
Posted by: Funky at December 3, 2007 9:27 AM
I have been debating whether to buy an xbox 360 verion of rock band or a ps2 one. The main concern over the use of contollers & compatability. By looking at the games & that the next gen consoles have the advantage of online & download capabilities to keep the games interesting is great. Thanks for doing these reviews!!!
Posted by: Suzanne at December 11, 2007 11:44 AM
There is no debating it. Get the Xbox 360 one.
Posted by: Jake of 8bitjoystick.com at December 11, 2007 10:17 PM
I Have 2 guitars from the GH games and 2 mics from the Kareoke games... are these work with Rock Band, so I can just buy the drum seperately??? Does anybody know for sure? Thanks!
Posted by: Billie Buss at December 12, 2007 9:26 AM
In February they will be selling the drums seperatly for 80.
Posted by: Jake of 8bitjoystick.com at December 12, 2007 10:13 PM
You should also note which 360 guitars work on PC (i know the GH3 one does)
Posted by: Josh at December 14, 2007 6:55 PM
Does anyone know if the USB Port on the PS2 will accept Xbox or PC Guitar Controllers?
Posted by: I Hate PC Controllers at December 15, 2007 4:33 PM
Man WTF is the deal with the guitar from Rockband being incompatible with GH? I downloaded the demo and can verify that it doesn't work. I hope they patch GH for this, because it is just stupid for their new guitar controller to not work with existing games.
Posted by: Bob at December 16, 2007 1:11 AM
Hi gang, all interesting info, but doesn't quite answer my question. We just bought a GHII/III wireless guitar for PS2 and a Rock Band game for PS2. Are they going to be compatible or should we take one or the other back to the store?
Timmy
Posted by: Timmy at December 21, 2007 10:28 PM
Anyone know if two Guitar Hero III guitars will still work at the same time with Rock Band as with GHIII? Is there a duo/duet mode on Rock Band?
Posted by: bill at December 22, 2007 7:16 AM
Witch do you guys thing would be better to buy for the ps3, Guitar hero III or rock band.
Posted by: Anonymous at December 26, 2007 4:47 PM
both games are phenominal with songs for everybody. I have GH3 on PC (xplorer works) I have Rock Band (360) the xplorer works on that game, I tried using the strat on my pc with GH3 DOES NOT work very frustrating as it is a much nicer controller...any updayes please let me know
Posted by: DD at December 28, 2007 8:18 PM
rock band controller is comftorable
Posted by: Anonymous at December 29, 2007 6:39 PM
A few notes/answers:
- Please note that if you purchased Rock Band early, you may experience problems with both the drum and guitar. Wife and kids bought me Rock Band for 360 for Xmas. Played 3 days and the strum bar on the Stratocaster has started to malfunction. This is the well-documented "down-strum" issue, where strumming "down" on the strum bar will either not register the strum, or will register 2 strums. Sustained notes are pretty much a lost cause. EA is replacing them for free; see support.ea.com/rockband for info.
- The drums are also apparently having problems. Not sure of the severity. The only issue with mine is the D-Pad not being very responsive. Fortunately, it's used rarely and never during a song (obviously).
- The Xplorer GH2 wired guitar works with Rock Band wonderfully. In fact, if not for the shortness of the neck and the lack of solo buttons, it would be my favorite over the RB Fender Strat.
- Picking up 360 GHIII tonight. First, for the extra guitar (the wait for the replacement Strat is a pain...) Second, Rock Band has woken me up to the fun of Guitar games, and I'm eager to try the wireless Les Paul with Rock Band.
- The downloadable tracks for Rock Band are wonderful AND priced less (160 pts) than the ones for GH2 and GH3 (200 pts). The song packs are less as well. So far the Police pack (master recordings, not cover versions) is my favorite, though the solo songs of Brass In Pocket and Juke Box Hero (both covers) are pretty sweet as well. There are also several lesser-known tracks for only 80 pts (99 cents), a trend I hope will continue. I would love to see simultaneous Rock Band releases on XBL and the tracks on iTunes. RIAA wake up - THIS is the future revenue model you desperately need!
- There is nothing more enjoyable than playing Rock Band with my kids. My 16-year old son already rocks the guitar, but plays the drums in our "rock band". His 12-year old sister plays the lead guitar and pretty dang well, leaving their old man (40 in a month) playing bass. And it is a BLAST. Now if we could just get my wife to sing.... :)
Posted by: Mark at January 2, 2008 3:29 PM
heard about the incompatibility of guitar hero guitars with rock band game on the ps3 and vice versa.
i have a question...
will the ps2 rock band guitars from the ps2 rock band bundle work with guitar hero ps2 games on the ps2 console?
Posted by: melbs at January 3, 2008 11:38 PM
Does anyone know about inter-system compatibility? Are all the mics USB mics, and so they will all work on whichever system? I have the 360 set and they are all USB ports. The drums and guitar have xbox 360 Home buttons and such so would they work on a PS3? Would PS3 drums work on a 360? I know the wiimote plugs into the guitar, so the wii is obviously out of the equation.
Posted by: Trevor at January 8, 2008 10:25 AM
Does anyone have an update as to if and hopefully when the GH3 controller for the PS3 will work with Rockband for the PS3?
Posted by: barton560 at January 10, 2008 11:39 AM
It looks like there will never be an update for Rockband on PS3 to let folks use the GH3 Guitar. Activision is demanding money from Harmonix for bullshit legal reasons and so they are not going to let you use the guitar that you purchased for one game to be used on another game.
Posted by: Jake of 8bitjoystick.com at January 10, 2008 9:50 PM
Well... I think it's horrible that Activision's greed has impacted the gaming community.
I saw somewhere on the net that Mad Catz will be will be making controllers for RockBand (or was that other game who's name I will not mention. ;) Without a check from Activision) to ship sometime this year.
Rock On ...
Posted by: barton560 at January 11, 2008 7:45 AM
Guitar Hero 3 Wireless Krammer guitar will not work with Guitar Hero: Rock the 80s. I am not sure if anyone has tried to make it work if it does please let me know.
Posted by: Miguel at January 11, 2008 7:52 AM
A question: Are you sure the PC Guitar won't work on the Wii version? I know there's a difference, with being able to insert the Wii remote and everything, but if you were to plug in the USB outlet from the PC Guitar into the USB ports on the back of the Wii, would it still work? Just without the rumble or remote speaker?
Posted by: Anonymous at January 15, 2008 1:26 PM
I have Guitar Hero III & Rock Band for PS2. The Guitar Hero III guitar works perfectly with Rock Band. With the Rock Band Bundle & Guitar Hero III guitar you can use 2 guitars, drums, & mic simulaneously. Guitar Hero guitar stays plugged into port 1 and the Rock Band contronllers plug into the USB port (with USB hub included in Rock Band package). Remember to use your PS2 gaming controller to control the microphone. Only problem for me is that the Rock Band Guitar does not seem to be backwards compatible with Guitar Hero III so it looks like I'm out of luck for using both my guitars on Guitar Hero III....if somebody has figured out a way to do this please let me know...seems that GH3 does not recognize USB ports - I was wondering if I can buy a controller WLS plug separately that would work with the rock band guitar.
Posted by: Tim at January 19, 2008 5:00 PM
Wow what a shame.
I was hoping to use the rock band controller with GH2 and GH3 as it is way more comfortable and fun to play. After playing rock band my Xplorer feels like a plastic,clicky ukelele. :(
And the funny thing is that they could work except for legal (probably monetary) reasons between the companies.
Posted by: Steve O at January 21, 2008 7:26 PM
wow just the info i needed!! i have both GH2 and GH3 on xbox 360 and i got the xplorer as the guitar and im happy to find out that i dont need to buy the whole bundle for rockband!!! SAVES ME A LOT OF MONEY LOL thx for the info dude!
Posted by: Samuel K at March 14, 2008 6:08 PM
I live in london and have PS3. I have US Rockband and have GH3 with two guitars which is UK Version. Does anyone know whether or not the guitars would now work with the Rock band. Im thinking not!
Posted by: Sam Reynolds at April 15, 2008 5:51 AM
Sam that does not work in the US so I am guessing that it would not work in the UK.
Posted by: Jake of 8bitjoystick.com at April 15, 2008 5:32 PM
