We're finally getting a new Rock Band controller after 8 years of pent-up demand and skyrocketing eBay prices
Jan. 31, 2024The PDP Riffmaster is here to satisfy a long-suffering fandom
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For long-suffering Rock Band fans who’ve spent years contending with skyrocketing eBay prices for the beloved rhythm game’s instrument controllers, relief is finally in sight: a new guitar is set to launch this spring.
The box for the PlayStation version notes that it’s compatible with PC as well, and it’s likely to be the same for the Xbox controller. While there’s no official version of Rock Band on PC, fan games like Clone Hero offer alternatives with loads of community-created songs, and it would be good to see that fandom get a new controller option, too.
There’s one caveat to all this excitement in the Rock Band fandom, though admittedly it’s a matter of personal taste. PDP’s new guitar is, indeed, in the Rock Band style, which means it has a ‘membrane’ strum bar that can feel mushy as you’re picking notes. Some rhythm game fans - myself included - prefer the Guitar Hero-style strum bar that clicks to give you a more precise indication of your timing. There are mods to give original Rock Band controllers that clicky feel, so here’s hoping they’ll work with this new model, too. Either way, it’s about time Rock Band fans finally get a new option.
Thebest rhythm gamesare timeless.
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