BandFuse - finally a competition to RockSmith

[Compyfox]

To those that are still into beatgames, or know at least some of them, might like to hear that UbiSoft's RockSmith is not the only high class player on the market anymore.

Let me present to you: BandFuse

http://bandfuse.com/


BandFuse currently comes in two flavors for two platforms:
XBox 360 and PS3, along with a gaming cable, for 70USD each. So, we're on the same price level as UbiSoft's RockSmith. Only that Ubisoft sells the cable separately.

The game will be sold as "Artist Pack" and "Band Pack".
The former will only come with one 1/4" USB guitar adapter, one acoustic adapter and for the XBox 360 an audio adapter.

The "Band Pack" will offer a 4port USB adapter, two 1/4" USB guitar adapters, the acoustic adapter and a microphone. A price is not yet known for this pack.



But... this is the the differences might separate the men from the boys.


First and foremost, BandFuse comes with native support for Bass(!). Yes, something that Ubisoft took a couple of months and a paid DLC update (unless you got v2, or the 2014 version).

Then Realta Entertainment/Mastiff made it possible to offer a multiplayer mode for up to four players (three guitars/bass and vocals) on one console! Unlike RockSmith, which is (to my knowledge, and according to the internet) still single player.

Another thing that separates BandFuse from RockSmith, is the player GUI. Rocksmith uses a 3D highway-type view which is very confusing. BandFuse uses a horizontal scrolling tab view. Much cleaner and easier to read. The tuning is also looking way more simpler and thought through.

Both games don't boo you out or stop the gameplay if you're not playing well. Though while RockSmith automatically adjusts the difficulty, BandFuse uses the old "easy to realistic" settings - with no fluent stuff in between.


RockSmith is also more aimed at "fun players" due to the mini games and the likes, while BandFuse is clearly aimed at learing an instrument with it's included tutorials and learning system called "Shred U". Which also tells you how to handle a guitar, offers tips and tricks, you can learn songs in "slow motion", etc. Sounds boring, but is IMO a bit less distracting and gets to the point - something that reminds me of early GuitarHero games.

Both games still do suffer from the latency of consoles with HDMI connection. The BandFuse spec sheets actually recommend connecting the audio stream separately. But... BandFuse comes with an "acoustic instrument adapter". Demo videos showed that even an Upright Bass is possible to be used with the game.


Another thing that BandFuse doesn't have yet, is a ton of song content. According to demo videos, the game comes with 55 tracks preloaded (including music videos!), with more to come through DLC. But at least the tracklist looks more shuffled than the usual suspects for GuitarHero, RockBand and RockSmith.



The planned release date is:
19th November 2013 (Thuesday)
MSRP: 70USD (Artist Pack), price for Band Pack not known yet

The game is sold (in the US) through GameStop, BestBuy, Guitar Center and Amazon.

So far there is only a US release planned, and there is no mention of a PC version. Chances are however, that this game will be non-region locked. You just need to find a distributor that imports it.


Here is a video from the infamous "Corridor Digital" and "Rocket Jump" Youtube VFX guru's, playing BandFuse's "Band Pack" on XB360:


Official Trailer (single play, slowed down, "band" mode)





What's your opinion on this?

Personally... I'm really excited and would actually rather go for this game than RockSmith. The GUI is just easier on the eyes, it's less marketing BS (Ubisoft is king in that section). I also prefer to support a not so well known developer if the ideas are more thought through - which BandFuse clearly looks like.

I only hope there will be a PC/Mac version, and of course also separate connection cables available. Or even better, we can use whatever we want in terms of USB connection.

We will see how successful this game is, as soon as it's released to the masses. Will definitely keep my eyes on it.