Rock Band Instrument Set

Game developer Harmonix and peripheral manufacturer RedOctane renewed consumer attention for third-party controllers with Guitar Hero and its specialized guitar peripheral. MTV has since acquired Harmonix, but the new owner supported the developer's penchant for new controller types in Rock Band. The Rock Band instrument set features an unprecedented number of unique peripherals: a guitar, a drum set, and a microphone for singing. The game also supports an optional secondary guitar for bass.

As anyone who's experienced a strum-bar malfunction or a snapped bass pedal will tell you, the instruments aren't perfect, but there's no denying that Rock Band is fantastic when the instruments are working. Harmonix did an amazing job on the drum set, which arguably offers a more intense and fun gameplay experience than the original guitar controller.

The peripheral set has increased the cost of the game to a hefty $170 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, but we applaud Harmonix for taking the risk to do everything to make the game as it should be. Rock Band has proven that game enthusiasts are willing to pay for a peripheral-laden game that offers compelling gameplay. The instrument set may not be as complex as a whole game system or PC video card, but the peripherals are incredibly fun and represent a terrific advancement in gaming that will hopefully encourage other game developers to create even more exciting games that go beyond the traditional gamepad controls.