Harmonix, one of the world's leading developers of music-based games, and MTV Games, part of Viacom's MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with distribution partner Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), announced today that individual drum peripherals for Rock Band have now started shipping to U.S. and Canadian* store shelves. The Rock Band Drum Kit (Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system) has a suggested retail price of $79.99.

With standalone drum peripherals being made available, drummers have the opportunity to enjoy the full Rock Band experience by competing in the challenging "versus" modes, "Score Duel" and "Tug-O-War." These exciting modes can be played locally or online and work with all Rock Band downloaded song tracks. In order to play downloadable content for online head-to-head matches, all players must own the same downloadable track.

Standalone Rock Band game software is currently available, as well as the Rock Band Special Edition Bundle featuring a Fender Stratocaster guitar controller, an electronic drum kit, real drum sticks, a microphone and software. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 2 system bundles also come with a USB hub for easy plug-in access for all instruments.

Rock Band is rated "T" for Teen (lyrics, mild suggestive themes) by the ESRB.

Note: The Rock Band PlayStation drums work for both PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 systems.

articles bios columns comics company contact-us.html dor esrb.html features game-specs.html gamecube games help humor index index.html iphone livewire network nintendo-ds oflc.html output pc pegi.html playstation-2 playstation-3 reviews robots.txt tba undisqus.bash wii xbox xbox-360 Rock Band will be shipped to Canada over the next 2-8 weeks.

For more information on Rock Band and Harmonix Music Systems, please visit www.rockband.com and www.harmonixmusic.com