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In addition to looking at the lighter and weirder side of the game industry, System Update provides the latest information on weekly console updates, DLC, game-specific updates, and other game-industry flotsam and jetsam.

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Rock Band 2 postlaunch freebie site opens

When Rock Band 2 launched for the Xbox 360 last month, it boasted a sizable 84-song on-disc setlist. However, as MTV Games and Harmonix have built their business around digitally delivering fresh, new songs on a periodic basis for their rhythm game, the duo also said that the on-disc tracks would be supplemented postlaunch with an additional 20 free downloadable songs.

Problem is, Harmonix has yet to give gamers a way to score these tracks. That issue was resolved today, though, as the developer opened its 20 bonus-track sign-up Web site. Those who have purchased Rock Band 2 for the Xbox 360--as well as the PlayStation 3 and Wii, when those editions launch later this year--are required to input the redemption code found on the back of their game manual, as well as enter their e-mail address and date of birth.

Harmonix has yet to announce when the bonus tracks will be available, or which songs will be included as part of the giveaway. For more on Rock Band 2, check out GameSpot's review of the Xbox 360 game.

67 Comments

  • threedown

    Posted Oct 23, 2008 9:08 am PT

    i signed up for the tracks and they blow, wont be DLing any of them...

  • DaClint91

    Posted Oct 6, 2008 1:28 am PT

    I heard rumors that "Santeria" by Sublime, "Somebody Told Me" by The Killers and "Dammit" by blink-182 are part of this. You can google it to find a rumored list (but all these rumors usually end up being true)

  • scotchex2

    Posted Oct 3, 2008 2:35 pm PT

    cool. free is good.

  • HyruleKing83

    Posted Oct 3, 2008 11:55 am PT

    Hopefully someone at harmonix/EA has heard glassJAw or Head Automatica and can get a track or two as DLC. Also hopefully some Unearth, Bloc Party, Chevelle, The Cure, U2, Deftones and The Doors.

  • HyruleKing83

    Posted Oct 3, 2008 11:51 am PT

    hopefully there are some good tracks and not filler but I just came across this list which is the first i've seen about the free bonus tracks

    1. Honest Bob - Tatooine
    2. Against Me! - Stop!
    3. Static-X - Push It
    4. George Thorogood - Bad to the Bone
    5. Blink 182 - Dammit
    6. Free - All Right Now
    7. Dead Kennedys - Holiday in Cambodia
    8. Hot Hot Heat - Bandages
    9. Bad Religion - Suffer
    10. Turbonegro - All My Friends Are Dead
    11. The Haunted - Shadow World
    12. Pennywise - The Western World
    13. Rancid - Fall Back Down
    14. Sublime - Santeria
    15. Taking Back Sunday - What's It Feel Like To Be A Ghost
    16. The Breeders - Cannonball
    17. Sepultura - Refuse/Resist
    18. Queens of the Stone Age - No One Knows
    19. The Killers - Somebody Told Me
    20. Harvey Danger - Cream and Bastards Rise

  • necronaux

    Posted Oct 3, 2008 9:06 am PT

    Hope they keep adding songs to the free site. Be a great way to showcase new bands, or 'bring back' some older songs people might like to try, but wouldn't want to buy.

  • masterhalo43

    Posted Oct 3, 2008 8:40 am PT

    SWEET! 20 free downloads when you sign up. I don't no about you but i think FREE is a great word in any gamers life.

  • gmagnus

    Posted Oct 2, 2008 10:31 pm PT

    "Don't you think after a while people will find ways to get the codes without having the retail version of the game?"

    They might get the code, but it can only be registered to one e-mail address, so it won't do them any good.

  • senorbusyman

    Posted Oct 2, 2008 7:54 pm PT

    IT TOOK THEM SINCE SEPTEMBER 14 JUST GET DA SITE READY....MAN THESE R SLOW, BUT WORTH IT.

  • wwervin

    Posted Oct 2, 2008 5:49 pm PT

    Don't you think after a while people will find ways to get the codes without having the retail version of the game?

  • ChickenHounk911

    Posted Oct 2, 2008 1:34 pm PT

    I put in my code to receive another code!!! Wait what?...

  • Metal_Rodney

    Posted Oct 2, 2008 10:56 am PT

    It appears that all joeblo's base are belong to shadyvillain.

    I literally don't see the point in this other than to stifle secondary consumption of the game, which is yet more terrible market practice from the people who brought us "peripherals with really crappy build quality" and "releasing your sequel in the US before the original game hits stores in regions like Australia & NZ"

    Why not just release them all as free downloads for everyone? It's not like anyone can play them if they haven't got the game in the drive?

    Seriously, the way these guys treat consumers is an absolute disgrace compared to other publishers. If the game itself wasn't so good no-one would stand for it.

  • shadyvillian

    Posted Oct 2, 2008 8:15 am PT

    Well if that's the case why don't you just delete "Sprode" from your hard drive genius. That's why the option is there Joe.

  • joeblofromidaho

    Posted Oct 2, 2008 4:22 am PT

    I will not register until I get a look at the song list. I still want to kill myself when "Sprode" shows up in a mystery set from some free download.

  • joeblofromidaho

    Posted Oct 2, 2008 4:22 am PT

    I will not register until I get a look at the song list. I still want to kill myself when "Sprode" shows up in a mystery set from some free download.

  • shaun_mcwayne

    Posted Oct 2, 2008 4:17 am PT

    yep its to put off people who buy pre owned games if ya buy pre owned rb2 u wont be able to download the extra tracks if the code has already been used. you will see this happen more and more.

  • stuarthanley

    Posted Oct 2, 2008 12:51 am PT

    The UK has adverts running at the moment saying that this is released in Nov 08 but none of the shops or traders are advertising it yet or even know of a UK release date

  • emiller

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 10:36 pm PT

    launch? what launch?

  • Final_Wars

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 9:52 pm PT

    hey everyone, when u, uh, register, they tell u that they will send u an email with that says the songs will be available like in a week and they will send u another code.

  • Jedilink109

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 9:35 pm PT

    I can't wait. I wish they'd put Galactic Cowboys in the game!!!!!!

  • dom1000

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 7:39 pm PT

    They are doing that to stop people from downlaoding and copying game.Great idea.

  • ronnoc10

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 6:46 pm PT

    That's kinda cool.

  • ldonyo

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 6:23 pm PT

    Harvest a little personal information on the mere promise that they'll deliver the free tracks... someday. Sounds like Harmonix is brewing up a spamfest for Xmas.

  • gerhardtscriven

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 6:06 pm PT

    Metal_Rodney (Maybe I'll pick up RB2 when it's finally released here, or maybe I just won't bother, just to spite them)...

    Yeah, the lack of your business is really gonna hurt their million dollar industry... you go show them!

  • Vote_For_McCain

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 6:05 pm PT

    I love ROCKBAND. So glad I did not buy Guitar Hero.

  • dareough

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 5:40 pm PT

    i love you rock band you kick guitar heroes ass everday in every way

  • Pangamaster

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 5:02 pm PT

    I'm happy today thank you gamespot

  • Pangamaster

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 5:02 pm PT

    I'm happy today thank you gamespot

  • sevendust_777

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 4:36 pm PT

    rockband kicks guitar heros ass!!

  • Metal_Rodney posted Oct 1, 2008 4:24 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    Metal_Rodney

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 4:24 pm PT (hide)

    What utter non-news. How about announcing a release date for anywhere other than the US. I wonder if Harmonix know that people outside America buy games? Activision certainly do so I'll be buying their product instead. Maybe I'll pick up RB2 when it's finally released here, or maybe I just won't bother, just to spite them.

  • buckcherry

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 4:16 pm PT

    is it only a limited time offer? say i buy the game at xmas,or next year, can i still get the free songs?

  • Colonel_Juju

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 3:59 pm PT

    Can't beat the price of FREE! I hope the list isn't crappy though.

  • dukebd699

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 3:53 pm PT

    I wonder if the suggestions box had anything to do with what songs they will be?

  • RaddaRaddaRadda

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 3:47 pm PT

    Just so long as it's not 20 1-minute songs. That would be a slap to the face. Only Stephen and the Colberts can get away with that...

    ... oh crap, it's gonna be their greatest hits album, isn't it?! D:

  • Zidaneski

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 2:49 pm PT

    Still no word on what the songs are!? It'll probably be bands trying to gain some popularity which I wouldn't really mind.

  • Zidaneski

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 2:49 pm PT

    Still no word on what the songs are!? It'll probably be bands trying to gain some popularity which I wouldn't really mind.

  • -_Jeremy_-

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 2:34 pm PT

    Yay! Thanks for informing Gamespot. Signed up, and nice point shady. Even if they suck, it's 20 free songs. You can't go wrong with that. Now only if the AC/DC Pack wasn't such a goon price, well, all news would be good.

  • shady_825

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 2:28 pm PT

    How can anyone possibly be complaining about this? They're literally giving you free extras for buying their game. The 20 songs could all be terrible and it would still be awesome that they gave them away free. I'm amazed by some of you.

  • byrdcjb100 posted Oct 1, 2008 2:27 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    byrdcjb100

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 2:27 pm PT (hide)

    HOPE NOT I WANT GUITAR HERO 4

  • gnbfd

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 2:18 pm PT

    So does this ever expire?
    Cause I probably won't get this till Christmas

  • flickds

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 2:09 pm PT

    Awesome -- thanks for the heads-up GS.

  • Pete5506

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 2:00 pm PT

    I'm got to sign up right now

  • mrmagic2k7

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 1:54 pm PT

    europe's missing alot already cause there's no bloc party songs on rb1 or rb2.i'm american and imust say bloc party must be the most slept on band from the U.K here in the U.S.of A.hope they would have 3or 4 in the free songs.WHOA ,WAIT a sec...they're boarding up our bank!!!!!god bless the U.S.....

  • stuarthanley

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 1:44 pm PT

    so, Europe miss out again then!

  • Smoov_B

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 1:40 pm PT

    So two weeks later I can finally register but the songs still aren't available. Lame.

  • dmish82

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 1:38 pm PT

    First off, I'm so tired of logging onto these Guitar Hero & Rock Band forums to read everyone's "Ideal" set list. I can't speak for Guitar Hero, but Harmonix's Rock Band site has a feature where you can DIRECTLY suggest songs that you would like to see so do it there, not here.

    Now, onto the topic. Sweet! I'm curious what the 20 songs will be.

  • Sword-Hunter277

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 1:36 pm PT

    RB2 > GH:WT

    I'm getting both anyway though... and to anyone who thinks that the GH:WT music creator is going to be that great, then look here: http://kotaku.com/5056081/gh-world-tour-wont-let-you-share-real-songs

  • threedown

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 1:07 pm PT

    cool, thanks for the heads up, gonna go register right now

  • Ulleb

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 1:02 pm PT

    Nice!

  • tiggerboy

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 1:01 pm PT

    Sweet!

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