PS3 Fanboy

With SCEA bringing word of cross-peripheral compatibility for PS3 rhythm games yesterday, consumers looking for that "one music set to rule them all" seems to be a reality drawing closer. However, making sense of the fickle plastic instruments jungle is still quite a daunting task and knowing where each individual peripheral fits into the mass is still a convoluted process. Making life easier on all of you, Joystiq have provided a simple to read chart which clearly illustrates compatible peripherals across all platforms -- behold the Instrument Compatibility Matrix, version 3.0. Color-coded and accompanied by lots of visuals, hunting for that perfect set to fit your needs couldn't be more convenient.

Remember back around Christmas, when we were promised a Rock Band patch which would allow people to use Guitar Hero III controllers? You know, the patch which was going to allow PS3 owners the same features as the Xbox 360 version? Sure, it never appeared, but it seems that Sony is making sure that such a thing never happens again. Michael Shorrock, director of 3rd party relations, has posted up some info on the PlayStation.Blog stating that Rock Revolution, Rock Band 2 and Guitar Hero: World Tour's instruments will all be compatible with each other.

Not only that, but Guitar Hero: World Tour and Rock Band 2 will support SingStar microphones. This is great for those of us who are interested in picking up all of these games, but are a little less interested in having our living rooms full of plastic drum sets and guitars. The good news doesn't end there, though. That patch we mentioned at the beginning of this post may still see the light of day. Shorrock says they're "still working hard to ensure compatibility between the Guitar Hero and Rock Band titles currently on the market, and we hope to have an announcement on that shortly."

Thanks to Sony for pre-emptively solving what could have been a very messy Christmas. Universal peripheral compatability just makes so much sense. Now comes the hard decision. Which game's instruments look best?

Ever since this Rock Band game came out, other companies have been trying to compete. Guitar Hero IV will add non-guitar elements, and now Konami's ready to jump in the game with Rock Revolution. The company that initially put music gaming on the radar through games like Dance Dance Revolution and Beatmania is hoping to leverage the "Revolution" name to attract a hardcore audience.

Rock Revolution will include both a lead and bass guitar, and what Konami promises is the "definitive drum experience." "Rock Revolution will be the most innovative and realistic rock game to hit the market, that will provide a quality drum peripheral and music that players will appreciate," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "As the originator of music-based games, we are dedicated to bringing fans a truly preeminent music experience. With Rock Revolution, we put the emphasis on the drum kit, delivering an experience unlike any other."

As expected, the game will feature DLC after the launch, with 40 songs to be included on the disc. You'll be able to record your own songs in a "jam session," and there will be a variety of online modes. The game is expected to release this Fall. The question is, will it be able to compete against Rock Band?