38,39 MCV530_final
23/3/09
13:21
Page 1
RETAILBIZ: ULTIMATE BAND 38 MCV 27/03/09
WWW.MCVUK.COM
ks to expand the E MUSIC: Disney see d THANK YOU FOR TH making Ultimate Ban by re gen on acti appeal of the rhythm e sibl pos as ce ien aud an accessible to as wide
Disney enters the rhythm-action space with its own contender to the likes of Rock Band and Guitar Hero. Ultimate Band promises to broaden the genre’s appeal for families and younger gamers… by James Batchelor
sticks of the drummer or head up the band as the front man, gamers can take to the virtual stage and rock out to a range of popular tunes.
WHILE THE recession has had a detrimental effect on the public’s disposable income, it hasn’t had the FOR ALL THE FAMILY same influence on their desire to play All of the gameplay mechanics are rhythm-action games. mapped to motions with the Wii Remote Which is a shame, as those yearning and Nunchuk or the DS stylus, meaning to play the latest musical video game they can get straight into the action as sensation are now less likely to be able soon as they open the box. to do so thanks to the cost of the ever-expanding arsenal of peripherals. With Ultimate Band, we have Luckily, Disney has gone for a performancethe solution – in the baced game with wide appeal form of Ultimate Band. to tweens, teens and families. Developed for Wii and Burcin Ergin, Disney DS, this game allows players to experience While the likes of Guitar Hero and the thrills of being part of a rock band and perform in a variety of roles without Rock Band resonate best with the hardcore demographic, Disney has the need to buy expensive hardware for developed Ultimate Band with a wider the pleasure. audience in mind – particularly when it Whether they want to wield an axe comes to families and young gamers. as a guitar or bass player, take up the
“
“Most games in this genre have been music simulation experiences,” explains the publisher’s marketing manager Burcin Ergin. “With Ultimate Band, Disney Interactive Studios has gone for a performance-based music video game with wide appeal to tweens, teens and families alike. “The game incorporates performance moves integrated into the rhythm-based gameplay, giving you the thrill of being a rock star. You can hit notes as well as moving, and all without peripherals – using just your Wii Remote and Nunchuk.
”