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That is, if you live outside of Europe. Konami has told our cruel overlords at Joystiq that North American gamers need not worry, as Rock Revolution is "still on track for a fall 2008" release, despite rumors that say otherwise. They also detailed some stuff about drum compatibility.

If you're playing Konami's title with another drum set, the game will automatically configure to that specific set. For example, when using the Rock Band drum set, the game will switch to four on-screen notes and five when using the Guitar Hero: World Tour set. Konami expects their drum set to be compatible with the competition via a patch after release.

We may have to deal with the rock status quo for a while until the Revolution arrives. According to IGN, Niais Taylor, associate producer of Konami's Rock Revolution, provided an "early 2009" release window for the music game during a demo of the drum kit (which the Wii version does not use). However, there is a bit of potential confusion.

If this unspecified release period is worldwide, or for the US, then the game has been delayed from its previous "2008" release. However, if this is the European release date -- which seems likely, since this information was presented at the Leipzig Games Convention -- then the European release, at least, is on track and we don't have any more information about the US release. But the possibility of a delay, we felt, was worth passing on.

Do you like rhythm games? Heck, who doesn't?! We sure do, as do our cruel overlords at Joystiq, who've fashioned together the ultimate instrument compatibility guide. Wondering if that certain piece of Rock Band equipment will work with Guitar Hero: World Tour? Don't fret, it's answered here! So head on over and check it out. It'll even let those of you picking up Rock Revolution know if Konami's drum set will work with the other games!

There's nothing like anonymous tipsters when it comes to (what may be) the best new info. Someone forwarded a purported Konami e-mail to Kotaku that contains the track list for Rock Revolution, their upcoming bid at securing a place in the corner of living rooms all over the world. Both the good and bad news? If you've ever played any other music game, you've probably run into some of these songs -- and many of the bands -- before.

Check after the break for the full list.

We already came to the conclusion that the lack of universal instrument compatibility holds us back from purchasing multiple rhythm games. Which peripheral-based music games do you already own, though? For what system or systems? Which do you plan to buy in the future?

Perhaps after hearing what you have and want, we'll have a better idea of where the faux-band game genre is heading in the future.

Rhythm game fans seem to be in a tough spot. It used to be that we could just buy whatever interested us, and that was that. Now, as new peripheral after new peripheral gets manufactured (of the same instruments), there's a problem: we're running out of space. Not all of us live in big, swanky mansions (or even small, cozy houses for that matter). Another problem? Money. Faux guitars and drum sets don't come cheap, so buying multiple game instruments isn't very economical.

Konami feels our pain, which may end up being their pain if people start avoiding Rock Revolution. We think Konami might be in a lot of trouble, since Rock Band and Guitar Hero are already well-established in the gaming world. Rock Revolution is the new kid on the block, and if people already have closets full of peripherals and empty wallets, the game might suffer for it. Since Guitar Hero is currently the most owned of the bunch, Activision has no plans to make things any easier for its competitors. Harmonix, meanwhile, preaches universal instruments, but Rock Band's drum set might be too different from Rock Revolution's to even aim for compatibility.

What do you think, though? Is there room for another multi-instrument rhythm game in today's market?

[Via GamesIndustry.biz]

When Konami revealed Rock Revolution and said it would be hitting every major console under the sun, there were some mixed emotions. For some, it was great to see Konami return to a genre they pretty much created with Guitar Freaks. For others, it seemed like this choice was just a hurried attempt to get in on some of the financial success the genre has been enjoying. For us here at Wii Fanboy, it was utter disappointment as we were hoping that Rock Revolution would instead be a new Guitar Freaks.

Well, to help validate Rock Revolution, associate producer Keith Matejka spoke with GameTrailers. He tells why Konami decided not to go with singing in Rock Revolution, as well as why this is, he thinks, the ultimate drummer's game. It's an interesting interview, so give it a watch.

Our overlords at Joystiq recently got their hands on some titles Wii lovers care about, taking the time to write up their impressions as is their job. And, we'd be neglecting in our job if we didn't do our best to present you with anything and everything Wii-related out there on these great big internets. So, if you've yet to check out their coverage on these Wii titles, then be sure to hit up the links below.

• Sonic Unleashed impressions: all Sonic, no Unleashed
• Joystiq hands-on: Rock Revolution
• Platinum Games: MADWORLD eyes-on, first trailer and screens
• Joystiq hands-on: Skate It (Wii)

Update: Keep in mind, folks, that the Wii version of the game hasn't been confirmed to use peripherals. The Wii port might utilize only the Wiimote and nunchuk for "air guitaring" and "air drumming." Nothing is set in stone yet, but we just wanted to make sure you were aware.

Well now, those of you with a keen eye will undoubtedly do a double-take on this one. Don't those drums look an awful lot like the drum kit for another game? Still not jogging your memory? Well, try a convenient link.

The Rock Revolution drum kit has six different face drums, of varying sizes, which tells us a lot about the demographic they're shooting for with this title: music-loving Octopi. Seriously, that's a lot of drums to be hitting on! We're scared of the 4 (and pedal) that comes with Rock Band, so the thought of using this kit absolutely paralyzes us with fear.

[Via Joystiq]

If Guitar Hero is the result of crossing Konami's original GuitarFreaks game with Frequency, Konami's newly-announced Rock Revolution is a hybrid of GuitarFreaks and Guitar Hero/Rock Band -- which looks as derivative as it would sound.

Rather than localizing Guitar Freaks, Konami and developer Zoe Mode have created a new game that combines the graphical look of Rock Band with the vertical scrolling interface of the Bemani series. The new game features drum and guitar gameplay, but the Wii version is not slated to use any peripherals. The screen above is clearly not from the Wii version, but we wouldn't expect it to look too different (just lower-res). Rock Revolution is expected to release in October.