EA Mobile – a division of EA, Harmonix Music Systems Inc. – the world’s premier music video game developer, and MTV Games – a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks, today announced that ROCK BAND Reloaded  is now available on the App Store. The iPad exclusive HD version and the version for iPhone and iPod touch offers players an initial powerhouse setlist of songs from artists including Nirvana, Billy Idol, No Doubt, Nine Inch Nails and Vampire Weekend. More than 20 songs will be available today with new tracks launching throughout the holidays. Plus, for the first time, ROCK BAND Reloaded players now have a “5^th Way to Play” by singing directly into their iPhone, iPod touch and iPad utilizing new vocal recognition features.

“ROCK BAND Reloaded is the experience fans have been waiting for, innovating on the popular franchise and bringing the entire band onto the iPad and iPhone for the first time,” said Travis Boatman, Vice President of Worldwide Studios for EA Mobile. “These games bring a deep ROCK BAND experience to mobile players in very cool and creative new ways. Innovative vocal recognition features, social integration connecting players to their friends and challenging gameplay modes will drive forward the mobile music genre and provide the best music experience to players.”

New vocal recognition features introduce players to a unique way to play by singing directly into their iPhone, iPod touch or iPad to earn points. Players can showcase their inner rock star by picking from a setlist of songs that include “Hella Good” by No Doubt, “Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down, “Your Decision” by Alice in Chains, “White Wedding” by Billy Idol, “In Bloom” by Nirvana, “A-Punk” by Vampire Weekend and many more. In addition to the songs included with the initial purchase, free* tracks are available in the Music Store along with Premium Packs by The All American Rejects, Third Eye Blind, Blink-182 and other top-selling artists available through In App Purchase.

For the first time on iPad, ROCK BAND Reloaded packs delivers device-exclusive features including a Multiplayer mode where players can challenge friends live in a head-to-head split-screen environment. Flexible controls provide for ultimate customization of all play styles. The iPad game’s new “Big Drums” layout increases the interactivity of this fan-favorite instrument. Songs are now more accessible to players with custom playlists in Quick Play and quick replay using an “Encore” feature.

Other game features include a new Expert mode for experienced players along with a World Tour mode that enables players to rock six cities and 36 events earning up to 50 awards and achievements all while living the Rock N’ Roll dream. By logging into Facebook, players have access to the News Center where they can find out when new songs launch, follow friends’ exploits and directly challenge their friends’ accomplishments with a simple touch of the screen. And for those just looking to jam, get “the band” together via local WiFi and Bluetooth and play live on guitar, bass, drums, or vocals with up to three bandmates using their own iPad, iPhone or iPod touch**.

ROCK BAND Reloaded and ROCK BAND Reloaded HD are available today from the App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

The iPhone is in the midst of a huge growth spurt.  Key to its success is the Apps store whereby customers can download both free and monetarised content for their phone.  Apple’s App Store is growing leaps and bounds with over 1 billion apps downloaded and the single largest app category is games.  Proving hugely popular for EA in the Apps store is Sims 3, Need for Speed and Tiger Woods, amongst others.

Take a look here at the quality of Sims 3 on iPhone and you can see just how far mobile gaming has advanced in recent years.

This week, touchArcade, a website dedicated to iPhone gaming, revealed EA has other plans apart from releasing Premium content.  The article can be found here:  http://tinyurl.com/l4f5qa   

EA is now looking to cater for the 99¢ market.  As part of this goal a new studio has been formed called ’8lb Gorilla’.  8lb Gorilla will be left to act independently to develop games and potentially release them on a near-monthly basis, (pending no delays with the App Store submission process).  One of the first games is called Zombies & Me….and you can see a trailer via the link above on touchArcade.

Let’s return to pending new EA Games for the iPhone, at full price, and hopefully you will be excited to hear that we will soon bring you a focus on Mass Effect Galaxy on the iPhone.  In the meantime….a new screenshot:

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