...this is how it begins.

It probably started as a joke, then spiralled into a rumour, and now - at this late hour, we get the news. Lego Rock Band has officially been announced, as a joint project between Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, TT Games, the LEGO Group, Harmonix and MTV Games.

Currently in development for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii and with a version for DS as well, this is all being set up for a bright holiday release by the end of the year. That timeframe should surprise nobody, really.

The game promises to cater for the younger generations - targetting "families, tweens and teens" - who want to rock out on a wild journey towards music stardom, "Build a Band and Rock the Universe". Combining the best-selling multiplayer music experience of the classic Rock Band with the fun, customisable humour of the LEGO video games, Lego Rock Band throws in some "brilliant" chart-topping songs and classic favourites, sure to be a hit with the youngens (and some of the oldies!).

Already announced tracks include:

Blur: “Song 2” Carl Douglas: “Kung Fu Fighting” Europe: “The Final Countdown” Good Charlotte: “Boys and Girls” Pink: “So What”

Of course, everybody involved is very very pleased with the endeavour, starting with Tom Stone, Managing Director at TT Games:

“LEGO Rock Band combines two compelling properties and creates an experience that family members of all ages will enjoy playing together as a group. Harmonix and MTV Games are the world experts in music gameplay, and we’re genuinely thrilled to bring the unique and humor-filled LEGO experience to their Rock Band universe.”

The LEGO group are surely polishing up their money-printing machine, with Vice President Henrik Taudorf Lorensen chuckling:

“We’re thrilled to offer another LEGO branded gaming experience that will deliver humorous and social play for families and friends. LEGO Rock Band is built around the same values of imagination and family-friendly creative role play that is present in other LEGO videogames. It will deliver innovative new elements of game play that complement the fun of the Rock Band experience.”

And from the music side of things, Senior Vice President of Electronic Games for MTV Games, Bob Picunko is pretty chuffed too:

“Rock Band is a social game experience that crosses every generation and every genre of rock. Harmonix and MTV Games are big fans of the LEGO game franchise and excited to work with TT Games to develop a new take on Rock Band that focuses on great music and LEGO humor that’s fun for the whole family.”

In true Rock Band style, players embark on a journey to rockstardom, but this time around it's in a family-friendly environment. Groove your way through local venues, super-sized stadiums and even fantasy locations - on Earth and beyond! - as you experience all the interaction and imagination that Lego can provide.


Block rockin' beats...
If that's not enough, the Lego "build-and-play" gaming experience comes to the fore, as players create their own Lego Rock Band style, customising their own minifig avatars, band and entourage (including roadies, managers and crew, "band-aids" not included).

And while I'm waiting patiently for a limited edition guitar controller made out of bricks, if you want to rock out with the block men, rest assured, Lego Rock Band will support standard Rock Band instruments, "as well as other music game controllers".

It was only a matter of time, and I'm sure that over the next eight months or so, we'll learn plenty more about what Lego Rock Band is all about. Stay tuned!