Rock Band Unplugged features first in-game DLC store for PSP

Quite how Rock Band is going to work as a peripheral-free experience on PSP, we don't yet know. Surely part of its wannabe vibe comes from waggling a plastic guitar and/or bashing a plastic drum pads?

Still, at least players will have access to what publisher EA claims will be the first in-game PSP store for downloadable content. The store – part of the PlayStation Network – will let you purchase tracks direct to your PSP, or alternatively you can download them to your PC and then transfer them to your PSP.

The game launches with 40 tracks, including nine that will be exclusive to PSP, although eventually released as downloads for the console versions of Rock Band. They are:

3 Doors Down, 'Kryptonite'
AFI, 'Miss Murder'
Alice in Chains, 'Would?'
Audioslave, 'Gasoline'
Black Tide, 'Show Me the Way'
Blink 182, 'What's My Age Again'
Freezepop, 'Less Talk More Rokk'
Jackson 5, 'ABC'
Tenacious D, 'Rock Your Socks'

As for the gameplay experience, Bob Picunko, senior veep for MTV Games reckons it will combine the traditional beat matching with elements such as overdrive and chords.

"Your hands are the peripherals in Rock Band Unplugged, allowing you to take direct control of the lead/bass guitars, drums and vocals," he says. "In addition, players can expect a rich Rock Band experience with fully functional modes like World Tour, Band Survival and Warm Up and a robust character creator for full customisation."