With Activision this month revealing their respectably rocking Guitar Hero World Tour dates and prices around the globe many were still wondering when us Aussies were to see the initial rival party band game, Rock Band, here in Australia especially when the sequel is already out for XBOX 360 in the United States.

First we’ll take a look at the pricing and release date for Guitar Hero World Tour announced by Activision earlier this month.

North America – October 26th, 2008

Europe – November 7th, 2008

Australia – November 12th, 2008

Image borrowed from Vooks.net

While a very expensive purchase it’s not too surprising, but the most notable point of this information is the fact that we’re getting this pack available to us November 12th, 2008. That’s less than a month after the initial North American release, a respectable and somewhat expected buffer period for shipping such a product to our waterlocked continent.

So, what is EA’s response to this while they keep Rock Band locked up tight overseas for almost a year since initial release (November 20th, 2007) in the US?

Electronic Arts yesterday announced that Rock Band will finally hit Australian shores for sale November 7th, 2008. That’s five days before Guitar Hero World Tour.

I know, it’s not that surprising but it still makes my jaw drop at how blantant EA’s market swindling plans can get. What’s hardest is now honestly recommending one or the other. Any wise investor will of course survey reviews and wait that whole five days to potentially try out Guitar Hero World Tour against Rock Band and make a decision.

While Guitar Hero World Tour is a much newer and fresher product, seemingly inspired entirely by a desire to out-do Rock Band wherever possible this is not necessarily an accurate prediction of overall superior quality. Keep in mind, Rock Band is being developed by Harmonix, the original creators of Guitar Hero and the true musicians who started it all raising a certain expected level of quality.

Rock Band Australian Price List (not 100% confirmed) -

Game + Instrument Pack – PS2 / PS3 / XBOX 360 / Wii – $249.99 AUD

Instrument Pack (Drums, Microphone, Guitar) – PS2 / PS3 / XBOX 360 / Wii – $199.99 AUD

Game + Drums Pack – PS2 / PS3 / XBOX 360 / Wii – $179.99 AUD

Game + Guitar Pack – PS2 / PS3 / XBOX 360 / Wii – $139.99 AUD

Stand Alone Game – PS3 / XBOX 360 – $99.99 AUD

- Wii – $89.99 AUD

- PS2 – $69.95 AUD

Stand Alone Guitar – PS2 / PS3 / XBOX 360 / Wii – $90 AUD

Stand Alone Drums – PS2 / PS3 / XBOX 360 / Wii -$129.99 AUD

With comparable packages costing a tad more for Guitar Hero, what will your decision be? Rock out with Red Octane, or retain that harmony with Harmonix?

Or buy a real guitar?

Let us know, leave a comment!