Rock Band: The Review

Released for: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Playstation 2, Wii. (In some countries it is not yet released for all platforms)

Rock Band - The Basics

Rock Band is developed by Harmonix Music Systems and published by MTV Games.

What do I get with Rockband?

Included in the Rock Band instrument pack is the...
Stratocaster guitar, with an additional set of fret keys used for 'tapping' solos.
Rock Band Microphone, a good quality microphone used for the vocals section.
Set of drums, with foot pedal and sticks...The main reason why people buy Rockband.

Rockband is often put down due to its hefty price tag, here is the cheapest I can find it for...

Play

Daily downloadable content is available each week on the xbox live marketplace.

Overdrive is available in Rock Band, this is the same as Guitar Heros' star power. Activate it and your score multiplier doubles. However, it can also be used to bring back bandmates which have failed out.

So... The big question

The question on everybodys lips is whether RockBand is actually worth the price tag it stands on.

My opinion is that, if you only plan on playing RockBand solo, you will be better off buying Guitar Hero 3. Perhaps if you have alot of family/friends living with/nearby you, RockBand is certainly the better option. You are able to play through the massive Band World Tour, which will keep you entertained for a very long time.
Nevertheless, soloers can still have fun with RockBand, as the solo tours are indeed fun to do. But the boredom factor may kick in as you are simply playing by yourself. Bored of one instrument? Buy a microphone stand or use your standard headset and play drums/guitar while singing along. Lets just hope you know the words...

For the more experienced gamer, the drums will be the only main threat in terms of difficulty. Fans of the Guitar Hero series will find even the expert career a walk in the park, apart from some tricky and enduring solos such as Green Grass High Tides.

The lifespan on Rockband, as I said before, is pretty good. With over 60 songs in the setlist, and alot of downloadable content, you will be rocking out all night.

Characters are fully customizable, with the ability of tattoos, facepaint, makeup, new clothes, hairstyles, you name it - Rockband has got it.

Alot of people are put off due to storage. The drums can be disassembled and stored easily, while the microphone or guitar shouldn't be a problem.

Summary

Good points:
Great fun
Large lifespan
Feels like your in a band, without the months pratice

Bad points:
Large price tag

Overall rating:
9/10

Thanks for reading,
Craig
Game Reviews and Tips writer