|
It’s like reaching one of those
moments when nothing can go
wrong. Reily is on the guitar,
hitting every note without fail,
as is Doug is playing the bass.
Joe is on drums pounding away
and setting up the rhythm for
me to follow.
I can hear the crowd chanting
along as we approach the ending
of ‘Creep’ by Radiohead.
My throat is hoarse from belting
out the high and low notes. I
know we have to finish strong—
the fickle fans demand it.
As the final chorus ends, the
crowd cheers and gives us a
standing ovation.
We played the song flawlessly
and won the battle of the bands
on “Rock Band.”
Harmonix’s “Rock Band” is just
what the name implies: Grab
your instruments or microphone
and join forces with your friends
in what is perceived as being one
of the most socially interactive
games released since “Rayman
Raving Rabbids” for the Nintendo
Wii.
It’s like starting a garage band
with your friends without years
of practice.
The game allows you to play in
a solo mode, where you can either
take up the guitar, bass, drums
or microphone. However, it truly
shines when used in into a social
setting with friends.
When playing alone, gameplay-
wise, “Guitar Hero” presents
a greater challenge for
someone who is less than a casual
gamer. When choosing between
both games, it becomes more of a
question of musical taste.
The learning curve of the
game is much easier that that of
“Guitar Hero III.” “Rock Band”
has a steady progression of difficulty
between levels. Expect the
game to become increasingly difficult
with any additional sequels
to the games or with additional
downloadable content.
The game follows the same pattern
as games like “Dance Dance
Revolution,” where earlier incarnations
were easier to play, and
each additional release or expansion
becomes progressively harder
in order to make the game
challenging.
Even with an expansive song
list, ranging from the 60s (with
the Rolling Stones) to more modern
music (like Fall Out Boy), the
music selection in “Rock Band”
feels thin.
By including downloadable
content within respective online
stores, the possibility of expanding
the available songs is infinite...
for a price. Songs available
from release date include Metallica,
the Police and Queens of the
Stone Age.
Prices will range from $5.49
for a three-pack or individual
tracks will sell for $1.99 each.
The “Rock Band Special Edition”
pack is quite pricey at $179,
nearly costing the same amount
as a video gaming console.
The instruments included in
the set have a solid feel to them.
The set includes a very stable
drum kit (although the foot pedal
can be difficult to place comfortably)
and a microphone of good
weight.
The guitar is modeled after a
Fender Stratocaster that is more
realistic and easier to play than
any of the guitars that come with
the Guitar Hero series.
It should be noted that the guitar
from “Rock Band” is not compatible
with “Guitar Hero,” although
the latter can be used
with “Rock Band.”
The four instruments connect
to the console via USB ports.
Some PlayStation 3 models have
four ports in front, while the
Xbox 360 only has two.
To remedy that, The Xbox 360
version of “Rock Band” includes
a powered USB hub, which needs
to be connected to a wall socket.
We give the game 9.5 out of 10 for
four reasons:
1) It brings social gaming to a
new level;
2) The controllers are extremely
well-made;
3) The song list is practically
timeless and;
4) It’s so damn fun to play.
| 
)