This is a purchase for mini-me that needed to be play tested to make sure everything was in working order for Christmas coming up. The play test soon turned into an afternoon jam session. My recent illness has kept me  from talking on phones (and sadly the Microphone that comes with Rock Band) so the day quickly became dedicated to release day of Rock Band.

If you haven’t ever had aspirations of being a band member you’re simply a pansy ass. I never have had my dreams met of being in a band till today. This game ROCKS. Lead guitar, bass guitar, drums and lead singer are all a part of the game. It really makes you feel like you are in a band.

You first start out by selecting your character male or female. Quickly moving to appearance and clothing was a snap. Ownership of your band was soon yours.

Drums

The learning curve here to get started was a bit steep. It didn’t take long to get what the game wanted from you. Although it is tempting to hammer home on the drum pads it really isn’t needed, a simple tap will do. Some of the songs were more difficult than others and most had a clear repetitive beat that surfaced over and over. Every so often you were given the opportunity to freestyle, beating away at the drums in any way the you so desired as long as you ended on the high hat. This would also serve to save a fallen member out of the band. Very nice touch. My biggest complaint is the controls that are at the front of the drum. These are to replace the usual controls of the gamepad. I did not like the D-pad at all. It felt very cheap and was sometimes very frustrating to navigate through the menus. It was functional just not a great part of the hardware.

Lead Guitar

This is as exactly as you could imagine. A few things are different from the guitar hero series, most notably is the second set of frets far down the neck of the guitar. During solo mode these frets can be used without the usual key picking button to be pressed, this allows for some serious guitar solo action.

Bass Guitar

Although several hours were taken up with the game today. Not much was spent on bass. If I were to comment on it, I would be lying.

Microphone

Ok. Who was afraid to hear your best buddy start singing and finally realize he is a closet freak or worse a very horrible singer that things he is good. Rock Band has all of us in mind. The voice of the singer can be drowned out by the other singing track and you won’t really have to listen to them unless you adjust the settings. It was easy really on the easy setting and becomes a vital part of the Rock Band.

Multiplayer

Once again. I could comment here but I would be no better than some other sites…..and lie.

Final Verdict

If you have the coin and have buddies or a family to play with this game is a must buy. You will not regret this purchase if you enjoy music in this genre at all.

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