Rock Band 2
Players: 1-4
Rated T for Teen : Lyrics, Suggestive Themes

Sorry that this isn't near the launch of the game, but it doesn't necessarily have to be right?

Let me get this out of the way. I'm a rhythm game whore. I'll play plastic guitar, I'll 'dance', I'll press random controller buttons. I'll do whatever you want me to, as long as I get points for doing it with correct timing. Flashing lights and backgrounds help.

What can I say about Rock Band 2 other than it melts faces, and rocks the souls of millions?

When the original Rock Band was released, there were a few issues. Why no online World Tour? Why does the Fender downstrum break so easily? Why did everyone get fucked except American XBOX 360 owners on release schedule? Why not goddamn bass career?

With Rock Band 2 these issues have been addressed. Well, except for the fucking of everyone who isn't an American XBOX 360 owner (sorry, fellas). What you get is a complete musical package. Online World Tour bands. Songs that aren't insanely boring on Bass. A wide variety of genres. You get more DLC (which Harmonix/MTVGames have done right, unlike Activision). There'll be 500 songs available for Rock Band 2 at years end. God Bless America.

You can export your Rock Band 1 tracks, so you can play all of your favorite songs from the first game. Well, except for Metallica (we know they're a bunch of pricks, anyway), and Iron Maiden's "Run To The Hills" (you will be missed).

Things are looking good.

Not much has changed gameplay-wise, except now they've included drum solos to boost your score in certain sections. Vocal tracking has improved, but seems to have become much more lenient. I know I'm not bad, but 100% on Boston's "More Than a Feeling" on Expert Vox? I'm not THAT good. The song selection really makes sure that nobody feels left out, focusing on BAND songs rather than Drum or Guitar songs. This was a smart move, as being the bassist in Rock Band 1 was probably the most boring experience I've had in a music game. Which is a shame, as I'm a real bass player. The Career mode has been scrapped, and instead you're faced with Instrument specific "Challenges" that range in difficulty level. Also, no longer will you have to go through the 'campaign' alone...

The online mode shines bright in this game. You can have anyone join your band over XBOX Live, where your rag-tag group of musicians can play through the World Tour mode, Challenges, or even Battle of the Bands. The last one being a competition to get the highest score in a themed setlist.

They've also added a drum trainer, which is neat for those who lack rhythm. It's kinda cute watching somebody go through all the beats.

Basically they took the greatness of Rock Band, and expanded and improved it, tossing in online play for a more enjoyable experience. I recommend this to anyone who likes music games, as it's a must-have.

Graphics : B -- It's a music game. Very colorful, and the character and instrument models are solid.
Sound : A -- Sounds amazing, and it's fun to hear the crowd sing along.
Gameplay : A -- Note charts are solid. The difficulty ranges just right. The setlist has something for everyone.
Replayability : A+ -- Endless DLC and an online World Tour mode gives this game legs longer than most.

Overall : A -- Just buy it.

Nice review

I want!

Added my ratings. Thanks for pointing out the template, Blokey.

One of the all time classics...