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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 30, 2007

System: Microsoft Xbox 360

Also available for: Sony PlayStation 3 (PS2 version comes out Dec. 11)

Publisher: MTV Games

Reviewer's rating: ***½

ESRB rating: Teen

Game type: Rhythm-action

Kind of like: "Guitar Hero"

Best feature: Great songs by Nirvana, Radiohead, the Ramones, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, New Pornographers, the Pixes and more. (Plus new, downloadable songs on a regular basis.)

Worst feature: At $170 for the entire bundle, it's a bit cost prohibitive.

The bottom line: If you thought "Guitar Hero" was big, wait until you see "Rock Band."

No, seriously. It takes up a ridiculous amount of space in your living room. This game isn't just for wanna-be guitar-slingers. It has drums and a microphone, too. (Sorry, no cowbell.)

The guitar parts are just like "Guitar Hero," only easier. Color-coded notes move across an on-screen fret board, and you have to rhythmically press the five corresponding buttons - along with the strum bar - on the game's super-slick guitar-shaped controller.

The vocals are similar to "SingStar" or "Karaoke Revolution." Hit the right pitch at the right time and you're good, even if you can't really sing.

Pounding the skins is an absolute blast - hands down the best part of the game. The game's kit comes with four drum pads, a kick pedal and sticks. On easier difficulties, you'll keep a simple, steady beat. But by the time you reach "Expert," you're genuinely playing the drums - every beat of every song. (Good luck on Rush's "Tom Sawyer.") It even allows for a little improv, and hitting the crash cymbal after a glorious drum fill is more exhilarating than a Triple Kill in "Halo 3."

"Rock Band" is a lot more fun with a full group, so get four people together (guitar, bass, drums and vocals) and start a band. Infighting optional.
Rommie Johnson

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