Rock Band
About the Game
Rock Band , by the original developers behind the Guitar Hero games, takes the concept a step further. Instead of solely playing the guitar along with songs, this game allows players to start a full virtual band with up to four players, with different sequences for each of the three supported peripherals: guitar (electric and bass), drum, and microphone. At its core, the gameplay is based on hitting scrolling notes on the screen in time (scrolling vertically for drums and guitar) and getting the right pitch for vocals (scrolling horizontally at the top of the screen, along with the lyrics). The game offers a Solo Tour Mode for a single player or a Band World Tour (as well as Quick Play) for two to four players.
Gameplay & Core Systems
By doing well, players earn cash to customize the characters in the Rock Shop, with tattoos, face paint, clothing, and logos. Other customizations include movements on stage, instruments, and the general physique and appearance in the game. To succeed, players need to reach a set score through their combined performances. Multipliers for playing perfectly are tracked for the individual instruments, and there can also be separate difficulty levels. The Star Power from the Guitar Hero series has been replaced by Overdrive, a meter filled by not making any mistakes in certain sections of a song.
Standout Features
- Other band members can revive players by using their Overdrive.
- Next to the Overdrive sections, there are also Union Phrases (score bonus and extra Overdrive) and sometimes Big Rock Endings at the end of a song, where another bonus can be gained.
- Performing poorly can also have the band lose fans.
- Players who fail during the song are locked out, and the audio mix takes over.
- Failed players will, however, drag down the band's overall performance, so it becomes important to bring back band members.
- Tour Mode: In the Tour Mode, players visit 41 venues in seventeen different cities.
Modes & Ways to Play
Next to the main modes, there is also a versus mode for the individual instruments (Tug of War), Score Duel (get the most points), and a Tutorial mode.
Player support includes Co-Op and Team.
Presentation & Atmosphere
Display support includes HDTV 720p. Audio support includes Dolby Digital.
