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 The Star Power from the Guitar Hero series has been replaced by Overdrive, a meter filled by not making any mistakes in certain sections of a song.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

• 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.
• Multipliers for playing perfectly are tracked for the individual instruments, and there can also be separate difficulty levels.
• Guitar Hero: The Star Power from the Guitar Hero series has been replaced by Overdrive, a meter filled by not making any mistakes in certain sections of a song.
• 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.
• Xbox: The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions feature multiplayer games with new songs through downloadable content.
• 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).

Modes & Ways to Play

In the Tour Mode, players visit 41 venues in seventeen different cities. 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. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions feature multiplayer games with new songs through downloadable content.

Player support includes Co-Op and 2-4 Players.

Presentation & Atmosphere

Display support includes HDTV 720p, HDTV 1080i, HDTV 1080p, and Widescreen (16 x 9). Audio support includes Dolby Digital.