“Rock Band 2's” 84-song set list is a masterful mix tape with something every player will pine to mock-perform.
There's rap (“So What'cha Want” by Beastie Boys), classic rock (“Let There Be Rock” by AC/DC), metal (“Battery” by Metallica), indie rock (“Teenage Riot” by Sonic Youth), progressive rock (“Panic Attack” by Dream Theater), riot grrrl (“Rebel Girl” by Bikini Kill), folk (“Tangled Up in Blue” by Bob Dylan), modern rock (“One Step Closer” by Linkin Park), punk (“Girl's Not Grey” by AFI), new wave (“Uncontrollable Urge” by Devo), ska (“Where Did You Go?” by the Mighty Mighty Bosstones) and more.
The game even managed to scrounge up a sample of one of music history's most elusive albums: “Shackler's Revenge” from Guns N' Roses' delayed-for-a-decade “Chinese Democracy.”
When Harmonix announced this music lovers' treasure chest of master tracks last summer, the developer checked off the biggest box on the list of necessary features for a successful sequel to “Rock Band.” Upon actually playing “Rock Band 2,” it becomes apparent that Harmonix nailed the rest of those features like a 100 percent play-through.
The game play has been subtly tweaked for players' benefit. Hammer-on and pull-off notes - those that can be played with only fret keys, no strum bar necessary - are more visually unique and can be distinguished from regular notes with less difficulty than in “Rock Band.” “Rock Band 2” also introduces drum solos on select songs to give players behind the kit their moment in the sun.
The actual game play in “Rock Band 2” exemplifies the “if it ain't broke” approach to a video game sequel. And rightly so. There is a fundamental, no-frills challenge in pressing color-coded fret keys in sync with scrolling notes and plucking a strum bar - or singing a pitch or drumming a pad - to play the note. With the slew of new songs in “Rock Band 2” renewing that challenge, few players will be able to resist it. And when a roomful of friends gathers to tackle the challenge together, they realize the game's real appeal: It's a social nexus with plastic instruments.
Rhythm game veterans will pick up right where they left off in “Rock Band 2” and try to shred through the game's meatier selections, like “Painkiller” by Judas Priest and “Colony of Birchmen” by Mastodon. Novices can not only start in easy mode, but also enjoy a “No Fail” option that lets them continue playing no matter how few notes they complete. The smooth progression from easy to expert difficulty continues to distinguish the “Rock Band” series from the less forgiving “Guitar Hero” franchise, which toughened the transition by lobbing absurdly difficult songs at players in “Guitar Hero 3” when they hit that game's higher skill levels.
Though the game play itself is largely preserved, it's in “Rock Band 2's” savory new modes of play that the sequel leaps ahead of its predecessor. Online Battle of the Bands challenges let bands compete against each other through Xbox Live or the PlayStation Network in pre-arranged challenges of uniquely themed set lists. Single players can progress through the same World Tour mode as full bands, and bands can swap their characters' instruments and change which one bears the band leader title. A drum trainer has been added to the practice space to guide players through mastery of several dozen common rhythms at varying speeds.
In its second incarnation, the “Rock Band” series continues to best its “Guitar Hero” competitors in visual presentation. The intricate menus and lively band models aren't instrumental to “Rock Band 2's” success, but they sweeten the package. Though the psychedelic music video animation that accompanies some performances may be a bit too much color and light for one's concentration.
“Rock Band” owners can transfer almost all of their songs onto their Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 (for $5 through Xbox Live or PSN) and play them in “Rock Band 2.” And at this point, those are all the “Rock Band” games players need. Aside from more new songs, it's difficult to imagine a third “Rock Band” adding much substance to the formula. Harmonix's weekly downloadable song distribution can freshen the franchise up, but as far as new games go, “Rock Band 2” is all the encore one could desire.
The game even managed to scrounge up a sample of one of music history's most elusive albums: “Shackler's Revenge” from Guns N' Roses' delayed-for-a-decade “Chinese Democracy.”
When Harmonix announced this music lovers' treasure chest of master tracks last summer, the developer checked off the biggest box on the list of necessary features for a successful sequel to “Rock Band.” Upon actually playing “Rock Band 2,” it becomes apparent that Harmonix nailed the rest of those features like a 100 percent play-through.
The game play has been subtly tweaked for players' benefit. Hammer-on and pull-off notes - those that can be played with only fret keys, no strum bar necessary - are more visually unique and can be distinguished from regular notes with less difficulty than in “Rock Band.” “Rock Band 2” also introduces drum solos on select songs to give players behind the kit their moment in the sun.
The actual game play in “Rock Band 2” exemplifies the “if it ain't broke” approach to a video game sequel. And rightly so. There is a fundamental, no-frills challenge in pressing color-coded fret keys in sync with scrolling notes and plucking a strum bar - or singing a pitch or drumming a pad - to play the note. With the slew of new songs in “Rock Band 2” renewing that challenge, few players will be able to resist it. And when a roomful of friends gathers to tackle the challenge together, they realize the game's real appeal: It's a social nexus with plastic instruments.
Rhythm game veterans will pick up right where they left off in “Rock Band 2” and try to shred through the game's meatier selections, like “Painkiller” by Judas Priest and “Colony of Birchmen” by Mastodon. Novices can not only start in easy mode, but also enjoy a “No Fail” option that lets them continue playing no matter how few notes they complete. The smooth progression from easy to expert difficulty continues to distinguish the “Rock Band” series from the less forgiving “Guitar Hero” franchise, which toughened the transition by lobbing absurdly difficult songs at players in “Guitar Hero 3” when they hit that game's higher skill levels.
Though the game play itself is largely preserved, it's in “Rock Band 2's” savory new modes of play that the sequel leaps ahead of its predecessor. Online Battle of the Bands challenges let bands compete against each other through Xbox Live or the PlayStation Network in pre-arranged challenges of uniquely themed set lists. Single players can progress through the same World Tour mode as full bands, and bands can swap their characters' instruments and change which one bears the band leader title. A drum trainer has been added to the practice space to guide players through mastery of several dozen common rhythms at varying speeds.
In its second incarnation, the “Rock Band” series continues to best its “Guitar Hero” competitors in visual presentation. The intricate menus and lively band models aren't instrumental to “Rock Band 2's” success, but they sweeten the package. Though the psychedelic music video animation that accompanies some performances may be a bit too much color and light for one's concentration.
“Rock Band” owners can transfer almost all of their songs onto their Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 (for $5 through Xbox Live or PSN) and play them in “Rock Band 2.” And at this point, those are all the “Rock Band” games players need. Aside from more new songs, it's difficult to imagine a third “Rock Band” adding much substance to the formula. Harmonix's weekly downloadable song distribution can freshen the franchise up, but as far as new games go, “Rock Band 2” is all the encore one could desire.
Citizen
Hot Jobs
New! Off the Menu
The Citizens' Say
Post your comment - click hereThere are No comments posted.