Rock Band review

As we've mentioned, theWii version is more like the wimpier PS2 version thanks to a stripped down WorldTour mode and the absence of both character customization, and any sort of online play or downloadable content.

The list of tracks skews toward classic rock - The Rolling Stones, Blue Oyster Cult, um, Mountain - for a total of63 songs, most of which are original recordings from famous artists. That should keep you busy for awhile even without added downloadable songs - though our experience has shown that once you get through "Green Grass and High Tides" by the Outlaws, you'll probablynever want to play, hear, or even think about it again. So effectively, it's62 songs.

Expect this to be the hot holiday gift and party activity - playing rock and roll fantasy camp in your own living room is a thrill that can't be denied. The experience is well worth its $169 asking price(in the US, at least) and makes for one of the most rewarding co-op events you could ask for. This is the perfectly polished, logical extension of what Guitar Hero started and where the music genre needed to go. It's a real shame to see theWii version stripped of some of the game's best features, but it still just flat-out rocks.

Jun 23, 2008