Rock Band 2
2008
- music
- party
- single player
- multiplayer
- co-operative
- split screen
The story
Rock Band 2 is the sequel to the 2007 musical simulation game Rock Band and offers similar gameplay. Directly competing with Guitar Hero: World Tour, the game allows different people to play together as in a band, with the same peripherals as the first game: lead guitar, bass guitar, microphone and a drum set. The new drum and guitar controllers for this version, bundled or sold separately, have been revised and older controllers are also supported. The guitar controller, modelled after the Fender Stratocaster, has five additional fret buttons near the neck, for fast fingertapping sessions. There is also an effect switch to toggle between five different effects. Players use the instruments to match notes on the screen, divided in different portions for different instruments, along with the lyrics for the singer who need to match the pitch.
What it’s like
Bright, saturated stage lighting over a cartoonish, polygonal crowd, with the scene lit like a live arena rather than a realistic venue: strobing spotlights, glossy instrument colours, and bursts of fireworks when a song peaks. Sound is the centre of the experience, with full-band recordings of rock, metal and pop tracks that are loud enough to fill a living room, and the clatter of plastic drum kits and guitar strums forming the rhythm you play along with. Menus are quick and tidy, and the rhythm of play is punchy, with short songs and constant small rewards such as star ratings, unlocks and crowd reactions. The vibe is high-energy and social: exuberant, a little goofy, and built for friends crowding onto a sofa on a Friday night. Intensity is mild, with no violence, gore or sexual content, though some tracks carry sharp, loud dynamics that can feel intense to play. It suits players who want a rowdy group session, anyone who loves air-guitaring for real, and fans of heavy rock who enjoy chasing high scores and playing together with a full band.
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