Rock Band 2 retains the hard-rocking gameplay that made last year's Rock Band such a hit, but turns up the features and online play to be even better.
Gameplay is mostly the same as other versions of the game as you sing, strum or drum your way through a variety of songs, either by yourself or with friends through local or, new to the Wii, online play. Each player follows rhythmic beats on the screen and hits notes as they match up with their corresponding colors. You can also use Star Power to double your score briefly. There are different ways of activating this, such as nailing a custom drum solo, lifting your guitar or singing into the mike during a vocal break.
Just because the game is similar to its prequel, however, doesn't mean there's nothing new. The disc contains 84 songs, along with the option of purchasing extra ones through a virtual store (opening soon, if it hasn't already). If you're an oldie rocker, you'll swoon over AC/DC's "Let There Be Rock" and Steve Miller Band's "Rock'n Me." If you prefer more contemporary music, Modest Mouse's "Float On" and Linkin Park's "One Step Closer" should please you. For good measure, there's even a new song from Guns n' Roses called "Shackler's Revenge." Yes, Guns n' Roses is back.
World Tour mode returns with a few improvements, such as switching instruments between songs. Don't feel like doing the drums today? Grab a guitar and strum to your heart's content. Others can also play with you, either locally or through online play. Better still, if you have an empty spot, you're able to fill it with one of your customized characters. As you proceed, you'll pick up vital tools of the trade for any band, such as a van, loyal workers (including your mom) and most importantly, fans. The more fans you have, the more popular you are, plain and simple.
Battle of the Bands is a wonderful addition that pits you against other global players. Simply log your score and watch people come at you with challenges. You can stick with local players on your friends list or send open challenges while tackling new ones thrown your way. The Tour Challenges are also outstanding, with customized set lists you must complete to unlock new venues, songs and other goodies; these are superb lists, as they follow themes and integrate your downloadable content. Quickplay is also still available, in case you just simply want to rock.
Most importantly, Harmonix added a new "No Fail" mode, so you no longer have to suffer the agony of defeat or the loss of a band member. Simply jam through your songs without a care in the world, and you'll make it all the way through to the end, no matter how badly you perform. This is great for kids and inexperienced players, but also people who somehow lack the talent to play.
In addition, if you struggle playing drums, a new Drum Trainer mode is available. This teaches you the basics and lets you play around with songs from your hard drive. It's a shame we can't import these songs into the game itself, but that would probably take hours.
The instruments are an improvement over the originals. Rock Band 2's guitar and drum set are both wireless, so you don't have to worry about tripping over cords or plugging everything into a USB converter. The guitar has a couple of enhancements, including a looser strum bar and a nice wood finish, although the whammy bar still sticks out too far. The drums, however, are the most improved, with softer pads that result in less noise and a reinforced steel foot pedal for less wear. If you can't afford the new instruments, however, the game works with the original ones.
Visually, Rock Band 2 doesn't look that different from its prequel, but it's still quite attractive. Characters jump around the stage (in real time), while the instrument interface and song lyrics are easy to read. Venues are outstanding, ranging from slum-level nightclubs to bigger rock gigs. There are mild bits of slowdown, but nothing to discourage you from playing. The character customization tool is interesting, letting you choose wardrobe, hairstyle, piercings and more.
You'd be crazy to turn away from a party like Rock Band 2. The fun gameplay, improved peripherals, additional modes and incredibly cool song list (with fresh additions each week, including full albums) will keep you rocking for months. AC/DC sums it up best – "Let there be Rock!"
Reader Comments (0)