Rockin’ out never felt so good

When the first Rock Band released, it changed the way rhythm-based games were played. Rock Band 2, released on the Xbox 360 platform on September of 2008 doesn’t revolutionize the genre, but it still manages to set the bar for how music games should be.

The sheer size of Rock Band 2 is on a much grander scale than the first installment. With an 84-song set list, and the ability to import all the songs from the first game for only $5 via Xbox Live, this is one game that has limitless playability.

By Corey Struss

Staff Writer

When the first Rock Band released, it changed the way rhythm-based games were played. Rock Band 2, released on the Xbox 360 platform on September of 2008 doesn’t revolutionize the genre, but it still manages to set the bar for how music games should be.

The sheer size of Rock Band 2 is on a much grander scale than the first installment. With an 84-song set list, and the ability to import all the songs from the first game for only $5 via Xbox Live, this is one game that has limitless playability.

With the game containing tracks like “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, “Any Way You Want It” by Journey, and “Chop Suey” by System of a Down, you’ll definitely want to grab a few friends and check out the World Tour mode. In this mode, you can make money by playing gigs from all over the world, hire/fire your tour crew, and customize your band’s outfits.

If one has experienced the original Rock Band before, they can tell that the difficulty has been turned up a couple significant notches. Personally, I five-starred almost every song on guitar for Rock Band, yet can’t even beat a few of the songs on Rock Band 2. If you are looking for something that is a step up from Rock Band or even Guitar Hero III, the challenge is definitely prominent in Rock Band 2.

When the player finally finishes with the offline portion of the game, he/she can hop onto Xbox Live and start the Battle of the Bands mode, a very inspired multiplayer mode that dishes out challenges depending on which instrument you are playing. After completing these challenges, the game hooks you up with people online who are as talented (or untalented) as you, and your band can begin its online rock revolution.

Although the game makes huge improvements, it still doesn’t feel like a true sequel. The World Tour mode has not changed a bit, and might seem a bit stale to Rock Band veterans. There have been no graphical tune-ups, although it didn’t really need it since the first Rock Band looked so good. Lastly, the confusing menus are as prevalent as ever in Rock Band 2. When my band, Hyperbolic Warbear, is ready to hit the stage, I find myself constantly shouting at my band-mates, “Who can’t stop pressing buttons!?” as the wrong song is selected.

Even with its few flaws, music-game fans would be crazy not to pick up Rock Band 2. It is absolutely the best rhythm-based game to date, but somehow doesn’t feel fresh enough to be a direct sequel. It would have been more fitting if the game had been called Rock Band v2.0. But enough of that. Hyperbolic Warbear must go attempt to beat “Panic Attack” by Dream Theater for the hundredth time!