Rock Band 2
© 2008 Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.
See also Rock Band 3 (CTR Nov 2010). This second generation of Rock Band has better drums and offers an overall smoother experience, both for novices and seasoned players. The guitars and the drum set are wireless, and are higher quality. Content includes 80 songs on disc, plus an additional 20 via download from AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses (a debut new release), Bob Dylan, Metallica and Pearl Jam. Old Rock Band tracks must be updated (for a small fee) in order to work with Rock Band 2. You can see a complete list of songs here: http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63006. Harmonix is promising new releases every week to bring the library up to 500 songs within a year -- that's 200 songs from the original, 100 with release, and 200 more over time. The new Guitar controllers have a "a reinforced strum bar, quieter buttons, wireless functionality, along with a built in calibration tool that automatically sets your AV setup". The drum set is also wireless, and includes thicker pads that are velocity sensitive, plus an improved (thankfully) pedal that is less likely to break. According to press materials, RB2 will work with 3rd party support with a deal with Mad Catz -- who are making a guitar and bass the size and weight of real Fender instruments and a cymbal add-on for more realistic (and difficult) drumming. Like Guitar Hero World Tour, RB2 can work with the ION Drum Rocker, a more realistic $300 drum kit that works as a controller but is designed as a stand-alone instrument. The bottom line? While our testers liked the familiarity and ease of use of Rock Band 2 a bit more than Guitar Hero World Tour, both cost the same, and offer very similar experiences. You might want to have a look at the music lists to make up your mind.
$190, Xbox 360 (September, others TBA), PS3, PS2, Wii
Teaches: music, rhythm
CTR Rating: 90%