Naked Brothers Band, The: The Video Game
© 2008 THQ, Inc.
Based on the Nickelodeon TV series, this game lets you play as the members of The Naked Brothers Band. The game begins with the band's manager, Cooper, telling them he's booked them on a World Tour. Unfortunately, they actually only have one gig, but more are added as you play. You start by choosing who you want to play as, customizing the outfit and instrument, and choosing a song. You can then take the tutorial which will teach you how to play. We previewed the Wii version, and the tutorial shows you exactly how to use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to play the three different instruments -- drums, guitar, and keyboard. You can also choose vocals and sing along -- karaoke style -- with the songs using the included Logitech microphone. The game features 25 songs, some of which you must unlock as you progress through the game, as well as unlockable outfits and instrument designs. The game is similar in design to the Guitar Hero and Rock Band games, where different colored notes appear across the screen, but instead of matching colors on a fret board, you use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to play the notes. There are no guitar, keyboard or drum peripherals. For example, to play the drums, you hold the Nunchuk in your left hand and Remote in your right and use them as drumsticks. If a note appears on the left, you "bang" the Nunchuk in the air when it lines up on the screen, or if the note appears on right you "bang" the Remote. To play the guitar, you use the Nunchuk to move and line up the note on the screen and the Remote to play the note. Our younger testers enjoyed playing this game and found it much easier than trying to play the fret board on Guitar Hero. The game is geared toward a younger audience than the Guitar Hero and Rock Band games, and there is no worrisome content in the lyrics of any of the 25 songs featured. The game also has three levels of play for each song. So you can choose a song, play it on Easy, and once you've mastered it, move up to Medium and then Hard. Why do they call themselves "The Naked Brothers Band"? We asked the same question. The two lead singers (ages 9 and 13) are, in fact, brothers (sons of a musician and actress) and have playfully called themselves that ever since they were just little tykes taking their baths. Released this month. Note: The PS2 and Nintendo DS versions are $30.
$40, Wii*, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS
Teaches: hand-eye coordination, music, rhythm
CTR Rating: 86%