Rock Band 2

In 2008, Rock Band 2 received rave reviews. The game offered players a chance to play through popular rock songs on guitar, drums, or vocals, living out their fantasy of being a rock musician on a console. However, does the game hold up in 2021?

Music experience

In most respects, the answer is yes. The game offers an impressive selection of over 80 songs, with many more released on DLC. Most of these songs are classic rock tunes, although music in other genres is available for purchase. In addition to being from a range of artists, these songs also offer variant levels of difficulty and distinct experiences based on what instrument is selected. For example, playing a song on vocals will offer a completely different challenge than going through it on bass guitar.

Rock Trip

The game also is notable for having both individual and multiplayer settings, each of which is enjoyable. Playing the game solo allows players to perfect their skills and try for achievements. Participating in a group, meanwhile, tests contestants’ coordination and produces a song that sounds a lot like the original. For the most part, the game’s controls are logical and easy to understand, though difficult to fully grasp.

PS3 Band

Unusually, Rock Band 2 is not played with a typical Xbox or PS3 controller. Instead, players control the action through employing physical drums, guitars, or microphones developed especially for the game. The drums and guitar track player’s hand movements, checking for their accuracy, while the microphone monitors singer pitch. This helps simulate a real band experience while also adding a nice tactile component often absent from other games. The one downside of these instruments is that they do constitute an additional expense for those seeking to play Rock Band. Today, finding these instruments for sale can be a bit of a challenge, and many of the instruments available are rather expensive.

The main part of Rock Band 2 that has not met the test of time is the game’s visuals. The game features an avatar maker and some great backgrounds, but the resolution and animation are admittedly poor in comparison to modern games. The game is suitable for children, although some songs contain adult content. Rock Band 2 was released on PS2, PS3, XBOX 360, and Wii.

PROS:

• Wide selection of songs
• Lots of different ways to play
• Fun to use physical instruments

CONS:

• Dated visuals
• Expensive to buy all components