Rock Band 3

Rhythm games have always been a hard sell. At their core, they are titles that essentially ask you to push a button in time with a colour or an input on the screen. As much as developers try to hide it, these games are glorified quick time events. So how do you market this and turn it into a globally revered gaming series? With licenced music and a bunch of fun peripherals of course. Rock Band is one of the music based game that managed to captivate players thanks to it’s focus on offering gameplay that features all aspects of the band and Rock Band 3 was just another spin of the wheel to keep the series going.

This game plays like other music-based titles such as Parappa the Rapper, Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory or Just Dance. However, relates closer to games that used peripherals such as Guitar Hero, DJ Hero or Rocksmith 2014. This game aimed to provide more of the same to the Rock Band faithful. However, was this game up to the usual high standards? We find out in our review of Rock Band 3.

The Perfect Gig

Firstly, let’s begin by breaking down the different roles that the player can play. The guitar is one that has been perfected by the likes of Guitar hero and as a result, playing this instrument is smooth, fun and gives you that perfect serotonin boost when you hit a perfect riff. The same can be said of the vocals, bass and drums. However, contrast that to the new instrument, the Keyboard and you begin to see how this series was running out of steam. This micro keyboard is easy and accessible but it’s like playing the guitar part without the strumming. Its not unique, it’s not entertaining and it isn’t worth investing in.

Then moving on to the 63 licensed songs that the game offers this time around. These are eclectic and inspired choices which is exactly what fans want to see. You will find fan favourite songs as well as lesser known ditties that may be ripe for plucking and adding to your Spotify library. It’s no Guitar Hero III in terms of perfect selection but it isn’t one million miles away.

Then lastly, looking at how this game offers progression and keeps the player engaged. Instead of playing gigs and travelling the world, the game offers a wide variety of challenges, sort of like Gran Turismo 5’s approach. An approach that fans did not take to we needn’t remind you. In this context the challenges aren’t a bad way to do things but it certainly is less streamlined. It requires players to seek out their own path to stardom instead of simply playing their way through the setlist. In short, some will prefer it and others won’t, it’s a matter of preference but the content is good nonetheless.

The Verdict

Overall, Rock Band 3 is more of the same with some tweaks that make it worth the price of admission once again. The new songs are great, some of the changes to the existing instruments, such as new cymbals for the drums for example are good.

Pros:

• A great song setlist
• Challenges keep the player engaged
• Game play is as good as ever

Cons:

• The new peripherals show the dying nature of the series and genre as a whole