Tools for this page
Print

Imagine: Rock Star

(2008, Video Games - Music, Rated E, Play it on: Nintendo DS)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Music game lacks both polish and fun.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The game glamorizes the rock star profession and doesn't present a balanced portrayal of that life style. Players use cash earned from playing to buy outfits and new instruments at the mall.
  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Imagine: Rock Star was written by Erin Bell

Parents need to know that this game is a part of series of DS games produced by Ubisoft to help girls figure out what they want to be when they grow up. But this game glamorizes the musician's profession and stays away from the seedier aspects of a rock star's life (in fact, the girls' first gig is at the local public library). The songs in this music game are all instrumentals, so there's no need to worry about suggestive lyrics.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about whether it's as much fun to tap the screen as it is to use Guitar Hero: On Tour's "Guitar Grip" peripheral and pick, or actually strap on a guitar controller or sit behind a drum kit in the console versions of Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Does playing Imagine: Rock Star inspire you to get some friends together and join a real band? Do you think this game accurately reflects what it is like to be a rock star?
Did this review help you decide?
Do you play it? Review It!

More on Imagine: Rock Star

What’s the Story?

Ubisoft's Imagine series is a collection of Nintendo DS games geared towards young girls and tweens that lets them explore professions like teacher, fashion designer, and animal doctor. In IMAGINE: ROCK STAR, players join an up-and-coming all-girl band that has its heart set on musical stardom.

Imagine: Rock Star is a rhythm action game where the goal is to play along with the song by tapping the screen in the correct rhythm as the corresponding symbols scroll by. The game mechanic changes slightly based on which instrument is chosen, whether it's tapping color-coordinated drums, bass strings, or keyboard keys, or strumming a guitar by dragging the stylus upward. In between playing songs, you can travel to the mall to buy new clothes and instruments, or go home to switch your wardrobe, put on different make-up, and look at the photos you've snapped of your character performing. Close

Is It Any Good?

The concept of trying to make video games more inclusive to girls is admirable, but when stacked up against other music games –- most notably Guitar Hero: On Tour - Imagine: Rock Star just doesn't cut it. Even on the hardest of three difficulty levels, the game doesn't offer much challenge. The music is a selection of generic, poorly-mixed pop songs (at the beginning you choose to be in a Pop, Rock, or Funk band, but it doesn't seem to affect song choice), graphics are sub-par, and the worst part is that you're stuck playing the same small group of songs over and over again until your popularity meter fills up enough for you to unlock the next set. On the positive side, the game's subject matter is innocent and squeaky clean – just not particularly enjoyable. Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 06/17/2008, price $29.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E (for (No Descriptors))

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Do you play it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Imagine: Rock Star?
  •  I think this game is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Age-apropriate 3-D food adventure doesn't fully satisfy.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Must See TV

    Dancing with the Stars

    Dancing with the Stars

    High-kicking series has cross-generational appeal.

  • Pick of the Week

    Spook-tacular Books

    Spook-tacular Books

    Fun Halloween picture books for young kids.

  • Game of the Week

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Fun movie-based action game has constant but mild violence.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy