Love it! Most of the songs aren't bad. Also, even the metal songs are fairly clean, and it's tipped me on to some really good bands, including a few that aren't that big. Also, I find it much better than Guitar Hero. It might be expensive, but it has some of the best replay value of any game out there that I've played!
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Rock Band 2
(2008, Video Games - Music, Rated T, Play it on: PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3)
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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 8, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 11. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
A great sequel, but you might want the game only.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 11–14
The good stuff
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Educational value:
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Rock Band 2 was written by Marc Saltzman
Parents need to know that this game is very similar to its predecessors, but adds new songs, modes, characters, and instruments. As with the first game, this game is rated "T" by the ESRB because some of the songs have suggestive lyrics about sexual situations. The game also shows some male and female performers wearing skimpy clothes. If you already own the original Rock Band, you don't have to buy the
Families Can Talk About
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- Families can talk about if this sequel is worth the purchase if you already own the instruments from the first game? Is it fair that a game company releases a "sequel" -- one that costs up to $189.99 with all the instruments -- only nine months after the original game? Another interesting chat: are Nintendo Wii owners justifiably upset at the lack of multiplayer and downloadable component? What does this game teach you about being in a rock band?
More on Rock Band 2
What’s the Story?
How do you follow up on one of the biggest video games in recent memory? If you're Harmonix, the makers of ROCK BAND 2, you make it bigger, better and louder. This sequel to last year's hot music game features more than 80 new rock songs including tracks from ACDC, Soundgarden, Bon Jovi, and even Guns N' Roses' new "Shackler's Revenge," from the highly-anticipated album "Chinese Democracy."
If you haven't played the original Rock Band, gamers play along to hit rock songs on a plastic guitar or drum kit peripheral, or by singing in a microphone, and must hit the right note/drum at the correct time in order to rack up points. Perform well and the virtual crowd cheers you on, but make too many flubs and you might even be booed offstage. The real fun in the game, however, is playing different instruments with friends in front of the same TV or over the Internet, hence the name of the game.
CloseIs It Any Good?
This sequel doesn't veer away much from what made its predecessor the hottest thing since, well, Guitar Hero, but along with all new songs, Rock Band 2 features newly-designed instruments (including a wireless and quieter drum kit); new solo and multiplayer game modes (such as a "Battle of the Bands" online competition); unlockable characters, instruments and venues; and the ability to import the original Rock Band tracks and paid downloads. Speaking of which, gamers can once again download additional tracks from the Internet, by song or complete albums.
Let's cut right to the chase: is Rock Band 2 worth the money? The answer is yes, but with a condition. If you loved the first game and are happy with the plastic instruments you already own, then just pick up the disc with all the new songs and modes on it, as the new instruments – while wireless and quieter – might not be worth the cost for the entire kit ($190). But if you're new to the game series or prefer the new peripherals, then the entire kit is for you. And let's face it -- because the original game is only nine months old, Rock Band 2 isn't too radically different than Rock Band -- so consider this game "Rock Band 1.5" rather than a true sequel. That said, gamers looking for a rocking thrill won't be disappointed with this purchase.
ClosePublisher’s Details
Released on 9/14/2008, price $59.99+, not online enabled
ESRB rating: T (for Lyrics, Suggestive Themes)
ESRB rating: T (for Lyrics, Suggestive Themes)
Our Members Say
See all 15 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
- Easy to play
Great replay value!
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Easy to play
good. but not the best
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Easy to play
A sneaky/fun path to music education
I've been playing guitar for 20 years and am in a band. Recently my band went to a 4-day party where we spent a lot of time playing Rock Band 2 and also playing our real instruments and getting the crowd to sing along. The people who were playing Rock Band (when we weren't) were active in the singalongs, grabbing maracas, tamborines, etc. and singing just for fun. Are you not sure if your kids would stick with a musical instrument/voice? Buy this game and give them the fun of playing in a band (you need several friends to do this) without the years of practice it takes to get good with real instruments. This might unlock the motivation that some rockin' music can provide.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
- Safety isn't an issue
- Easy to play
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
- Safety isn't an issue
- Easy to play
I love this game, especially because I got it for free!
I loved this game. It is extremely fun to play with the whole family! I am so glad I got it for free at http://tinyurl.com/namz3y instead of buying it for that ridiculous price :/
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say kids find it easy to play |
| 75% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 75% | of parents say it's educational |
| 50% | of parents say they notice product placement |
| 50% | of parents say there are good role models |
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For Your Family
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willowfaierie recommends:
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for kids age 11
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