Some of the songs have language. The worst I've heard is b---h. Even the downloadable content is censored! There are real instruments so there is product placement. But it's not a problem. This game is much better than guitar hero and has a higher replay value.
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 -
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 14 and Up
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?
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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.
Is 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.
Publisher’s Details
Developer: MTV Games
Released on: 9/14/2008, Price: $59.99+, not online enabled
ESRB Rating: T for Lyrics, Suggestive Themes
Released on: 9/14/2008, Price: $59.99+, not online enabled
ESRB Rating: T for Lyrics, Suggestive Themes
Our Members Say
See all 18 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
- Safety isn't an issue
- Easy to play
Mild language, but it's a great party game.
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I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive consumerism
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
- Safety isn't an issue
- Easy to play
This is why the E10 Rating should be used more
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I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Easy to play
it depends on the parent.
Some parents don't think it's ok for their kids to play it. Others, however, do. I personaly think that you should listen to a song before you let your kid play it.
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
- Easy to play
Great replay value!
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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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Easy to play
good. but not the best
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Ratings at a Glance
| 80% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 80% | of parents say it's educational |
| 60% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 60% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 60% | of parents say they notice product placement |
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