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Rock Band

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    A fantastic music game for the entire family.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    You can learn what goes into a song composition.
  • Messages:

    This is a great game to play with friends because you become part of a rock band. If one player is struggling in a song, the other players can bail him out.

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Some suggestive lyrics, such as "You know she was a dancer...she moved better on wine" (Mountain's "Mississippi Queen").
  • Language:

    A few bleeped out lyrics such as "You're so f--king special" (Radiohead's "Creep") and words like "ass" and "damn."
  • Consumerism:

    Partners include musical instrument companies like Fender and Ludwig.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Rock Band was written by Marc Saltzman

Parents need to know that even though there are some mildly offensive lyrics, this game is appropriate for players 10 and older (despite the "Teen" rating). Some songs have offensive words bleeped out, while other lyrics are kept as-is, such as The Hives' "Main Offender" ("I'm stuck in ways of being an ass"). This game is best for social settings since players get different instruments to play. It can also be played online, which Common Sense Media doesn't recommend for anyone under age 12.

Families Can Talk About

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  • Families can talk about how the developer built on a popular concept -- Guitar Hero -- and expanded on it by adding drums, bass, and vocals. What does this game teach you about being in a rock band? Does it seem easy or do you have a new appreciation for the work that goes into becoming a good rock band?
Did this review help you decide?

OK for Your Kids to Play?

Do you play it? Review It!

More on Rock Band

What’s the Story?

Similar to the Guitar Hero games, ROCK BAND players form a band and work their way up from rags to riches by pleasing fans and racking up points, and then unlocking bigger and bigger venues. In front of the animated band performing on stage is a kind of giant guitar fret board with a camera that sails down it as the song plays to show players which notes/drums to hit at certain points in the song. Color-coded buttons on the guitar neck and drum pads must be hit at the correct time, while the singer must follow the karaoke-style lyrics to hit the right note at the right time, for the proper length of that note. Play well and the virtual crowd cheers you on, but fumble too many times and you might just get booed offstage.

Is It Any Good?

The soundtrack in Rock Band is extraordinary, featuring nearly 60 classic and newer rock songs, mostly from the original bands. Highlights include The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again," David Bowie's "Suffragette City," Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper," The Ramones' "Blitzkrieg Bop," Nirvana's "In Bloom," and Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive." Adding to its replayability, new songs can be downloaded each week for a couple bucks apiece. You can go with the pre-built musicians or use the integrated tools to create your own by selecting from hundreds of options.

Rock Band is the ultimate party game, best enjoyed with a group of friends. It's one of the most accessible and enjoyable games in recent memory, for all ages. Music fans, run -- don't walk -- to pick up Rock Band today.

Publisher’s Details

Developer: MTV Games
Released on: 11/20/2007, Price: $59.99+, not online enabled
ESRB Rating: T for Lyrics, Mild Suggestive Themes

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    Best music game ever next to Rock Band 2? Yes.

    Really the only language problem is in Mississippi Queen from Mountain (see above in Language section), Run to the Hills by Iron Maiden ("R**ing the women and killing the men") and Nirvana's In Bloom ("Nature is a wh*re") All of these actually are barely heard if you are concentrating on the song (which is almost everytime you play the song). So other from that, this is a great game. Perfect for parties, or just random get-togethers. There is Downloadable Content for those on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 (internet required). Songs are 160 pts. on Xbox, but for PS3 I don't know. Downloadable songs can have lyrics more noticable (still censored) than on-disc songs. For example, a Megadeth album is available, Metallica pack, etc. All profanity is censored other from an occasional "d*mn" or other swears equivalent to that. So lyrics aren't a big deal if you don't mind little cussing here and there. I HIGHLY reccomend this game (as well as the sequel Rock Band 2)

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • My highlights are:
    • Easy to play

    great for tweens ok for younger

    i like rock band and i have a nine year old younger sis who loves it too but i am always careful when we are playing it together because some of the songs have a little language

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • My highlights are:
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    easy fun not bad. GREAT song list

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    Its a highway star !!!!!!!!!!!!!

    this game is a legend to gaming guitar, drums, micro phone! it is awesome for the ps3.

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