 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Rock Band
- Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2
- Price: $59.99+
- Genre: Music
Common Sense Media says
A fantastic music game for the entire family.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
What's it about?
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.
What families can talk about
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?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
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)
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
PERFECT with practice :D
Yes, I did concern language, because there is language, but GUESS WHAT! That's life! Your kids will ALWAYS hear swear words. (unless you lock them up in a cage) I love rockband and it is very educational and safe. Would you rather your kid play Left4Dead 2 No...I don't think so.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Less Mature than Guitar hero.
Rock band being a music game is obviously going to have Violent, Sexual and full of language music. Its easy to play when you get used to it. Making it much better to play on. Its educational because of knowing how songs work, May even help with fingerwork on the Guitar. The violence is just in the music, None on screen. Just the lyrics. Some are mature and disturbing for kids. The sexual is also just in the lyrics too. But you may have women in the videos quite unusually dressed shall we say. The language is obvious in songs and everything
Its a great family game.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
AWESOME GAME!
I LUV THIS GAME! IT IS SO FUN! great fun for the whole family
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
hello children
This is a great game, i highly reccomend it. You get to crate an awesome character, pick an awesome customizable instrument. If you are playing with more people, you can create a band and pick its name ect. All the insruments are fun. They have lots of great songs too, wont get fooled again by the who, sabatoge by the beastie boys, blitzkrieg bop by the ramones, dani california by the red hot chili peppers + the clash, queens of the stone age and others. When you are old enough to understand this game, it is iffy, if you dont sing when you are young you should be fine
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
EVERYONE! GET THIS GAME! IT IS OFF THE HOOK!
Okay, I got rockband for Christmas in 2008 and then I raced down the stairs and set up the guitar and drums (and microphone) and I started playing. I didn't have a clue what on earth I was doing but I will tell you this: IT WAS AMAZINGLY FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Whoever came out with this wicked game, IS A GENIUS! Everyone who has never heard of it, look it up online and go out to the store and get it! Trust me! You will have so much fun! It's great to play with friends and family, too! GET IT!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Better than Guitar Hero!
I have guitar hero and I like it but rock band is even better! You can sing and play drums in this game. My friend has it and he has every instrument. It was awsome!
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Platforms: | Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 |
| Available online? | Available online |
| Genre: | Music |
| Developer: | MTV Games |
| Release date: | November 20, 2007 |
| Price: | $59.99+ |
| ESRB rating: | T for Lyrics, Mild Suggestive Themes |
Contact us to give us more feedback on our learning ratings.
Review It
Tell us what you think about our new Learning Ratings. We value your feedback.
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already played it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
