 | 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 2
- Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2
- Price: $59.99+
- Genre: Music
Common Sense Media says
A great sequel, but you might want the game only.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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
What's it about?
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.
What families can talk about
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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- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Be prepared to shell out a lot of dough for this game
I think this is actually probably the best Rock Band and music game in general (take that, Guitar Hero!) Like most music games, how much you like the game really depends on how much you like the soundtrack. With songs from Paramore, The Donnas, Jimmy Eat World and more, how could you go wrong? I wish they gamemakers didn't feel like they had to make the female costumes so skimpy, but so it goes. The language is no more harsh than what you would hear on primetime TV, with more serious words bleeped out. Just be aware that when kids hear the songs, they'll probably want to buy them for themselves and/or buy more songs online for the game, where they can find more explicit language online than what is put in the game. Also, the game costs a lot. Since I didn't have the original before I got this one, I paid about 200 bucks to get this one, which included the game itself, microphone, drums, and one guitar (if you want another one, that's another ninety bucks) and takes up a lot of space, even if you get the racks for guitars, (my parents are contstantly telling me to get my "instruments" out of the way) which costs even more money (I've probably blown about 400 dollars or more on all the stuff that's needed for the complete Rock Band experience). If you like music, but just aren't skilled enough to play a real instrument, this is the game for you.
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AGE
Cool game, but my mom doesn't like some of the songs.
Love it. This can teach you how to play drums. This game can be a bit challenging. The drums register and there's more songs than Lego Rock Band (if you notice, I wrote a review for that). It's the best non-handheld game I ever had, but I gave it 4 starts instead of 5 because my mom doesn't like metal, and I'm getting tired of getting up to turn down the volume every time there's a metal song in the Mystery Setlists in the world tour. There's an endless set which really is endless, 6 and a half hours, 84 songs. Make sure your kid doesn't start this without asking because they will get very frustrated if they are told they have to turn it off.
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Kid, 12 years old
November 9, 2010
AGE
best rock band game ever!!!!!!
best game ever but does has some language so watch for little kids 11 and up
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AGE
Good for 16 and up
I actually really like this game in many ways, as it is a game that multiple kids can play at once. Also, at least the drumming is educational (it's a bit like real drumming).
However, some of the song choices are quite dubious (Alanis Morrisette "You Outta Know" (sexual references), and various songs with suicide and destructive references. I don't have issues with these topics in small quantities, but don't really think it's entirely appropriate until 16+. Would be perfect if there were filtering capabilities, where songs with certain themes could be excluded by a parent.
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AGE
If Rock Band 2 doesn't make your kids love music, I don't know if anything can.
The game's Special Edition comes with not only the game disc, but with all the different instrument controllers for the game (though you'll need to buy one more guitar controller to have a full band). Kids can play drums, lead guitar, bass, or sing along to the songs and the better they do, the higher their score goes. The game is compatible with all Rock Band 1 instruments and most Guitar Hero instruments. Just make sure you get the version for your console (PS3 instruments for PS3, Xbox instruments for Xbox).
Players can download new songs on the Playstation Network or Xbox Live. Prices are typically $1.99/song or $5.49/3-song-pack. There are some packs that are larger and cost more. There are some larger packs you can buy on disc and import into your console to play. If you have Rock Band 1, you can pay $5 to import all but 3 of the songs onto your console for play in any Rock Band game.
One fault the game has is promoting inappropriate sexuality of women. A player may customize their character, and it is possible to outfit female characters with some more revealing clothing, which I would probably consider inappropriate (iffy at best) for those under 15, maybe under 14).
All songs (both on-disc and downloadable) have their swear words deleted (not "bleeped"), so unless you already have heard the song and know the swear, your kids may not notice the song is even censored. That being said, there are some songs with drug and sex references. If your kids are younger and want to play Rock Band, they should try Lego Rock Band, which is nearly the same game, but much more kid-centric game. Only specially-marked "family-friendly" downloadable songs may be played on Lego Rock Band.
The game is very addictive and incredibly popular. This is the same developer who invented Guitar Hero 1 and 2 before handing over the reins and creating Rock Band 1 and later, Rock Band 2.
If your kids love this game, check out Rock Band 3, due to come out in holiday 2010, which will feature a "Pro" mode which will let your kids actually learn (mostly) how to play the guitar, drums, or keyboard (yes, the keyboard/piano will be added as a playable instrument). New instrument controllers for the game will be released, including those that are Pro-mode compatible, meaning they are real instruments that can be played without the game.
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AGE
A great game for all music lovers.
This is by far one of the best games I've ever played. In the game, you get to pick from four rolls in a band (lead guitar, bass, drums or singer) and jam to tons of your favorite songs. While many will say that Rock Band ripped off the Guitar Hero franchise, I say that Rock Band took the concepts of GH and made them better. The only issue I have with this game is all the plastic crap that comes with it. All the stuff (guitars, drum kits, mike stands ect) take a ton of space and will suck every battery in your house dry.
A major plus is it's a great game for playing with friends. I've played with my grandparents, my friends and even some small children I used to babysit. Don't have any friends or family cause you're too uptight with your kids? No prob, just take the party on Xbox Live. There, you can quickplay songs and go on tours with other Rock Band players around the globe and even audition to be part of an Xbox Live or PSN band.
And if you really have an issue with lyrics, you may as well ban your child from hearing. Most swear words are muted, save for a few in some select songs, but it's nothing major.
Recap: From the Stones to Metallica, Rise Against to Pat Benatar, The Who to Disturbed, if you like music, this game is for you. While there is some skill involved, it's a game that most will be able to pick up in the first half hour of play. Word of warning, don't get the Wii version. The graphics card and processor can't handle the scrolling note chart, resulting in massive lag when you play on Hard or Expert.
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AGE
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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AGE
Great music simmulator.
I love this game. Im going to get the drum set pretty soon, while I use a GHWT guitar to play gutar and bass. It is educational, but some songs might be offensive. I like it for the downloadable content.
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AGE
For kids about to rock, we salute you!
The broad song selection of classic to modern tracks makes this a good intro for kids to be exposed to bands they might not have taken an interest in as of yet. There are a few of the usual rock-n-roll trappings which might not be as kid-friendly as we like (ie some suggestive costumes and lyrics) but nothing that prevents this from being a favorite around the house for all of us.
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AGE
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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AGE
Great rythem game for all ages.
Rock band 2 and 3 are both great games. The only concern i have in 2 is the start up screen. my mother found it to be quite violent. I felt the same and I felt like it almost didnt belong in the game. So as long as you skip that and a couple of the bikini's and halter tops in the rock shop and with the exception of some mild lyrics this game is for all ages.
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AGE
Rock Band 2
This is probably my favorite game ever made. As long as your kids can hear mild swearing than it should be okay. If you want a more kid friendly music game play Lego Rock Band instead. The songs aren't as good. But both games are very fun.
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AGE
Mild language, but it's a great party game.
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.
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AGE
We love this game.
This is the best family game we've ever owned. With only a small amount of parental screening, the whole family can relax and enjoy this game. In addition, kids can learn the basics of playing an instrument and become familiar with more than just local pop music.
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AGE
This is why the E10 Rating should be used more
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AGE
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.
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AGE
Highly recommended!
This game is awesome! It's easy to learn how to play, you can download songs online, and you can play online as well. The T rating is accurate for the lyrics and suggestive themes, but it's nothing too bad. In fact, quite a few of the songs on Rock Band 2 are appropriate for all ages. It's those songs with potentially offensive lyrics that make me recommend the game for ages 10+.
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| Platforms: | Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 |
| Available online? | Available online |
| Genre: | Music |
| Developer: | MTV Games |
| Release date: | September 14, 2008 |
| Price: | $59.99+ |
| ESRB rating: | T for Lyrics, Suggestive Themes |
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