 | 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 3
- Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi
- Price: $59.99
- Genre: Music
Common Sense Media says
Advanced music sim with sexy girls, mild cussing, alcohol.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Rock Band 3 is a music simulation game that has players taking on the roles of musicians in a rock and roll group. Players will see some typical rock and roll hijinks -- including one cut scene that has the band partying on a roof top and then waking up hung over surrounded by empty glasses and strewn underwear -- but the focus of the game is on having people play music with their friends. The new “pro” mode combined with the game’s new keyboard and pro wireless guitar (both sold separately), all but teaches players how to read music, making this perhaps the most educational -- and also at times the most challenging -- music simulator yet released.
What's it about?
ROCK BAND 3 moves the popular music game into a whole new realm of simulation, one in which people really learn how to play music. It stops short of actually teaching players how to read music (this is a game after all), but if you pick up the new keyboard controller and wireless pro guitar with an intent to make the most of them, you’ll find yourself spending hours training how to play these remarkably authentic instruments, and will likely come away with a pretty good idea of how to hammer out a few songs on real instruments. Don’t worry, though; you can still enjoy a more casual career mode designed for the franchise’s previously released instruments that includes a simpler way to play the new keyboard. Hundreds of career goals will keep players of all skill levels jamming away for months.
Is it any good?
Rock Band 3 is probably the biggest and most complex rhythm game yet made. The new optional peripherals allow for an authentic experience unlike that of any other music simulation game while career goals -- such as playing groups of songs on a particular difficulty or carrying off a set number of drum rolls -- create a new set of objectives that don’t revolve solely around marching from one venue to the next.
Subtler improvements include the ability to drop in or out of songs whenever you like, easily change instruments and avatars between songs, and complete specific in-song missions -- such as pulling off a streak while under the spotlight -- in order to earn spades, a currency that unlocks new clothing and other bonuses. It’s not without its flaws -- the franchise’s graphics, for example, are aging and could do with an overhaul -- but by most meaningful measures it is an extraordinary music game.
Online interaction: This game supports open online communication. Players are at risk of coming into contact with other people using coarse language, uttering racial or sexual slurs, or soliciting personal information.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how listeners perceive the lyrics they hear in songs. At what age do children become aware that some lyrics are designed to shock rather than express a sincere thought or emotion? How are kids affected by lyrics suggestive of violence or sex?
Families can also discuss the sexually suggestive style of dress preferred by many pop female musicians, including the majority of those depicted in this game. Is it simply expected of them to dress in a provocative manner? Can you think of any female pop sensations who do not present themselves as sex symbols?
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- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
February 25, 2011
AGE
Tween and up, some dodgy lyrics and scenes, 11+
I love Rock Band 3. It's so fun singing, playing guitar to, playing bass to and drumming to the songs you love. Some sex references in lyrics, some skimpy clothing on both men and women, some minor swear words like p**s, b***ard, d*mn, h*ll and a*s. Words like f**k and b**ch are muted and you can't hear anything. Some minor tobacco, alcohol and drug references. At one point your band drinks alcohol and gets drunk. Rock Band 3 has plenty of songs and since Rock Band 2 they have added the keyboard. This means you can now play guitar, bass, drums, keyboard or sing. You can create your own character and customise them with clothes, tatoos, make up, earrings, piercings, hats and more. Great game but slightly dodgy so only for mature kids.
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AGE
Best rock band game yet!
nothing really bad about this game. A few swear words and drinking scenes, along with a few characters wearing very few clothes. Pro modes are awesome, though if you're going to shell out 150 bucks for a fake guitar, why not buy the real thing? The keyboard is awesome. Pro keyboard is great and a good challenge, even for the seasoned piano player.
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AGE
Comes with a price, but worth it.
Me and my son have been waiting for this ever since we saw the signs. It was just as satisfying as the other games in the series. The content is mild, you may come across a cuss word or two, but nothing is stronger than b*stard. It is a bit pricey though, with the gutair, drums, and microphone to buy.
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AGE
Nice game, could be less inappropriate though.
Great game! Just wish it wasn't so inapropriate. And it's really confusing at first if your used to #2.
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AGE
I don't care who plays it it's the best.
Great for everyone. (Not implying that a two year old will actually/be able to play this game.)
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Kid, 12 years old
April 28, 2011
AGE
Amazing Game
Almost 0 cussing, no suggestive themes in multiplayer, all-around good gmae.
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AGE
Best to have the keyboard add-on, but this has the best songs of all three games.
My rating: T: lyrics
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| Platforms: | Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi |
| Available online? | Available online |
| Genre: | Music |
| Developer: | Electronic Arts |
| Release date: | October 26, 2010 |
| Price: | $59.99 |
| ESRB rating: | T for Mild Lyrics, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol |
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