Common Sense Media Review
By Chad Sapieha
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Downloadable music game delivers simple, rhythmic fun.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Rock Band Blitz
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
After enjoying years of popularity, rock band simulation games suddenly fell out of favor a few years back. Harmonix is attempting a modest revival of the genre with ROCK BAND BLITZ, an inexpensive downloadable game for consoles that offers a different take on the once popular category. Rock Band Blitz still offers a scrolling track filled with notes to hit in time with a wide variety of authentic pop songs. But rather than hauling out bulky plastic instruments, gamers need merely grab a controller and start tapping buttons. Plus, they can play any part of the song they like, switching instruments mid-song as they like. There are five tracks in each song (one each for drums, bass, guitar, keyboard, and vocals). Each track is a binary system with notes on the left and right. Tap any part of the directional pad to strike a left-hand note, tap any action button for right. There's no story or career to follow; instead, players slowly work toward unlocking more than a dozen power ups that make it easier to achieve higher scores.
Is It Any Good?
Rock Band Blitz probably won't usher in a new rock game era, but it should prove reasonably fun for those who miss evenings spent rocking out in their living rooms -- assuming they don't mind trying something both a bit different and a little simpler. With no difficulty levels to choose from, veterans may find it a bit easy, though achieving a perfect five stars on most songs is still a challenge prior to unlocking point-boosting power-ups. Plus, folks who like to play with friends will be disappointed that there's no local or online group play. You can pose challenges for your friends, but that's it.
However, when things are clicking and you're in the zone, hopping between instrument tracks in your favorite songs, it can be a blast. Plus, Rock Band fans can access all previous music they've purchased so many players will have no shortage of songs to try. This may not be the second coming of rock-and-roll games, but it is a nice little revisiting.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about popular music and music games. What types of music do you like? Have you ever considered trying a musical instrument? If you were in a band, which role would you like to fill?
Families can also discuss rhythm. Are you able to keep a steady beat over a prolonged period? How can you improve your sense of rhythm? Do you think games like this help?
Game Details
- Platforms : PlayStation 3 , Xbox 360
- Subjects : Arts : music , rhythm
- Skills : Health & Fitness : fine motor skills , Thinking & Reasoning : strategy
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Harmonix
- Release date : August 29, 2012
- Genre : Music & Dance
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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