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Rock Band Unplugged

(2009, Video Games - Music, Rated T, Play it on: PSP)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 11.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Fun, challenging music game for PSP, with teen lyrics.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 11–12

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Aside from rock music history and appreciation, players can learn about song composition, but it won't teach you how to play instruments.

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Some off-color lyrics include Blink 182's "What's My Age Again?" ("We started making out and she took off her pants" ), plus some male and female characters don't wear much clothing. Clevage is shown as is male buttocks if chaps are worn.

     

  • Language:

    Some potentially inappropriate language ("A holiday in Cambodia/Where you'll kiss ass or crack" from The Dead Kennedys) or controversial concepts (Jethro Tull's "Aqualung," with the intro lyric : "Sitting on a park bench/Eyeing ittle girls with bad intent") Some lyrics refer to suicide.

  • Consumerism:

    The game features well-known songs by popular bands, plus the instrument brand names can be seen.

     

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some lyrics refer to drinking and drugs. Example: Lit's "My Own Worst Enemy" ("Can we forget about the things I said when I was drunk?") .
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Rock Band Unplugged was written by Marc Saltzman

Parents need to know that this music game is rated "Teen" for some potentially offensive rock lyrics and cartoon-like musicians who can be suggestively dressed.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help

  • Families can talk about whether this game -- which feels like it was designed for group play in front of the same television -- offers the same appeal while playing solo on a portable device. Should MTV Games keep this franchise on the TV or do you think the PSP offers fun on the go (such as passing time on an airplane)?

Did this review help you decide?
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More on Rock Band Unplugged

What’s the Story?

Put a band in your pocket with ROCK BAND UNPLUGGED, the first in MTV Games' popular rhythm game series created exclusively for the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP). With a look, feel,and sound of the console games, players can take their virtual act on the road, acquire fans, and rise to the top by rocking out at each unlockable venue.

If you've never played a game of Rock Band or Guitar Hero, the concept is as follows: watch as music notes fly down the fret board and press the correct button(s) at the right time. The PSP version has you pressing the face buttons and the D-pad -- and this time around you get to jam along with all instruments on the same song. That's right, instead of selecting guitar, bass, drums or vocals (as with the popular console games), this PSP version has you hopping around from one instrument to another -- by pressing the left and right shoulder buttons -- to play notes/beats. The better you can do this, the more points you'll amass and the more songs, venues and characters you'll unlock.

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Is It Any Good?

This twist on the tried-and-true game-play might take a bit of getting used to at first, but it feels intuitive after a short while. The 41-track musical selection is quite good, too, offering a handful of exclusive tracks to Unplugged (including Blink 182's "What's My Age Again") and past favorites from the franchise (such as Billy Idol's "White Wedding, Part 1"). Along with the ability to create your own super group, Unplugged also features extra game modes not found in its brethren -- including Band Survival and Warm Up (sorry, no multiplayer options) -- plus players can download new tunes over a DLC (downloadable content) store via Wi-Fi connection. Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 6/9/2009, price $$39.99 or $199.99 with PSP Pack, online enabled
ESRB rating: T (for Lyrics, Suggestive Themes)

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    Linzer
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 3.0

    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    kristasia
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0

    best game

    i love this game so much it is a good game to me and like to review it a nother time it was a good game to play if you were board i love games to like some other kids but i think there awsome to me and my brother rontavis and my name is kristasia by and i will see you next time

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    minioak
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    It biew my eardrum.

    This game is amazing!I loved playing it!It is addicting!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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