Rock Band

Game review by Marc Saltzman, Common Sense Media
Rock Band Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

A fantastic music game for the entire family.

Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2 2007
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Parents say

age 10+

Based on 7 reviews

Kids say

age 9+

Based on 35 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

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.

Community Reviews

Tom_Gamer_Tom
Tom_Gamer_Tom Adult
June 22, 2010
age 9+

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.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Educational value
Annoyedteenguy
Annoyedteenguy Adult
June 10, 2010
age 10+
This game is actually very good. The only problem is if your parents look at the RB2 review, your in for trouble. Getting the game only might be a good financial decision, but the Rock Band One instruments are old, cruddy, and outdated. They are not easy to use as the guitar has a strum bar that is hard to move correctly, the drums are wired and cant have cymbals. This is a game that is good if you have the rock band two instruments, so if you have RB2, and not this, your good to go. If not, get the full band set of rock band two, and this.

This title has:

Educational value
See all 7 parent reviews

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.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

Game Details

Our Editors Recommend

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