Rock Band Blitz
By Chad Sapieha,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Downloadable music game delivers simple, rhythmic fun.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this game.
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Rock Band Blitz
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
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
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Harmonix
- Release date: August 29, 2012
- Genre: Music & Dance
- Topics: Music and Sing-Along
- ESRB rating: T for Suggestive Themes, Fantasy Violence
- Last updated: August 26, 2016
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Play
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate