Rock Band 2

Xbox 360/PS3/Harmonix/ MTV Games

Nov 01, 2008 Year End 2008 - Best of 2008 By Nick Hyman

How do you make a game as good as Rock Band better? In Rock Band 2’s case, it means that you stick to the basics—having fun and dorking out—by streamlining the process with an easier interface, better instruments, and a grip of new songs. The fact that the new songs include “De-Luxe” by Lush, “Teenage Riot” by Sonic Youth, and “PDA” by Interpol amongst almost 100 others is particularly exciting, while adding tracks by AFI, Lit, and Linkin Park is not. Still, those songs will appeal to a particular demographic.

This time, the guitar and drums have gone wireless, and even though that requires batteries (which can become pricey if you don’t go rechargeable), the lack of troublesome wires helps give you more room to rock out. The only problem is that the microphone is still wired to the system, setting itself apart from the instruments and complicating couch dives. Additional downloads are constantly being added, so the game works hard to not become stale. As is, Rock Band 2 remains the definitive party game for music fans. I know that the Ps have been represented by Pixies and Pearl Jam, but there’s a lack of Prince and Pavement. Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait for Rock Band 3. (www.rockband.com)

Author rating: 9/10

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Average reader rating: 9/10