Rock Band

Electronc Arts' latest game is called Rock Band. Available on November 20th (my birthday, anyone!?!) for both Xbox and PS3, it allow you to play along with songs using four instruments, bass, guitar, drums and vocals. Not only that, but it permits you to record these songs, and scores you for each instrument, based on how accurately you play it.

So, how do you actually play the instuments? There are 3 controllers, a Fender Strat copy that you can play, a set of electronic drum pads, with kick pedal, and a microphone. Obviously, these will increase the costs over and above the basic game, but will improve the enjoyment.

In terms of multiplayer capabilities, it supports all four instruments being played at the same time, and also allows you to assemble the band real time from any one of the online gaming communities. This guy wrote about how he was invited to gametest Rock Band, and he seems pretty blown away.

There are some shortcomings. The guitar controller doesn't have strings, it has neck buttons, and a strum sensor, which seems pretty lame, but the drums look pretty cool, and apparenty, when in tuition mode, if you can play along at Expert level, then you are reckoned to be good enough to play drums in a band. Singing is judged as in the Singstar games, measuring pitch accuracy and timing.

Which all means that your band's recording is rated, and so you can have face-offs with other live bands, potentially online too!

I have never really wanted to own an Xbox, PS3 or any other gaming platform, but I reckon that as soon as I see this game demo'd, I may have to revise that opinion.

Update: Go here to have a look at the controllers in close quarters, and the different game prices.