Those interested in getting Rock Band 2 will inevitably fall into one of two camps: those who already own the Rock Band 1 bundle, and the rest who have yet to hop on the bus and join the tour.  For the latter group, the improved instruments and huge selection of songs make the choice a relatively easy one for anyone even remotely interested in an incredibly fun, party-accessible, music rhythm game.  But we don’t live in a vacuum and this isn’t exactly the first game in the series.  So, is Rock Band 2 worth your $60 to upgrade to this year’s model?

The Patch Upgrades.. I Mean New Features

While the first game was the biggest leap forward in the music game genre since the original Guitar Hero, it was also missing a couple key features.  One of them was the in-game music store, which was patched in early this year free of charge.  Unfortunately, the online and single-player band world tour modes, cost the price of admission.  Many of the improvements make Rock Band 2 feel more like a patch upgrade than a full fledged sequel.  This seems to be the current direction most game franchises are heading, so I’m afraid we’ll probably have to start getting used to it.  Despite all this, everything Harmonix has added makes the game a whole lot better experience overall.

From the UI improvements, namely adding difficulty ratings on songs for each instrument component.  To the improved character customization options and loosened restrictions on using which band members.  To an incredibly diverse song list that crosses through genres and music eras with surprising choices.  To the brilliant inclusion of a drum trainer, complete with actual drum fills for those overdrive (ie: star power) activation moments.  Even the new Battle of the Bands mode provides a host of unique daily challenges that keep you coming back week after week.

Still King, When It Comes to Party Games

Nothing beats a group of friends coming together, united in great music and great fun.  And while Rock Band was fairly easy for anyone to pick up and play at the lowest difficulties, the “No Fail Mode” makes the sequel even more approachable.  The nice thing about using “No Fail” is that you can feel free to test your skills on higher difficulty levels without the embarrassment of forcing everyone else to restart the song again midway through.  It still won’t sound spectacular missing all those notes, but it’s nice to know you can be a bit more adventurous outside of practice mode.  Another great party feature is the “create a playlist” option, where you can queue up a series of songs in a row for nonstop action.  Currently, you can only set up a temporary set list, but hopefully saved playlists will be available soon.

All About the Music

Rock Band 2 comes with 84 songs on the disc, and Harmonix has promised an additional 20 free downloadable songs for all those that register their RB2 cd key on the website.  For an additional $5 (due to licensing fees), you can use a copy of Rock Band 1 to export 55 of those songs, save for 3 of them.  Add to that any past, present and future downloadable songs and you’ll have a total of 500 songs to play on guitar, bass, drums or sing on the mic, by the end of 2008.  Yeah, you heard right, all Rock Band (be it RB1, RB2 or RB5) downloadable content (DLC) will be backwards- and forwards-compatible.

What About the Plastic Instruments?

While the new RB2 instruments are somewhat quieter and more sturdy, they also come with a few, new perks.  The wireless guitar comes with a set of useful auto-calibration sensors, one for audio and one for video.  The new drums come with a reinforced foot pedal and are compatible with an optional crash, ride, and high-hat cymbals pack.  And if the standard instruments aren’t enough for you, Mad Catz has an authentic Fender Squire Stratocaster guitar for $199, and Ion has a $300 premium drum kit, so you can use them to start your band later.  Fortunately, Guitar Hero and Rock Band peripherals will finally become compatible for either game.  Check this nifty compatibility matrix to check which instruments work with which games.

The Bottom Line

Rock Band 2 may be more refinement than anything else, but it’s still the best local multiplayer game out right now.  The subtle additions bring about a near perfect music game experience to the living room and the online integration is top notch.  Seriously, other than more music offerings, it’s hard to think of what significant additions Harmonix could add next year to an already complete package. They weren’t lying when they said they wanted to make Rock Band not just a game series, but a platform of its own.

Sleepy Gamer says.. BUY IT!

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