Review: GamePro Reviews Rock Band (page 3 of 5)
On Bass: Tae K. Kim
As in real life, the bass guitarist is sort of the odd man out in Rock Band. Your principle task is to supplement the guitarist and the drummer, so don't expect a fair share of the spotlight. This instrument is definitely not for anyone with an ego. Some songs, such as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs 'Maps' will make you suffer through long stretches of inactivity but if you crank up the difficulty, the bass guitar does provide a nice challenge. There are few chords, so expect to move your fingers up and down the fret boards, especially during the faster songs.
The bass guitar is best suited for casual players who have some skill but haven't yet mastered the finger gymnastics necessary to be a true Guitar Hero; it's also a safe way to introduce a n00b to the world of virtual rock.
On Drums: Andy Burt
Ahh, the joys of being a drummer. As someone who grew up playing drums, I was interested to see how well Harmonix handled the overall realism of playing an actual drum set. Thankfully, the developers have rewarded wanna-be drummers in spades.
Everything about the drum kit feels right, from the intuitive use of a simple four pad setup to the surprising accuracy of the bass drum pedal. The drums can be an intimidating instrument but Rock Band is designed in such a way that even the most rhythmically-challenged gamer can hop behind the set and have fun with minimal frustration. But practice enough and you'll be wailing away like a true drum god.
Final Verdict
Now's the time we tackle the question that's on everyone's mind: Is Rock Band better than Guitar Hero III? The answer will vary and really, it's all about personal taste. Rock Band is probably not the right choice for someone who just wants to shred by themselves in the spotlight. While personal glory is great, we like Rock Band's emphasis on collaboration, having a great time with friends and feeling like an actual musician.
That's what's at the heart of the Rock Band experience. Plus, it provides more game modes, off and online, than you could shake a stick at. There are so many ways to play and/or compete online, an ample character creator, cool venues and ready-to-release downloadable content that makes the whole package worthwhile even if you shell out for the all-in-one bundle. But regardless, you will have fun with Rock Band. We guarantee it.
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