Last time, on "Let's Talk About: Rock Band"... (in other words here's a link to part 1)

...And now, the exciting conclusion of "Let's Talk About: Rock Band"

From: Kevin Alexander

Date: Nov 30, 2007 9:03 AM

To: Dan Zuccarelli, Heidi

It's hard to say, my instincts stay with Rock Band, but I wouldn't have been nearly as excited for it if Guitar Hero I & II didn't exist. You know that both Dan and I were Day 1 adopters for the original PS2 Guitar Hero and have been playing almost non-stop since. Dan, you were HUGE into Amplitude and Frequency before that. Heidi, you were a drummer back in high school so you got at least some rhythm...well, for a white girl! Any way you take it we're no stranger to rhythm games. I think they're an essential part of my collection since they mix my absolute passion for music with a chance to be in some way a part of it. The short answer is that there's room in my life for both. For at least the time being I'll be leaning heavily on Rock Band, especially with the weekly downloads.

Guitar Hero shouldn't try to add anything to compete with Rock Band, they're two different beasts. In fact Guitar Hero could stand to drop the boss battles and power up crap since they don't add anything to the game. Honestly, Rock Band still has a few issues to iron out. The fact is if you're going to be playing by yourself than Guitar Hero is the way to go, but if you game with friends a lot than you NEED Rock Band.

I wasn't sure how I'd fair with the drums but I gotta admit that they've been a blast. Easily the most fun in the game. The freestyle fill-in sections of the songs make you feel more like you're playing a real instrument than anything else so far, and you pretty much are. I can see myself going through the solo drums tour and practicing to get better.

What's been your favorite experience so far? Also, is there anything you're looking forward to that you haven't accomplished yet?

Kevin

From: Heidi

Date: Dec 3, 2007 10:28 AM

To: Dan Zuccarelli, Kevin Alexander

Rhythm games are the only video games that come naturally to me, and while I was not an early adopter of Guitar Hero, I loved Bust a Groove and Dance Dance Revolution. (Of course, I also have a history of injuring myself playing rhythm games. Playing too much DDR aggravated stress fractures in my foot, and we all know about the tendinitis in my wrists from GH2. But I digress...) My point is that out of all video games ever, I have the most fun playing rhythm games, and what's cool about Rock Band is that I get to enjoy that with other people. Playing video games can often be a solitary thing, but Rock Band almost demands to be played in a group. It's not called Rock Star, but Rock Band.

That said, sure I think there's still an audience for Guitar Hero. I just think that audience isn't me any more. Maybe it will be again once the novelty of Rock Band wears off, but for now, I'm really feeling a "been there, done that" feeling for Guitar Hero. One criticism I've heard of Rock Band is that kids will spend so much time learning to play fake instruments in a video game, why don't they just learn to play the real instruments. I tent to believe there's room for both. In fact, I would hope that maybe some kids who don't play a real instrument might become interested in learning guitar or drums because of Rock Band. Any feelings about that?

My favorite experience is definitely drumming in the band with three others playing at the same time. I love drumming. As Kevin was so kind to point out, I used to drum in high school, and "learn drum set" is actually on my "Life To Do List." I'm really looking forward to having a drum off in Rock Band. Any takers?

Heidi

From: Dan Zuccarelli

Date: Dec 3, 2007 10:45 AM

To: Heidi, Kevin Alexander

Oh I'm in. I'm so totally into having a drum off, and I'm finally getting to the difficulty levels where I'm starting to feel like I'm actually playing the drums.

I actually completly agree with the "been there, done that" vibe that Guitar Hero has at this point, and don't anticipate buying any more of the games. I've had more fun solo on Rock Band than on Guitar Hero anyway, since I can switch from drums to guitar to singing all with the same game. Not to mention tons of downloadable content to keep the song list fresh. From here on out, it's Rock Band with friends!

And with that we'll give the final thoughts to Kevin!

DanZ

From: Kevin Alexander

Date: Dec 3, 2007 11:02 AM

To: Heidi, Dan Zuccarelli

What's that Dan? Oh, sorry, I was too busy off learning how to shoot Nazis better in between my Night Elf Hunter pet-control lessons...

My point being that sure, kids AND adults could spend their time learning a "real" instrument instead of playing Rock Band and maybe that will happen. For now, people who have a chip on their shoulder about being able to REALLY play guitar or drums or whatever just need to shut up and let those of us who don't have our fun.

I think its safe to say that we all feel there are a couple of trivial things holding up this game from being a near-perfect experience and if they can be ironed out with a patch or in the inevitable sequel, Rock Band will be the only rhythm game that matters.

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