Brick it like it’s 1999… again
Format: PS3 (version played), Xbox 360, Wii, DS Dev: TT Games / Harmonix
Pub: MTV Games / Warner Bros. Out: 27/11/09 Players: 1-4
Lego + Rock Band = Lego Rock Band. It’s just about as simple as that. For some reason the developers seem to think that adding the Lego part makes the game more family friendly. Were the other Rock Band titles family unfriendly? Perhaps the Lego look does diversify the game’s appeal, coupled with what could be considered a rather middle of the road soundtrack.
Although, having said that, it’s not as bad as it sounds. This game is clearly superior to Guitar Hero 5 in many ways and no doubt better than Band Hero too. Lego Rock Band offers what Guitar Hero 5 failed to: incentive. Only a selection of songs is available to play in quick play when the game is initially booted. The full list of tracks has to be unlocked via story mode – as it should be. Without this factor, is there much point?
The Lego design of the game is actually tolerable, the avatars available in all other music games (with the exception of Rock Band: The Beatles) have been horrendous. So, the Lego ones don’t look too bad. The notes on the highway are also Lego bricks, which is pretty nifty and, it has to be said, this game is actually challenging!
Playing guitar on expert difficulty definitely warrants the ‘expert’ tag assigned to it. The highway moves with a rapidity that renders blinking an impossibility. As per usual, players can also utilise the drums, vocals or bass guitar as well as the electric guitar – standard practice these days, as is the cross compatibility between the Rock Band and Guitar Hero instruments.
Story mode on Lego Rock Band is pretty decent. TT Games have evidently put some thought into it. There is an extensive element of customisation on offer. Band members can be infinitely customised, as can the player’s ‘Rock Den’ – the area you occupy between gigs. Customisation items can either be purchased or unlocked by completing songs. New gigs are also unlocked by satisfactorily completing sets and thus you progresses through the tour. There is also the option of selecting songs to create your own set list, or playing a mystery song.
Rock Challenges constitute a new feature to the Rock Band franchise. The band share the same rock meter and take it in turns to play sections of the song with a view to completing a specific challenge, for example, demolishing a building. It’s all a bit random but quite good fun.
Lego Rock Band is a game which is perhaps aimed at more of a family audience, but can still be enjoyed by any fan of this genre nonetheless.
Andy King
Tags: lego, mtv, Music, rock band, warner bros
