Rhythm games seem to have the spotlight at the moment. First DJ Hero hit at the end of October, followed last week by Band Hero and, of course, Lego Rock Band. I got a chance to play the game at E3, similarly to The Beatles: Rock Band. However, unlike with Beatles, I questioned the necessity of a Lego version of Rock Band. After all, where as The Beatles: Rock Band was a game centered around The Beatles’ music and the story of their career, Lego Rock Band appeared to be nothing more than a reskinned version of Rock Band with a new soundtrack. I don’t have a problem with the Rock Band series at all; in fact, I’m rather fond of it. But is Lego Rock Band really necessary? Sure, Lego games are interesting and popular, but is a merger between two popular franchises really necessary. The answer is a resounding “meh”. It’s not bad, with new game modes that add a little flavor to the game as a whole. But overall, the game just falls flat thanks to the more family friendly soundtrack.

Gameplay:

There really isn’t much to say about Rock Band gameplay at this point. It’s pretty standard stuff. Match up the colors on screen with the colors on your instrument to play the song (or sing the lyrics at the correct pitch if you’re singing). There aren’t many was to screw all of this up, with the exception of making the difficulty so insane that the songs are impossible to play. Luckily, that doesn’t happen here, nor should it, due to the family friendly nature of the game. Lego Rock Band follows in the footsteps of its predecessor by not making the songs impossibly difficult, with the difficulty curve comparable to previous entries in the series.

Aside from the main gameplay, there are also other minor gameplay additions in Lego Rock Band, one of which is the Rock Power Challenge. During certain point in the game’s career mode. These pop up in specific venues and require you to use the power of rock to achieve such feats as demolishing a building or taking on an octopus attempting to destroy an old pirate ship where your band is performing (I keep wondering if Harmonix has something against octopi, given that an octopus is denied from joining your band at the beginning of the game, followed by a later scene where that octopus’ father attacks your band). Power challenges mix things up a bit, removing your ability to use Overdrive and, if you’re playing multiplayer, giving your band just one rock meter to use, making them slightly more difficult than a normal song. In addition, certain gigs are presented in which you portray different rock groups, such as Queen, Spinal Tap, and David Bowie, but in Lego form. The situations aren’t any different, except that you are not able to use your normal rock avatar.

Lego Bowie takes the stage.

If there is one major gripe with the career mode, it’s the “random” setlists and gigs that you are required to complete. After completing a setlist which included “Check Yes Juliet” by We the Kings, I was asked to play two more gigs, both of which required me to play the exact same song again. While this not be the case for everyone playing the game, its annoying that I was forced to play the exact same song multiple times as opposed to being given a new song (Europe’s “The Final Countdown,” anyone?). Which leads me to my next point.

Soundtrack:

Unfortunately, since Lego Rock Band is a family friendly attempt at the Rock Band franchise, the soundtrack is, I’m sorry to say, rather lame. Rock Band games normally tend to have songs that are really hit or miss, but this time around, the soundtrack just feels so watered down that it just doesn’t pack the same punch as previous entries. Sure, there are a few good hits in the game. Europe’s “The Final Countdown” is especially fun, despite having to play along to a synthesized horn during the opening if playing lead guitar. Also, getting rid of ghosts in a Rock Power Challenge to the tune of Ghostbusters is a great feeling. Unfortunately, these moments are few and far between. Users who have exported previous Rock Band music libraries or downloaded tracks can use them in this game. However, only songs that fit the family friendly nature of the game can be used, which is a major bummer.

Overall:

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, but the soundtrack just doesn’t pack the same punch as previous entries in the series due to its watered down track listing. If the track listing is something that appeals to you, then this game maybe something you would be interested in getting. Personally, however, I don’t feel I can recommend this game to anyone other than parents who think songs in other Rock Band are too inappropriate. Then again, children and families seem to be the core demographic for the game, so those of you who don’t fit into that category maybe better off skipping this offering.

This game was reviewed using a copy of Lego Rock Band on the Xbox 360, courtesy of Harmonix and Warner Bros.

One Response to “Review: Lego Rock Band – X360/PS3/Wii”

1. phyzical says:

   November 9, 2009 at 8:59 am

   lulwut? they really squeeze everything out of that game :)

   Reply