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PAX 08: Hands-On Rock Band 2
It's A Nice Day To Start Again...
by Nikkita
I was pretty fortunate to get my hands on some big titles, including, but not limited to, Rock Band 2 during the press preview. My first stop happened to be a short musical career with my partner in crime Sarah as we tackled both Guitar Hero: World Tour and Rock Band 2, back to back. Now to be fair and honest, my favorite rhythm games have been put on the back burner as of recently, so it was a bit of a shock to my fingers to pick up a guitar controller, especially in front of people with cameras. Here's how our very short tour ended.
Sarah and I approached the booth completely uncertain of who to talk to when the band previous to us (must have been some hired fillers) encouraged us on stage. We found ourselves not just a bassist, but a front man who I would had sworn to be too shy to even open his mouth. We boarded the Rock Band 2 stage, an actual platform with steps, and browsed quickly through the song setup. I quickly became distracted by the new Fender Stratocaster which looked as good as it felt that I missed our new singer's quick pick. I had a hankering for some of Billy Idol's "White Wedding" and would you know it, that's exactly what our shy front man picked. Yeah, he totally wasn't afraid.
While "White Wedding" isn't the biggest challenge, it was an enjoyable and comfortble experience. The screen is clean and clear, and somehow was personally easier to follow than Guitar Hero: World Tour. I found it interesting that even though the last rhythm game I had logged any time on to was GH3, that I'd side with Rock Band 2. As far as the drums, it's hard to say if they were any quieter, or God forbid, louder since the volume was up to 11. Sarah did report that the pedal had more of a spring to it, as to which my foot responded with a big sigh of relief.
I've had high hopes for Rock Band 2, and I agree that it does seem to be a little early to release yet another part to a game that hasn't even been out for a year. But while it's not the brandest of the newest, it has confirmed itself to be the continuing strongest rhythm game on the market.
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Comments
Four words. Eye. Of. The. Tiger. 'Nuff said...
I can't wait to spend some more time with this game.