Rock Band (Special Edition) (Xbox 360, 2007)

Pros: Taking the genre to a whole new level
Cons: A bit on the expensive side to truly play this game

Please Note that I was able to play this game before the official release during a demo session.

Graphics - 9/10
For what the game is, you are not buying this game to play for the graphics – though EA and Harmonix was to put a lot stuff onto one screen, and it works well. The words and the activators are clear and bright. Great graphics for what it is (the game).

Sound – 10/10
The track list for this game, along with the original recordings and downloadable content, is a must have. You will get lost in involvement when playing this game. This is one of the best soundtracks in a game to date. The best addition is the sound of the instruments when you mess up – they just cut out.

Gameplay – 9/10
Though taking on new instruments Rock Band has taken this game this game down a new road, going to a new town and just nailed it. The drums, along with the fender are awesome. What is really impressive, but under published is the singing. This is a fun, yet interesting addition, to this platform.

Replay Value - 10/10
When you see the achievement list, it will make you achievement “gatherers” play this game again and again to get the full 1000/1000. Plus with the addition of online multiplayer, content downloads, and competitive play – it will hard not to play this game over and over. This is worth your $169.99 for the bundle this holiday season. Can you deny The Who - Who's Next? album after the first week available for download?

Overall - 10/10
This game is going to change the way developers take the gamer in the future. As an avid gamer, and a twenty-something, this game just pulled me in. The soundtrack, gameplay, singing, and peripherals all gel perfectly.

The new wired “Fender” guitar is heavier, durable, and a real close replica to an original Fender (3/4ths the size). Playing this, you feel as if you have a real Strat in your hands. Playing guitar for the last seven years, this instrument feels natural, and it is easy to orientate yourself to it. I must say that this is a nice controller, and I did not want to put it down. The buttons take getting used to, but that is because I am used to the buttons on Guitar Hero's peripherals.

The drums are well built, sturdy, and I have to say – just plain fun! The color coded drum heads, and kick pedal, feel good while playing them. Playing cross-handed style naturally, they set up the game to accommodate real drum playing style. This is the closest simulator I have felt. I would agree with the developers in saying that playing the drums on expert level would make you a better “real” drummer on a novice/intermediate level.

Singing – well… That is just plain fun. I must comment that the pitch recognizing, along with the tracks, makes this game the "all in one package".

I highly RECOMMEND that you get the bundle not only to save money, but to experience this game in entirety with your friends."