Rock Band Special Edition

Features

Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.

Reader Reviews
Fun: Seems I'm the first to review this on Amazon for the PS2 version. I read all the reviews for PS3, and there are minimal differences (character customization and online playing) that are absent for the PS2 version. I can't really say those are a big deal to me, and I was really skeptical about this product. I haven't played Guitar Hero, so I can't make a comparison of the two. What I can say is this game is a BLAST to play. I read some reviews where people who are drummers (or are the girlfriends of drummers) are complaining about the quality of the drumset. Considering a high quality digital drumkit (Roland for example) is going to run you from $3,000 to $5,000, what do you expect for $170 (it ALSO includes a WIRELESS guitar controller plus the video game)? I am actually impressed with the kit, it seems durable so far (and I've laid in to the thing when getting in to a song), and I'm very surprised by the action of the drum pedal. It's not a TAMA or DW pro-pedal, but it's got great action "considering". I would recommend buying a real pair of drumsticks (at a comfortable size for your playing). Not only are the included sticks smaller (kid sized), but they're very roughly finished and you're guaranteed to get nice and blistered real quick-like playing with the low grade sticks included. Personal recommendation for brand would be Vick Firth (or Promark) for sticks (just my opinion, there are others out there). Another "comfort" item (if you choose to put money in to this game) is a drum throne. You'll be in pain much less, and can play for longer. As for the guitar, it feels great. I've always wanted to learn or play real guitar, and this doesn't replace the 6 string, but it does teach great coordination for your fretting (left) and strumming (right) hands. Playing along to the game on guitar is fun for me, because it's a different role than "beat keeper", and you feel like you're really jamming the tune. Another advantage of the game... if you learn to play the drumkit on this ... the transition to a real kit will be minimal (much more comfortable for sure). Something to be cognizant of (for the drumkit) is the playing surfaces. They are hard, and playing for extended periods on this (especially for us 30+ year olds) can lead to some forearm/wrist pain. The reason being is when you strike a hard rubber pad with a stick, there's no "give" to the surface you're hitting. The game tutorial recommends holding the sticks loosely, and it's important you do this not only to have the speed to play the game, but also to keep the impact of your striking a hard surface from being sent back up the stick right in to your wrist/arms. The other thing I like about this game is the collaborative playing. My 15 year old daughter (who mainly likes hip/hop) and I have a ball playing this. We hooked it up and were jamming for 3 hours. The only reason we stopped was from fatigue. We've always played video games, but most are "versus", and it's really cool to be jamming a tune with your kid. We haven't explored the vocal aspect of the game yet, but we'll get there. She loves the game and has been sitting with the controller going over the songs just to learn them (something cute about seeing your daughter jamming "Mississippi Queen" with you). If we have company, I can still see this being tons of fun. For parents on the fence about buying their child a drumset... I see this as a perfect testing ground and reasonably priced. Most "kid sets" are absolute garbage, and if your daughter/son doesn't pursue it further, then you're stuck with a junk drumset you've paid $200-400 for, and you'll get half that amount (if it's in good shape) if you sell it. For what you get in this game... it's a great starter for drums, it'll teach them how coordinate all the limbs, and if they outgrow it and want a real kit, well ... you've still got a fun video game for the family to play. The fact you can play this with headphones is a big bonus, since real drum sets don't have volume buttons! Comment | Permalink | (Report this)

Available from Amazon
Price: $108.00
Updated on 6-7-2008.