{Holiday Gift Guide} Wii Game Review: Rock Band 3

Rock Band 3

Released: October 26, 2010

ABOUT:

Rock Band 3 is the third main release in the iconic video game series that challenges gamers to live out their Rock & Roll fantasies together in a band situation, both locally and online. The game features an ever expanding song list from every era of Rock & Roll history, easy to pick up yet challenging addictive Note Highway gameplay, compatibility with earlier releases in the series and all platform-specific instrument controllers including most Guitar Hero controllers, extreme in-game character and band customization, and a slew of new features. These new features include: new setlist search functionality, the addition of 3-part harmonies and a keyboard peripheral and expanded play modes, including the advanced Pro Mode.

The Rock Band 3 disc soundtrack contains 83 tracks by the best bands from around the world, including bands that have never appeared in a music game, as well as support for existing Rock Band tracks (Rock Band and Rock Band 2 discs, downloaded songs, track packs, AC/DC Live: Rock Band Track Pack, LEGO Rock Band and Green Day: Rock Band). Additionally, Rock Band 3 gives players immediate access to a music library approaching 2,000 songs by launch, with new content added regularly. With a selection like this, it is clear that Rock Band‘s gigantic music selection dwarfs that of any other music game on the market.

Features:

RB3 has great new party modes for quick rocking sessions with friends, as well as a whole new universe of challenges including a revamped Career Mode and 700+ goals and rewards
Game track list contains over 80 of the best bands from around the world, including bands that have never appeared in a music game, and support for existing Rock Band tracks
Create and save set lists, and share them with your friends online and enjoy improved song sorting makes it easier to find the songs you like
Expand the band with the optional keyboard peripheral and 3-part vocals harmonies, together allowing support for up to 7 players
Take your passion for music to the next level with Rock Band Pro functionality that lets you develop real musical instrument skills through gameplay

MY THOUGHTS:

I have never played Rock Band 1 or 2, but Rock Band 3 is pretty amazing. The music on Rock Band 3 is pretty spread out and there is really a song for everyone, that is the difference I noticed between Rock Band and Guitar Hero. Rock Band has more widely-known songs and just came out with a keyboard and Pro Drum Set to add to your musical instrument collection. There is different competitions you can take part in, customize your characters, or just pop it in to play a song.

You can also link your Rock Band 3 account to get detailed stats about your gameplay, share accomplishments with your friends, and create and compete in setlist battles on the web. I haven’t been able to try this yet because we are having problems connecting our Wii to the Internet, but I can’t wait to get online with Rock Band! Some of the artists are Ozzy Ozzbourne, The Doors, The Cure, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Elton John, The Police, INXS, Marilyn Manson, Paramore, Filter and more! You also don’t have to unlock the songs which I read you have to do in the previous versions of Rock Band. I will say I am still stuck on the Beginner levels as I haven’t mastered the songs yet since I flip between different songs and instruments!

BUY IT: Look for “Rock Band 3” wherever video games are sold or check it out on Amazon for $39.96 (Wii). Also available on PS3, NintendoDS, and XBox360.

Looking for more Holiday Gift Guide Ideas?

Mama’s Money Savers Disclosure: I was sent this game to review. My opinion remains my own. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

Cher