LEGO Rock Band Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: X360, PS3, Wii, DS	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Traveller's Tales	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Warner Bros. / Harmonix / MTV	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Nov. 3, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-4	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

In addition to standard performances, you'll also be tested by Rock Power Challenges in Story. These skill checks get the entire band involved, taking turns playing their instrument-specific tracks one at a time or occasionally with others. Because this is a challenge, you can actually fail these tests. Otherwise, Rock Power Challenges are essentially the same as standard performances even though certain band members get highlighted by the challenges. As such, I didn't find them to be particularly intriguing, but it does make for a bit more of a heightened/tense experience if for no other reason than it is possible to fail.

LEGO Rock Band screenshot

The game looks and sounds great. All of the menus are identical to those found in Rock Band 2, but they are made less mature-looking and more cartoon-like. For example, the main menu's Asian tiger has been redrawn to look round and fun rather than imposing, and the octopus tentacles that limn the border have LEGO-nub suction cups.

As stated, the LEGO characters are really adorable, especially the rock icons. Sound quality is equally as good. Not only is there a nice selection of tunes, but the fidelity is outstanding on a multi-speaker entertainment system. Also, the cutscenes are enjoyable and well animated - the LEGO character's expressive grunts somehow communicate the story without using words.

Though LEGO Rock Band is solely a local single-player and cooperative multiplayer experience, the lack of online or competitive features don't seem to be a detriment anyway. The reasons to get this game are because you have young ones around that want to get into some Rock Band action, or because you want to augment your installed song list by an additional 45 tracks (though, it'll end up costing you plenty to do so). Whether you're young or old, the LEGO characters and cute vibe will likely appeal to your sensibilities. All in all, LEGO Rock Band is a quality game that will get the whole family jamming together.

By Jonathan Marx
CCC Editor / News Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.6

Graphics
The LEGO characters and rock icons are a hoot. The venues aren't quite as detailed as they are in the mainline series - what do you expect? They are made out of LEGOs.

4.5

Control
This game is as easy to control as any Rock Band predecessor.

4.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The set list is varied and of high fidelity. The tunes should appeal to a rather large swath of players.

3.5

Play Value
Free Play and Story are the only real modes here. While I really liked collecting all the LEGO goodies along the way, the game does feel like a somewhat paired down version of Rock Band.

3.8

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Songs you know and love: Rock out to everything from current radio hits to past favorites the whole family will enjoy.

LEGO-themed rock challenges: Play killer riffs to destroy a giant robot, summon a storm, and demolish a skyscraper using the power of rock!

Enhanced customizer: Don't stop with your avatar, customize your whole entourage! Design the band, roadies, and manager just the way you want.

Build fame LEGO-style: Collect LEGO bricks after each song to build cooler vehicles and move to new venues.

LEGO rock den: Buy furniture, decorate the walls and customize your band's hang-out as you climb the ladder to rock success.

Fun for everyone: Turn down the difficulty with an easier skill set option for budding musicians.