Rock Band rocks my world

One of my closest friends is a video game addict. I’ve tried to intervene by telling him denial is the first sign, but after playing his latest obsession, I fear that I will soon be shaking uncontrollably at all hours of the night from my own gaming withdrawal.

Rock Band is the name of the game, and playing it feels like shooting heroin while eating a triple bacon cheeseburger and having sex with the girl of your dreams at the same time. OK, maybe it doesn’t feel that good, but I can’t recall another video game experience that was so immediately compelling and accessible.

If you’ve played Guitar Hero, then you get the idea–popular songs play from your Xbox 360 while you fiddle with a guitar shaped controller, strumming and tapping in unison as a scrolling display on the screen instructs you which buttons to push. However, Rock Band takes the concept to the next level, adding a mock drumset and microphone, with the option of an additional guitar. If it doesn’t sound like fun, then you may not have been hugged enough as a child.

The drums are difficult at first, especially if you actually know how to play real drums. Adjustment and patience are key–just as with the fake guitar, you need to remember that you’re not actually playing along with the music, just doing the necessary motions to make the game move forward. If you fuck up, it’s OK. You’ll just get booed off stage by the virtual crowd.

The inclusion of singing is where the game really excels. Your pitch and delivery are judged against the console’s tone meter (which is surprisingly accurate), and you get extra points for ad-libs. All those imaginary oohs and aahs you hear when you listen to “Don’t Fear The Reaper” will now be rewarded. In this aspect, Rock Band is like karaoke times ten–often embarrassing, but a total blast (especially if you’re wasted).

While there’s something admittedly pathetic about a group of grown men circled around a television playing with toy guitars, drums and microphones, the interactive elements of the game make it so engaging that you won’t care how stupid you look. Maybe you and your buddies aren’t talented or motivated enough to start a real band. So what? Drop a couple hundred bucks on Rock Band and you can live out all your rock’n'roll dreams on the stage in your living room.