bit-tech Shopping: Electronic Arts Rock Band Special Edition

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Months

Strengths: Decent party game, mostly solid build quality, Guitar Hero controllers work with it, hardware compatible with PS3, lots of fun with a group, developed by the creators of Guitar Hero

Weaknesses: Expensive for what you get, no online support, no downloadable content, minimal customization, fewer play modes than PS3 port

Summary: At this point, most consumers have at least heard of the popular Guitar Hero series. Developer Harmonix created the series and the first three games (1, 2 & Rock the 80s), but publisher Activision cast Harmonix aside for Guitar Hero 3. Like a jilted spouse, Harmonix is now back with a new date, Rock Band, that expands the Guitar Hero player roster to include a lead singer and drums. Lacking a hard drive, the PS2 forced Harmonix to lose online and downloadable content support. This means the player gets fewer game play modes, tunes and customization options. Granted, the PS2 version is $10 cheaper that the PS3 and Xbox 360 ports, but you lose a lot of value for that price difference. On the plus side, the hardware included here is the same as what comes with the PS3 model, so you can always upgrade to the PS3 software later on if you want to. Rock Band remains a fun group experience on any console, but without onlne support, you get a lot less for your money with the PS2 port. At $150+, it's also fairly expensive for a single game. Thus, you'll probably want to wait for a sale or clearance prior to purchase. For just $10 more, the Xbox 360 or PS3 port offers a lot more value. If you haven't tried an instrumental music game like this before, consider picking up one of the cheaper guitar hero bundles first.