I have mixed feelings about Rock Band, the video game. On the one hand, it is a really fun rhythm based game, featuring some of the best rock songs you’ll ever hear (though it is missing AC/DC), it’s good for small parties, and great for annoying the down-stairs neighbors (the drums are at least). On the other hand, Rock Band feels kind of plastic-y. If you’ve ever played Guitar Hero or Rock Band–or seen the South Park episode making fun of Guitar Hero–you probably understand what I’m talking about. And the guitars are kind of not really musical instruments–they’re just glorified controllers to mash buttons on.
Flimsy guitars aside, the drums are super loud. Our neighbors have in fact complained, and we have had to ask friends to “take it easy” on the drum heads. I wish the drums were quieter, seriously. But, lo, I lift up mine eyes to the hills… And what is this? Looks like Harmonix, the makers of Rock Band (and also the original makers of Guitar Hero), have answered my prayers, by releasing Rock Band 2, featuring an incredible amount of new songs, quieter drums, self-calibrating guitar strummer, and wireless everything!
Of course now I’m feeling like a jilted early adopter, left to either trade in the current Rock Band instruments towards the yet-to-be-released RB2, or to stay put and keep getting complaints from the neighbors. I’d like to just upgrade the drums… Don’t know if there’s going to be a drum-and-game only option, but it looks like Harmonix thought of the possibility of folks trying to be cheap; now you have the option of spending nearly $500 on a video game! It seems Harmonix decided to tempt the ultra-hardcore, ultra-affluent fanbase by offering a $300 stand-alone electronic drum kit (seen below) that can be played with Rock Band, or just used on its own as a real drum set.
In case you’re wondering, I am in fact planning on collecting a “love offering” for Rock Band 2, and yes you can totally play the drums first if you want.
Posted by Micah McMillan 
