It would be easy to dismiss Lego Rock Band as just another kids title, it would also be easy to dismiss Lego rock band a just a skin game based on the previous rock band titles, for the most part that analogy would be closer to the truth. But those of us that will go beneath the surface on this game will see that it’s actually, well, surprisingly good.
As with what you would expect from previous rock band game’s the free play option returns along with the music store and training mode, but its games story mode that brings it to life. The old formula remains where fans help you unlock more gigs, more songs and new venue’s, but with everything being made out of Lego bricks, and the signature cutesy humour that has become a major selling point for the Lego endorsed games make this a real gem.
One of the best things about this game are the rock power challenges, three’s are challenges specific to certain songs and certain venue’s in which you have to accomplish a set goal before the song ends. One especially memorable example of this is the brick ton manor rock power challenge involving Ray Parker Jr. and a number of pesky spirits.
The set list in Lego Rock Band if anything justifies Lego’s and hamonix’s ideas behind this game, it isn’t like their making it ultra easy for the kids, or even as if they have dumbed things down for them. They have made a credible title that the adults can have just as much fun with as the kids will. The only problem’s I have is that the game is basically a gigantic commercial for Lego, I mean; I know that sounds obvious with it being a Lego game. But do the notes on the fret boards have to be red, green, yellow, blue and orange Lego pieces? And do the loading screens have to give you Lego facts? (Did you know that if you laid all the Lego bricks made in one year next to each other they would cover the world 5 times!)? The last fault I have, is nothing to do with this game, I just feel that the genre of rhythm action games is becoming stagnant and a little over populated which is a shame, because this should not be overlooked.
Lego Rock Band’s multiplayer element isn’t exactly groundbreaking or original, just copy and paste from the previous games, just insert Lego. And hopefully some people with genuine skill at the game.
With customisation options on just about everything in the game including your road crew and rock hangout, and tons of replay value with new songs being added to the rock band store each week, this is going to be one that will keep the family entertained over the long winter months.
Graphics: 9
Gameplay: 8
Controls: 9
Multiplayer (person dependent): 5
Overall: 7
REVIEW BY JIM SCOTT
