November 14, 2009 12:23 PM
Band Hero - family-friendly music gameplay
Our family was given the opportunity to test the just-launched Band Hero
The pictures were taken early on, with Matt (24), Zach(21), Jonny (17), Daniel (13) and Justin (9). Tripp (age-defying dad) and Maddy got into the action later .
We don't own a Wii, but Matt has an XBOX 360. Matt is a gaming expert, so I asked him to write up his thoughts on the Band Hero experience:
This holiday season, a new hero has appeared on the scene of the digital, plastic rock stars. Only two months after the release of Guitar Hero 5 Activision has rolled out Band Hero. Unlike its predecessor Band Hero is aimed at a more definite demographic than GH5 or Rock Band and that is most evident in the song list. The playlist sounds like your child's MP3 player. There's a lot of pop, some R&B, rock's top 40 and some oldies thrown in to give it a little flavor. Even though it boasts sixty five songs on the disc the amount of music seems limited, though there is a lot of variety. I suppose the ability to import your own tracks and download songs will help.Parents will be pleased to know they have censored some of the songs that were deemed to have inappropriate lyrics. I did start to laugh while singing American Pie, "And good old boys were drinking . . . Rye." Apparently it's not ok to say whiskey but rye, which is also alcoholic, is perfectly fine.
The gameplay itself is fun and enjoyable. This game is very easy to pick up and play. My little sister who has never liked these games, picked it up instantly and was singing and playing to her hearts content. My little brothers enjoy the new GHJam which plays a background track and allows you to strum and make up tuneless songs until you go deaf.
In addition to the GHJam the game features the new and improved music studio from GH5. This music studio allows you to sit down and write your own songs. The interface has been totally revamped and is much easier to use. It still requires a lot of patience to use and a lot of skill to make a decent song but now your child can use it as well as a seasoned gamer like me.
All in all this is a decent game. If you already own Guitar Hero 5 or Rock Band this game may just feel like an extended tracklist that you paid full price for. But if you or your kids are looking to break in to the plastic rock and roll world this is a great way to start. It may not trash your hotel room but it'll get the party started. I give it a 7.5.
From Band Hero's press release:
This November, family and friends will come together to ascend the virtual stage and rock their way to superstardom with Band Hero. Brought to you by the makers of Guitar Hero®, one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time, Band Hero features the hottest chart-topping hits from everyone's favorite acts including Taylor Swift, No Doubt, Lily Allen, The All-American Rejects and Jackson 5. Headlined by some of the biggest names in music as in-game artists and playable characters, Band Hero is the ultimate party game where players of all ages will be able to experience the signature, easy-to-learn but difficult-to-master Guitar Hero gameplay. Band Hero allows fans to create the band they always dreamed of using any combination of guitar or drum controllers and vocals, providing rockers and performers of all ages the chance to experience and interact with their favorite music.
And here's a video which gives you some idea how it works:
Posted in Entertainment, Music | Permalink
