Rock Band 3 - Xbox 360

Why rank a game before it's out because of the instruments that are coming out for it? If the cost of some of the instruments seems high, this is the first game that will allow you to play real instruments in game. That's right, the guitar that Fender is coming out with you can plug into an amp and play for real. Not to say it's going to be cheap, but it will definitely be COOL! if you don't like the price of the controllers for it, you can still use the cheap ones you can buy. No reason to complain about it when you don't HAVE to buy the expensive stuff.

This newest addition to the Rock Band series continues the tradition of caring first and foremost about the customer. The developers have setup the series so that you really only need the newest game handy to enjoy everything the series offers. I like that with RB3, I can access not only all of the DLC, but almost every single song from the first two RB discs, as well as the Green Day and AC/DC exported tracks. There is no disc swapping required, as there is with the Guitar Hero series. That alone makes it a perfect party game. Not everyone will appreciate the Pro modes, but it is nice that it is there. It actually makes the game accessible to the casual rocker as well as the musicians who want to learn how to play. However, the pro guitars are expensive, but still probably cheaper than a real one plus lessons. The new features, such as better graphics, easier track browsing, smoother difficulty transitions (going from medium to hard is no longer as jarring as it used to be), the addition of keyboards and the stellar disc tracks make this a worthy addition to the series. I look forward to rocking out for years to come.

Overall the game is ok. There are too many bugs and issues that should have been fixed prior to being released. In addition to that the lack of peripherials that support the new features is a big let down. I ordered the pro midi box 1 month ago and it will not be delivered for another month and even after xmas. If I would have read the reviews prior to purchasing I probably would have waited on my purchase. I was also disappointed that you have to buy the pro guitar parts for older songs for $0.99 and re-purchase the new RB3 versions of the older songs to have keyboard. for another $2.00. That is if they even make them. Harmonix is being sold off by Viacom so it is up in the air who will own them and how the support for the game will be going forward.

I love this game, though it is not for everyone. If you like the music games then I highly recommend this one. March 1st the Fender Squier guitar comes out which is a real guitar that you can either hook up to the game with a Midi adapter or plug into an amp and jam out. The same goes for keyboards. My wife plays the piano so this was an excellent inclusion. Also including Harmony vocals was very smart as it makes for an interesting late night karaoke. Though the midi adapters as well as the Squier guitar are not yet released I have high hopes as Harmonix has always led the music game industry with games like Amplitude, Frequency, and the early Guitar Hero games. If you prefer shooting someone to playing a real instrument or a plastic one, then I hear Black Ops is good. However, if music is your thing I believe you can't go wrong with this game.

This series just keeps getting better. I love how you can always import your other track packs and games into the new ones that come out. The new line up of songs is definitely not as good as Rock Band 2 but you can still import them all so that's not an issue here. I love how you can play through your career in road challenges and you have so much different stuff to do to beat all the challenges. Each instrument has it's own challenges here which is cool. The game music quality is amazing with the dolby settings and bass boost features. The only thing i didn't like about this game is that you have to purchase the keyboard, pro drums and pro guitar to earn all the achievements. Very solid game though for the money.

This game is over all excelent. It definitly isn't as hard as Rock Band 2 songs, but the classic rock titles are really nice. I have already Full Game 100% on every song excepy Round about. thats how easy the songs are. The graphics are alot better, and the crowd now tells you "YOUR F^CKIN AWESOME!" instead of singing along. pretty cool right? Pro mode is also very cool. I have completed almost every song 100% for pro drums and keyboard.

RockBand 3 has brought music gaming to a whole new level of realism this time around. Gone is the use of just five colored buttons to mimic music, now you can do that AND play guitar, bass, and keyboards exactly as they should be. This is as much as a game as it is a learning tool to teach yourself how to play guitar, bass, and keyboards. And drums too. With the right amount of dedication, one can learn to play any of these instruments to their liking. Harmonix has brought to the table a priceless tool for learning, and an excellent game full of amazing songs to play. And it never ends, with weekly downloads available to increase your library of music there is always something new. I would recommend anybody who is wanting and willing to learn a new skill and instrument... pick this game up with the respective instrument. You will not be disappointed!! And for everyone else who just wants to play this with a party environment, the original formula is still there with the addition of keys and harmonies. You don't want to miss the future of music gaming, and possibly teaching.

If you have experience with any of the previous Rock Band titles, then you will appreciate the modifications to Harmonix's latest installment. With the addition of keyboard and pro instruments, you have a lot of options. Mind you, the new accessories are not cheap, but you can use your existing RB instruments. I played this game on Thanksgiving with several friends and had a blast! You won't be disappointed if you buy this game.