Four stars - because I was unable to buy an extra guitar without the software. Seems silly they release the game without the opportunity to get a second guitar. I see they will have them in time for Christmas at many locations - over two months after the release of the game. I would recommend getting the band in a box - and waiting until the guitar controller is available without the software.

While I miss some of the features of the older rockband games I am really happy that they finally released it for the current gaming platforms. The great part is that all of the old DLC that you purchased will port over automatically so you can jump right in with a large library of songs to play. There are still some features that they don't have (Online play) that would make it a 5 star product but it is still a great game for those that love the music rhythm genera.

If you would like to re-play old songs you had downloaded, or play some new tracks this is a great bundle. The game works well, and the syncing issues with the instruments and latency have been drastically fixed. That said, this is still the bare-bones Rock Band 1 type experience. Most of the customization, practice modes and online play we have come to expect is missing. Granted, Harmonix is standing behind this product, stating that this is THE ONLY Rock Band game that will come out this generation and they are going to be releasing massive updates for free, including a practice mode and online co-op. For this price, it's worth giving it a shot. If you weren't into rhythm games last generation, you won't like this. I'd suggest giving Guitar Hero Live a shot as they have significantly changed the button layout. This is nostalgic for me and I am getting my money's worth out of it. I can't recommend it for anyone who is on the fence though. There isn't much content unless you've been a long time fan of the series.

Rock Band 4 is another solid entry into the classic franchise (classic for me anyways, haha). Having spent hundreds, if not thousands of hours fake plastic rocking, I can see myself spending hundreds more! I will admit that the game is a little barebones right now (lack of in-depth character/band creation hurts), but that was to be expected. Harmonix was very forthcoming with the fact that this is not the multi-million dollar budgeted game the other Rock Bands were. The beauty with the new console generation is that games can be expanded and improved on in significant ways (Titanfall, anyone?), and Harmonix has already declared constant updates for the foreseeable future. If they can keep to this promise, then I see Rock Band 4 being the DEFINITIVE version of Rock Band. Also, almost every previously purchased DLC track is available from the outset, for free. Previous Rock Band disc songs will be available in the near future as well, bringing the total music available into the thousands, trumping the competition. That alone makes the game a 5-star in my book.

My only major complaint about RB4 is that prior USB accessories are still not all working. So if you are an ION kit owner, beware. That said the new free form guitar solos are a lot of fun. The new single title per console format is very promising and I have been very happy with the game play in this version on my XB1. There is a huge selection included with the disc, but with that much variety you will only put the time into 5/Gold a portion of it. The DLC is expensive and importing songs from prior purchased games is still coming but is not free. It is now cheaper to buy rock band 3 than to purchase the track pack for it. I know these games require a lot of work for DLC but there is very little benefit to purchasing multiple track packs and the choices are hit and miss. I really like the game play but I encourage everyone to look at the DLC offering prior to purchase and make sure some of what you want is out there.