Game review: ‘Rock Band 4’ is a solid new installment in rock ‘n’ roll sim series
Rock Band 4. (Handout/TNS)
Screenshout from "Rock Band 4." (Handout/TNS)
Parents need to know that "Rock Band 4" is a music and rhythm game that lets players take on the roles of rock stars and pretend to play instruments. (Handout/TNS)
Parents need to know that “Rock Band 4” is a music and rhythm game that lets players take on the roles of rock stars and pretend to play instruments, including a guitar, bass and drums. Players can customize their character’s gender, skin color and style to have them better reflect their real world selves. Sexuality isn’t visually depicted beyond some tight and skimpy outfits players can choose for their avatars, but the lyrics of some songs include reference to sexual acts such as masturbation as well as drugs. Keep in mind, too, that the cost of the game will likely grow well beyond the initial investment since players are encouraged to browse an online store and purchase more songs.
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
“Rock Band 4,” the first new game in Harmonix’s rock ‘n’ roll simulation series in five years, follows in the footsteps of its predecessors by giving players a chance to play in a four-piece band composed of guitar, bass, drums and vocals. The plastic instruments (sold separately, unless you get the guitar or band-in-a-box bundle) are designed to replicate the experience of playing a real musical instrument. A tour mode allows players to create avatars and head out on the road, playing sets in venues around the world to gain fans and earn more money with which to purchase cooler clothes and instruments. Outside of the tour mode, players can perform one-off shows picking songs as they go along, or experiment with guitar solos in a new solo mode.
IS IT ANY GOOD?
This music sequel is both a slightly improved and a scaled back revision of the franchise’s well-established formula. The previous games’ splashy, movie-like cinematics are largely absent, but the venues are more detailed and have better lighting and smoke effects than past games. There are no longer any online multiplayer modes, but the core local multiplayer tour mode has been tweaked in meaningful ways, allowing band members to vote on set lists and make important decisions that will affect the band’s evolution.
It’s important to note that “Rock Band 4” has been envisioned not as just a numbered sequel, but as a platform that will evolve over several years. And keep in mind that much of the music and instruments you may have purchased for previous installments will transfer over to this edition, so long as you stick with the same platform. The initial offering may be a little lean around the bones, but it lays a solid foundation for growth over time.
RATING AND CONTENT
Recommended for ages 12 and older
Quality: 4 out of 5
Learning: 3 out of 5
Positive messages: 3 out of 5
Positive role models: 3 out of 5
Ease of play: 3 out of 5
Violence: 0 out of 5
Sex: 2 out of 5
Language: 1 out of 5
Drinking, drugs, and smoking: 3 out of 5
Privacy and safety: 5 out of 5
Consumerism: 2 out of 5 (Are products/advertisements embedded? Is the title part of a broader marketing initiative/empire? Is the intent to sell things to kids?)
WHAT KIDS CAN LEARN
- Arts
- Hobbies
- Creativity
- Communication
- Collaboration
GAME DETAILS
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Price: $59.99 – 249.99
Developer: Harmonix
Release date: Oct. 6, 2015
Genre: Music and Dance
ESRB rating: T for Lyrics
