The Beatles Rock Band
Back to reviews
Game Reviewed: The
Beatles Rock Band
Publisher: MTV
Games
Developer: Harmonix
(PS3/Xbox 360), Pi Studios (Wii)
Reviewer: Matt Lewis
Platform: Wii (also on PS3, Xbox 360)
Category: Rhythm Game
ERSB Rating: T
Game Description
The Beatles have been reintroduced to the world this year
and have once again taken it by storm. Digitally re-mastered versions of their
CDs make up only part of this, though. The Beatles Rock Band was released this
year. The rhythm game favorite has been given even newer life as the Beatles'
digital selves perform at the Ed Sullivan Show and Shea Stadium once again.
This time, however, you pluck the guitar riffs, keep the beat on drums, or belt
out the vocals. Whatever you choose, you are soon in their shoes. The game
offers varying levels of difficulties so nearly anyone can take up the musical
legacy and enjoy becoming the newest member of the Beatles.
There are different modes of game play. In one, you play
whatever song you like, with however many band members decide to join in. In
another, called “Story” mode, you follow the Beatles' career in chronological
order. Each year brings a new venue and set of songs. There are also online
modes of play that include anything between a single player and a full band.
Overall, the game offers a lot of different ways to play, ensuring that your
experience will not get old anytime soon.
What Parents Need to
Know
Violence
It's a rhythm game, so there is no violence.
Language
The included songs are free of foul language.
Sexual Content
There are a few cases of innuendo in some of the included songs.
The song “Good Morning Good Morning” includes the line: “Watching the skirts
you start to flirt now you're in gear.”
The whimsical tune “I Am The Walrus” contains the line: “Crabalocker
fishwife, pornographic priestess, Boy, you been a naughty girl you let your
knickers down.” “Back In The U.S.S.R.” says “The Ukraine girls really knock me
out.” There are a very few other cases of such innuendo.
Spiritual Content
The song “Tomorrow
Never Knows” focuses on meditation. “Turn off your mind, relax and float down
stream. It is not dying, it is not dying.” Such lyrics continue through the
song.
Misc.
Some of the lyrics also contain veiled drug references.
“Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” has been debated for some time. Also, in the
“Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band/With A Little Help From My Friends”
medley the chorus includes “I get high with a little help from my friends.”
The Beatles Rock Band possesses a large appeal and, in the
process, provides a huge amount of replay value through their downloadable
tracks. For two or three dollars, you can have a brand new song to enjoy.
However, these songs might contain objectionable lyrical content not covered in
this review.
Reviewers Thoughts
I have always enjoyed the Rock Band series, but not enough
to take the plunge. As a whole, it did not hold a lot of appeal for me. But
when Beatles Rock Band appeared on the scene, I knew I would soon be the proud
owner of my first rhythm game. I had enjoyed their songs for a while, and the
chance to “play” them was too great an opportunity to pass up. The great song
selection and polished aesthetics are taking the genre to new heights, and these
things make the game one of the best. The Beatles Rock Band is also crossing the
generational gap that other games have created. It appeals to those lucky
enough to remember the Beatles' new productions, as well as securing a new fan
base for the “Fab Four” in the current generation. The Beatles Rock Band is a
great rhythm game that is relatively safe for all ages. With only a few
missteps in a plethora of songs, it works hard to avoid causing the worry of a
lyrical blurb that could otherwise mar the experience. Though a bit pricey if
you buy the classic Beatles instruments, I highly recommend that you check this
game out. Gathering around to sing “Paperback Writer” and “Yellow Submarine”
could make for a fun, whimsical family night.
