INTRODUCTION
Hot on the heels of AC/DC Live: Rock Band, “The Beatles: Rock Band” jams its way into the spotlight as the second Rock Band game that puts a laser focus on a single band—The Beatles, no less. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this masterpiece, shall we?
IT’S MORE THAN JUST A REVAMPED ROCK BAND 2
If you thought this game was just a rebranded version of Rock Band 2 with some Beatles music slapped on, you’re in for a “Twist and Shout” level of surprise! The game packs in a revamped career mode and a story mode that catapults you through Beatlemania, from The Cavern Club to their iconic rooftop performance on Apple Corps’ studio. And let’s not get too purist here; creative liberties abound, like Ringo Starr jamming away on “Back in the U.S.S.R,” despite not being on the original recording. The game ups the ante by offering three unique vocal parts, letting you and your pals harmonize like the Fab Four.
NOT JUST BEATLES SONGS, BUT REMASTERED BEATLES SONGS!
The game is like a treasure trove for Beatles fans, featuring 45 remastered titles. But wait, there’s more! Future albums will be made available exclusively as DLCs for this game. This resembles the Beatles performing on “The Ed Sullivan Show”; it’s historic! It’s the first time Apple Corps has allowed the band’s music to be used in a video game.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THAT BEATLES VIBE
When you switch on the game, you’ll notice that this isn’t just Rock Band with Beatles music. The match exudes Beatle’s aura, from the characters to the overall ambiance and sound effects. Instrument skins are also available so that you can play like George Harrison on a sitar, only it’s a guitar, but you get the point! However, if you plan to export these classic tracks to Rock Band or Rock Band 2, dream on. It isn’t happening, pal.
TRACKLIST: A MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR OF ITS OWN
From “I Want to Hold Your Hand” to “Tomorrow Never Knows,” the tracklist reads like a Greatest Hits Beatles album. You’ll be playing through a collection of their best tunes from albums like “Please Please Me,” “Rubber Soul,” and “Abbey Road,” among many others. And trust me, you’ll be busy channeling your inner McCartney or Lennon as you work through these iconic songs. Oh, and by the way, you’ll get a bit of a history lesson too, as you play through classics like “A Hard Day’s Night” from 1964, “Hey Bulldog” from 1969’s “Yellow Submarine,” and let’s not forget “Get Back” from the 1970 album “Let It Be.”
A COUPLE OF DOWNSIDES
There are a couple of limitations before you “Come Together” and declare this game the best thing since sliced bread or, more fittingly, since The Beatles themselves. First, unlike in the AC/DC game, you can’t export the songs for other Rock Band games. Also, the game doesn’t cover every Beatles album in its entirety, so a few of your favorite tracks might be missing. But let’s be honest, would you rather have no Beatles or some Beatles in your Rock Band experience?
CONCLUSION: SHOULD YOU GET BACK TO THE BEATLES?
Let’s wrap up: This game isn’t just another title in the Rock Band series. It’s an homage, a time machine, and a vocal exercise. It’s a true masterpiece from its story mode that takes you on a journey through the Beatles’ career to the introduction of harmonizing vocals. While it has its limitations, the positives far outweigh them. So pick up that guitar, grab a microphone, or sit behind the drum set, and let’s “Come Together” over this glorious game. After all, “Love Me Do,” or you’ll love this game too!
