‘’Finally’’ would be the most commonly heard word that would be used to describe Harmonix/MTV’s prize video gaming franchise arriving in the UK. While most of us musical fans in the UK have been treated to the Guitar Hero series, things get that much more interesting when a drum kit and a microphone are introduced into the bundle. It seems like a very long time ago since Rock Bandwas released in America and it strikes me as incredibly odd at the ridiculous amount of time it took to find its way on our shores. Nevertheless, here are we are with only a month away before a brand new batch of songs are playable for the plastic guitar loving players of the UK, alongside with the ability to experiment with your vocal chords and indeed your drumming skills.

Those who have read my previous articles with regards to the Guitar Hero games will know that I was somewhat sceptical at the beginning, but quickly changed my opinion after conceding that it was damn near the best amount of fun possible with a plastic guitar. I believe Rock Band will have an even more amazing effect on the numbers of people who are playing or considering beginning playing this particular franchise of video games. In my opinion it is a skill, one that is thoroughly enjoyable to learn and indeed play with the friends. The sad loser inside of you can even envision the rock and roller that wants to break free and rock the house upside down. All of this is very cool and little can be said to fault the game.

The issue however (there’s always an issue, right?) is the price tag that our UK economical market could slap on this bad boy. Obviously the Rock Band package comes strung together with a guitar, drum kit, microphone and a copy of the game. In America the game retails from anywhere between $150 - $169.99; logic dictates that it could go for JUST under £100 in the UK since Guitar Hero 3 went for £60 and it’s just a guitar and game.

Hopefully, however, they will be slack. As a consumer I'd be willing to pay £80 for a bundle like that, but any more would seriously be pushing it, considering there really is no insurance for any of the accessories and they’re guaranteed to break eventually (heck, I shredded my guitar so bad the blue button doesn't work any more).

Finally, as mentioned in the title, even though Rock Band sells for PS3 and 360 in America, Microsoft has bought a significant launch window for the title specifically for their console only. Who knows how long PS3 owners will have to wait, some argue it could be as late as summer, we will have to wait and see.

I.K.
CeX Towers

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