Game review: Lego Rock Band - Playstation 3

But as fate would have it someone, somewhere, deemed it a good enough idea to combine the two and release them this Christmas.

If you are not familiar with the Rock Band series, they are essentially rhythm-based game controlled by a variety of peripherals – namely controllers designed to play like their respective instruments (guitars, drums and a USB microphone).

With Lego Rock Band, the standard rules are the same – you have to use your musical controllers to hit the correct notes at the correct time – failing to do so will result in your band getting booed off.

Being a Lego-based title, there is also the aspect of collecting bricks, with much of the emphasis on its catchphrase: “Build a band, rock the universe”.

When starting the story campaign, after a rather cute animation you are taken through to the main hub, which is split into several different sections.

Designed to look like the band’s headquarters, there is an office, freeplay, practice stage, rock shop, challenges, a TV to watch and the option to get on with your tour. At first, all these different sections don’t really amount to anything, but as the game progresses items are unlocked and options are given to you.

For example, if you feel your band is having a bit of an image crisis, you can pay a visit to the rockshop and give them a facelift, or buy them new guitars. In the office, you can manage your entourage. All this is managed by the bricks that you are awarded when you complete each performance. The better you perform, the more handsome your reward.

As you progress through your career the game throws a variety of different levels at you. After your first gig, a caption comes up saying one day your band will be as big as Queen, and they will be playing Wembrick Stadium. When the level loads, you in fact playing Lego versions of Freddie, Brian, Roger and the other one and jamming your way through “We Will Rock You”.

Another kind of level is the rock power challenge. A cutscene shows inept construction workers trying to dismantle a building, until they notice that it vibrates when your band rehearsing and you suddenly find yourself performing in the same building and watching it collapse all around you.

Even though the game mechanic is the same as every other rhythm-based game, it is quite enjoyable and amusing to see the band’s music have an effect on the Lego world.

Graphically, the game is quite solid. While it is nothing particularly spectacular, kudos must be given to the designers for throwing in as many Lego bricks as possible. Apart from the obvious (such as the characters), there are bricks everywhere – on top of the amps, on the band’s van, even the blocks on the note meter are now Lego bricks.

Any musical rhythm song lives or dies on the strength of its track list, and Lego Rock Band is no exception. Whilst the set is not as vast as other titles, Lego Rock Band is easily the most accessible of the series. Featuring acts as diverse as David Bowie, Blur, The Hives, Elton John, Carl Douglas and Supergrass, there is literally something on here for everyone.

Also, should you have DLC from the previous Rock Band games, these songs should work on Lego Rock Band. You can also access the Rock Band store, but the content is restricted to the family-friendly stuff.

Lego Rock Band is a great little party game, featuring some great tracks and some fun little cutscenes. While it is a little tight on content compared to other music party games, it balances cute and charming perfectly, and is suitable for both the younger audience and newcomer alike.

Score: 7 out of 10

The Good

Nice variety of songs
Fun to play with others

The Bad

Bit tight on the musical content
No online multiplayer