UsefulConcept

I really should be working on my many projects, but I took tonight off to play with my new game Rock Band.  It arrived a day earlier than expected (ordered last week from amazon), which is always a good thing when it comes to new games.

I ordered the Special Edition, which comes with a drum kit, guitar and microphone.  The setup was easy enough.  The guitar is new and improved.  It looks better than the last one and has buttons to press up and down the neck to make playing feel a bit more authentic.  There are also game controls built in, which makes maneuvering around the menus easier than previous games.

The first instrument I tried was the drums.  They rock!  There are four pads to hit, plus a base drum pedal.  I found the base drum to be a heavy workout for my right shin.  Maybe I need to review how best to position myself, but it was hard.  I took to the drums pretty quickly and really enjoyed the music selection.  There are options from many genre's and range from the 60's to present.

Playing Wanted Dead or Alive and Creep were my favorites of the easy easy set.

My friends then came over and we had one on guitar, one on drums and one on mic.  I found it odd to have to use wireless controller for the mic operation (selecting menus, etc.  However it was easy enough to get it all started.  My friends were not nearly as quick to pick up the drums, but they did pick up the guitar and singing pretty well and after a bit of fumbling we were rocking out and having a great time.  Its funny how everyone is embarrassed to try and play, but once they start they feel pretty comfortable and get right into the groove.  Sometimes doing new things in public is scary.

At any rate, this is a pretty early review as I have only played medium on a few songs yet, and have not yet unlocked anything.  However I give it a big thumbs up so far.

A few things I am wishing for:

1. wireless.  I hate that all three items have to be plugged into the usb hub.  That may be ok for most setups, but my xbox360 is connected to a projector on the ceiling behind us.  Makes for connecting the instruments a bit awkward. 
2. The drum set is cool, but I would like an option to move the pads further apart.  I want to try playing in a style that has my hands crossing each other for rhythm, but it isn't really possible so far.

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