Interactive Documentary

The opening scene of Rockband: The Beatles is amazing; it is a foreshadow of what is to come.

Unlike Guitar Hero band-specific-releases, this disk is all Beatles. It follows the history of the Beatles in various stages and settings. In some ways, it is a history lesson told in animation and picture montages between stages. But it is more for those how already know the story. For example, as you enter the Abbey Road chapter, there is an image of Candlestick Park and a ticket stub, but you are not told this was their last live concert ever. The songs in rest of the story start with the band members in the studio, so it is only implied.

It is a beautiful game. Especially as you move into the psychedelic era. Game play is standard Rockband with a few minor “Beatles-mania” additions. The sound quality is awesome – I wonder if it uses the digitally re-mastered albums that released on the same day.

I started playing on drums (Easy) with El Mico on lead guitar (Expert) – both of us are Beatles fans. One funny thing happened near the end of our session that evening: the red pad on the drum kit quit working. This has happened before – it is a pain to re-solder the connection. But I did not want to stop to do that exercise again, so I played a couple songs pressing the CIRCLE button on the keypad with my finger and drumming with the stick in my other hand. It worked out just fine – though awkward. I have not finished the story mode yet. I have unlocked some challenges and extras (like the Christmas album from 1960). The Beatles are very accessible to many generations – I will launch this game the next time company comes over. I am really enjoying this “interactive documentary” of one of the best bands ever. (Click the links in the story; it is worth your time.)

...His Money Are Soon Parted

September has been a good month for new games and I have been taking advantage of the opportunities given to me by Best Buy.

I bought Guitar Hero 5 on September 1st (release day). I had Best Buy Reward Zone certificates that were about to expire; I had to use them. I was able to walk out of the store with GH5 for $30.

I REALLY like party play. I don't really like the song selection: to diverse. But I will load in about 1/3 of the GH:WT songs when I get a chance. I'm working my way through the career mode now.

Best Buy is having a excellent sale this week. Buy one PS3 game, get a second for half price. I believe it covers every game <$60 except for pre-orders.

So I pick up another rhythm game, Rockband The Beatles, and Batman: Arkham Asylum. Again I had some Reward Zone certificates; I got both for $70. That's 1/2 price. I read a review about RB:tB that sold me.

The demo for B:AA was a lot of fun. The extras (Joker) and slightly better graphics over the Xbox made selecting the PS3 version easier. I plan on playing the Beatles this Saturday and keeping my wallet in my pocket.

Does 'Rhythm' contain a vowel? Oh, "Sometimes."

I live a tough life. I spend all day working for The Man and all night taking care of my family. Then, with the few moments I have at the end of the day, I become Anguissette on the PlayStation3. The above paragraph is not true. I enjoy working for The Man and my family enjoys playing PlayStation with me. So, I have been playing a lot of Rock Band 2 and Guitar Hero World Tour. (I play my M games after everyone is in bed.)

While on guitar, I can play any song on Medium. I just can’t get down to the orange button. So my fingers stay on green, yellow, red, blue and I play whatever they throw at me. Many songs I would complete 100% if I was not trying to manage my Star Power (Overdrive). I’ve basically finished both games. (I am not going to play the Endless Song List 2 on RB2 – six hours without pausing, no way!) I’ll probably fill out a few trophies on RB2, but since I am not going to Expert, I won’t get them all. I have not played the on-line format - you can play with others or against them. None of my friends seem to be into Rhythm games. (You are? Then send me a PSN invite. PSN ID: Anguissette.)

I’ve discovered that playing with others is a ton of fun. I’ve had guests over – many with kids – and we all play. The adults seem to come out of their ‘proper’ shell and let it loose. From alternate lyrics (“Excuse me while I kiss this guy”) to drum solos – I’ve seen a stuff that will turn you white: Mr.P, I’m thinking about you singing "Eye of the Tiger" . I’ll probably pick up another guitar before the next ‘budding young rockers’ come over. I’ve had trouble with the GH4 drum set: the red pad does not work. To Red Octane’s credit, they did send me a MIDI to USB cable. I tried to adjust the sensitivity, but that did not help. I’m going to try the return-defective-equipment route before attempting the ‘internet fixes.’ I’ll let you know how it works out. Until I get a replacement, we simply use Lefty Flip so the red does not come up that often.

I could not pick a favorite song – I enjoy so many. Paramore, The Killers, The Who, A7X, GnR, and Kent (VinterNoll2) are what I can remember. Not only is a good song important, but also how the game play translates: you need to feel like you are really playing along. So many other songs feel like the Simon game – just follow the lights. If I practiced my real guitar as much as I’ve played Guitar Hero, I’d have millions of dollars and hot-and-cold running chicks.