Entertainment

By Phil Stauskas
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ― The "Rock Band" video game franchise represents one of the most popular forms of entertainment for the kids today. The Beatles represent one of the hottest bands for the kids from 40 years ago. The merging of the two is a cultural event that spans several generations and multiple kinds of media.

Let's get one thing out of the way right now. The Beatles are (arguably, I suppose) the greatest rock band of all time. So, for a video game that relies heavily on excellent music, "The Beatles: Rock Band" can do no wrong. It has quickly become one of my favorite video games. Ever.

The game follows the familiar "Rock Band" format of players jamming to familiar tunes on a set of plastic instruments. "The Beatles: Rock Band" now allows up to six people to play together: a guitarist, a bassist, a drummer, a singer and two people doing backup vocals.

But the gameplay is generally the same across every new installment of the "Rock Band" franchise, or its primary competition, "Guitar Hero." The music is what separates them from each other, and that is where "The Beatles: Rock Band" shines.

Every track on the game's setlist is a good song. They're fun to play. They're fun to listen to while others play. And just when you think you've heard the best song on the disc, something better (or just as good) shows up to prove you wrong. Even my wife, traditionally not big on gaming, was willing to rock out more because the music is enjoyable, and all first class.

While the selection of included songs is solid, some notable tracks are missing ("Penny Lane" and "Let It Be" and "Strawberry Fields Forever," just to name a few). But the option of downloadable songs looks to expand on the setlist, and the promise of full album releases means that even less popular tracks will get some attention.

And, despite some questionable lyrics from the band's "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" era (if you know what I mean), this is a game that the whole family can play together. Kids and teens will be accustomed to the regular "Rock Band" formula, while the older folks will appreciate the band. I can already picture the long conversations, between grandfather and grandson, that will ensue as people come together to play as The Beatles.

For most kids, "The Beatles: Rock Band" is just a video game. And from that perspective, it's still a ton of fun. But for music fans, especially anyone old enough to remember the British Invasion, this is not a game at all. It feels like an interactive shrine to the greatest rock band the world has ever seen. The story mode is not told through words, but in a fluid and layered collage of imagery from Beatles history. Watch as the Lads from Liverpool make their British debut, appear on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and ultimately end up on a rooftop for one last performance.

The gameplay elements are merely a conduit for reaching the deeper content: a collection of photographs and rarely-seen movies and in-studio conversations. As a complete package, "The Beatles: Rock Band" is less of a game and more like a museum exhibit honoring the band.

But the real test comes when playing as a group, as a big fake band. I brought "The Beatles: Rock Band" into work to let my peers take a break and rock out. The reaction was better than I expected. Beatles fans and non-fans both loved playing. Experienced gamers and first-timers all had a blast. The music seemed to strike a chord with everyone who came within earshot.

That is the effect that The Beatles have on people. Their songs are melodic and hypnotizing. Spend just a few minutes pretending to be a part of the Fab Four and you won't be able to get their catchy tunes out of your head for days. Some will be hearing these classics for the first time. But for many players, it will be a trip back to Beatlemania, and through music history.

"The Beatles: Rock Band" is available on September 9 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii. The Xbox 360 version tested for this review. The game's suggested retail price varies from $60 to $250 based on system and included set of instruments.

(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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