The twenty song expansion is a great addition to Rock Band 1, but owners of the sequel have a harder decision. http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=18912 Rock Band Track Pack: Classic Rock is more of an expansion than it is a game. Classic Rock marks the fourth Track Pack expansion to the series and, like the others, includes a selection of twenty songs that could otherwise be purchased online via Rock Band 2. Due to their almost identical nature, much of this review's content is shared with
my review of Track Pack Volume 2.
First and foremost, players must realize that though it is an expansion, this game is actually a standalone title. Neither Rock Band 1 nor Rock Band 2 is required to play, only the equipment that comes with either of the titles.
This track pack features a nice selection of songs that both Classic Rock fans and the unacquainted could easily enjoy. As a value proposition, Rock Band Track Pack: Classic Rock is a smart investment. At $29.99, players can rock out to a total of twenty songs at $1.50 a track. If players were to purchase all of the included tracks via the Rock Band 2 in-game store, they would be spending 200 Wii Points ($2.00) for each of the tracks.
Of course, if you only own Rock Band 1 and its associated equipment, and you want more songs, the choice is easy. Players who do decide that the disc is a better investment won't be disappointed with the tracks and the quality of their note charts.
The choice is tougher for Rock Band 2 owners. If you are happy with the song selection and don't mind swapping discs in order to play them, this track pack is an excellent investment. Unfortunately, unlike the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions, these tracks cannot be copied to your SD Card (HDD). Therefore, if you own Rock Band 2 and would like all of your tracks to be in a centralized area, you should avoid purchasing this disc and only buy the songs you really want through the online store. Also, just like the original Rock Band, none of the tracks can be played online, adding another disincentive to the pack.
All of the Rock Band 2 equipment works like a charm, and all of the tracks are available from the get-go without the need to unlock them through the included Tour mode. The unfortunate part is that even now, many months after Rock Band 2's release, the game still features the Rock Band 1 interface and lacks the automatic calibration feature present in Rock Band 2 and its equipment.
Rock Band Track Pack: Classic Rock is a no-brainer for fans looking to cheaply expand their song list and only have the first Rock Band at their disposal. Owners of Rock Band 2 are better off picking their favorite tracks from the pack and buying them individually through the online store.
- "All Right Now" - Free
- "Baba O'Riley" - The Who
- "Bad to the Bone" - George Thorogood & the Destroyers
- "Behind Blue Eyes" - The Who
- "California Ãœber Alles" - Dead Kennedys
- "Can't Stand Losing You" - The Police
- "Closer to the Heart" - Rush
- "Funk #49" - James Gang
- "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" - Pat Benatar
- "Holiday in Cambodia" - Dead Kennedys
- "Hymn 43" - Jethro Tull
- "Kiss Them for Me" - Siouxsie & the Banshees
- "Let Love Rule" - Lenny Kravitz
- "Love Spreads" - The Stone Roses
- "Peace of Mind" - Boston
- "Red Barchetta" - Rush
- "Rock and Roll Band" - Boston
- "Take the Money and Run" - Steve Miller Band
- "The Joker" - Steve Miller Band
- "Truth Hits Everybody" - The Police
Pros: If you want all of the tracks, this pack will save you $10 Nice selection of songs Cons: Cannot play songs in Rock Band 2 via SD card No online play Still uses the Rock Band 1 interface Automatic calibration of the instruments is not available Graphics: 6.0 The title looks identical to the first Wii Rock Band; models are low poly and look like an early PS2 game. The animations are all well mapped, but all that matters are the note charts, anyway.
Sound: 10.0 The sound quality is fantastic and has no obvious flaws. The song selection is varied and interesting, giving the track pack broad appeal. All of the included tracks are also master tracks, and not remakes done by the internal Harmonix musicians.
Control: 9.0 The Rock Band (and Rock Band 2) equipment works without a hitch when you finally get it all calibrated properly to your TV. Unfortunately, calibration can be quite tedious, and cannot be done automatically as in Rock Band 2 with the Rock Band 2 equipment.
Gameplay: 9.0 This release plays no differently from either Rock Band. Unfortunately, you can't play any of the tracks online.
Lastability: 8.0
There are twenty songs in the pack, and depending on your affinity for them, they will last a variable amount of time.
Final: 7.0
Rock Band Track Pack: Classic Rock is a great opportunity for fans with only the first Rock Band at their disposal to cheaply expand their song list. For owners of Rock Band 2, the online store is recommended, regardless of the additional cost.
Topic: REVIEWS: Rock Band Track Pack Classic Rock (Read 2955 times)
