Rock Band 4 Reviews
If Harmonix continues to build upon what its laid down, Rock Band 4 could end up being a monumental interactive music experience.
Rock Band 4 is fundamentally an excellent update to what was arguably the finest rhythm-action game of the last generation. However, it currently feels like it lacks ambition, and some features haven't been given the update they could have had while others have been removed. As a platform it's certainly a solid, and highly enjoyable, base that at its best makes you absolutely feel like a rock star. Fundamentally, with its series of planned updates still to come, only time will tell if Harmonix can make this generation's Rock Band a truly essential purchase.
While its setlist does underwhelm in some areas, and the online multiplayer mode is not ready yet, Rock Band 4 still feels like the music platform that Harmonix set out to make. Career mode is deep, fun, and customisable, Freestyle Solos is an excellent addition, and the general gameplay maintains the awesome feel of the originals. The revival of this much-missed franchise may not be revolutionary, but it definitely hits a high note.
The parts of the game we fell in love with feel like they've gotten a fresh coat of paint, but the feature set, and currently incomplete pieces, feels like a Kickstarter title that didn't quite hit all of its funding goals. The parts that matter, however, are rock solid, and the new solo improvements are a hit. Harmonix has pulled off some amazing games. While this launch is a rough opening act, the platform is good, the game works well enough, and as soon as my library is back in order I'll be getting the band back together.
'Rock Band 4' feels more like digital-only game instead of a full release. I fully agree with Harmonix' decision to make it a singular platform going forward, one that will be constantly updated with features and songs, instead of dumping a fully-priced release on consumers every fall. It is nostalgic and enjoyable, but not the great leap forward in rhythm gaming that we were hoping for.
Rock Band 4 is stripped down to the essentials, but despite its leanness, it's pulled off something encouraging: It's made me want to play Rock Band again, even after the dozens of hours and countless parties I've spent with the series. It isn't Harmonix's boldest or biggest game. But Rock Band 4 lays a foundation for Harmonix to move forward.
It's neither revolution, nor true evolution, but when the planets align, with a few like-minded friends who've had a few drinks, there's nothing that can touch it, and you'll have tremendous fun.
While it lacks some of the features of prior versions - most notably online mode - Rock Band 4 is a solid release that establishes the franchise as a platform that will be continually supported and updated in the future. It's a great model that brings the classic Rock Band gameplay to current-generation consoles, while being compatible with legacy instruments and songs.
While it is not a reinvention of the genre, it is still a solid Rock Band game.
It's Rock Band for a new generation (of consoles). Same great taste as the previous games. Tour mode is the best single player experience in the series. Relatively bare bones compared to previous release. Initial song list too small to support tour mode.
Harmonix bills Rock Band 4 as a platform that will grow and improve with the future, but for now, the new game offers little reason to upgrade from Rock Band 3, with a weaker soundtrack, fewer modes, and more promises of exciting features than actual, demonstrable ones.
Without an ounce of real musical talent required, Rock Band helped people feel like real-life superstars in the comfort of their own homes. Rock Band 4 takes that feeling and makes it personal. It's no longer just about being a rock star but finding the rock star in you.
Rock Band 4 is like a glorious reunion of wizened rock stars. Everyone looks and sounds great, but a little bit of the twinkle in their eyes has dimmed. The band plays all their hits in the same way that you remember with the same exuberance of youth, but you can detect that something's wrong, something's off with the entire package. But there's plenty of time to get back into the groove of things, and with the updates Harmonix has planned to implement going forward, I feel confident Rock Band 4 will blossom into the game it was meant to be soon enough, especially since support will go on in lieu of annual game releases. I'm no fairweather fan, and I'll be a groupie 'til the end, even when it seems like it could be time for a curtain call in the near future.
At the end of the day Rock Band 4 feels more like an evolution than a drastic departure. If you've always wanted to put your mark on a song, then the new self-expression enhancements are reason enough to give Rock Band 4 a shot. Couple that with a branching career mode, support for your old instruments and DLC and Rock Band 4 stands out as the best game in the series, even if it's missing some core features.
Burn the keyboards and smash those 102-button guitars, because Rock Band 4 has axed all the fiddly bits - and plays like a dream once more.
Rock Band 4 offers the same party-focused, addictive experience as its predecessors, but potential song limitations and price point will hold it back for some.
If you need to buy all of Rock Band 4 to get a band going, it's a lot to pick up, but it's a worthy investment if you're in the market for a great party game. If you're fortunate enough to already have compatible gear or pre-purchased music ready to download, there's no reason not to rock again.
The most refined version of Rock Band yet available, but not as essential as it once was.
Rock Band 4 is a mix of some new and a lot of old. That's not a bad thing.
If you ever had a good time with a previous Rock Band game, buy it and remember what you've been missing.