Rockin’ Reason 1: It’s the perfect excuse for a family affair
The game, which is compatible with all existing Rock Band controllers (don’t have any? It’s sold as a bundle pack, too) is available for the Wii, PLAYSTATION 3 and Xbox 360 and is the best of both worlds. Perfect for your parents (they’ll know most—if not all—of the 45 featured songs), the tracks seem a bit easier to play than those found in Rock Band and Rock Band 2—an extra bonus for you.

Rockin’ Reason 2: It’s a digital museum
The game is essentially a love letter to The Fab Four—and to music in general—as it combines history with fun. Photos, videos and rare audio clips of the band are unlocked with various achievements in the game’s “Story Mode,” paired with brief montages and random facts that pop up throughout the journey. The imagery captures the evolution of the group as years push on in the game (from 1963 onwards) revealing notable changes in clothing, hairstyles and instruments.

Rockin’ Reason 3: It sings with the challenge
Unlike other Rock Band titles, six players can perform simultaneously, allowing for three mics to be connected at once. The greatest, and most challenging factor of the title, is the ability to sing in a three-part harmony. While it’s confusing at first to decipher the pitches, following the game’s “Vocal Practice Mode” will help train your ear and voice to succeed. 
 

Rockin’ Reason 4: It’s less user-created, but more legit
While past Rock Band games have allowed you to be star with your own avatars and creations in crazy venues (something we miss in this one), The Beatles: Rock Band is all about living the lives of music icons John, Paul, George and Ringo as they reach superstardom, playing at notable locations like The Ed Sullivan Show, New York’s Shea Stadium and the Abbey Road Studios in London.

Rockin’ Reason 5: It still has the regular Rock Band flair
The game’s basic mechanics remain true to its roots: players must strategically strike specific colored notes with their given plastic instrument of choice as they scroll down the screen. There’s still the “Quickplay” mode, allowing players to jump right into playing their favorite Beatles songs with a chosen set list, challenge another musician to a battle of skill with “Tug of War” and even compete against an opponent playing the same instrument and difficulty level in the “Score Duel.”

Rockin’ Reason 6: It’s a visual treat
While it’s sometimes hard to follow what’s going on in the background when concentrating on hitting perfection, the game is loaded with detailed graphics that will sure give those not playing a visual treat. As the journey progresses, images become more colorful and mystical—and sometimes a tad cryptic—particularly in the game’s “Dreamscapes,” which undo into mini music videos in their own rights.

Play with adults and hear their own accounts of Beatlemania from over 40 years ago, or grab your friends and help form a new generation of followers. If nothing less, this game will leave you with tired arms, a welcoming, scratchy voice and a newfound appreciation for a genre of music like nothing else.

Ever heard of The Beatles? Are you a Rock Band fan? Blog about it, babes.

By: Patricia McNamara