The Beatles Rock Band: Beatlemania is Back

"It was twenty years ago today..." Well, it's been longer than twenty years since the Beatles took the entire world by storm, but their influence on music, people, and ideas still live on today. From their humble beginnings as boys in the poor, dock city of Liverpool to becoming the biggest music sensation the world has ever seen (and ever will see) they put their heart and soul into their music. It wasn't edited or dubbed; it was pure talent that expressed new ideas, thoughts, feelings. . .things that modern music often lacks - and that is why their music has survived through all these years, through many different generations, it applies to and inspires everyday people even in modern society.

The price of only the game (not including the instruments or Wii) was $56.99. The game including the drumset, Paul's Hofner bass, and a microphone stand was $249.99. Each of the other two guitars (separately) are around $99.00

So, being a HUGE Beatles fan, my sister and I pre-ordered the Beatles Rock Band as soon as it was available and rushed out to get in the day it came out. Thankfully, it was compatible with any Guitar Hero/Rock Band instruments so we didn't have to break the bank by buying all the Beatles style instruments (as much as we may want them). If you do wish to buy the instruments, there are four controllers designed to look like the Beatles' instruments. There's Paul's Hofner bass, John's Rickenbacker 325 guitar, George's Gretsch Duo Jet guitar and Ringo's Ludwig drum set, enabling you to not only play the Beatles' songs, but to use replicas of the instruments they played with as well.

The Beatles Rock Band opens up with an amazing, slightly mind-boggling, psychedelic intro. The movie starts with the early days of the cavern club, transitions into a Hard Day's Night, turns into Beatlemania, then it turns into an amazing, mind-boggling, psychedelic shows involving dancing penguins, a giant elephant/rhinoceros with a tuba on its back, fish walking on land, and an array of even more bizarre creatures marching in a parade as "I am the Walrus" plays in the background. It's really quite mesmerizing, and (if you're into that sort of thing like I am) inspiring and enjoyable.

The cartoonified Beatles were recognizable, and the mannerisms of each of the individual Beatles were on the spot, but I couldn't help but feel like something was missing. Maybe George's eyes were too big, and John's chin wasn't quite right. Perhaps Ringo's nose wasn't large enough or Paul's eyebrows weren't quite as cute and quirky as usual, but there was something that wasn't. . .the Beatles.

Also, it's quite difficult to watch the movies, which are really interesting of the Beatles playing in the background, while you focus on playing your guitar/drums/singing part. Unfortunately, I haven't found a way to just watch them unless someone else is playing the game.

They have a great selection of Beatles songs (45 of them) and the game is really fun, but being surrounded by Beatles music would make any true Beatles fan happy anyway. Every song has different levels of difficulty, just like other Rock Band/Guitar Hero games, so anyone can play and you can sing either harmonies or solos.

There is a career setting where you play your way through the Beatles years, starting at the Cavern Club until the days at Abbey Road Studios, and there's also a free play setting where you can choose any song to play. Just like on any other Rock Band/Guitar Hero, you can connect to the internet and play with or against other people online.

Overall, the game was impressive. I didn't get the same chill or rush of excitement I feel while watching footage of them playing music, but it was still very enjoyable to play along with them. I am, personally, very glad the Beatles Rock Band came out because it is a chance to expose the younger generations to such amazing, inspirational music made by three boys from Liverpool who changed the world.