Block Rockin' Beatles

I've always been a fan of The Beatles. Growing up, my parents used to listen to them, and I would boogie along to their happy pop-rock sound. It was only as I got older that I really learned to appreciate them, though. No longer did I bounce along to kid-friendly favorites such as Yellow Submarine or Octopus' Garden, but delighted in the albums released during their studio years. I'm sure there are many out there who think of The Beatles as nothing more than a boy band, cranking out cheesy love songs such as I Wanna Hold Your Hand, but anyone who's ever heard The White Album should know how brilliant and diverse the Fab Four can be.

So having said this, it should come as no surprise that I was as excited as the next man about Beatles Rock Band. Sure, I may have been a bit sad that I wouldn't be able to add their music to my ever-growing library of Rock Band tracks, but since we're talking about the world's greatest group here, I guess a stand-alone disc isn't so bad. This also gave Harmonix a chance to make Beatles Rock Band into more than just a collection of tracks, but rather a virtual tour of their life and times; an opportunity to step into their shoes and experience the moments that turned them into a worldwide phenomenon.

Now, I'm sure you're all familiar with the Rock Band/Guitar Hero style of gameplay, and Beatles Rock Band doesn't stray to far from the formula: Pick your instrument, then strum or bang along as colored notes make their way down the screen. The biggest difference between this and previous titles, is the ability for up to three singers to join in (on certain tracks), allowing Harmonix to finally live up to their name. Aside from this, though, the game is very familiar feeling, and even those with little previous experience should be able to jump in and have a good time.

Of course, there are a few changes between this and earlier Rock Band titles, mainly to make this one more accessible and family friendly. Menus have been streamlined, certain options have been put in much more prominent places (like Lefty Flip), and re-arranging your band has never been easier. There's also a fantastic "Beatles Beats" section that teaches you a little about the rhythms you'll be playing. But there are some other changes too. These other changes may be for the better, but I still find them amusing, as they give some insight into what kind of deal had to be made to get hold of The Beatles' library.

Basically, it's clear that one goal Harmonix had when designing this game, was to make sure The Beatles' music remains wholly unchanged. Remember how you could randomly drum along at the beginning of songs in other Rock Band games? Not in this one, and there are no "Big Rock Endings" either. Not only this, but they have done away with the drum fills that you used to activate Overdrive Mode; instead you simply hit a single glowing note (a better system anyway, as far as I'm concerned - I hate missing little bits of the music!). Then they've gone and disabled all the guitar effects, such as the whammy bar, or any distortion that might have played during your Overdrive sections. Even the sound of the stars going 'ding' has been reduced to almost nothing, leaving the Fab Four's music exactly as you remember it.

Of course, this all depends on how well you can actually play, and this brings me to another interesting point: Messing up during otherwise-beautiful sections, such as the opening to Dear Prudence, feels almost sacrilegious, like painting a mustache on the Mona Lisa, or kicking the Pope square in the junk. But conversely, successfully making it through these sections is magical, giving all of us a chance to virtually live out the lives of the world's most influential group. And this is where the thrill really lies, as it does in other rhythm games: When you feel like a rock star, you're doing it right.

One thing that should be noted, however, is the difficulty. Sure, I know that Ringo Starr is no Keith Moon, but I was still a little surprised at how easy I found the drumming. There are certainly some tricky sections, but nothing that Rock Band veterans will have much challenge with. I personally got 5 stars (at least) on ever track, first time. In fact, I'm sure that even the hardest songs wouldn't be above drum tier 3 in regular Rock Band, and the guitar isn't much tougher. But this isn't why we listen to The Beatles, is it? We're not looking for crazy drum fills and finger-breaking guitar solos, but rather excellent tunes and inspired lyrics, and in that sense, Beatles Rock Band doesn't disappoint.

So what this comes down to is, are you a fan of The Beatles? If so, then you should buy this game, no question. Not only will it give you the chance to experience their career as you never have before, it also contains many unlockable treats, such as rare photos and videos of the group in action. However, if for some reason you don't really dig their stuff (because, I don't know, you're crazy), then this game probably won't change your mind. And if you're anywhere in between, just go ahead and buy it. Sure, you may not be too keen on playing through early hits like Twist and Shout, but trust me, it all worth it when you get up to tracks like I Am The Walrus, and Hey Bulldog.

So overall, I would definitely recommend Beatles Rock Band. But if you own no rhythm games at all , should this be the first one you buy? Unfortunately, I'm going to have to say no. This game works as a great supplement to regular Rock Band, but can never expect to have quite the diversity as a game that contains so many different groups. Besides, The Beatles have a limited library, so there's only so much more they're going to be able to add as DLC, where as the regular Rock Band catalogue is growing larger and more excellent by the week. I can't see Beatles Rock Band taking over as my default rhythm game, but it's one that I'll always go back to, especially as new albums are released for it.

And now I must go. I've been all the Help I can, and besides, it's been A Hard Days Night and I'm So Tired. So If You've Got Trouble, and that trouble is a lack of good rhythm games, go and pick up Beatles Rock Band. It Won't be Long before you Get Back from Gamestop with a shiny new copy in hand, at which point the Two of Us can play together. People Ask Me Why I love these games so much, and say, well it's Because I can enjoy them Here, There and Everywhere, for Eight Days a Week. Sure, money Can't Buy Me Love, but it can buy the next best thing, and I'll surely be enjoying this purchase for a Long, Long, Long time.

The End.