The single most important video game...ever!
Graphically, Rock Band is a mixture of technical averageness and stylistic genius. Nothing in the game really pops out, physics are virtually non-existant, and the quality of the characters themselves is nowhere near what Guitar Hero III has been spoiling players with. That said, the game just simply looks better than GHIII. Everything has a slightly grainy texture to it, which is a welcome change from the utter realism of GHIII, and the animations are literally perfect. The drummer in particular is miles beyond the GHIII animatron.
Sound is perfect, but then again, it was just as good in GHIII.
Where this game really performs is in gameplay. Simply put, everything feels tighter in this game than it would in GHIII. Absolutely nothing feels like luck, and while the Stratocaster might turn off some people, I bought the game without the bundle and the GH controllers work fine. The game takes another step into perfection when you play with a band. The 4 player experience is an almost perfect representation of a band, complete with the typical arguing over who gets to play what. The only weak point I can think of is the lack of an option to play with 3 guitars, a lead, rhythm and bass. For that matter, no song in the game offers rhythm guitar, which is a disappointment. Hopefully this makes it in to Rock Band 2.
Another place where this game shines is the soundtrack. Good lord, this game has it all. Every song is fun to play, from "The Green Grass and High Tides" by the Outlaws to the emo-tastic "Say It Ain't So" by Weezer. The former is actually the best song in the game, offering beautiful vocals, an incredible drum and bass line, and the best guitar solo of any guitar game so far. And these are only the beginning. The downloadable tracks are all spectacular, with the only exception so far being "Joker and the Thief" by Wolfmother, which was not mapped well into the game at all. It seems so far that Rock Band may be able to hold its audience beyond the release of Guitar Hero IV.
Some people have complained that the price tag is too high, but that is simply rediculous. If you have Guitar Hero III, all you need to do is buy the Rock Band game disc and plug in your controller. Online play is a snap and can get you all the band mates you need.
Simply put, Rock Band is an unbelievable experience. Buy it now.