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Got to try out the XBox video game Rock Band. It’s a pretty over-the-top sequel to the Guitar Hero games, with the inclusion of a microphone for singing and a drum set. So now you can form a virtual garage band with your friends using the standard rock band combo of drums, guitar, bass, and vocalist.

Over all I’d say the simulation is reasonably accurate. I did better on the guitar while pretending I was playing the actual instrument, and the drums are challenging but fun.

I found it interesting how different people drifted toward particular instruments, and also after struggling to make it through one song - some of squabbling and blame began floating to the surface - gee, just like a real rock group! All four players have to be reasonably competent or you get kicked off the virtual stage.

Downsides: you really need more than two players for this to really be fun, and for the expense of the game (over a hundred bucks), I do think it should come with more songs. During a few hour jam session people got slightly tired of playing (or just listening) to the same tunes repeatedly. I guess more songs are unlocked as you master others, but that still implies listening to certain ones over and over until you do so. You can buy additional numbers from the XBox online service, which is the secret money maker of this game - I think folks will easily be sucked into ponying up for more tracks, as the basic idea is a lot of fun.

If you love Guitar Hero this is just that times four. You can recreate a rock band experience in the comfort of your living room without all the annoying hassle of touring, late hours, managers - or learning how to play an actual instrument.

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