Yeah. That's Lego Queen
Fortunately, you don’t have to be a music snob (like that dude at the party last night that wouldn’t shut up about how amazing the Harlem Shakes are) to truly appreciate a finely crafted music game. Much like music genres, music video games come in all different forms and this semester is playing host to an unsurpassed plethora of different games that are both a pleasure for your ears, and your eyes. Here are some of the best:
Brütal Legend
Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation 3
Release Date: 10/13/09
“Brütal Legend” may not be along the lines of your more “traditional” video games, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t rock. The game stars one half of Tenacious D, Jack Black, as a roadie who has to save the world from The Fire Beast, Cremator of the Sky, and Destroyer of the Ancient World, also known as Ormagöden. While that sounds like it could be a plot from any old game, this one happens to features cameos from some metal gods, like Lemmy, Rob Halford, Lita Ford, and, the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne. That’s a better lineup than Ozzfest ever had.
The Beatles: Rock Band
Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Wii
Release Date: 9/9/09
This game is what happens when you give the greatest rock band of all time their own game. You already know the music, and you already know how to play, so there’s no reason that “The Beatles: Rock Band” shouldn’t be the way that you end a night of partying, hopefully without waking up your neighbors. And, if some of the best rock and roll music of all time isn’t quite your thing, there’s always…
DJ Hero
Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation 2, Playstation 3, Wii
Release Date: 10/27/09
If you’re already tired of the whole “Guitar Hero”/”Rock Band” “thing,” maybe you’re ready to move onto the next big rhythm game, “DJ Hero.” Instead of big, bulky guitars, or drums to set up, “DJ Hero” comes with a turn table for you to mix songs up with; press the keys as they scroll on the screen, and “scratch” the record for bonus points. While it might not get you hired to DJ that next frat party, it will free up a whole lot of space in your dorm room if you leave all your other instruments at home.
Guitar Hero: Van Halen
Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation 2, Playstation 3, Wii
Release Date: 12/22/09
Maybe you peaked in the 80s. Maybe you can’t drive 55. Maybe the hole in the ozone layer can be attributed to how many cans of hairspray you’ve used over the course of your life. Maybe you think Rubber Soul is a part of your shoe. If any of these sound like you, then you should run out and buy “Guitar Hero: Van Halen” … pretty much immediately.
Lego Rock Band
Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Wii, DS
Release Date: 9/14/09
It may be the second “Rock Band” game on this list, but it’s the only one to feature brickified versions of David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Blur to accompany the appearance of their songs. The gameplay is quite similar to the “Rock Band” games that you already know, and love, but this one is injected with the same Lego humor that’s done wonders for other franchises like “Batman” and “Star Wars.” Plus, did I mention Lego David Bowie?
Beaterator
Platforms: PSP
Release Date: 9/29/09
If the other games on this list help you become a virtual rock star, “Beaterator” is the one game that may help you actually become a real rock star. While it may not be an actual game, it gets you up and mixing tracks in no time, all with the help of super-producer Timbaland. It’s also a lot cheaper than trying to pick up a copy of Pro Tools.
Rock-n-Roll Domo
Platforms: DSi
Release Date: 10/19/09
It’s short. It’s simple. It’s cheap. It’s Domo. In case you’ve been avoiding that Japanophile in your hallway (because he’s just way too into JRPG games) you might not know who Domo is, but he is the mascot for Japan’s NHK television station, and star of his own DSiWare rhythm game “Rock-n-Roll Domo.” It may not have as much to offer as the other games on this list, but it only costs $2, so ya can’t really go wrong.
