Rock Band

 Wii
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. The Wiire
    100
    Not since Super Mario Galaxy will a game stay in the Wii for so long, and for many households interacting with all ages and introducing the kids to some great rock music is truly invaluable.
  2. GamePro
    90
    Still, despite a few obvious limitations, it's still Rock Band, which means it's a fantastic gaming experience that's great played solo or with friends.
  3. GamingTrend
    90
    If the guitar gets a tad better, and the drums a little more ... well more, then I'd have to give it aces nearly everywhere.
  5. Cheat Code Central
    86
    The Wii version is not perfect, but the game is easily as enjoyable and addictive as it is on other consoles.
  6. Nintendojo
    85
    If Wii is you're only system and you have the cash, it's probably worth it. On its own, it's a solid entry, although there are also a lot of other competing music games out there.
  7. Gameplanet
    85
    Rock Band is more than a simple video game, it's a highly interactive social experience. There's enough depth and fun here to keep you and your friends entertained for months. A must-have for the festive season!
  8. Game Informer
    83
    Exactly what most people who own a Wii are looking for. This is cooperative gaming at its best – the perfect party game for friends, family, and new gamers alike. Even with its regrettable omissions, Rock Band has a broad audience of Wii owners just waiting in the wings to get their chance on stage.
  9. GamesRadar+
    80
    This is the perfectly polished, logical extension of what Guitar Hero started and where the music genre needed to go. It's a real shame to see the Wii version stripped of some of the game's best features, but it still just flat-out rocks.
  10. G4 TV
    80
    However, if you have never played Rock Band before, and you need to get your rock fix while you wait for the online-supported Guitar Hero World Tour, then these bells and whistles will quickly fade from your mind the moment you and your friends find your groove on a classic tune.
  11. GameSpy
    80
    Even if it's not quite as technologically advanced as its HD cousins, the Wii version of Rock Band is another great addition to the console's lineup of social games.
  12. GameDaily
    80
    Its instruments work well, there are plenty of songs to rock out to and the multiplayer component is irresistible. It may not have the greatest stage presence, but it still puts on a heck of a show.
  13. Nintendo Power
    80
    Few party games are as good as Rock Band, and although it has flaws, this version ultimately succeeds in bringing that festive experience to Wii. [Aug 2008, p.90]
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  14. GameSpot
    80
    Rock Band for the Wii is still a great game, even if it's scaled back and late to the party.
  15. Nintendo Gamer
    80
    Taken on its own merits, this is a great multiplayer music game with plenty of replay value. It's just a pity other consoles get much more bang for their buck. [Oct 2008, p.61]
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  16. DailyGame
    80
    The need to calibrate is annoying, but the scaled-down aspects are moot with Wii owners, and the multiplayer aspects are perfectly suited for the Wii in general.
  17. IGN
    79
    Ultimately, it is disappointing that so many features were left out of the Wii version. I would understand if the Wii just couldn't handle it, but Guitar Hero World Tour seems to be figuring it out.
  18. Gamer's Hell
    75
    It's fun, but it's not the Rock Band experience.
  19. n-Revolution Magazine UK
    70
    This heavily watered-down version of Rock Band is still the best multiplayer music game available on the Wii... for now. [Issue#25, p.66]
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  20. Eurogamer
    70
    Unless you're in a hurry or you plan to buy both games eventually anyway, you're better off waiting for Rock Band 2.
  21. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    69
    Seriously lacking in key areas and too pricey - EA should have skipped this and gone straight to "Rock Band 2" instead. [Nov 2008, p.98]
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  22. 1UP
    67
    Still, the big question remains: With Rock Band 2 coming to Wii in a matter of months, is this really the best time to ask people to buy a bunch of expensive peripherals that are on the verge of being bested by their next-gen counterparts? (While the first game's instruments will work with Rock Band 2, the sequel will come with new -- and improved -- peripherals.)

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best Wii Game of 2008
29
#29 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2008
41
#41 Most Shared Wii Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
6.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 39
  3. Negative: 12 out of 39
  1. MarioFan1055
    Jun 24, 2015
    8
    This game is fun but I only liked 5 of the songs on here (one of them is a DLC song that's included on disc on this version). I prefer RockThis game is fun but I only liked 5 of the songs on here (one of them is a DLC song that's included on disc on this version). I prefer Rock Band 2 because it's got character creation, DLC, and online play. However, this doesn't mean that I hate this game because I don't.… Full Review »
  2. hector_bcn98
    Nov 8, 2022
    8
    Sabiendo que fueron los primeros en ofrecer la experiencia músical para los 4 intrumentos de la banda antes de que lo hiciera World Tour, laSabiendo que fueron los primeros en ofrecer la experiencia músical para los 4 intrumentos de la banda antes de que lo hiciera World Tour, la innovación fue impresionante. Lástima que no conectaba con las guitarras de Guitar Hero. Muy buen soundtrack.… Full Review »
  3. aditya1101
    Oct 9, 2017
    5
    Maybe I'm just too used to guitar hero, but I really didn't enjoy Rock Band very much. I just kept on feeling like I would rather be playingMaybe I'm just too used to guitar hero, but I really didn't enjoy Rock Band very much. I just kept on feeling like I would rather be playing guitar hero the whole time.… Full Review »
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