Ultimate Band

As an overall package, kids won’t be blown away but they will be entertained by the catchy music (even though every song is a cover), they’ll appreciate the gameplay variety (the frontman mechanics are weird but different), and enjoy the stylized visuals, which are quite inventive for Wii, a console that is usually slapped with dated graphics.

Ultimate Band does have some great features, that really make the game interesting. However, interesting doesn’t necessarily make it fun. Control issues and the lack of a mic for the frontman position kill some of the potential, and the squeaky-clean feel of the story will put off veterans of other series’ out there.

Ultimate Band is a game that has its heart in the right place but comes up short in execution.

If nothing else, Ultimate Band proves that you don't need plastic instruments to feel like you're the second coming of Eric Clapton or Tommy Lee. The gesture-based controls are well-designed, fun to use, and contribute significantly to the experience.

As it stands, UB will provide a solid distraction for less discerning younger gamers and their Wii Sports loving parents, but it's inconsistency in the realm of control will turn off a large portion of its potential audience.

It's a valiant effort, but you're inevitably left feeling less like a rock star and more like a novelty act. [Dec 2008, p.98]

Control and design issues break up the band.

Ultimate Band can still be fun. It’s not horrific to play, and the multiplayer mode can be a laugh. Yet for the cost of the game and four Wiimotes with nun chucks, one could just purchase the full band version of Rock Band or Guitar Hero.

The main problem is all the extra pointless gestures you have to do during songs. [May 2009, p.89]

A game that can help me unwind and that I am able to play in front of my kids is a winner in my book.