rock band 3 review
Rock band 3Musical games are monkey games, they simplify things too much. This is the common argument against games like Rock Band. An argument that will fall with this third opus which introduces a sacred package of novelties, starting with the keyboard or the Pro Mode which will make those who were used to 5-key guitars suffer.
Since this is the novelty that jumps out the most, let's start with the keyboard, the only one of the two new instruments that is officially available in France at this time, the Pro guitar with keys has still not arrived. Rather modest in size, the keyboard still includes two octaves, 25 black and white keys to which are added a key used to trigger the trance and a touch bar which plays the same role as the vibrato of the guitar. Like all instruments, the keyboard can be practiced in two ways: classical and pro. In Classic mode, we find the usual gameplay of the series and only 5 keys are used, offering a grip similar to that of the guitar, the pick less. It is affordable by anyone, but unfortunately quite empty of interest and frankly too easy. Suddenly, to really use the instrument, it is on the side of Pro mode that you have to turn, and there is another pair of sleeves.
The Pro mode has 4 degrees of difficulty which all have in common the use of all the keys. On the screen it is no longer 5 tracks that scroll, but 16 (10 white, 6 black) and you will have to run your hand from one end to the other of the keyboard with more or less dexterity and strive more than ever anticipating, because finding your bearings on the fly on an instrument that you don't know, it has little to do with covering 5 buttons on a plastic guitar. In the first levels of difficulty, the partitions are obviously largely simplified but the "impression" of playing for real remains very present. On the other hand, in Difficult and Expert mode, expect to suffer, because there, you will really play for real for real. To prepare you for this test, Rock Band 3 includes a tutorial that has everything of a real learning method. You will start by chaining scales, learning to place your fingers, you will discover simple chords, arpeggios, what is a flat or sharp etc. You will not become an accomplished pianist once you are done, but if you successfully complete the many learning stages, you will have a good foundation. As for playing a song ... Do not dream, in Pro mode at the highest level of difficulty, unless you are already practicing and you know the song (in which case you will be greatly disturbed by the way the score is displayed) you will have to work on each song and repeat as any musician does. Everything is planned elsewhere.
The training section of the game contains not only tutorials for each instrument, but also a detailed peeling of each song where you will memorize its intro, its verse, its chorus, its bridge, its variations. In our case, it was the keyboard that was in the spotlight for a player who was never really comfortable and who suffered from exercise. Yeah, two days trying to memorize Dire Straits' Walk of Life correctly, it's loose and it proves my level. Clearly, the Pro mode is not for all players, it is hard, often frustrating, but terribly well put together and returns everything that has been done in terms of music playing. Only regret about the keyboard: its limits for those who already practice it and who may be frustrated by its lack of scope. A problem that will not have guitarists and bassists who find a complete guitar with 102 keys on which to stick their chords. Not to mention the Fender string guitar which should arrive this winter. The difficulty for novices will however be identical. You will need to place your fingers properly, play the correct string (s) and get to know the cramps of your left hand. Finally, the battery also has the right to its Pro mode. Already very complex, the Rock Band drums gain a new accessory: the cymbals. These do not cover ONLY the cymbals of a battery but also the hi-hat or the crash. Suddenly, it is technically less realistic than for the guitar or the keyboard, but already quite sufficient. And then good, size, it is difficult to add a hi-hat to the drum kit.
Obviously, nothing prevents you from playing Rock Band in Classic mode. Here, you will not be so surprised, Harmonix having kept the bases of the second opus in its series with a very clear display of the tracks. Imported from the Beatles version, the harmonies also allow the song to be shared with 3 players. But if the gameplay has not changed, the content has undergone a big facelift. The most direct way to play is of course the quick part, it also allows you to make a first round of the tracklist and discover the different sorting options of the latter. You can indeed display the songs by classifying them by artists, in alphabetical order or by level of difficulty of each instrument. On the career side, Rock Band 3 invites you to embark on a series of tours of 3 concerts of 2 to 3 songs each. For each concert, the game offers 3 themes. Either a defined setlist, a random choice on a theme or even your own choices in a selection (alternative, metal, pop etc.). And if you don't like the choice, go back and change everything! There is no longer any question of having to stuff ourselves with the titles that make our ears bristle. In addition, to progress in the game, you need to win the hearts of the fans. And there again, Rock Band shows great flexibility. Whatever the level of difficulty, the mode of play, in career or in fast part, or even in training, each time you play, your performance makes you gain prestige. Everything is linked, everything is fluid. And to further spice up the practice, there is a host of challenges that you can check out in the Career screen.
The notes
Graphics 15/20
A lot of graphic effects energize the choreographies but as usual, we hardly care when we have our eyes riveted on the Partoche.
Gameplay 19/20
The keyboard is a perfect addition to the already complete gameplay of Rock Band. As for the Pro mode, it is quite simply a pantyhose for the competition and what we can do best in the field of rhythm games. A real learning of the instrument. But make no mistake, it's not simple. We regret, however, not having been able to touch the Pro guitar.
Lifespan 18/20
With 83 basic songs, plus the already available catalog available online, plus multiplayer, Rock Band 3 has something to keep you busy. And if you feel ready to take up the challenge, the time required to master the Pro mode ensures a colossal lifetime under Harmonix.
Soundtrack 18/20
The masters used are of excellent quality, the tracklist is varied and the choices generally good in most cases (but you will not cut at Tokio Hotel). Note however that as always since the first installment, the tracklist is a little less general public than that of Guitar Hero.
Scenario/
We don't know if EA will sell tons of Rock Band 3, especially when we know the price of the instruments, but it is undoubtedly the current reference of the musical game. The arrival of the keyboard is a blessing and even in classic mode, the game shines with its sharp gameplay and the flexibility of its interface. As for the integration of the Pro mode, as hard and elitist as it is, it really makes the difference between Rock Band 3 and any current or future competitor. The ultimate musical game, if it's still a game.
0 comments:
Post a Comment