MUSIC: Wii players can rock out

Rock Band 2

Nintendo Wii. MTV Games. Rating: Teen

Grade: A-

Rock Band 2 finally rolls out for the Wii and for those with a musician wannabe in the family, it was worth the wait.

For the uninitiated, Rock Band (and its competitor, Guitar Hero: World Tour), challenges up to four players to jam along to their favorite music using a microphone or wireless controllers shaped like a guitar or drum kit.

Unlike the original, Rock Band 2 on the Wii has all the features found on the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions (released in September), including customizable characters and a full “Tour” mode, which allows players to form a virtual band with local or online friends. Those who successfully entertain hometown crowds in small clubs (and hire the right road crew) will see their fame grow to the point where they are invited to rock on the biggest stages in the world. Another online mode pits bands against one another in regularly scheduled tournaments.

Rock Band 2’s instruments are also improved, especially the drums, which are now “velocity sensitive” —- they are louder if struck harder.

The 84 songs available are impressive, including tracks from the likes of Nirvana, Bon Jovi and Metallica. Another 20 tunes by lesser-known artists can be downloaded for free. More tunes will be available for purchase in early 2009.

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