Rock Band 2 retains the hard-rocking gameplay that made last year's Rock Band such a hit, but turns up the features and online play to be even better.



Gameplay is mostly the same as other versions of the game as you sing, strum or drum your way through a variety of songs, either by yourself or with friends through local or, new to the Wii, online play. Each player follows rhythmic beats on the screen and hits notes as they match up with their corresponding colors.

You can also use Star Power to double your score briefly. There are different ways of activating this, such as nailing a custom drum solo, lifting your guitar or singing into the mike during a vocal break.

Just because the game is similar to its prequel, however, doesn't mean there's nothing new. The disc contains 84 songs, along with the option of purchasing extra ones through a virtual store (opening soon, if it hasn't already). If you're an oldie rocker, you'll swoon over AC/DC's "Let There Be Rock" and Steve Miller Band's "Rock'n Me."

If you prefer more contemporary music, Modest Mouse's "Float On" and Linkin Park's "One Step Closer" should please you. For good measure, there's even a new song from Guns n' Roses called "Shackler's Revenge." Yes, Guns n' Roses is back.

World Tour mode returns with a few improvements, such as switching instruments between songs. Don't feel like doing the drums today? Grab a guitar and strum to your heart's content. Others can also play with you, either locally or through online play.

Better still, if you have an empty spot, you're able to fill it with one of your customized characters. As you proceed, you'll pick up vital tools of the trade for any band, such as a van, loyal workers (including your mom) and most importantly, fans. The more fans you have, the more popular you are, plain and simple.