Metascore
88 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 60 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 59 out of 60
  2. Negative: 0 out of 60
  1. With perfect gameplay, spectacular graphics and a track listing that can be enjoyed all, Harmonix and MTV Games have successfully recreated the virtual "Fab 4" for the PlayStation 3.
  2. I cannot sing this game's praises enough. The beautiful animation, the timeless music, the attention to detail on every detail from the interface down to the load screens... I have never been more impressed with a franchised game, and this game has instantly skyrocketed to my top 5 all time favorites.
  3. The Beatles: Rock Band sets a new standard for how band-focused music games should be executed, one that will be very difficult to match. Beyond all the stylistic flairs and the fan-service touches, this is just an incredibly fun, incredibly accessible bunch of music, with very little filler in its track listing.
  4. There’s only one truly disappointing aspect to The Beatles: Rock Band: Future games made around your favorite band probably won’t be half as good.
  5. The Beatles: Rock Band does one thing extremely well: it brings The Beatles’ music to a very strong platform (the Rock Band platform) resulting in a game that is undeniably fun to play.
  6. In terms of actual gameplay, Beatles: Rock Band does nothing revolutionary. Where the revolution occurs, instead, is in the game's presentation, which brings new life -- and a new type of life -- to the static genre.
  7. If games like Pong and Super Mario Bros. managed to pike the interest of mom and dad to play with their kids in the living room, there’s no doubt that The Beatles: Rock Band will make the rest of the family join in and have a great time. Don’t get me wrong, the Guitar Hero and Rock Band games have done great things but I think The Beatles: Rock Band is the ultimate multi-generation gathering videogame.
  8. Don't think for one moment that The Beatles Rock Band is just a new title in the series. The Beatles drew the masses in their time like no one before, and when you start playing this title you feel yourself submerged in this sparkling sensation.
  9. If you're a fan of The Beatles, this Rock Band game is definitely the music game you want to own this year. It offers a ton of content and replay value, and truly makes for a great experience for you and your friends. I just wish they'd offer a patch to fix the microphone latency.
  10. The Beatles: Rock Band is as much a documentary as it is a game. The Beatles’ venerable music catalog is a great compliment to the Rock Band formula. This game is successful in both drawing new players to the music game genre and exposing a new generation to the music of The Beatles.
  11. The Beatles: Rock Band is a must have game for Beatles fans. Harmonix has done an excellent job putting together a fun package that highlights the career of one of the most successful bands in our history.
  12. If there’s one music-oriented video game to buy this holiday season, it has to be The Beatles: Rock Band. Harmonix and MTV Games have created an exceptional representation of The Fab Four that needs to be lived by all music aficionados.
  13. The Beatles Rock Band is a real tribute to the band from Liverpool. Every detail in the game, from the arrangement of keys to the movies show a cure and a love that has no equal. Not to mention that we will hear one of the best soundtracks of all time. Harmonix does a Rock Band 2 formula's synthesis to provide an experience suitable for everyone, without distorting the brand. In few words: a game you must buy.
  14. The price tag for everything is steep, and there are not enough songs for my liking, but this is a true representation of a legendary band. Great songs and great fun make for a great game.
  15. 91
    An interesting conundrum. For what it is it is flawless. The representation of the famous foursome is impeccable and dripping with fan service. The selection of songs is disappointing, but with future DLC you will likely be able to enjoy all of your favorite tunes for a price. Beatles fans need not even hesitate; just buy the game.
  16. Once again the developers at Harmonix have shown the gaming industry how it’s done.
  17. The Beatles were fascinated by the number nine. 09/09/09 is no coincidence. So it's only fitting that the game gets...
  18. It might seem obvious but if you’re not a fan of The Beatles then The Beatles: Rock Band probably isn’t for you. I’m certain it can garner in some new fans, but if you’re buying it because you’re a Rock Band fan then you’ll be left disappointed.
  19. Not everyone will love The Beatles: Rock Band, but everyone should love it, because it’s amazing. It’s everything a Beatles fan could want, and even if you’re not a fan, you may find yourself converted after a few songs.
  20. I don't think I've ever seen a game do such a great job of catering to its target audience, and at every step Harmonix displays a deep understanding and appreciation for the Beatles license.
  21. The Beatles are worth every penny, especially for fans of the Fab Four. This game delivers one of the most phenomenal music experiences, outside of hopping into a time machine and watching them perform live, we're likely to see during this phase of our digital age.
  22. The best Beatles game you can possibly imagine. [Nov 2009, p.128]
  23. The Beatles: Rock Band is filled with charm, authenticity and the exact right feeling that's required for an excellent Beatles experience. The option to have 3 vocalists means that the multiplayer actually extends to 6 players at a party, and even though the songs in the late part of the game aren't as engaging this game won't disappoint any fans of their music.
  24. The visuals themselves, from the evolving avatars and costumes to the stages, sets and recording booths, are beautiful. The gameplay is typically right on the button. The mixes are great. It’s all close to faultless. [Nov 2009, p.70]
  25. It is a compelling work, a tremendously quality music production, using the right fit to be almost a greatest hits of The Beatles.
  26. 90
    For those who have a love or even just a fondness for the Fab Four, Harmonix has created a fantastic tribute. It won't teach you the full history of the world's most celebrated band nor give you even a quarter of their extraordinary catalogue of music, but it's still great.
  27. Stellar presentation and vocal harmonies help make The Beatles: Rock Band something special in the world of music games.
  28. The bottom line here is that this is still The freakin’ Beatles in a triumphant rhythm game début. The music is fantastic, the presentation is out of this world (sometimes literally), and all done with the utmost respect and care.
  29. 90
    Harmonix have created a loving dedication to one of the greatest bands of all time. It might not set the Christmas charts on fire, but it will be a critical darling for years to come.
  30. 90
    A gorgeous game that'll make Beatles fans feel like they're being swaddled in a veil of pure joy. [Issue#184, p.76]
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 44 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. The Beatles, The best band in the world comes out with a game and defines music. The game includes 45 songs from their albums and includes DLC from Abbey Road, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and Rubber Soul also including All You Need Is Love from the Magical Mystery Tour album. It starts where The Beatles originally started from The Cavern Club, to The Ed Sullivan Show where reputation started growing, To Shea Stadium to 55,000 screaming fans, To The Budoken Concert, Abbey Road and finally The Apple Corps Rooftop which was their final concert. The graphics are beautiful and the Dreamscapes in Abbey Road including my favorites such as Dear Prudence, Something, and I Am The Walrus. The game is fun and bringing the family over with the drums, bass, and Guitar. Also this game include three mics where three players take control and the lead singer has to do the job and and the back ups are to be timed but my opinion is wonderful. I am going to keep this game until I die. Full Review »
  2. BrandonL
    10
    This is hands down THE best music game I've bought. Just the amount of detail put into this game is astonishing. I now know that Harmonix has what it takes to make Band centered Rock Band games. They know what they're doing, and they do it good. Full Review »
  3. 8
    Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, brah!... Lala how the life goes on... Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, brah!... Lala how the life goes on. I love the Beatles music and this game actually follows the Beatles history. Great experience. However this is a music game which loses appeal fast, but this one shall be revisted by myself from time to time. Not many bands can get this type of replay from these games by me. Bring on Def Leppard!â Full Review »