Metascore
80 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. 100
    Not since Super Mario Galaxy will a game stay in the Wii for so long, and for many households interacting with all ages and introducing the kids to some great rock music is truly invaluable.
  2. If the guitar gets a tad better, and the drums a little more ... well more, then I'd have to give it aces nearly everywhere.
  3. 90
    Still, despite a few obvious limitations, it's still Rock Band, which means it's a fantastic gaming experience that's great played solo or with friends.
  4. The Wii version is not perfect, but the game is easily as enjoyable and addictive as it is on other consoles.
  5. If Wii is you're only system and you have the cash, it's probably worth it. On its own, it's a solid entry, although there are also a lot of other competing music games out there.
  6. Rock Band is more than a simple video game, it's a highly interactive social experience. There's enough depth and fun here to keep you and your friends entertained for months. A must-have for the festive season!
  7. Exactly what most people who own a Wii are looking for. This is cooperative gaming at its best – the perfect party game for friends, family, and new gamers alike. Even with its regrettable omissions, Rock Band has a broad audience of Wii owners just waiting in the wings to get their chance on stage.
  8. This is the perfectly polished, logical extension of what Guitar Hero started and where the music genre needed to go. It's a real shame to see the Wii version stripped of some of the game's best features, but it still just flat-out rocks.
  9. Its instruments work well, there are plenty of songs to rock out to and the multiplayer component is irresistible. It may not have the greatest stage presence, but it still puts on a heck of a show.
  10. Rock Band for the Wii is still a great game, even if it's scaled back and late to the party.
  11. Few party games are as good as Rock Band, and although it has flaws, this version ultimately succeeds in bringing that festive experience to Wii. [Aug 2008, p.90]
  12. The need to calibrate is annoying, but the scaled-down aspects are moot with Wii owners, and the multiplayer aspects are perfectly suited for the Wii in general.
  13. Taken on its own merits, this is a great multiplayer music game with plenty of replay value. It's just a pity other consoles get much more bang for their buck. [Oct 2008, p.61]
  14. 80
    However, if you have never played Rock Band before, and you need to get your rock fix while you wait for the online-supported Guitar Hero World Tour, then these bells and whistles will quickly fade from your mind the moment you and your friends find your groove on a classic tune.
  15. 80
    Even if it's not quite as technologically advanced as its HD cousins, the Wii version of Rock Band is another great addition to the console's lineup of social games.
  16. 79
    Ultimately, it is disappointing that so many features were left out of the Wii version. I would understand if the Wii just couldn't handle it, but Guitar Hero World Tour seems to be figuring it out.
  17. It's fun, but it's not the Rock Band experience.
  18. Unless you're in a hurry or you plan to buy both games eventually anyway, you're better off waiting for Rock Band 2.
  19. This heavily watered-down version of Rock Band is still the best multiplayer music game available on the Wii... for now. [Issue#25, p.66]
  20. Seriously lacking in key areas and too pricey - EA should have skipped this and gone straight to "Rock Band 2" instead. [Nov 2008, p.98]
  21. 67
    Still, the big question remains: With Rock Band 2 coming to Wii in a matter of months, is this really the best time to ask people to buy a bunch of expensive peripherals that are on the verge of being bested by their next-gen counterparts? (While the first game's instruments will work with Rock Band 2, the sequel will come with new -- and improved -- peripherals.)
User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 14
  2. Negative: 6 out of 14
  1. Reddhead
    8
    Great game. Was not sure the first time I played. Found it hard, but once you get the hang of it really fun! Only thing I did not like was the is no free play. Example you can't just jam around with any instrument. Would be fun if we could just play around and with out music and just go nuts. Maybe something to think about. Full Review »
  2. BenihanaB
    7
    Not a bad game at all. This is my first version of Rock band, but played many guitar hereo's in the past. We love the fact that you can change it up by switching instruments if you want, or even try and play and sing at the same time. The lack of download content does not phase me since I am used to guitar hereo's new versions on disc. Just a little disapointed in the song list. Even after the first expansion pack, we only have a blast with 20 songs at the most.... Full Review »
  3. JohnJones
    2
    This game was a total let down compared to the PS3 and 360 version. Sure they added 5 new songs, but they screwed up the instruments and took out all the things that made the game fun like the band world tour. Now it is just a busted guitar hero without characters to chose or things to buy. Full Review »