The Beatles: Rock Band

 PlayStation 3
The Beatles: Rock Band Image
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 60 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 75 Ratings

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  • Summary: The game represents the first time fans will be able to experience The Beatles’ musical career for themselves. From the early touring days in 1963 Liverpool to the immortal, final performance on the Apple Corps rooftop, fans can follow in the band’s footsteps as they traverse the globeThe game represents the first time fans will be able to experience The Beatles’ musical career for themselves. From the early touring days in 1963 Liverpool to the immortal, final performance on the Apple Corps rooftop, fans can follow in the band’s footsteps as they traverse the globe during the height of Beatlemania. Adding to the experience is the introduction of three-part vocal harmonies to game play, allowing gamers to revel in the unparalleled vocal stylings of the Fab Four. Beatles fans will also be thrilled to hear previously unreleased authentic voice recordings from John, Paul, George and Ringo chatting between takes during studio sessions recorded at Abbey Road more than four decades ago. The game begins during the band's earliest days at The Cavern Club in Liverpool, England. Gamers then travel across the Atlantic to experience the band's unforgettable 1964 performance on The Ed Sullivan Show, the sold-out concert at New York’s Shea Stadium in 1965, and conclude at The Beatles’ memorable concert at Budokan in Tokyo, Japan in 1966. The Beatles' studio years come to life in legendary Studio 2 at Abbey Road Studios. Highlighting the studio years are inspired artistic visual expressions known as Dreamscapes, intended to transport players to imaginative environments that capture the essence of The Beatles’ genre-busting musical and fashion transformations during their later years. The game follows The Beatles to 1969 where story mode culminates with their final performance on the rooftop of the Apple Corps Headquarters. The Beatles: Rock Band offers a new set of hardware representing the instruments made famous by John, Paul, George and Ringo. Featured in the set are the Rickenbacker 325 and Gretsch Duo Jet guitars - hailed as two of the celebrated, signature instruments played by John Lennon and George Harrison throughout their careers. Also included is a Höfner bass controller - a large-scale version of the bass famously used by Sir Paul McCartney. Rounding out the set is a Ringo Starr inspired, Ludwig-branded Rock Band 2 drum set with a classic pearl finish and vintage remake of a Beatles kick drum head. [MTV Games]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 59 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 60
  3. Negative: 0 out of 60
  1. Digital Chumps
    100
    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.
  2. GamerNode
    95
    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.
  3. GameZone
    91
    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.
  4. Play UK
    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]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Play.tm
    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.
  6. DailyGame
    88
    Unless you're a huge Beatles fan, there's no need to go out any drop the additional $250 for Beatles-era instruments, because the existing Rock Band instruments work just fine. There's also no need to rush out and get the game today, because chances are you'll "beat" the game well before the weekend.
  7. Edge Magazine
    70
    It's accomplished in its execution, but threatens to segregate the platform just as Harmonix seemed to be opening it up to all-comers. [Nov 2009, p.103]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 60 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. th0rg1l
    Jul 30, 2013
    10
    I am a big Beatles fan so I got this game (including a mic, guitar and drums) when it came out and it is living up to its reputation/hype.I am a big Beatles fan so I got this game (including a mic, guitar and drums) when it came out and it is living up to its reputation/hype.

    The selection of songs is interesting (including some old favourites but also some lesser-known work) and has something for everybody (those who want to freak out on drums can try Revolution, and guitar heroes will have a nice time with Taxman).

    A splendid time is guaranteed for all    … Expand
  2. BrandonL
    Sep 10, 2009
    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 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.… Expand
  4. KtulluEats15
    Jan 30, 2011
    10
    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 DLCThe 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.… Expand
  5. DaveW
    Sep 11, 2009
    9
    I've had Guitar Hero for awhile but this is my first Rock Band experience. I picked up Rock Band 2 and this Beatles yesterday and love I've had Guitar Hero for awhile but this is my first Rock Band experience. I picked up Rock Band 2 and this Beatles yesterday and love the flash back feel. An old guy like me can appreciate a game where he's at least heard all the songs.… Expand
  6. dplatt45
    Oct 9, 2021
    8
    Great game! Very fond memories of this game and trying to beat my high scores on drums. This is one of the games that is actually worthGreat game! Very fond memories of this game and trying to beat my high scores on drums. This is one of the games that is actually worth getting the dlc for. I love that you can buy the albums, Sgt peppers, Abbey Road and Rubber Soul. Also All You Need Is Love. I got all the dlc 7 years ago except for Rubber Soul and don’t regret it. It adds so many songs and more Beatles songs. The game is very aesthetically pleasing too and responsive controls. Fun game and to have parties with. Also trying to get gold stars on expert any instrument, my case drums, adds a challenge… Expand
  7. aadms
    Mar 24, 2011
    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.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… Expand
  8. Ostaf
    Oct 8, 2009
    6
    Honestly this game lacks in a lot of places. I love the Beatles (my favorite band) and I enjoy playing the rockband/guitar hero games. It Honestly this game lacks in a lot of places. I love the Beatles (my favorite band) and I enjoy playing the rockband/guitar hero games. It looks awesome and essentially is the same as the rest of these music games. My only problem is that it lacks depth and had fewer songs then I expected and they left out some of my favorites. I am looking forward to the down-loadable songs though (when ever they come out) This game gets a 6 because I do love the Beatles.… Expand

See all 12 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best PS3 Game of 2009
70
#70 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2009
73
#73 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2009