Rock Band 2

 Wii
Rock Band 2 Image
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 10 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 47 Ratings

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  • Summary: Rock Band 2 builds upon its foundation as the first music game to introduce co-operative band gameplay, multiple instruments, a robust online multiplayer experience, an unrivaled offering of downloadable content and raises the bar by delivering an entirely new level of depth, connectivity,Rock Band 2 builds upon its foundation as the first music game to introduce co-operative band gameplay, multiple instruments, a robust online multiplayer experience, an unrivaled offering of downloadable content and raises the bar by delivering an entirely new level of depth, connectivity, authenticity and features including: Backwards compatibility with Rock Band downloadable music content. All previously purchased tracks immediately load into your Rock Band 2 song list. No need to re-purchase or re-download. The biggest and most diverse soundtrack ever featuring some of rock's most prolific acts, comprised entirely of master recordings. Major new and dynamic online modes that connect the entire Rock Band community in more ways than ever before both locally and globally. More variety of instrument choices than ever before with new and improved drum and guitar peripherals, enhanced functionality and innovative new designs - all fully compatible with the original Rock Band instruments. [MTV]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. GamesRadar+
    100
    Aside from moaning about the shortcomings the Wii's technical limitations force upon the game, the only thing to complain about with Rock Band 2 – and it’s barely even a complaint - is that it polishes rather than reinvents.
  2. NintendoWorldReport
    95
    With its large number of modes, weekly DLC that is accessible via the SD Card, online play, better instruments, a variety of modes, diverse soundtrack, and excellently charted songs, Rock Band 2 is the definitive band game for Wii.
  3. GamingTrend
    93
    They've taken every aspect I could think of an improved it.
  4. Vandal
    90
    Rock Band 2 offers a fantastic game experience no one should let escape, specially if we count the impressive track list included.
  5. GameSpy
    90
    With Rock Band 2, Harmonix has created a game that's quick to grow and evolve... just like the music libraries of its ardent fans. If there's any game that reflects the age we live in, and the way that we interact with music, it's Rock Band 2.
  6. Nintendo Power
    90
    Buying more Rock Band within six months of the last one is an expensive prospect, but Rock Band 2 is the true Rock Band experience. [Jan 2009, p.88]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. GameDaily
    90
    Custom set lists and a new No Fail mode means you can play however and as long as you want. Buy Rock Band 2 and rock through the house.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. MarioFan1055
    Jun 24, 2015
    10
    Rock Band 2 for Wii ROCKS! It fixes every disappointment from RB1! There's a character creation, DLC, and online play. Another must have forRock Band 2 for Wii ROCKS! It fixes every disappointment from RB1! There's a character creation, DLC, and online play. Another must have for anyone who has a Wii.… Expand
  2. JeffW
    Dec 22, 2008
    10
    Can only assumet he low user rating is due to Wii-hate from fanboys who had yet to play this. RB2 for Wii is IDENTICAL to the 360/PS3 Can only assumet he low user rating is due to Wii-hate from fanboys who had yet to play this. RB2 for Wii is IDENTICAL to the 360/PS3 editions, in terms of gameplay & online features. Only real differences are lower res graphics (like that actually matters in a music game) & fewer character creation options (no custom tattoos). Otherwise, gameplay, online options & DLC are the same. Harmonix states that by mid-2009, Wii users wll have access to EVERY DLC title the other consoles have. RB2 is simply the BSET music game for Wii. IF you love these types of games, RB2 is a must own on the Wii. It is certainly an apology of sorts from Harmonix for the late & stripped down version Wii users got for the original Rock Band Plus, if you have Guitar Hero peripherals for Wii already, they will work w/ RB2.… Expand
  4. AJW
    Feb 5, 2009
    10
    I loved RB1 with all of its Wii limitations, and now this one kicks its trash. HMX, what will you think of next?
  5. jr
    Dec 25, 2008
    9
    no DLC yet (12/25) but finally a fully featured rock band... even if it is 3 months later... maybe i should give it an 8 for that... :P
  6. Austin
    Jan 6, 2009
    9
    A huge improvement over the first Rock Band for Wii. I really, really enjoyed the character customizations, world tour, drum/beat trainer, A huge improvement over the first Rock Band for Wii. I really, really enjoyed the character customizations, world tour, drum/beat trainer, and the many features that are also on the Xbox 360 and PS3. Also has an excellent soundtrack, ranging from death metal to indie to classic rock. This is, in my opinion, the best music game for the Wii. Just two main problems. First, the graphics are only OK; my characters' movements are not very smooth and the screen in general is not so clear (it's a Wii, you know). The second (and hopefully will be resolved soon) problem is the delay in the Wii Music Store.… Expand
  7. GregP
    Dec 31, 2008
    9
    The seemingly small technical improvements (wireless drums with a pedal that doesn't fall off every time you move it; automatic lag The seemingly small technical improvements (wireless drums with a pedal that doesn't fall off every time you move it; automatic lag detection for guitar) might not seem like much to the Rock Band newcomer, but trust me, this kind of improvement counts for a lot. Then you add to it the much-improved "Tour" experience, in which you get to pretend you're a band on the rise, while not being forced into quite the same linear development as the predecessor... and it's a whole new game. My one gripe is that with all the "be a rock musician" games out, the companies are afraid to "recycle" songs found in other titles or previous versions. My understanding is that RB1 content will be available within RB2, but in the meantime the song selection isn't as broadly-appealing as one might want in order to suck non-Rockers into a quick session in order to get them hooked. That said, there's a certain pleasure to be found in taking a seemingly inaccessible song and rocking out with it... while discovering a new favourite tune that might never have gone into your music-listening library otherwise. Overall, highly recommended. If my non-gaming, top-40 loving significant other gets psyched about rocking out on the drums with me on guitar, there's obviously something special to the game.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Wii Game of 2008
60
#60 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2008
2
#2 Most Shared Wii Game of 2008