The Beatles: Rock Band

 Xbox 360
The Beatles: Rock Band Image
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 76 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 134 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

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 75 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 76
  3. Negative: 0 out of 76
  1. Giant Bomb
    100
    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.
  2. TeamXbox
    93
    Harmonix did a great job in crafting a fitting tribute to the Beatles, clearly one of the most significant bands in rock history—but, perhaps more importantly, dramatically raised the bar in the music-game genre.
  3. ZTGD
    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.
  4. Multiplayer.it
    90
    The Beatles Rockband is the first rhythm game who'll have the chance to finally take over Karaokes from pubs and living rooms all over the world. No more impossible solos or songs that only Bruce Dickinson or Robert Plant can sing, but only a lot of fun for whomever will feel like grabbing a guitar or a microphone and sing songs almost everybody learned to love over the years. It's only about Beatles and it's a bit short, but if you get in the mood, it will last forever.
  5. Eurogamer Spain
    90
    Fans of the Beatles will find here a great tribute to the band, an incredible track list, the best production values ever seen in this genre and many extras to satisfy their "beatlemania".
  6. GameTrailers
    87
    With less than half the songs you'd normally get in a Rock Band release, The Beatles could use a lot more music. But for fans of the band, buying this game is a no-brainer.
  7. Metro GameCentral
    70
    A dream come true for Beatles fans, but viewed purely as a game it's not a patch on Rock Band 2.

See all 76 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. bobbyj
    Sep 9, 2009
    10
    The greatest band of all time gets the treatment it rightfully deserves. "The Beatles: Rock Band" is a fantastic game for any beatles loving The greatest band of all time gets the treatment it rightfully deserves. "The Beatles: Rock Band" is a fantastic game for any beatles loving fan. The care and love put into making this game is apparent as soon as it begins with the beatles altered menu screen and training sessions as well as a beautifully told story mode that puts you in the beatles shoes at pivotal points in their careers. The animations are smooth and the crowd looks great. More then any other music game i would lose points for missing notes because i was staring at what's happening in the background in a song like "I am the Walrus" or laughing at the screaming insanity of girls during "Paperback Writer." My only negative is that it should have had a little more selection in songs since the game only has 45 songs on disc, but that's easily remedied by the fact that harmonix has promised the entire beatles catalogue will be available online for dlc. Even if you just like ont or two of the beatles song, my recommendation is to PICK THIS GAME UP!… Expand
  2. EvanB.
    Sep 14, 2009
    10
    Marco D., are you kidding me? 80-89% has always been a "B" grade, and I've gone to over 20 years of schooling as a student and aMarco D., are you kidding me? 80-89% has always been a "B" grade, and I've gone to over 20 years of schooling as a student and a teacher! When has a 75% ever been a "B"? Can anyone else back me on this? That 1UP score should definitely be in the 80's range. What an amazing game...I play it every day!… Expand
  4. JohnS
    Sep 9, 2009
    10
    Amazing! Capturing the magic that was the beatles in every aspect, a thoroughly enjoyable game that you can tell was a labour of love. If Amazing! Capturing the magic that was the beatles in every aspect, a thoroughly enjoyable game that you can tell was a labour of love. If your a fan, which half the world already is... DON'T MISS THIS! And if your not a fan, prepare to be converted, I dare you to try and not smile while playing along to these songs.… Expand
  5. EJ
    Sep 22, 2009
    10
    Its amazing, I was getting tired of the guitar hero/rockband series, but the beatles music and the way the game was made makes it really good,Its amazing, I was getting tired of the guitar hero/rockband series, but the beatles music and the way the game was made makes it really good, its a perfect combination of difficulty/good music and nice visuals.
    And well, its almost impossible to just concentrate at playing an instrument because you WILL always want to be singing while playing =)    … Expand
  6. Ash_Yams
    Jan 31, 2023
    10
    This is my favorite Rock Band game, playing it with the Paul bass is also pretty cool. I'd love an awesome remake with even more songs. JustThis is my favorite Rock Band game, playing it with the Paul bass is also pretty cool. I'd love an awesome remake with even more songs. Just make more please, and don't change the guitar it was perfect.… Expand
  7. Anbrinco
    Dec 27, 2010
    9
    Fun indeed, and entertaining for Beatle fans and newcomers alike. The games graphics and design are amazing (the opening cinematic isFun indeed, and entertaining for Beatle fans and newcomers alike. The games graphics and design are amazing (the opening cinematic is breathtaking). And the selection of songs is perfect: From big hits like Hard Days Night to rare gems such as Hey Bulldog; from power ballads such as Something, to hard rocker Helter Skelter. The games only flaw is being too short, forcing fans to download songs in order to extend the fun.… Expand
  8. DevilDan
    Sep 11, 2009
    7
    This game is getting praised as amazing all over the place and after playing it... it's good, but i felt a little, meh. at the end of This game is getting praised as amazing all over the place and after playing it... it's good, but i felt a little, meh. at the end of the game. I am a HUUUGE Beatles fan and a HUUUUGE Rock Band fan so for me this was an easy purchase. I played it. It had a great visual and Rock Band experience. However, the tracklist seems minimal. I know it's not, but maybe since everything is from one band it had an odd limited feel to me. The songs chosen also seemed odd. The actual songlist too had some great stuff but also a lot of, "Really?! That's what you went with here?" moments. No tieback to Rock Band 2 sealed it for me. I want to play these in a set with other stuff. Why can't I? Finally, game designers have to stop thinking that pictures and videos are really that much fun to unlock. "Wow! I unlocked a picture of John Lennon. He's only one of the most famous musicians of the modern era. I DO KNOW WHAT HE LOOKS LIKE!!!" I just feel like game designers think sometimes that the equivalent of prizes in cereal are enough to keep us amused nowadays. Don't get me wrong. If you like The Beatles and Rock Band this is a fun game. Vocal harmonies almost make the criticisms I have almost obsolete... almost. If you are looking for a fun, yet, short experience? This is good. I don't see it being something we pull out as much as RB2, It won't have the longevity. Especially since not everyone is a Beatles fan. It is not, however, the next great Rock Band.… Expand

See all 30 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2009
28
#28 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2009
50
#50 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2009