Every so often, there comes a game that catches your interest - something unique, that you have yet to see, pulls you in. Playing it for the first time thrills you; you know that you’re trying out a game that will change how we view gaming for that specific genre. Once you have tried it, you’re hooked on it for life, dedicating yourself to the franchise of future games like it. This has happened to me a few times before, most recently with Guitar Hero.

This time, however, there is much more than a guitar to offer. I’m talking about Rock Band, a game from Harmonix that goes beyond the guitar.

Guitar Hero II started something great by adding the bass guitar as a playable instrument in the co-op mode, but what if there could be more? What if a game could incorporate the other instruments that are vital to a band and have them be playable? This is what Rock Band does. Rock Band is a game that employs a combination of guitar, bass, drums, and vocals all in one game.

Although there are several instruments in the game, you can also play it on solo campaign with just one instrument (either guitar, vocals, or drumming) from start to finish so you don’t always have to have a whole band present to play the game. What is great about this game, though, is you can have all four “band members” sitting in the living room with you or your band could be hundreds of miles away from you. Rock Band will be released on Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3.

Check out the tools of the game:

Guitar and Bass - Fans of the 360 version of Guitar Hero (like myself) will be happy to know that they are still able to use their X-plorer guitars for this game. However, if you want to purchase the amazing new Fender Stratocaster, it is well worth it. Not only is it roughly a 3/4 replica of the real Fender Strat but it comes with lower frets (which are smaller and closer together) for those grindingly difficult solo parts in the game. This guitar is a MUST for pure enjoyment of Rock Band.

Drums - Harmonix has not released the exact model of the drums, but it’s going to be your standard drum set equipped with your snare drum, cymbals, and tom drum. Also, they didn’t forget to include the high hat and crash cymbal (yeah, baby!).

Microphone - Unfortunately, the Xbox 360 players will not be able to use their headsets as a microphone for the game. I’m sure it would not work as well as a standard microphone to pick up certain sounds, even if you could.  At any rate, being able to sing to your favorite tunes like a real rocker is going to enhance the gaming experience.

Up next - Frag Dolls: the Band!! Ummmmmmmm, who would play what?