Rock Band: Must Be Played To Be Remotely Understood

by Melissa in Uncategorized

Hello, everyone! Today, for your reading pleasure, I will give an account of my brief encounter with pop culture. That is, pop culture that is actually still popular at the time of the encounter: participation in the Rock Band video game.

Okay, there’s something I must admit: the reason I don’t usually deal with popular entertainment is because I have seen it get very addicting, especially in technology. First it’s this gidget, then it’s that gadget. As soon as you get your iPod, you have to ditch it to get an iPhone, which you must immediately use to locate the nearest store selling iPhone 3G’s. At least the Harry Potter books always operated properly and never crashed! True, there are some of you out there who have been able to restrain, but unfortunately, I have never met you. Regardless, I’m not hear to scold those with the love of expensive, hi-tech toys. I am hear to tell a tale!!

As, I was saying, my story begins innocently. A friend I hadn’t seen in a while called and asked if we could meet at my house. After a few rounds of pool, she asks, “Melissa, have you ever played Rock Band?”

“No,” I said. “But I’ve heard of it. Why?”

“Oh, because the girl up the street just got it and we need a guitarist. I was wondering, since you play guitar, if you would be interested.” I said I was interested. We then went to the girl’s house and thus began my adventure with relevant culture.

Most wouldn’t argue when I said walking into that basement is like walking into a Best-Buy. Shelves of DVDs and video games sit next to a huge flat-screen television, there is one computer for every family member, and there is not one, not two, but FIVE  guitar-shaped controller-thingies, six counting the one for Guitar Hero for Wii.

I must now admit something else…putting the strap of one of those controllers over my head and getting ready to play was one of the more frightening experiences I have had in my short life. I guess it scared because had never even touched a game controller. What if I stunk at this game? What if they found my inexperience uncool? (Please do not ask me why I sweat silly stuff like whether or not I’m “cool”!( It turned out be in vain, anyway. On the first try, I got an 84% accuracy grade and the title of “Energy Grabber”.

Anyone whose played the game has said the controller and actual guitars are very different, and I see what they mean. The controller’s method of using buttons for notes instead of frets and strings makes it definitely easier to play, but the difficulty is not lower by much at all. It was a pleasant surprise to note that a certain amount of familiarity with rhythm was needed, particularly on tracks like Red Hot Chili Peppers’ ”Dani California”. I did very well for a first time, but was only was able to stay on medium level for a small bit of time. Apparently, adding an extra button can throw you off more than I thought.

All in all, it was an interesting glimpse at the world of relevant culture. I enjoyed it very much. However, I do not want to hear “Are You Gonna Be My Girl?” ever again!

See Ya!