Okay, I’m behind the times on this one, but I had my first full Rock Band experience tonight with my friends Robert and Liesbeth. I’ve played Guitar Hero parts 1, 2 and 3 before, as well as the Aerosmith edition (Robert and I finished it on medium in one afternoon) and even the sucky Rock the 80’s encore thing. But: Rock Band beats ‘em all.

The game itself is what you’d expect but better than before: The addition of the drum set and microphone really clinch the ‘band’ feel, and the base version (PS2 that is) containt 61 (!) tracks and some really great ones too. The interface is slicker but then again takes longer to load, although you only notice that the first time and we were yapping and high-fiving though the loads anyway.

The drumming is *F*U*N*, but harder than you’d think. Especially the pase bedal messes you up (and cramps up your shins really quick when you’re starting out), but it feels great to be hammering out those beats.
The singing…well, let’s leave that to the professionals. On a regular-sized TV the song lyrics could (or should) have been bigger, we we sitting down right in front of the TV to be able to read them, but it’s actually quite easy if you know the song beforehand. If you don’t, you’ll mess up pretty quick, so don’t go trying that in public right away

On the whole we head a great time, for me this is the best game I’ve played this year so far. It’s more fun than Guitar Hero,  although we can’t wait for the new Guitar Hero World Tour game with a full band set as well (and improved drums).

I spent a little time playing GTA IV on the PS3 last weekend, and on first impression I must say the graphics are good, the rag-doll body physics work well, and the controlling is easy to get a hang of. I like the ‘wide open world’ feel where you just do what you want, when you want it. Pick up a mission or go out with your girl? Just wanna cruise and run over people? No problem.

Now I just have to wait for the PC version, ’cause I’m sure as hell not going to buy a console.