Rock Band 4 arrived on PS4 and Xbox One in 2015 as the fourth main entry in the series. The game brings back guitar, bass, drums and vocals, and adds support for the new Rock Band Pro Guitar controller. It also marks the first time the series appeared on both consoles at once.
The game was built for the next generation of hardware, and it shows. The visuals are sharper, the menus are cleaner, and the audio mix is tighter than anything the series had put out before. That said, Rock Band 4 is not a reinvention. It is a refinement, and a solid one, but it does not break new ground for the genre.
Trailer, via GameSpot.
The Instrument Setup
The setup remains familiar to anyone who has played a Rock Band game before. Players plug in a guitar, a bass, a drum set, and a microphone, and the game tracks their performance across four separate lanes of notes. The game supports the standard controllers, but it also introduces the Rock Band Pro Guitar, which adds a second set of buttons and a whammy bar for more advanced play.
For longtime fans, the familiarity is a comfort. For newcomers, the learning curve is gentle enough that anyone can pick up a controller within minutes and start playing. The game also offers a tutorial mode that walks players through each instrument’s controls, which is a nice touch.
The drums get a small upgrade in this installment. The kit now includes a kick pedal, and the game takes advantage of it, asking players to hit it during certain sections. It is a small change, but it adds some variety to the rhythm sections.
Songs and Setlists
Rock Band 4 ships with a large collection of songs, covering rock, pop, metal, and electronic music. The setlist is built around classic bands and newer artists alike, and it is easy to find something that fits your taste. The game also allows players to create their own custom sets, which is a useful feature for those who want to play a specific lineup of songs.
The song selection is strong, but it is not without its weaknesses. Some genres are better represented than others, and there are noticeable gaps in the roster. For example, the game leans heavily on rock and pop, while jazz and classical music are barely touched. That said, the quality of the tracks that are included is generally high, and the difficulty levels are well balanced.
The game also includes a few original tracks created specifically for Rock Band 4. These are not bad, but they do not stand out as much as the licensed material. They are a nice addition, but they are not the reason you will keep playing.
Difficulty and Scoring
Rock Band 4 introduces a new scoring system that rewards players for playing accurately and creatively. The game tracks your timing, your note placement, and your use of the Pro Guitar’s extra buttons, and it assigns points accordingly. This system encourages players to play with precision, which makes the experience feel more rewarding.
The difficulty levels are generous, but they are also fair. The game does not punish you for making mistakes, and it does not make the songs impossible to complete. However, the higher difficulties do require a significant amount of practice, especially on the guitar and drums. The scoring system also allows you to see where you went wrong after a song ends, which is helpful for improving your performance.
The game also includes a challenge mode, which asks players to complete a set of songs under strict conditions. These challenges can be tough, but they are also fun, and they provide a reason to keep playing even after you have mastered the main songs.
Sound and Presentation
The audio in Rock Band 4 is excellent. The songs sound clean and clear, and the instruments are mixed well. The game also includes a surround sound option, which is a nice touch for players who have a home theater setup. The visuals are sharp, and the menus are easy to navigate.
The presentation is polished, but it is not flashy. The game does not try to reinvent the wheel, and it does not need to. The focus is on the music, and everything else is designed to support that focus.
Multiplayer and Modes
Rock Band 4 supports multiplayer, allowing up to four players to join together online. The game also includes a few modes that are designed for solo play, including a career mode and a challenge mode. The multiplayer is a highlight, as it allows friends to play together and compete against each other. The modes are a good way to extend the life of the game beyond the main setlist.
The game also includes a few extras, such as a music video creator and a setlist editor. These are minor features, but they add some depth to the experience. They are not essential, but they are nice to have.
The Pro Guitar Controller
The Rock Band Pro Guitar is a notable addition to the game. It adds a second set of buttons and a whammy bar, which opens up a world of new possibilities for guitarists. The controller is optional, but it is recommended for players who want to push themselves further. The game is designed to work with the standard guitar as well, so you are not required to buy the new controller to enjoy the game.
The Pro Guitar adds a layer of complexity to the game, but it also makes the experience more rewarding. Playing with the Pro Guitar feels different from playing with the standard controller, and it is a welcome addition for players who want to test their skills.
What Works and What Does Not
Rock Band 4 succeeds in doing what Rock Band games do best: it delivers a fun, accessible, and polished experience that lets players lose themselves in the music. The game is easy to pick up and play, and it is hard to put down. The scoring system is a welcome addition, and the difficulty levels are well balanced. The presentation is polished, and the audio is excellent.
However, the game is not perfect. The song selection is uneven, and some genres are underrepresented. The challenge mode is fun, but it can be frustrating at times. The multiplayer is a highlight, but it is not available on all platforms. The Pro Guitar is a great addition, but it is not essential.
The game also lacks some of the innovation that earlier entries in the series brought to the table. It does not introduce new modes or new ways of playing, and it does not attempt to reinvent the genre. Instead, it refines what already exists, and it does that well.
Final Score
Rock Band 4 is a solid entry in the series. It is a polished, enjoyable, and accessible game that delivers a satisfying experience. It is not a revolution, but it is a refinement, and a good one.
The game is worth playing if you are a fan of the genre, and it is worth owning if you have the space for it. It is a game that will appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers alike, and it is a game that will hold your attention for hours.
It is not a must-buy for everyone, but it is a good buy for those who love rock music and want a game that lets them play it.
Key Facts
- Platforms: PS4, Xbox One
- Release year: 2015
- Instruments supported: guitar, bass, drums, vocals
- Controllers: standard Rock Band controllers, Rock Band Pro Guitar
- Song count: large collection of rock, pop, metal, and electronic music
- Critical score: 7.6/10
