Rock Revolution (Nintendo DS) - Review by jofra01

Introduction

Rock Revolution is Konami's latest entry in the music video game genre and surprisingly they have done an exceptional job for Rock Revolution on the Nintendo DS. Rock Revolution may look to be a bland product on the outside but if you look closer it is in fact a DS version of Rock Band with all the instruments.

Gameplay

Rock Revolution gives you the opportunity to start your own band within career mode that contains a singer, guitarist, bass guitar player and a drummer. Giving you an option to choose the people you want these will be the ones that will help you rise to success. However what part will you play in the band exactly? Surprisingly Rock Revolution lets you choose have whatever part you want within the band and each part offers a different unique gameplay experience.

Playing as a singer will have you reading the lyrics of some well known songs on the screen of the DS which you sing along to while the music is playing in the background and you will need to get your voice at the right noise level. Drumming has you using the stylus as a drumstick and has a drum set on the bottom screen along with it requiring you to watch the drum symbols above the on screen drum set go by so you know which drum to hit. If you choose to be the guitar player or bass guitarist you will find they are similar in what they require you to do but both have a different gameplay layout that suits the instrument your playing.

Rock Revolution isn't also a simple title as when you progress through the game songs and mission type concerts will get harder. Some songs are very frustrating when you play it with a certain instrument.

In career mode you have many options available to you and you will find yourself trying to reach number one in the charts. Having an excellent soundtrack within the game you will find yourself doing numerous things within career mode such as attempting to record songs, playing a concert meaning you will need to do several songs in a row or just practicing up on some songs.

The game also contains multiplayer along with normal single player in which you choose a song and instrument to play with friends or by yourself.

Controls

Using either the stylus or your voice for control whatever part you choose to have within the band will have you doing something different and unique compared to other roles within the band. There are however problems with the control as singing may cause you lose your voice I am starting to experience but using the stylus for the guitar playing will cause strain on your hand after a while.

Graphics

The graphics within Rock Revolution are probably the biggest letdown within the game, when compared to every other aspect of the title. The game has 2D cartoon character models along with 2D stages for you to play your music at and 2D instruments.

Sound

For a Nintendo DS title this game has a very impressive and highly interactive soundtrack. Containing songs such as Joker and the Thief, Skater Boi, Detroit Rock City and many more there isn't a song within the game you will find that you won't like. Probably the best part of the music aspect is you are given the chance to sing along with the songs and achieve something.

Dual screen

The band your in is on top screen playing the song and on the bottom screen is your instrument with the actions you are required to do. For a music title this is probably the best use of both screens.

Final comments

Rock Revolution is a surprising DS title that has a lot to offer in terms of gameplay with a vast interactive soundtrack. If you enjoy titles like Rock Band or Guitar Hero then Rock Revolution is a title you should consider as you will find a lot within the game to enjoy.

Pro: Can choose role within band, large soundtrack, great gameplay.
Con: Can lose voice from singing, More songs could have been included.
Final score: 7.2

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