Pixelnauts.net

The whole package really has the feeling of an interactive documentary, and proves that TB:RB is much more than just a quick cash in, it's clearly a labor of love.

I haven't said much about the gameplay itself because, really, it isn't what it's all about. That being said, the aspects of TB:RB that make it a video game (the scrolling marquee of colored rectangles, the 'star power' now appropriately dubbed, 'Beatlemania,' the scoring etc.) remains an unchanged formula. But that's a good thing. Both gamers and non-gamers alike are able to enjoy this simple to understand yet difficult to master gameplay. Furthermore, the game was clearly designed to be as accessible as possible as even at it's most difficult, it's still quite manageable. A wise decision to make as the point of TB:RB is to experience The Beatles' fascinating career, and not to be the next ultimate rhythm game challenge.

I mentioned that the game at times feels like an interactive documentary of The Beatles' career, but this being the case, I should mention that this documentary is short.The Beatles Anthology, this ain't. Each phase of their career (of which there are eight) contains between four to seven songs. This basically means that it's possible to get through the entire Beatles career in just a few hours. It would have been nice to have their extensive repertoire fleshed out a little more. Still, the promise of full length album DLC is a sure way to alleviate this problem -- so long as it's consistent.

Furthermore, there is very little by way chronology or information that goes beyond the anecdotal. As it is, TB:RB is more of a general snapshot of The Beatles than it is an extensive look at their careers. I would have liked to have seen the inclusion of a timeline or even a more detailed break down of their history. Missing is any mention of the infamous "Bigger than Jesus" quote, Paul's LSD press statement, or any mention at all of their breakup. I'll grant that including moments such as these into the main story segments would counter the fluidity and tone of the story, but it would have been a welcome extra, none the less.

These are minor complaints however that detract little if at all from one's ability to enjoy TB:RB. The game succeeds at virtually every point. The Beatles: Rock Band has set such a high standard for what we expect in music/rhythm games that it would be silly to think that the same amount of attention and care could possibly go into any future Rock Band titles. But then again, maybe we're wrong to expect this much. After all, The Beatles managed to set an impossibly high standard in their own field as well.