Fortunately, all of these problems don't change the fact that Rock Band is an unparalleled, one-of-a-kind experience that represents the very best that gaming has to offer. Ultimately, the online play and even the solo play is loads of good fun that is enhanced by the fact that EA and Harmonix are putting up new song content on Xbox Live every single week, with the promise that in the future we'll even see entire albums available for download, like Who's Next from The Who. The only problem with these modes is that their experience ends up feeling diminished in comparison to the local multiplayer World Tour mode, which is absolutely the most fun I've had playing any game, ever.

Should you by Rock Band? That depends a lot on your situation. The money factor is a hindrance. And if you're going to have trouble getting at least two or three people in your home for some local multiplayer, then you're really going to miss out on the best that the game has to offer. However, if you can overcome those hurdles there is absolutely no reason whatsoever not to purchase this game. The problems with instrument production quality are an issue for the short term only, and the support for those that do have problems has been first rate. Ultimately, the only question you have to ask yourself is, do you want to rock?