AC/DC Live: Rock Band

If there’s one area where Rock Band has outdone Guitar Hero, it’s in regards to downloadable content. While the latter has certainly upped its game with the release of World Tour, Harmonix seems to have the structure down perfectly; from day one it’s never dropped the ball. As a new trend has emerged, however, namely dedicating rhythm action titles to specific bands – we’re still salivating over the release of Guitar Hero: Metallica – Rock Band has released a standalone version dedicated to some true legends: AC/DC.

From a distance, this seems like an inspired decision. Containing 18 songs, recorded live from their excellent concert at Donnington in 1991, it features some tracks that genuinely get your plastic instrument anticipation levels rising. Who hasn’t thought about jamming to Highway To Hell or Back In Black? These are classics and lend themselves perfectly to the template. And, shockingly, that’s exactly the case. Angus Young’s manic fingers make for perfect rhythm action fodder, and getting enough people around to form a band, especially if all four are into AC/DC, is quite special. In a way it’s a shame they’re live renditions, as some of the choices would’ve worked better if they were masters. Contrary to this, having a crowd behind your actions does make the adrenaline flow a little harder. Unfortunately, this is where all praise ends…

Unlike Guitar Hero: Aerosmith or the upcoming Metallica edition, AC/DC’s exclusive version contains no tie-ins to the band whatsoever. Young or vocalist Brian Johnson are nowhere to be seen, there are no unique interviews, and this is essentially a parade of songs on a disc. The extra wow factor this could’ve boasted by having Angus hopping around in his schoolboy outfit would have helped no end, not to mention allowing those who can suspend their disbelief to pretend they’re one of rock’s finest guitarists. It’s one of the reasons the mentioned tie-ins worked so well. In its defense, this has been reflected in the price, but we would have much rather the RRP was upped and a bit of fan service been dedicated to the product.

What’s worse is none of Rock Band’s staples are apparent. Due to the number of tracks on the disc it’s understandable there’s no World Tour mode, but the lack of online functionality is criminal. Continuing this trend is the create-a-rocker feature, or lack thereof. The only aspect of your star you can edit is their name. From there, you get to play ‘wait and see’ as the game randomly selects your attire and look. Why Harmonix couldn’t have just ported this across we’re unsure, as doing so would’ve at least allowed the creative to attempt to generate their heroes digitally. Such omissions also means there’s no cash for kicking a song’s ass – there’s no store, after all, so money would help you not one bit.

… continued