I haven’t played Rock Band 4. Being a lonely outsider from South Florida, it’s hard for me to be invited places, like an exclusive preview event where Harmonix shows off Rock Band 4 to a bunch of journalists who would rather talk Phillipines politics and scarf down puff pastries than, you know, actually do the job you’re there to do.
So no, I didn’t get to play Rock Band 4; but, I did recently get to see the legendary rock band Rush in Tampa for what many presume to be their farewell tour, R40. I like rock music, I appreciate good music, I enjoy the Rock Band franchise, and I didn’t play Rock Band 4. From what I can tell, that’s pretty much the only requirements you need to preview a game these days. If anything, I’m overqualified for the simple fact that I’m familiar with and enjoy the product I didn’t play (or see for that matter).
Enough about me though, only a narcissistic asshole would spend an entire preview for a game writing about themselves instead of the game they didn’t play. So let’s get on to what you really care about.
Maybe it was the contact high from the constant smell of weed in the indoor Amalie Arena, but around midway through the first set during the song "Animate," as I sat in my seat — surrounded by thousands of drunk dudes well above my age — I thought of how awesome it would be to be up on that stage rocking out — to be Geddy Lee slappin’ the bass, to be the amazing Neil Peart on drums or Alex Lifeson on guitar. I looked around as my fellow Rush fans were rocking out, playing the air guitar, banging the invisible drums, bobbing their hair that probably hasn’t been cut (or washed) in weeks. I loved every second of it, and it got me thinking. Rock Band 4.
All video games are stupid, of course. But for years, Rush has been a staple for the Rock Band series, with many of their hit songs made playable — “Limelight,” “Working Man,” “YYZ”. I’m not really playing Geddy Lee’s incredible bassline, but instead holding a plastic guitar and pressing buttons according to visual cues. But when those buttons are pressed, I feel like a god damn rockstar. And as someone still living in the glory days of his high school punk/ska band, that’s what I enjoy about Rock Band.
The fact that Harmonix is not so much focused on high scores, but instead just creating a fun experience with Rock Band 4 is something I’m really looking forward to. For me, Rock Band has never really been about the high score, but instead getting a group of friends together, drinking a crap ton of Natty Ice, and rocking out.
“Living on a lighted stage
Approaches the unreal
For those who think and feel
In touch with some reality
Beyond the gilded cage”
I'm a bit disappointed Rush didn't play Limelight at the show, but that's what happens when you have four decades worth of music to pick from. Like Rush, Rock Band 4 will also have an impressive collection of songs available as Harmonix has confirmed that previously purchased songs will be compatible.
I’m not at all familiar with how Rock Band 4 plays. From the legit previews I read, you know, the ones that actually talk about the game, it seems like the familiarity will still be there. And for that, I am excited. I’m sad for the people who don’t enjoy this product.
In the end, Rush was f*cking fantastic. That is, if you’re the type of person that cares about rock music, likes crowds, and likes loud noises.
