It seems like there is no stop to the inertia that Rock Band has created and they are not afraid to go in different and very specific directions to push units. The most recent entry into the franchise is Green Day: Rock Band, which is exactly what it advertises to be, a Rock Band game with a Green Day skin and feel. Does it deliver hard punk rock action or fizzle out? Well, this really depends on how much you like Green Day. Seriously.

This version of Rock Band will quickly be compared to Beatles Rock Band and really that will be its downfall. What I mean by that is that Beatles Rock Band served as a more iconic view into a generational, influential band, while I don't think the same can be said for the Green Day version. The simplest way to sum up Green Day: Rock Band is to take Rock Band 2, remove the ability to create your own avatar, insert Green Day characters and songs, and viola.

Expect to play in three arenas with Billy and company, and nothing else. Also, there are no dreamscapes like in the Beatles version just straight performances and also do not expect any special instruments either. You will enjoy playing some of your favorite songs but then after a while you want to change the station and can't, you’re stuck listening to more Green Day. This version lacks the nostalgic value of a Beatles version and as a result comes up as an okay version of Rock Band that feels a bit slapped together.

You will get some unlockables chronicling the band's life as well as some live videos and never before seen footage of the guts backstage. But, this is not enough, unless you really care about Green day. There is nothing wrong with the game, you can play online and offline career and even do some harmonies on vocals but then again we have seen this already.

Green Day Rock Band lacks innovation but does all the basics of Rock Band very well. It is not flashy or psychedelic but instead gives you a look and punk rock sound of Green Day, if that is what you are looking for then grab this now.

Bottom line is, Green Day: Rock Band is a home run for any hardcore fan of the band but for those of you that are only casual fans or not even remotely a fan this would be a disc you get, rip the songs and then take back to trade toward something else. Green Day Rock Band is a great game for a fan or a new comer to Rock Band, but not much else here to speak of.

Grab it and enjoy some American Idiot, then rip the song and wait for Rock Band 3.

  • Game: Green Day: Rock Band
  • Platform Reviewed: PS3
  • Release Date: 6/8/2010
  • MSRP: $59.99 ($49.99 for Wii)
  • Developer: Harmonix, Demiurge Studios
  • Publisher: MTV Games
  • Also Available on: Xbox 360, Wii
  • Review copy info: A copy of this title was provided to DualShockers Inc. by the publisher for purposes of this review.
Green Day: Rock Band
7.5 / 10