Justifying Your Music Genre Game Purchase

Spokkersan · 10-31-2009, 04:59 PM

There is a certain stigma associated with games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band. In fact, I was one of those people who said, "Why not learn the real guitar?" Of course, I realized I was a hypocrite because 1) I was an avid fan of Frequency and Amplitude and 2) I wasn't learning any musical instruments anyway. Many people who criticize "hit the colored plastic button, stupid" games are part of category 1, 2 or both.

Since I was a fan of Frequency and Amplitude and therefore loyal to Harmonix, I've grown an interest in a Rock Band 2 bundle that I found a good deal on. Now I want to get it. But, like any self-loathing nerd, I have to justify it to placate other elitist nerds who are probably secretly playing these dumb games anyway. My justifications are as follows.

1) It's essentially the same thing as Frequency but with better songs and downloadable content that allows the developers to withhold the better songs to spend your Microsoft Funny Money on.

2) I found a good deal. Not paying $200 bucks for plastic guitars and drums allows me to dodge accusations that I'm wasting my money. I mean, it's still a waste of money, but I wasted it smarter!

3) It's just a simulation. There is no reason to not watch sports because you can't play sports or not play shooters because you are a ninny who is afraid of guns and suspicious teenagers.

4) It's a waste of time, but so is everything else people do.

5) And the most important justification, I think that most Guitar Hero or Rock Band players *know* they are playing a fake instrument and *know* they look stupid while doing it. I see far too many people accuse players of thinking they'll be a hot tamale with the drums or the guitar after playing these games, but I really doubt that many people think that. By the way, look for me in concert at Giants Stadium in a couple years.

There, I think I have sufficiently justified my decision to purchase Rock Band and I hope these tips will help you explain to a friend or lover why you're not so hopeless.

Alex Raymond · 11-01-2009, 10:03 AM

Good points. I think it is key that music games aren't inherently a waste of time any more or less than any other video game. I actually think they are LESS of a "waste of time" than most video games because they are something you generally play with your friends and/or at a party, and I'm of the opinion that social activities are never a waste of time.

As for the real instrument thing, the games have actually done a lot to inspire kids to learn guitar or drums; it's even given me the urge to pick up my guitar again--I'm currently looking for a place to take lessons.

That said, when Rock Band first came out I was really dismayed by the high price--it is a huge barrier to entry for something that is otherwise so accessible. But now that the market is flooded with music games, it is a lot more affordable.

Spokkersan · 11-01-2009, 04:48 PM

It's a good game to play with your girlfriend and/or life-partner who deserves equal benefits under the law in all 50 states. We got tired of killing each other over The Adventures of Cookie and Cream.