I own this game on the Xbox 360 with all the instruments. Purchased in a bundle for 180.
My first thoughts on purchasing this was that the price was going to be too high for a lot of people who would enjoy this game the most (students, younger people etc)
Guitar
Those who are used to playing guitar heroes are going to be slightly disappointed with the quality of the actual guitar controller. The buttons are closer together than the guitar hero ones and do not have an easy way of defining the buttons like the small knob on the yellow in guitar hero, as to not loose where your fingers are. Although as a positive all guitar hero controllers are compatible, and this one does come with buttons specifically designed for soloing.
The actual guitar parts are easier than guitar hero, so the more experienced gamer, may get board easier.
Mic / Vocals
I was very impressed with the quality of the microphone provided. It is an USB mic and any other USB mics can be used.
The vocal tour was a lot easier also than I expected but is still great fun.
Drums
Now the drums are the instrument that really shows off what this game is meant for, feeling like a rock star, as one of those instruments that not many people get to play often. The drums consist of 4 pads and the floor pedal acting as bass drum. Very satisfying to play and a little more challenging.
Multi player
Now the purpose of the game and what its really about is playing as a band with friends (which many of my Saturday evenings are now spent doing!)
The objective is to work as a team to score high and get 5 stars on your performance, with such earning you fans and money.
The screen is easily divided to fit the vocals, drums, guitar and second guitar option of bass guitar. Its easy to see your space and also keep an eye on everyone else, encase you need to help them out by going into "overdrive". Overdrive is achieved when you have hit enough white notes to fill your over drive meter. To activate overdrive you either freestyle on the Mic, lift the guitars or hit the green note after a fill on the drums. Overdrive gives you a multiplier on score and will launch anyone else playing up to the top of their "life bar" if they are struggling.
Songs
There are 45 songs as standard on the game. Which at first working through the world tour mode, gets a bit repetitive, having to play the same songs over and over again to unlock the next set, but once they are all open, and the bonus tour is also available. The choice and range of songs vary from very old to very modern, a good wide range.
There is also down-loadable content released every week which can be purchased through Xbox live using Microsoft points. Most songs are now coming out on Mondays and cost 160 points per song, or you can save a bit by buying bundles (5 songs for 400 and similar)
On-line
The game comes with on-line mode, where you can straight battle people for bragging rights or play the tug of war mode. I feel this area they could have expanded more, but with the main focus of the game being to play with friends in person, I can see why they didn't.
Achievements
All achievements are easily achievable if you play through all instruments on all levels, Of course if you are not able to complete it on expert you will be missing some. But I do like the fact they are stacked, meaning complete the game on hard, you also get the achievements for medium and easy.
Graphics
Being on the 360 means this game could advance on the guitar hero games and improve, that which it does. Visually it is pretty and well done, the lip sync and playing of the character (who are fully editable by the way) are very impressive. My favourite feature though....the crowd sing along when you are doing well...great for the ego boast to feel like a true rock star!
Conclusion
A great game, for anyone who has ever wanted to be a rock star or just likes music. Its so much fun and so addictive, I would recommend it to anyone on any playing level. Everyone should own this game 10/10