Thank you, New York!

Rock Band is everything the other reviewers have mentioned. In a word, AWESOME.

Never having been much of a console gamer, I was intrigued enough by Rock Band to actually buy an Xbox 360 specifically for this game. It hasn't let me down.

The graphics are fantastic, and I was very surprised to discover how much it really feels like you're rockin' out on stage with some of the best (and some of the most obscure) bands around.

The construction isn't bad, per se. I've found that the drums have held up quite well. I tend to find myself getting a little too into it and I usually end up trying to be a bit more reserved in my drumming so as to not damage the pads, but even in my uncontrollable fits of drumming rage, I haven't damaged the drums yet. Also to be noted, you can hit your drums with any drum sticks you like, so if you're a real drummer and have a particular style or brand of stick, you can use them. (Also important if you happen to break a stick-head!)

I've not used the guitar MUCH, because the drums are so much fun, but from what I've seen it seems pretty decent. In addition to two areas on the fret board to finger, there's a whammy bar and a switch that acts as an effects pedal to create different sounds from the Fender replica.

The included microphone seems very well constructed. The handle is plastic, and the grille on top is actually a wire mesh, just like a real microphone. It is wired, though it has a reasonably long enough cable to not hinder play.

Game play is very user friendly. Tutorials are included to give you the basics, and you can do everything from practice sessions to world tours in which you earn "money", extra songs, and wardrobe options for your character. Unfortunately, you can not take your band on tour in online play, as you are limited to "quick play" only. This, I would have to say, is my biggest disappointment thus far. Also, once you've signed in and are playing your character, you can't switch between instruments without switching to a different character.