Advice on gaming console

GWC Community GWC Hive Mind
#1

Have a rather lengthy question (or many questions pertaining to the same topic), so here goes:

My parents (mom especially) are huge fans of the Beatles. My sister and I think it would be a fantastic gift (for their upcoming anniversary and their birthdays) to give them The Beatles Rock Band (and all related gaming parts) to them, so they can relive their youth and memories and whatnots.

Now, I am sadly not much of a gamer (I think my last gaming console was the red/white nintendo, which was awesome, but also about 20 years ago,so hee), so any opinions would be much appreciated.

  • Is this a terrible idea and that we’re buying into this whole marketing ploy? For those who have the game, how is it? I saw some clips of the game, and it looks fantastic! Good present?
  • Which console is the best to buy? We’re both thinking to get the Wii, because it seems the easiest to use for even my parents. But, would another console be better for this particular game?
  • So, I gather I’d have to get all sorts of extras for this, like guitars and whatnots. What exactly would I need in terms of extras for The Beatles game, and how much would that run me?
  • Is there some kind of package deal (at ebay/amazon/online stores (I don’t live in the States)) that will have all of the parts for exactly this type of purpose? Now, how much would that run me? Would a different console be cheaper as a whole (for the console, the game and parts altogether)?
  • Any other games on the same gaming console that would appeal to people born in the 50s, and something my sister and I could look forward to giving them in the future?

Thanks for everyone’s help (in advance).

#2

Uh…are they at all interested in video games? If not you might want to just get them the recently released remasters. I can see them getting frustrated rather than enjoying it.

To answer your other questions. It’s gonna run you around…200-300 for the system, depending. 160 for the bundle that comes with the game, drums, a guitar, and a mic. Another like 30-60 for another guitar. So you’re looking at like 500 bucks.

I just got back home from playing the game for like…4 hours or something. I enjoy the crap out of it but I’ve also played rhythm games before and was playing with 3 other guys.

So it comes down to whether they’d enjoy the remasters more for 180 bucks or the console + game for 500ish. I’d wager the remasters

#3

I agree with DP’s recommendation. If your parents aren’t already into video games like Rock Band, spending ~$400-500 for a console, instruments, and the Beatles game would be pretty risky if they don’t wind up playing it that much.

#4

Thanks! So, there’s no essential difference between the consoles (xbox/ps3/wii) in terms of how much it’ll cost as a package?

Yeah, I’m not sure either way. The remasters are definitely a good idea too - thanks for recommending that! I have some similar reservations in the rock band portion of the game, because while they are guitar players, not sure if they’d enjoy the simulated button pressings instead. But from what I’ve seen of the game, it’s rather a remarkable take on the Beatles that I know they’d love to see. But, it’s definitely much easier to just get the cds instead - also something they’d enjoy.

On the other hand, they had repeatedly shown interest in the wii console and the games (like wii fit and the golf games) in the past, but they just never bought the wii. In this case, subsequent presents can be additional games, which would make the whole gift buying simpler in the years to come.

Much to think about. The price is actually pretty much what I had in mind (split between three people, it’s actually just about right as a gift for them), but the cds are a great idea too (and cheaper!) Thanks again for your help.

#5

After much thot on this my recommendation: test your parents out. Given the overhead of spending $500 bucks this approach makes sense. Get them to a friends house for a few hours and see if they enjoy playing the game jamming to the Beatles. If they don’t like it get them the remasters and be done with it. :slight_smile:

#6

You know, that might just work! Good idea. It should be an interesting and fun evening.

Thank you!

#7

THat being said. If you are willing to spend the 500 or so. I think yoru best options are PS3 or Wii

I recommend the PS3 because it has a really good Blueray player in it. So its more multimedia.

The Wii is a much more friendly system to the older folks. If they are not into really hi def graphics or i think the Wii is your better options. My folks have one and they love it. The games are much simpler and they use it much more than they would another game system.

another option you have is to go and buy a Used rock band game system and then just the disc of Beatles Rockband. That should save you money.

#8

I’m a 360 pusher. The Wii is pretty simple and straightforward, but it also requires a wireless connection and has the sensor bar. It also hides lots of its features in menus that aren’t as friendly.

The PS3 is a great idea for someone who will get Blu-Ray, but otherwise, there’s not much to recommend.

The 360 is, I feel, a very user-friendly system. It also has a nice and easy menu, lots of interesting content that’s easy to find, and has achievements. I know PS3 has trophies, but achievements really stand in a class all their own, and for some people, they make games even more fun.

But yes, before all of this, a test run!