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Platform Filters:   All Platforms  Xbox   GameCube   PlayStation 2   PC   Game Boy Advance   Site Sections:   Updates  News   Games   Publishers   Developers   Reviews   Previews   Release Dates   Editorials   Glossary   Contact Us		Review:       6th May 2002: Rock Manager  Create your very own Britney Spears Posted by Mark Scoular - PC - UK and Europe Rock Manager is the latest in a long line of God style games. You play a typical manager of the music industry who recruits young and old musicians to create the latest and greatest songs to enter the charts. Using a built-in music mixer resembling CakeWalk or Cubase, you can modify your songs and turn a typical 90's Brit pop number into a 70's disco number. You can then make music videos, put your songs on the radio and even hire the Russian Mafia to get rid of any competition. In theory the concept is sound but in practice it's a different story. Gameplay wise Rock Manager is reasonably easy to get to grips with, and after the first 2 missions the routine is obvious. The game is split up into 9 missions each one hardly any different from the rest in terms of what you have to do but only differ in the background in which they are placed. For example, the head of the local Russian Mafia approaches you with a ludicrous sum of money to ensure that you make his daughter a rock star. The only problem being, she can't sing. You have to train her and hire talented musicians to compensate for her lack of musical talent. The game basically involves the same process for each mission. You have to hire musicians book gigs and advertise, using a simple point and click on the interactive town on the screen. If all the missions had different storylines such as this and didn't have the same process over and over again we might be looking at a different game. In terms of length, Rock Manager will supply you with about 2 or 3 days entertainment. There are only 9 missions and considering you can complete the first 2 or 3 within the first hour you get the ruff idea. Graphics wise the game has not pushed the boundaries by any manner of means and any competent visual artist could have created them. Each character in the game is basically the same facial shell but with blonde hair, long hair or a moustache added on to distinguish between characters. The only part I enjoyed was the comments that some of characters come out with, such as the gay bass player Raymond. It is hard to rate a game on sound when it is virtually based on music, although Rock Manager does have some nice audio touches. The actual songs you are given to mix and produce are of decent quality and the mixing of them is very simple and easy to use. Although the audio aspect doesn't break the mould there are very simple, yet effective touches that try to draw you back into the game. Mark Scoular             Latest Images:		Review Scores:    Graphics:   Sound:   Gameplay:   Length:   Overall: Click here for our Review Score Guidelines.  Related Games:  Rock Manager for PC  1  Review Click here for All Game Information.
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