There is a lot less to being a star than mere talent. So if you have sat screaming at Simon, Dr Fox, Nicky and Pete and declaiming that you could do a better job with your hands tied behind you back, then the new management sim, Rock Manager might just be the game for you. Rock Manager is basically a series of missions where you have to take your no-hopers and turn them into superstars. The first mission is to form a band, get a record contract, release a single and get it in the top 10. Then you have various other tasks from organising a comeback tour for a bunch of aging metal heads, to persuading a reluctant musician to re-enter the limelight so you can throw him to the media lions and get your cut before he gives up the wonderful business we call show, for good.
The recording studio is probably the most open-ended bit of the game play. Here you get to twiddle your knobs, increase your time-shift and hire some talented session musicians to drown out the waling of your newbies. Once you have a song it’s time to pimp it round the record companies and try and get a deal and then the fun bit starts. You need to release an album. First get your sleeve designed (there are several options to choose from at the graphic designer’s pad) then schedule a release date. Then you need to build up some hype by playing a few gigs at the various venues in town, sending the local hacks some press kits and even getting a music video made.
As far as the game is concerned, there are a few glitches in what appears to be a really good concept. The game play appears quite linear; often there seems to be one particular way to win a mission so you spend hours trying to find the formula. The second problem is that there isn’t a save option so if you make a really stupid mistake in an otherwise exemplary career you have to start again. But then that’s the music biz for you…you are only as good as your last big hit. --Kristen Bowditch
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