The idea is that players purchase licensed songs as limited use items for 30, 60, and 90 days. As far as I can tell, the version I played (0.81) lets me use any song for as long as I want, including those uploaded by other users. Additionally, since I can extend my use for user submitted songs using in-game currency, I can’t help but wonder who the hell will get the money for said transaction. If the user gets a portion, then what will happen in the case of users submitting songs they don’t own? I assume we’ll have an answer very soon.

As I said earlier, yes, this is a “Guitar Hero” clone. Colored circles descend along an infinite fretbar and when they reach the bottom it’s up to the player to hold the corresponding button and, at the right time, press the strum button. The graphics automatically adjust to your computer’s performance, so some will see their customizable avatar jam out like he or she just injected 30 cases of red bull into his or her bloodstream, and others will see a static patterned wall.

“Star Power” even appears in the form of “Fan Power.” The effect has not been changed.

I never cared for the visuals in these titles, only the music. 32 licensed tracks comprise Acclaim’s initial stable. Most have already appeared in one rhythm game or another (or a few), so genre veterans might scoff at their inclusion, but every little bit helps diversify, and add a little bit of credibility, regardless of how lame the artist and/or song may be (*points to Warrant – Cherry Pie).

Using the upload function, and the convenient compatibility with “Frets on Fire,” the de facto DIY “Guitar Hero” clone for PC users, songs from dozens of artists and other videogames are now in the database. Adding them to your library is as easy as clicking on what you want and then hitting “add song.” Easy.

Multiplayer, or rather “Rocker Clubs,” so far appears to remain lag free, even with up to three other players. I had one or two hiccups during my experiences, but I think it was due to issues with my PC rather than their server. Retaining this smooth connectivity is key to Acclaim providing players, especially the hardcore audience, as one missed note due to lag can instantly translate into a loss.

“RockFree” still hasn’t hit version 1.0 (presumably the official “we’re kinda done!” number) so it’s understandably naked, skeleton-style. The framework’s there to set the genre free, and I’m sure David Perry and Acclaim will deliver on most, if not all, of their promises. But will gamers switch from paying a standard fee for each new console release, and subsequent downloadable content, for a free title on the PC? Or is this appealing to a completely different market? Only time will tell.

Review Kyle Stallock
October 10, 2009