A sequel to anything is hard to pull off. It has to have the basic mechanics of the original to please the old fans, but it needs to have improvements to keep them pleased and spark new interest.

This task is too hard to accomplish for some video game companies. It's even harder for one coming off the heels of a huge hit like "Rock Band."

However, let me assure you that "Rock Band 2" delivers in just about every way. So polish off the old plastic instruments and check out the good and bad of the new version.

One of the issues many guitarists had with the original "Rock Band" was the ease of play. They could just breeze through the game with no issue. Well, cue the cheesy inspirational music because you're going to have a challenge playing this one.

Maybe, though, you prefer playing drums. If you do, then get a bucket of ice because after you're done playing, you're going to need it to cool off from all of the intense licks this game has to offer.

Of course this year's setlist is nothing short of astonishing. It combines some old and some new songs - all of them great.

Another great thing about "Rock Band 2" is that it's streamlined to ensure maximum fun is had and with ease. You can now create a quick play setlist just for the heck of it. And no longer do you need a bandleader nor do you need to be tethered to a single instrument. So if you like to sing and play guitar like me, then you can do both without needing to have Dissociative Identity Disorder.

In addition, online capabilities have been fleshed out quite well. Now you can finally play Band World Tour online, a welcome change for all.

One of the new features is the Battle of the Bands, which will keep you playing for online dominance for months to come. My only issue with this feature is that you're kind of put at a disadvantage if you have less band members. However that's not an excuse for you not to pick up this game.

The new amount of clothes is nice, but it's still not enough to please my personal tastes. The faces are also fairly underdone -- you'll find about three new additions. This is OK, but, really, this is the year 2008. Is it that much to ask for a full body and face sculptor for full immersion?

All of the new modifications are nice, but I still think this title could use some work. "Rock Band 3," anyone?

The few flaws don't mean that this game isn't worth the cash, but it does depend on where you're coming from. If you're a hardcore shooter and have never been into music games, then this really won't wow you into the series. If you do, however, have even a slight interest in games that let you pretend to be a rock star, then this game is for you.

So to sum it up, "Rock Band 2" isn't twice as great as the original "Rock Band," but it's close. I'll give it a 9.9 out of 10. For all you rockers out there, this game will scratch that itch for awesome virtual music making.