Time to go green

GAME OF THE WEEK:GREEN DAY ROCK BAND  12 cert, MTV Games, PS3 (also Xbox 360, Wii)  * * * *

If you aren't a fan of Billy Joe Armstrong and co, step away now. Green Day Rock Bandis exactly what you think: a 47-song title that puts you in the shoes of Armstrong, bassist Mike Dirnt and drummer Tre Cool.

Rock Band games are relatively straightforward. You get some instrument peripherals (my favourite is the drum kit) and a microphone that allows you to warble along.

You can follow the band’s career from early beginnings, playing dingy venues, through their rise to fame and in to larger venues full of screaming fans. The graphics are pretty good, although we’re still not quite at a stage where they are lifelike.

Career mode also allows you to unlock more than 100 images and 40 minutes of unreleased video footage that has been compiled from interviews, out-takes and band performances. The songs cover the band's career and some of their best work is included, from Dookieand American Idiotto 21st Century Breakdown.

If you've played The Beatles Rock Band, you'll see many similarities. Green Day has the same harmonising capability, which is great if you're tuneless and need someone else to cover your lack of vocal ability.

Extras and fan-centred content aside, Green Day Rock Bandis fun to play. Mastering Jesus of Suburbia, for example, is a feat in itself, although it's good to see some of the less arduous tracks, such as Good Riddance, included. Green Day's songs are, for the most part, perfect for a Rock Band title.

Fans of the band will love it. Fans of Rock Band games may see it as a challenge. Those who dislike one or both should skip it.