John, Paul, George - Bingo!

This is for anyone who's ever imagined themselves as John, Paul, George or Ringo – a video game in the mould of Guitar Hero, in which players sing, strum and drum along, with consoles in the form of instruments, to the band’s back catalogue.

With success in the game dependent on keeping time and hitting the right notes, the aim is to progress from the band's beginnings in Liverpool to megastardom, moving from rock 'n' roll to pop harmonies and psychedelia along the way.

WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING:

Steve Boxer, the Guardian: Where the game really scores are in its visuals – previous Rock Bands and Guitar Heroes have purveyed a dingy, grungy look, but The Beatles - Rock Band looks absolutely lush, with clever montages detailing the different ages and visual identities of the band, and the backgrounds to the gigs you play really managing to evoke a feeling of vicarious Beatles membership. Working through the game, you play the Cavern, the Ed Sullivan Show, the legendary Shea Stadium gig and a concert at Budokan, before settling down to three sessions in Abbey Road's Studio 2. (Verdict: five stars out of five)

Tom Hoggins, the Daily Telegraph: Nearly every one of the 45 tracks is an absolute joy to play. Naturally, single band releases can suffer from a focus that is too narrow. Not so with the Beatles, their rich and eclectic catalogue plundered to great effect and a progression that feels bracingly different but effortlessly natural. From the ferocious Twist & Shout, to the flat-out weirdness of Ringo's Octopus's Garden, to the more modern rock of John Lennon's Come Together, there’s something for everyone. (Verdict: nine out of 10)

Libe Goad, GameDaily.com: It's obvious that nothing's been spared when it comes to the overall presentation. The Fab Four and some of their better-known venues were lovingly recreated as animated illustrations (using the word "cartoon" would be an injustice)… Fact is, for the price the cash-strapped majority will pay for this game - $60 for the software and up to $250 for the special limited edition (which comes with the game, a Hofner bass replica controller, a mic and stand and a replica of Ringo Starr's drums) - we would have liked to see a few more songs thrown in for good measure. (Verdict: nine out of 10)