Published: Wednesday, 3rd June, 2009 1:34pm

Beatles Rock Band? Yeah, yeah, yeah!

by Geek Chic

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First look at Beatles Rock Band (Courtesy of Apple Corps, Ltd., Harmonix and MTV Games)

There are games that, when they're announced, evoke a frisson of anticipation. There are games that, when they're announced, make you think 'hmm, that's a possibility for game of the year'. And then there are games that, when they're announced make you think 'right, I need to book three days off work for when that comes out'. And then, there's Beatles Rock Band.

If they could put together a Rock Band game that would appeal to me more than any other it would be this. You can keep Rock Band: Aerosmith and Rock Band: Metallica. Even Rock Band: Green Day would only turn my head a little. Beatles Rock Band (yes, they're so iconic their name goes before the franchise name) is going to be the game to rule them all.

When they announced the deal with Apple that heralded this (thanks in great part to Dhani Harrison, George's son and the person who suggested it to the surviving Beatles and Yoko Ono Lennon) I was excited enough – taking the much loved Guitar Hero / Rock Band format you play guitars / drums / sing your way through the back catalogue of the Fab Four, getting the fame and accolades to play from the Cavern Club to the Apple rooftop and everywhere in between.

But this week at games Mecca E3 the developers took to the stage to show the gameplay for the first time – showcasing the band immortalised in the quirky graphic design the franchise is renowned for as well as couple of very exciting new developments. Those limited edition guitars and drums, modelled on those preferred by the band, were shown off for the first time, but it also becomes apparent that you can have multiple vocalists – you'll be three part harmonising with the best of them (just don't let your Ringo onto the drums).

The first of the games's 45-song track listing was confirmed, and is set to include: I Saw Her Standing There, I Want to Hold Your Hand, I Feel Fine, Day Tripper, Taxman, I Am the Walrus, Back in the U.S.S.R., Octopus' Garden, Here Comes the Sun and Get Back." Meanwhile all albums will be able to buy as download content, with a version of All You Need Is Love set to be released as a X-Box exclusive with all profits going to charity.

The video will whet the appetite of anyone with even a vague interest in the game or the band. But it also shows the visible glee of the guitarist/developer on the end who blatently feels like he's playing the Shea Stadium rather than a games expo. This, I fear, is pretty much how I'm going to look the first time I get to play While My Guitar Gently Weeps. I may have to lock myself in the house alone and forego the harmonising to minimise mocking.

But the final words about the game should probably go to two Liverpudlian blokes who popped out on stage to say hello.

As well as showing off the gameplay, they unveiled the full trailer for the first time:

I can't wait. Forget the game of the year. This may be the game of my life. Goo goo ga joob.