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Personally, I think he's a better guitar player. But everyone loves the drummer

We have an Xbox 360...and to be honest, we have a few games for it, but not very many. I won the gaming console in a contest at work, but it never really became a part of our family life.

That is, until now. Over Thanksgiving, a friend brought over a new game: Rock Band. Oh my goodness, how much fun!

Although...truth be told, you don't want me in the band. Seriously. I can't sing. I can't drum. And I most definitely do not have the hand-eye coordination to be a guitar player - not even the bass player.

But it's okay, because someone has to be the worst in the house, and I'm glad it's not the kids! And speaking of the kids, it's not really a game that The Girl, at four, has much of an interest in...except for, of course, putting on her pretty dancing dresses and dancing while we rock out. But The Boy, at seven, and our friend's kids (a whole bunch, mostly girls, ages 8 through 11) absolutely love it. And are pretty good at it, too!

I'm not sure how similar it is to actually drumming or playing the guitar or bass, since I don't play any of those instruments. But I do know it's just a ton of fun, and bonds a group of people together in a way that fighting and racing games just don't. Players get to "save" other band members if they're not doing as well, and you can set the level of play for each individual, so someone who is better can play at a higher level and be challenged. It definitely takes a lot of coordination and rhythm, but I watched as three kids who had never played before picked up their instruments and song after song, improved their skills.

It's definitely one of this season's hot toys - my husband and I thought about picking up the game for ourselves, but four different electronics stores were out and weren't sure when the game would be back in stock. Too bad...but hey, my kid has a birthday in April! Maybe it will be available by then!