Activision laid down the opening riffs to the licensing rock-off, but Harmonix gave the encore. Rather than focusing on making a tribute, The Beatles: Rock Band offers a near complete history lesson of the band and the changing music scene of the time.

From the montage of tour photos in the cut-scenes to the small audio clips from studio recording sessions, The Beatles: Rock Band sets a new high mark for blending games with history. The extras, such as video footage of their appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show and the hilarious Christmas recording, offer insight few other games attempt. For a history lesson, I'll take The Beatles: Rock Band over Mario's Time Machine any day.