IT NEVER fails.

Each time I mention to a group of people that I play the Rock Band or Guitar Hero music game, someone would make a snarky comment on why I didn't bother trying the real thing.

(For the non-gamers out there, both these games feature peripheral music instruments that mirror real life ones – a guitar, drum set and even a mic for singing.)

My reply: Do they go out to buy a gun to mirror the virtual shooting experience? Or race around the streets of Singapore at 200 km/h to mimic their virtual racing experience? Why limit the real versus virtual comparison to just music games? After all, nothing beats the real thing right?

Other than to recreate the actual experience though, there is one thing that games offer that real life rarely accords - a consistent and unbiased basis for comparison. In a game, the scores are there for you to challenge others, to see how good you can be, in relation to others. Be it shooting, simulation, sports, puzzle or action games, the same rules apply. 

Still, I do realise that there is something to be said about realism and its necessity, which is why Digital Life is taking a step to marry both.

In our Rock Band competition this weekend - from Friday to Sunday at the Marina Square atrium - we want more than just gamers who can play the game. We are looking out for those of you who can wow the crowd with your vocals, guitars and drums, even though it's a video game. 

Come dressed in loudest rock outfits and show us that if given the chance, you can turn the atrium into a live concert hall like only a real performer can. And maybe, just maybe, you can decide if you really want to go out and take guitar, singing or drum lessons. 

Rock on!

Notes:

To take part in Rock Band, gather a party of four and email us at mkgdlpromo@sph.com.sg by this Thursday (Oct 23), telling us in 30 words or less, why your band should take the stage. If you're selected, the auditions take place this Friday and Saturday, from 11am to 2pm at the Marina Square Atrium, Xbox X08 stage.

Emerge victorious at the finals on Sunday from 3pm to 6pm and you could walk away with the top prize of over $2,000, which includes cash, Xbox 360 game console and games.