With “Rock Band 2” being released last week, here a few of the new features offered in the successful multi-console music game.

1) All songs, as well as all downloaded songs from the original “Rock Band” game, will transfer over to the sequel.

2) There are 84 new songs with a good mix of classics rock, and recently popular bands. An additional 500 downloadable songs will be available by the end of the year, just in time for Christmas.

3) The addition of Drum trainer and freestyle mode. Drum trainer teaches the player to understand real life drum basics and feel more comfortable with drum play in the game. Freestyle mode gives the ability to make your own music and share it over the web on XBOX LIVE or on an MP3 player.

4) You can challenge other bands from around the world to go head-to-head in a battle of musical wits.

5) While in the “world tour mode,” you have the ability to switch between the different instruments in the middle of the set, allow a guest to jump in, and have the ability to hire and fire staff, such as lawyers and promoters.

With these new features and more, it’s only a matter of time before “Guitar Hero 4” will try and up the ante.