Earlier this week we were invited to MTV Games to get a little hands-on time with Rock Band on the PS2.

The PS2 bundle will release later this month for $159.99 and feature a wireless guitar, wired drums, and wired microphone. This hardware will also work out of the box on the PlayStation 3 version of the game, which is great if you upgrade to a PS3 down the line. That way you only have to pick up the $60 game instead of a whole new bundle.

First things first, there are a few features missing in the PS2 version of the game because the game was primarily developed for next-gen consoles. Hit the jump for a list of what didn't make the cut.

• Character Creation and Wardrobe Changes – Instead of being able to make your own rocker, Harmonix has created look-alike bands for each song. For example, playing Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So” will get you a band sporting black-rimmed glasses.
• The look-alike bands also mean the live-rendered band is gone and replaced with pre-rendered routines. You won’t notice it much when you’re playing, but it’s a shame.
• World Tour Mode is gone in favor of a co-op tour that is basically the solo tour that you can play with 2-4 players. Sorry, folks.
• The effects during guitar solo’s and Overdrive are limited to different versions of echo effect. No wah-wah or flanger for our PS2 brethren.
• No online play or downloadable content.

However, the game that remains is still definitely Rock Band and it definitely still rocks hard. During gameplay it’s basically the same as the 360/PS3 version of the game (except the background video is pre-rendered and isn’t in HD).

Yes, the game looks better on next-gen and you’ll get the DLC love, but if you’re still reppin’ the PS2, this is your chance to get in on Rock Band. Thankfully, the old PS2 guitars will work so you will be able to complete your full band with a PS2 Guitar Hero peripheral.