Meet the Steel Battalion of music games — except, fortunately, ION’s $300 überhardcore Drum Rocker is completely optional. But odds are you won’t ever want to go back to the standard kit if you try this monster.

Composed of a metal frame and industrial-strength pads and cymbals, the Drum Rocker doubles as an actual electronic drum kit, provided you pony up extra for the brain module ($350 new, or $150 used). In Rock Band (1 and 2, and it should work in Guitar Hero World Tour), it enhances the experience exponentially. Hits never drop, bounce is better, it’s quieter (except for the squeaky foot pedal), and you can mash on it without fear of it breaking. It’s also a tangibly more awesome and realistic way to end your drum fi ll by smacking an actual crash cymbal. These are real drums!

Unfortunately, the foot pedal lacks the springiness of a “real” bass-drum pedal, and assembly (and subsequent adjustment to your liking) is a bear. You’ll know what your dad felt like trying to build that bike for you on Christmas morning. Also, it’s very difficult to stomach a peripheral that costs as much as the console itself, especially when you have to pay another $50 for a third cymbal that ought to be included. But if you want to bridge the gap between playing with drums and playing the drums, you’ll get your money’s worth.

For Xbox 360

+ Quieter, always registers hits, better bounce, altogether sturdier.

+ Can double as an actual electronic drum kit.

- Assembly is a bear.

? Is fun worth the cost?

8.0