Guitar Hero Review

By Kristan Reed Published 4 January, 2006

For those about to Rock, we salute you.

Version tested: PlayStation 2

One thing you might not know about my PE days (that's Pre-Eurogamer, as opposed to physical education, just to stave off any potential lawsuits/general confusion) was my pretensions to be a guitar hero. Ok, fair enough, Macbreth never made the cover of NME, but our manager (aka my dad) did once get savaged by John Peel's hounds and told to 'piss off' when he turned up at the late DJ-legend's Suffolk farmhouse one cold day in 1992. Frankly, his valiant efforts to get our EP played were good enough for me. I was always a bass man myself, but that was only because all my mates had been playing lead or rhythm since they were about ten. I wasn't bitter or anything. Ok, maybe just a little miffed that I was arguably in the least sexy position in our indiepop band of champions, but it was still great to chunga-chunga through the set and pogo around during end of our set stomper 'Take Me Up'.

So, imagine my surprise/delight when I opened up a huge package on Christmas Day and found that Tom had bought me a copy of Guitar Hero. A present of ultimate justice that not only enabled me to relive past axe-wielding glories, but amuse/wow onlookers for the entire festive season as I threw shapes, wobbled the whammy bar and indulged in fret-busting, finger-killing action in an attempt to become the ultimate videogaming rock god. Albeit 14 years too late.

Coming complete with a scaled down replica guitar peripheral (surely the best add-on videogaming has ever witnessed) Guitar Hero is essentially another rhythm-action game that tasks you with matching the five fret buttons with the coloured shapes scrolling rapidly down the fret on the lower portion of the screen (while the band do their thing on the upper half). Much like Harmonix's previous lauded efforts Amplitude and Frequency, your role is to embellish the backing track - only this time it's all about adding the guitar licks, as opposed to building virtually the entire song like before.

Smell the glove

'Guitar Hero' Screenshot chug

Or in other words 'chugga chugga chugga chug chug'.

But stripping down the gameplay to merely matching the colours to the appropriate fret buttons and hitting the 'strum' button at designated time hasn't diluted the gameplay one bit. In fact, focusing the gameplay down to one instrument has given Harmonix the opportunity to test the player in other heroic ways, and utilise the guitar peripheral in ways that make it feel more and more like you're wrestling with the real thing.

To start with, you'll probably dip into the game's career mode and plough through in on Easy mode to familiarise yourself with the various songs, as well as getting to grips with co-ordinating your fingers in slightly unfamiliar ways. Broken down into various 'venues', the idea is to clear four out of the five songs in each 'set' in order to move onto the next bigger and better venue, and gradually improve your rock star status along the way.

On such a lowly setting the game's still reasonably challenging, but sticks to simplifying chords down to single button presses that even the most ham-fisted of players should be able to manage one-fingered. Even better, it reduces most of the playing to the first two or three buttons, meaning you won't have to worry about having to look at the fret board while you work out where the tricky fifth button is. When you move onto medium difficulty and above (up to the fourth, Extreme), Guitar Hero starts throwing ultra-nimble changes at you, off-beat time signatures, and evil chord progressions that quickly work down to the filthy fourth and fifth buttons (and back up to the first), tying your hands up in knots in the process.

Bitch School

'Guitar Hero' Screenshot wammy

Some good whammy bar action awaits there...

It helps, of course, if you already know the songs inside out, and in some cases that'll be a given. All-time classics like Deep Purple's Smoke on the Water, Queen's Killer Queen, ZZ Top's Sharp Dressed Man, Bowie's Ziggy Stardust, Hendrix's Spanish Castle Magic, Franz Ferdinand's Take Me Out and Joan Jett's I Love Rock N Roll ought to be familiar to most players (of a certain age, admittedly), but the majority of the 30 songs that feature here are either lesser songs from well known artists or from artists that most outside of the US will struggle to hum along to, never mind strum along to. Given that Guitar Hero is currently only available in North America, we shouldn't really complain, but the lack of international star quality about the roster of songs and the absence of the original artists is perhaps the only thing that may detract from the package from an importer's perspective. In terms of song recognition, it's no Singstar - put it that way.

Nevertheless, Guitar Hero is one of those games where familiarity isn't such a big deal, as once you start pushing on with it you'll soon fill in the gaps and be instantly able to remember when those tricky solos kick in (and impressed with how well the cover versions match the original). As much as anything it becomes a bit of a pattern-memory game - much like playing a tricky bit on a real guitar. Eventually practise makes perfect and you can start throwing the sort of embarrassing shapes that smug, show-off rock stars do.

In fact, thanks to the addition of a tilt sensor and a whammy bar, there's a bona-fide reason for such histrionics, with the game often throwing in special chord sequences that contribute to filling up your 'Star Power' meter. Once you've done that you can tilt you guitar controller up to unleash a crazed frenzy of rock moves that wows the crowd and doubles the points you can earn. If you keep missing the chords, however, your Rock Meter starts to diminish, the crowd starts to get restless and eventually boo you off the stage unless you turn things around quickly.

Cry cry cry all the way home

'Guitar Hero' Screenshot play

Our good friend Johnny Napalm doing something that Sid Vicious could never do: play.

Keeping an eye on the score becomes equally important as you progress, with your overall rating judged on your points tally. While getting through the song might be good enough to earn you a three-star rating and a $100 in your back pocket, four- or even five-star reviews grant you even more, allowing you to purchase a host of unlockables from new guitars and new skins to new characters and even new songs. Sadly, the plethora of 'Bonus Tracks' appear to be from entirely unknown acts, so there's slightly less incentive to buy them than there would have been if they were genuine rock classics. As a package, it's superb, but you can't help but feel that it would have been truly amazing with a better track list. The potential is staggering, but for a small publisher like Red Octane a big licensing budget presumably wasn't available. Let's hope Sony or someone of significant stature can license it for Europe and provide the kind of set list the game truly deserves.

One other thing we ought to mention is the game's awesome multiplayer potential. Clearly we didn't have the capacity to test this out ourselves with just one controller, but we're hoping to source another one soon, and will be sure to report back with our adventures when we do.

Inevitably, there's a massive degree of novelty value attached to a game like this, and it's probably fair to note that it's only a fairly basic rhythm-action title at its core. But that's a bit like saying that Singstar's only a game that you sing along to, Eye Toy's only a game to wave your arms to, or Dancing Stage is only a game you dance to; all of that's true, but the core appeal of Guitar Hero is the superb controller, and its ability to make everyone who plays or witnesses it dissolve into a gigging/giggling lunatic.

There's perhaps only a limited amount of fun to be had playing something like Guitar Hero on your own, but as a party game to goof around with some mates on a drunken evening it's set to go down in gaming legend. Anyone who can clear all 30 songs (and bonus tracks) on Extreme mode should clearly have no problem playing the real thing like Hendrix himself. Just don't set fire to the guitar afterwards, eh?

In summary? I know it's only Rock and Roll, but I like it.

Goes to 11, certainly (what did you expect?). Out of ten, the serious beardy rock critic says:

8 / 10

Read the Eurogamer.net scoring policy
Picture of Kristan.

About Kristan Reed

Kristan is a former editor of Eurogamer, dad, Stone Roses bore and Norwich City supporter who sometimes mutters optimistically about Team Silent getting back together.

Read more articles from Kristan by visiting the Kristan Reed archive page.

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Comments (42) Latest comment 6 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Ulgen #1 6 years ago

    "a scaled down replica guitar peripheral (surely the best add-on videogaming has ever witnessed)"

    Do not agree. Nothing beats the three foot, 40 button mech controller for Steel Battalion.

  • Hicksy #2 6 years ago

    This sounds great! PLEEEEEASE do a UK release!!!

    /adds to list :o)

  • pollster #3 6 years ago

    I couldn't wait for a uk release so i've ordered this

    http://w ww.redoctane.com/gh-multibundle.html

    and this to get it working (dam regional locks!)

    http://ww w.memtechsolutions.net/product_info.php?products_id=92&osCsi d=185055dfd884a9225e67626c323b80ec

  • Dirtie #4 6 years ago

    Awesomely awesomely awesome. If only they could've put some classic Metallica on there >_< But there's plenty of good, well known songs anyway - full track listing here: http:// ps2.ign.com/articles/662/662002p1.html
    Man do I love that bass riff at the start of Higher Ground.
    Edited by 3 at 04/01/06 @ 08:58

  • Megapocalypse #5 6 years ago

    Fantastic game, and drunken two player is great.

    /fails Bark At The Moon... again ;_;
    Edited by 1 at 04/01/06 @ 09:00

  • Kingsadist #6 6 years ago

    Neat review. Also, love the Spinal Tap reference(s).

    Unfortunately, I'd rather stick to re-learning how to play me actual guitar.

  • Xerx3s #7 6 years ago

    ""a scaled down replica guitar peripheral (surely the best add-on videogaming has ever witnessed)"

    Do not agree. Nothing beats the three foot, 40 button mech controller for Steel Battalion. "

    True. -_-

  • tonynibbles #8 6 years ago

    I just ordered the multiplayer pack from the U.S

    Two guitars, one bundle. Only about a week till it arrives!

  • HairyArse #9 6 years ago

    Game of the Year for me. Well last year.

    If only you'd reviewed this before Christmas, then it could have been in the top 50.

  • krudster #10 6 years ago

    Yeah well, we can't own/play everything from overseas :(

  • Bates #11 6 years ago

    Looks fantastic :D

    Best controller ever. No contest!

  • krudster #12 6 years ago

    Yeah, at least you don't need an extra HOUSE to store it in like Steel Battalion! Besides, it's a shitload more fun :)

  • jack_klugman #13 6 years ago

    "a scaled down replica guitar peripheral (surely the best add-on videogaming has ever witnessed)"

    Do not agree. Nothing beats the three foot, 40 button mech controller for Steel Battalion.

    But how am I meant to fit both on my tiny Ikea desk?

  • HairyArse #14 6 years ago

    That wasn't a dig Krudster - I just fear that with this coming so late last year/so early this year, it might not make next year's list. That's all. :)

  • itamae #15 6 years ago

    Are those guitars custom-built or can you play other games with it? I'd love to get one for UmJammer Lammy :-)

  • krudster #16 6 years ago

    I wish it was in the Top 50 now as well. Bah. Would've placed pretty highly IMO.

  • JammyB #17 6 years ago

    Someone please explain the hype surrounding this game to me. As the review states it's not much different than Amplitude/Frequency only the buttons are mounted on a guitar shaped controller instead of the regular one. Don't get me wrong, it looks fun, just not particuarly different to any other rhythm-em-up (which lets face it, we've got more than enough of these days) and not as fun as playing a real guitar.

  • HairyArse #18 6 years ago

    Incidentally, this is the only game, after Tetris, that I can see and play in my sleep.

    There's something hypnotic about the patterns and the way the guitar tracks embed themselves in your head.
    Edited by 1 at 04/01/06 @ 10:56

  • HairyArse #19 6 years ago

    Jammy - the difference between this and amplitude is that you feel like you're genuinely playing the songs as you would if you were a guitarist, whereas when playing Ampltidue, pushing buttons on a joypad is not really like playing any sort of instrument.

  • chronom4n #20 6 years ago

    will this game fulfill my red hot chili peppers fanatasy?!

  • morriss #21 6 years ago

    Oh joy. Another game review I can't buy!

    USImportGamer ftw!

  • Hog-lumps #22 6 years ago

    will this game fulfill my red hot chili peppers fanatasy

    That really depends on what your fantasy is............?

  • Arwin #23 6 years ago

    I agree somewhat - they should just use Imports for making hands-on preview articles, and then review the game proper when (if) it makes it to our shores.

  • reality_cheque #24 6 years ago

    I am most depressed after looking at that tracklist, most of the songs I recognise are over 20 years old :(

    Aside from Freezepop (one of which works for Harmonix, hence the fact they're in this, Frequency and Amplitude) who I got into through Amplitude and have since seen live twice as they are pretty damn awesome, I think there is only one band on there I like that are still going.

    Dammit, I feel older than God.

  • Icebox #25 6 years ago

    What does it feel like to play this game, if you actually play guitar? Does it seem easier and/or just like dumbed down?

  • Feanor #26 6 years ago

    "As a package, it's superb, but you can't help but feel that it would have been truly amazing with a better track list. The potential is staggering, but for a small publisher like Red Octane a big licensing budget presumably wasn't available. Let's hope Sony or someone of significant stature can license it for Europe and provide the kind of set list the game truly deserves."

    Yawn.

  • reality_cheque #27 6 years ago

    @Feanor: Nicely commented. Congratulations on bringing some valid points and well reasoned arguments to the conversation.

    Remind me to discuss the socio-political rammifications of low density urban housing with sub-par recreation encampments with you some time.

  • spadge #28 6 years ago

    This game is fantastic, superb. Even for aging "not into peripheral game" old developer. To a man, everyone has loved this up in the office.

    8/10, shame on you Kristen! ;)

  • inpHilltr8r #29 6 years ago

    Christmas party hit 'round our studio. Two player (the bass parts are just as hard as the lead) is almost as much fun to watch as it is to play.

  • penfold #30 6 years ago

    Most of the review seems to be based around the reviewer doesnt have a clue about rock music, and has never heard of Black Sabbath (??!?!!!!!) Motorhead, The Ramones, Pantera, Judas Priest, Megadeath, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Audioslave et al? I'll presume that he's heard of Queen and Ozzy, even if he doesnt know the reason why Ozzy is famous in the first place...

    Cream's Crossroads? The greatest guitar solo of all time (according to some)... c'mon .... Eric Clapton? hello?

    2 of licenced tunes are from bands ive not heard of (and i'm a brit whose spent a larger part of my adult life listening to dance music) and even know of one on the indie list, if Black Label Society is the same as Zakk Wyldes outfit.

  • ilmaestro #31 6 years ago

    I can't wait for the backlash when this is left off/included in next years top 50.

  • Kosumo #32 6 years ago

    Must buy.. This is what I've been waiting for, my true calling. I'll be hanging up my Air Guitar for around the house because I'll soon have this baby to rock along to. Awesome.

  • vane101 #33 6 years ago

    What nonsense - a guitar game, hah!!!

  • Dirtie #34 6 years ago

    Higher Ground? Bleuuurgh. There are much, much better RHCP songs.
    But it's a nice fast one with a catchy tune.

  • krudster #35 6 years ago

    Hahahahahaha. Penfold. Bwahaahahhhhaha.

    /glances at CD collection.

    Bwwahahhahaa.

  • manuel_garcia #36 6 years ago

    The reviewer doesn't know most of the songs??? 'Limited fun' in single player??? what the hell... I cant put this down, and i've had it for about 5 weeks now. Its a whole lot of fun in single or multiplayer. Fair enough if your musical taste is limited to british rock then you wont know much of the music, but for anyone that actually likes rock and metal, you will know and love 90% of the songs in here. I mean is he seriously saying he doesnt know the Ramones or Megadeth? Pantera? Black Sabbath? Ozzy? Bad religion? Come on.....

    Dont let the reviewers lack of musical knowledge influence you, almost all of the songs on here are classics, and if you like rock YOU WILL KNOW THEM.

    Also, its absolutely addictive in single-player mode, the urge to beat your high score or your friends high score is massive, and will keep you coming back.

    This is one of the most original and addictive games in years, no way it should have been an 8, a 9 at the very least, and personally (and for most people that have played it) a 10.
    Edited by 1 at 05/01/06 @ 15:34

  • krudster #37 6 years ago

    Sorry, but what the heck?!

    Lack of musical knowledge? I think that's a wild assumption. When commenting on the tracklisting I was speaking for the majority of people out there, not me personally. I happen to know most of the songs, and own at least half the stuff on here, but I can't vouch for other people who don't have a 1000+ CD collection, and who aren't pushing 33, and have the fortune to have grown up with this stuff. Also the tracks are pretty US-centric, that was the point.

    Don't take it to heart. Some people are too sensitive by half around here.
    Edited by 1 at 06/01/06 @ 11:27

  • manuel_garcia #38 6 years ago

    well, certainly not the way it came across in your review. The way you wrote it seemed overly negative with a focus on an apparent lack of appreciation for the music, and i wasnt the first one to point that out by far.

    Fair enough if thats what you meant, but i still disagree with the score :)

  • neilhylands1 #39 6 years ago

    OK just found out HARMONIX made GUITAR HERO, im a multi platform owner. The last PS2 game I actually bought was AMPLITUDE. Which is in my top 10 ever games. Is this going to get a UK release? If not what do i need to get my dusty old PS2 to play the USA version?

    P.S. I said the last game i bought was AMPLITUDE, the last PS2 game i played and finished was GOD OF WAR, my pick for game of the year and in my top 3 ever. ( which suprised me because i bought about 25 xbox games this year)
    Edited by 1 at 06/01/06 @ 18:06

  • manuel_garcia #40 6 years ago

    Its still not got an official UK release date yet,m no publisher has confirmed to have picked it up.... However it was in the official PS2 mag this month, so hopefully thats a good sign for a potential release.

    If you want to go down the import route, you dont need to chip your PS2, look for a product called SwapMagic3. It only takes a quick fiddle with your disc tray if you have an old style PS2, and your away. I have the slimline version and this requires opening the case for installation, but its certainly not rocket science, and i was up and running in 10 minutes after i got it.

  • pollster #41 6 years ago

    Mine arrived last night (I use swap magic).

    Spent 2 hours looking like a twit with a plastic guitar but it was worth it!

    Must.... must... get all the notes in Iron Man!

  • Lummox #42 6 years ago

    I've only just had a look at the review (as it's released in the UK on Friday) and I have to say that I think the comments in the review about the single player mode are inaccurate. Amplitude & Frequency are two of the most addictive single player games I've ever played and even now I'm still trying to beat my high scores (and the higher difficulty levels). Having seen Guitar Hero in action I think it's safe to say that it will be worth every penny.