A Great Step Forward For Guitar Hero!
Graphics
I didn't think they would change much, but the characters are much more detailed, you can really tell the difference between characters that were in guitar hero 3 and also in guitar hero 2. Much more detailed, crisp, and the colors look great. My only complaint in the graphics would be SOME of the characters hair. Some of it looks a little choppy, while others will look great. You probaly aren't really to concerned about graphics if your getting guitar hero though, because you know it will be nothing like gears of war graphics.
Sound
Lets see.. Its a guitar hero game right? Of course the sound is great. You have a huge selection of songs to choose from, including "Schools Out", "Through the Fire and Flames", and "Cult of Personality". There really isn't much to say other than its guitar hero, of course the sound is great.
Online Play
This is one of the greatest things about the game. It has added Online versus modes. Basically , you can do 3 different things online. They include: "Battle", "Face Off", "Pro Face Off". Battle is basically where instead of star power you have Battle Power. This is where you can mess up your opponent, by making them do several different things. One thing you can do is have it where one of their fret's are broken, so they will have to continously tap that fret button in order to fix it. You can also have a power where it will turn on lefty flip for your opponent in the middle of the match.
New Features
The new features for guitar hero 3 are: Battle Mode, Online Play (This will have you playing the game for a long time), Face Offs in the career (Have a battle in your career against another guitarist), Your Current streak will display so you will know how many notes you have hit in a row, Wireless guitar (if you buy the bundle), New characters, new guitars, Earning money on the easy career, and a few more added features.
Gameplay
You probaly know how guitar hero works. You hit the fret button and strum it. Not that much to it, yet it is also very, very fun. Guitar Hero 3 seems a little bit easier than the previous versions. This may be a good or bad thing for you.
The New Guitar
I really like the new guitar. The shape is great, and it really does look nice. There are a few bad things about it also. It only takes AA batteries, you cannot use your rechargable battery pack that you use for your controllers. Also you can see finger prints very easily since its glossy black.
Overall
Guitar Hero 3 is one of those games you will be playing years from now. If you buy it, you will probaly never trade it in if you loved guitar hero 2. With online play, new career features, unlockable characters, and much more it is hard not to enjoy the game.