Catches the fun and excitement of playing guitar without the incoveniences of practice, lessons, or equipment.
Gameplay: 10
Every once in a while, a game comes along that brings gamers and non-gamers together in a beautiful communal state of harmony. Guitar Hero is just such a game, thanks in huge part to its solidly built and ingeniously designed guitar peripheral. The guitar consists of five "fret" buttons on the neck, a paddle that to "strum" in time to the music, and a whammy bar for bending notes and building "Star Power" (more on that later.) Unlike a videogame controller, which can intimidate non-gamers, a guitar is a familiar object to almost everyone. I have had friends with little to no prior gaming experience (guys and girls both) pick up Guitar Hero, and within one or two songs be rocking to "I Love Rock and Roll" and "Smoke on the Water" (Two of the easier songs in the game). Yet there is still enough challenge to keep the seasoned rhythm gamer or musician busy. Expert mode will test even the most skilled guitar hero's mettle, but at the same time, it feels challenging and not impossible. There are few feelings in gaming quite like the rush of nailing the killer Randy Rhodes solos of "Bark at the Moon" on hard or extreme. Finally, as a guitar player myself, I must say the game really has the feeling of playing a guitar, thanks to the inclusion of chords, hammer-ons, and pull-offs. I haven't even touched on Star Power, which turns you character into a combination Zeus and Jimi Hendrix when the guitar is tilted straight up and brings an angry crowd back to your favor. The game is one of the deepest rhythm games ever made. And best of all, it makes you feel like that guitar god you were destined to be.
Graphics: 8
The graphics in GH are not going to wow anyone, but they are functional and include some excellent animations. The major part of the display is a moving fretboard which displays the five colored buttons of the guitar. As notes come up in the song, they will move from the top of the screen to the bottom. It's a very natural system and gives you just enough time to prepare for upcoming sections. There are also meters for gauging the crowds response to your playing (from bad to good), you score, current multiplier, and built-up star power. For those not playing, however, a fairly well rendered concert scene is shown in the background, with your character of choice rocking (or sucking) in venues ranging from grandma's basement to the greatest rock arena of all time. The guitar heros themselves have enough cool animations to keep things interesting and give each character a personality. Your bandmates are also rendered, and while not as detailed as the guitar heros, are still fun to watch. You can also watch the crowd respond to your playing, going into a frenzy when you play well and booing and jeering when you suck.
Sound: 9
Guitar Hero's soundtrack is what separates this game from other rhtyhm games like DDR or Guitar Freaks. There are 30 famous rock songs, from artists you know and love like Black Sabbath, the Ramones, Pantera, and Megadeth, as well as up and coming artists like The Exies, Audioslave, and Franz Ferdinand. All 30 of these songs are covers, but the music team did such a good job that all but a few tracks sound spot on (and even then, its mostly vocals. Who can imitate Freddie Mercury?) The guitar parts are all spot on to the originals. For extra kicks, 17 indie songs, performed by their original artists, are included, most of which are excellent additions and fun to play. Another aspect of the sound that is to be commended is the dynamic guitar track. The guitar part will only play when you hit the notes. Mess up and you hear a painful fret buzz and no guitar. It's enough to make you cry when an awesome guitar lick turns into a cacophony of clicks and buzzes. That alone is enough to make you want to play better. The crowd noises are also well done, clapping along as you play or booing if you perform terribly. Overall, a very commendable sound package.
Value: 8
Despite a $70 price-tag, Guitar Hero is worth the money if you can afford it, especially if you live in a college dorm or have friends. Guitar Hero is one of the best party games to come along this year, and you will turn your place of dwelling into party central. Who can't love rocking out to classic rock by Boston while friends and strangers alike croon the chorus of "More Than a Feeling"? Only a music-hating scrooge, that's who! Even after the people have left, the single player is engaging enough to keep you coming back again and again. You never need to air guitar again with Guitar Hero at hand.
Verdict:
Guitar Hero is the best thing yet to come from Harmonix, who have already made some stellar games like Frequency, Amplitude, and Karaoke Revolution. One of the best peripherals ever for a videogame, combined with a list of memorable rock songs, solid visuals, and a learning curve that pulls you in and doesn't let go, makes for a must have for any gamer or music-lover this holiday season. If you like rock music and haven't tried this out, well, shame on you!! For the rest of us, rock on!