A nice start to a good series.
Story: There really isn't one. You just want to start a band and become a rock legend. This simple story turns out to work quite well for games like this.
Gameplay: Notes roll down the screen. You hold down the corresponding frets and strum. Honestly, that is what the game is. But, it turns out to be very, very fun. On a side note, this game's expert seems to be the easiest of the series. More or less.
Sound: Being a music game, this is where guitar hero has to succeed. And, it does so easily. Although I wish that there were less covers. Songs like:
Smoke on the Water
Iron Man
Fat Lip
Cowboys From Hell
And plenty more.
Graphics: The game has surprisingly good locations that you can play in, and the graphics still hold up, to this day, with the Xbox 360 and Ps3 out. A very nice art style, too.
Multiplayer: This game a nice multiplayer, but it is too bad that there is only face off mode. Pro-face off would have been nice. But, whatever.
Overall:
Pros: One of the best music games. Ever; great songs; great multiplayer; graphics still hold up
Cons: Covers; No Pro Face Off; Everybody online always says "Pick up a real guitar, n00b!"
So, I would suggest getting this game. Or, the combo GH1 and GH2 pack that is out now.