With Rock Band and Guitar Hero sequels, spin-offs, and DLC arriving as frequently as orphans on Angelina Jolie's doorstep, it's understandable gamers are beginning to burn out on the rhythm game craze. Couple this with the fact many of us have more plastic instruments than furniture in our living rooms, and it's clear music-game makers need to evolve their franchises to keep us rocking. Thankfully, Activision's Guitar Hero series returns to the stage with a roadie van full of new features. First up, all 85 of Guitar Hero 5's master tracks (from Cash to Cold Play, Petty to Public Enemy) are unlocked from the get go, so there's no need to bleed your fingers dry to access your favorite tunes.
Even cooler though, is the new ability to mix and match any instrument combo; got a group of percussion-loving players? No worriespick up the sticks and rattle the roof with a drum quartet. How about four singers and no instruments? Go for itharmonize your asses off. Building on this same seamless customization approach is a new party mode that finally excises the frustration of trying to get a few (possibly inebriated) non-gaming friends quickly into a jam session; now, anyone, with any instrument, can drop in or outand switch up difficulty settingsat any time without 'effing up everyone else's good time.
Other features upping the appeal and accessibility of the axe-grinding sim include new pick-up-and-play online modes, a more streamlined music creation studio, and the ability to finally place 360 Avatars under the virtual spotlight. Looks like we can look forward to many more complaints from the neighbors. Damn you, Guitar Hero!
score 9.0 out of ten
verdict Despite being a bit burned out on the whole music-game craze, Guitar Hero 5's new features and ear-pleasing track list had me strumming and drumming on the plastic instrument peripherals all over again...and having a great time doing it.
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