As if you need it: Guitar Hero II metareview

by Richard Mitchell { Apr 3rd 2007 at 4:45PM }

Yeah, we know, you're probably sick of all the Guitar Hero II coverage by now, but we promise this we be the last GHII story for at least the next hour or so. Without further ado, behold what the critics have to say about Guitar Hero II.

IGN (9.4/10) - "Guitar Hero II on Xbox 360 is the best iteration of the hit music rhythm game yet, but it's also an important addition to the Xbox 360 library. On a console dominated by shooters and action titles, it is one of the few titles that everyone can and will enjoy. RedOctane and Harmonix put their best foot forward with this release The result is a port that adds enough content to make it worth a second look from the hardcore fans, especially with the downloadable songs, and a game that is put together so well that all newcomers should give it a try."
TeamXbox (9.3/10) - "The audio was also enhanced in the title's move to the Xbox 360, so if you have a surround-sound setup, you'll really enjoy GHII. On the other side of the coin, the well-defined audio makes some of the weaker song covers stand out that much more. Every time the singer overemphasizes the "RRRRR" in Nirvana's Heart-Shaped Box, [it] felt like fingernails on a blackboard to my ears. "
Game Informer (9.5/10) - "Guitar Hero II is a fantastic game. If you haven't already, go out and buy it. It's just that simple."

As you can see, a negative review was difficult to find. In fact, 4 of the 12 reviews on Metacritic scored the game at an even 100 out of 100, and none of the remaining reviews dipped below 90. If you believe the critics, it's going to be hard to find a better way to spend $90. What say you fanboys, is it worth it?

Tags: activision, gh ii, GhIi, guitar hero, guitar hero ii, GuitarHero, GuitarHeroIi, harmonix, red octane, RedOctane

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

KaneRobot @ Apr 3rd 2007 4:54PM

I was lucky and quick enough to get in on the Circuit City "broken street date" fiasco so I picked it up on Saturday. Nothing unexpected since I played the first game all the time and had a few hours in on the PS2 sequel, but this one is still worth every cent. Not buying a second guitar until a wireless one comes out, though.

Bring on the nickel-and-diming downloadable songs. For once, I am at the complete mercy of the Marketplace.

Patrick @ Apr 3rd 2007 4:55PM

i wish i had money!!!!!!!!!!! *crying*

Kevin @ Apr 3rd 2007 5:14PM

This Game is awesome. Glad I had it reserved at gamestop. Only problem is the same one everyone has....No Wireless Guitar.

Benjamin09 @ Apr 3rd 2007 5:15PM

Mine has been sitting next to me all day at work!! It started to talk to me about 3 hours ago, telling me that I need to go home and play it for hours on end.....

Zilju Kefai @ Apr 3rd 2007 5:26PM

Sam's Club in Normal IL has it for $78.

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=360662

qbix @ Apr 3rd 2007 5:19PM

I picked it up this morning at Circuit City for 69 dollars. They didn't have MS points cards so they gave me a discount :) I wonder if taking the receipt to Best Buy would yield a price match?

Leathersoup @ Apr 3rd 2007 5:25PM

I don't get everyone's insistance on having a "wireless" controller for this game. For me, playing an electric guitar means plugging into an amp. So instead I have to plug into my Xbox no biggie to me.

Shafnitz @ Apr 3rd 2007 5:34PM

I played this game for the first time on Friday at a BestBuy Xbox 360 kiosk. I was immediately hooked. I got the hang of it relatively quickly. It must be because, as my wife put it, I'm "really good at air guitar." I went to Walmart last night at midnight to pick up a copy. Now I'm just counting down the time until I'm finished working so that I can go melt some faces.

ANt @ Apr 3rd 2007 5:30PM

Great game but my guitar just died on me about an hour ago....every other button wasn't working....odd.....

I got very lucky though, one of our Gamestop's had one left....Round 2!!

Here I am with this old guitar, doin what I do...Neil Young

ZenGaijin @ Apr 3rd 2007 5:33PM

I'm currently playing it and Gears (gears to rest my hands inbetween sessions) I am loving this game but then I did beat the original on expert so they already had my money for a GH2.

Andrew Hawker @ Apr 3rd 2007 5:38PM

A must buy in my opinion. As IGN said, the 360 has too many shooters and not enough of basically every other genre. Bring on GH, platformers and RPGs!

Justin U @ Apr 3rd 2007 5:40PM

Circuit City till have that Free Microsoft Points Deal?

Snap.

MelodiousYeti @ Apr 3rd 2007 5:43PM

I had not played any of the Guitar Heroes until earlier today. I called in sick to work so that I could get mine as soon as Gamestop opened and played it for several hours. Only reason I stopped was because my wife came home...

Les Doodis @ Apr 3rd 2007 5:58PM

I preordered mine from RedOctane and it arrived yesterday. Got my first five achievements before street date. Oh yeah!

Rock off with your socks off.

MisterSquared @ Apr 3rd 2007 6:02PM

I picked it up a Fred Meyer this morning. I went there on Saturday and talked to one of the clerks, they said they had 5 copies already in the back. Unfortuately, I had to go to school at 7:40, so I could only play one song...then i had to go to work (where I am now), can't wait until I get home. :)

DeadPlasmaCell @ Apr 3rd 2007 6:01PM

As stated numerous times, this game is a must have. The lack of wireless controller kinda sucks, but a wireless one should be out sooner or later and it's not like anyone has never used a wired controller before, so it's only a small "issue" other than that, it rocks 100%

guitarherofreak @ Apr 3rd 2007 8:20PM

Picked up my pre-order at gamestop. I did all the songs in easy, have gotten a few achivments (they come at weird times, and have started medium. Absolutely great game. Nearly perfect. Although, like everyone else, I am bumed the guitar is not wireless. But, even I can live with it.

Jetspike @ Apr 3rd 2007 8:37PM

Yeah, it definitely looks like a must-buy. However, one question is whether or not GH2 is regionless? Does anyone know yet? I have a japanese 360 but am back in the states for a week and will be looking to purchase it before returning home as long as there's no region lock on it. If anyone could help, that would be great. Thanks!

Fezmid @ Apr 3rd 2007 10:22PM

How long is the guitar cord? My 360 is in a closet and is a good 10' away from where I sit. Is it long enough?

From reading about the game, I don't quite understand the allure... But EVERYONE says the game is awesome... But nobody can explain why. I might have to try it out at a kiosk. :)

elementmailman @ Apr 4th 2007 1:20AM

The guitar cord is around 8-9 feet long. I sit pretty close to my TV so it isn't a problem for me. This game is amazing. The songs are great. I am not even a rock fan and I'm still hooked. I don't mind the wired controller because if feels more realistic with a wire. My only complaint is that there is no ACDC, Metallica, or Jimi Hendrix. This isn't RedOctane's fault because the groups wouldn't allow them to use the songs. Hopefully, they'll be in Guitar Hero III. This game is a must buy for any 360 owner.

Dave H @ Apr 4th 2007 8:25AM

I have never played Guitar Hero and don't really see the appeal. I guess I could try it out at the store but if I do really like it I would have to spend $90. So I guess I am happy to be ignorant. That and the wire is a big deal for me, I have a 22 month old son.

Mike @ Apr 4th 2007 9:54AM

"What say you fanboys, is it worth it?"

Yes. Seriously, there were doubts about that? :)

To be fair, this is my first real experience with GH, having only played at a Best Buy kiosk previously. But after playing for a few hours yesterday, I'm totally hooked.

Now bring on the downloadable songs already!

DA360 @ Apr 4th 2007 10:08AM

I have still yet to play the game but I might consider picking it up, especially with how well received this game has been as of late.

Big Bird @ Apr 4th 2007 12:51PM

Curious:

Does anyone else experience a "treadmill" affect after you play yours? I say "treadmill" affect because it is almost similar to me as being on a treadmill for a while then getting off and feeling like the foor is moving. I get that with my eyes for 10 seconds or so, it looks like the screen or any object is moving, was just curious if anyone else had this happen to them. I get why they bugeyed guys is on there now, really fatigues the eyes.

Super Dave @ Apr 4th 2007 1:40PM

I canceled a pre-order at gamestop and only paid 40 bucks for mine. The whammy bar is a little sluggish but that just means i have to rock harder =)

Fred @ Apr 5th 2007 8:33AM

@ Big Bird

I had that happen to me once last night. I played for a few hours and after about an hour I guess I had focused really hard on a song and I looked around the room and everything was moving upwards for about 15 seconds. It was actually kinda cool once I realized what had done it and that I wasn't losing it.

Didn't happen to me anymore that night after that though.

You're not alone.