Guitar Hero: Aerosmith Review

Console: Wii
Published by: Activision
Developed by: Vicarious Visions
Release Date: June 29, 2008
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: Teen

Introduction

Ever wanted to play along side rock legends, Aerosmith? or just enjoyed playing the previous Guitar Hero games? Well this game could be great for you! The Guitar Hero series is all about getting through each stage and each song by using the guitar controller to finally become a Guitar Hero!



GamePlay

The concept of this game is more or less the same as the other games in the Guitar Hero series. Players use a guitar controller to hold down fret keys and strum on the strum bar in time with the note patterns as they scroll down the screen in order to complete a song. The players performance can be tracked on the Rock meter. If the Rock meter falls too low, then the audience will begin to "Boo" and shout and the performance will end early. Another element to the game is Star Power. Star power can be collected by hitting all the Star Power notes correctly. To activate Star Power the player has to life the guitar up vertically or press the select button, the score multiplier will then double and it will dramatically affect the Rock meter. When the player successfully completes the song, the performance will be rated for 3 to 5 stars. The player can also examine their performance statistics. In career mode the player can be awarded money to be spent in The Vault where they can purchase new bonus songs, characters, other guitars and other videos.
There are four difficulty modes: Easy, medium, hard and expert.



In career mode you get the chance to "create" your own band. When I say "create" your own band, I mean name it and chose a guitarist to play as. You will then have to make your way through six stages with 5 tracks each. Each stage is based on a period in Aerosmith's history. Within the first stage there are two opening tracks featuring non-Aerosmith songs, that will have to be completed before any of the Aerosmith games can be played. After each stage the player will be awarded with short video clips about Aerosmith and their history. In the career mode there is one Boss battle against Joe Perry.
Any songs the player unlocks can be played in Quickplay mode or Multiplayer mode.



Multiplayer

In Multiplayer mode one player gets to play on guitar, whilst the other plays on base, this is Co-operative mode. There is also a Competitive mode. However, unlike Guitar Hero III there is no co-operative career mode. Wi-fi is good too if you have no one to play with at home. It's just like normal multiplayer except you can battle with someone from across the globe!



Overall

Overall I think this is a good game. However it isn't really a game to make you go wow, but it wont dissapoint you. Especially if you're an Aerosmith fan. If you like or know atleast 2-5 of the songs by Aerosmith, the chances are that it'll be in the game.
This game isn't a must buy, because it does get a little repetative in parts. The graphics are so-so, and the sound is excellent.

Pros:
• Great songs.
• Sound is great!
• You actually feel like you're in the game.
• Personalization (Choice of charactor, songs, band name, outfits, guitars...)
Cons:
• Can be repetitive.
• Mostly only songs by Aerosmith.
• Not many venues.
• Could be a let down to hardcore Guitar Heroes.