I've always been drawn to video games that use add-ons and gadgets to try something new. Sometimes they're just an excuse to sell another useless peripheral, but other times they end up being a truly unique and rewarding experience.
What I haven't always loved, however, are music rhythm games like Dance Dance Revolution. While I can appreciate DDR for giving game nerds some much needed exercise, the fact of the matter is, you look like a goof when you play and the music for the most part just ain't my cup of tea.
However, as the legends have foretold, a hero will rise. A Guitar Hero that is. Harmonix have gone ahead and invented one of the best game gimmicks ever: a custom controller shaped like a guitar, for use with a rhythm game that, quite simply, isn't for sissies.
Harmonix are no strangers to music games, from the Karaoke Revolution series to the critically acclaimed Frequency and its sequel Amplitude, they've proven themselves to be more than up to the task. With Guitar Hero though, they've really knocked it out of the park... or should I say ROCKED it out of the park.
The guitar controller itself is made to resemble a Gibson SG, and comes complete with a strap and whammy bar. It is included with the game, and although you can also play using a regular controller, why would you want to? I suppose it might work in a multiplayer pinch, but the person using a regular PS2 controller would be at a major disadvantage.
Here's how the gameplay works: there are 5 fret buttons on the guitar neck, plus a strumming bar and a whammy bar. Fret symbols move towards you on the screen, and you have to hold down the appropriate button and strum as each note reaches you.
It actually feels quite similar to playing a guitar for real — buttons on lower frets can even continue to be held down while you play a higher note. Needless to say, if you can play guitar in real-life, you will be at a much higher skill level in this game than someone who hasn't. Since you're not actually playing real notes, however, your guitar prowess can only take you so far. (On the other hand, I can see this being a great starting point to teach someone to play guitar since it simplifies many of the necessary skills.)
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