With the Guitar Hero vs Rockband debate raging one forgets that not everyone is acquainted with the original plastic guitar rhythm-game phenomenon…but then you have to ask yourself, “Am I really a gamer?”

Guitar Hero III takes off where Guitar Hero II left us – with terrible hand cramps. If you have no idea how this game works then I would advise you to read the in-depth review on Guitar Hero II as this follow-up is pretty much the same thing.

So, now that I have just ruined your day by telling you that it’s pretty much the same thing, is it really such a bad thing? How much did you enjoy Guitar Hero II? There are some great new songs added to this version of the franchise and for some reason it feels more, mmm, how would I say it, rock-y?

Boss Battles and Co-op Mode

With songs from Metallica, Guns and Roses, The Killers, Muse and with Velvet Revolver, No Doubt and Foo Fighters available for download things do not get much better than that. There are also some dodgy old weird songs that don’t really feel at home here, guess that’s up to the individual’s preference.

A small new addition to this game is the boss battles. After playing several songs you are challenged by another guitar great, Slash for example, and your fingers are put to the test. Easy, Medium and Hard mode is possible but Expert mode is unforgiving against these bosses. The second, and most definitely the best, new feature is the co-op mode. Think you’re the best out there? Well, invite a friend and off you go.

Soundtrack

So, with two decent new features, what does the soundtrack look like? Here we go:

Starting Out Small

1. “Slow Ride” - Foghat
2. “Talk Dirty to Me” - Poison
3. “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” - Pat Benatar
4. “Story of My Life” - Social Distortion
5. “Rock and Roll All Nite” - Kiss (Encore)

Your First Real Gig

1. “Mississippi Queen” - Mountain
2. “School’s Out” - Alice Cooper
3. “Sunshine of Your Love” - Cream
4. “Barracuda” - Heart
5. “Guitar Battle vs. Tom Morello“
6. “Bulls on Parade” - Rage Against the Machine (Encore)

Making the Video

1. “When You Were Young” - The Killers
2. “Miss Murder” - AFI
3. “The Seeker” - The Who
4. “Lay Down” - Priestess
5. “Paint It Black” - The Rolling Stones (Encore)

European Invasion

1. “Paranoid” - Black Sabbath
2. “Anarchy in the U.K.” - Sex Pistols
3. “Kool Thing” - Sonic Youth
4. “My Name Is Jonas” - Weezer
5. “Even Flow” - Pearl Jam (Encore)

Bighouse Blues

1. “Holiday In Cambodia” - Dead Kennedys
2. “Rock You Like a Hurricane” - Scorpions
3. “Same Old Song and Dance” - Aerosmith
4. “La Grange” - ZZ Top
5. “Guitar Battle vs. Slash“
6. “Welcome to the Jungle” - Guns N’ Roses (Encore)

The Hottest Band on Earth

1. “Black Magic Woman” - Santana
2. “Cherub Rock” - The Smashing Pumpkins
3. “Black Sunshine” - White Zombie
4. “The Metal” - Tenacious D
5. “Pride and Joy” - Stevie Ray Vaughan (Encore)

Live in Japan

1. “Before I Forget” - Slipknot
2. “Stricken” - Disturbed
3. “3’s & 7’s” - Queens of the Stone Age
4. “Knights of Cydonia” - Muse
5. “Cult of Personality” - Living Colour (Encore)

Battle For Your Soul

1. “Raining Blood” - Slayer
2. “Cliffs of Dover” - Eric Johnson
3. “The Number of the Beast” - Iron Maiden
4. “One” - Metallica
5. “Guitar Battle vs. Lou” (”The Devil Went Down to Georgia” - The Charlie Daniels Band)

There you have it.

Suitable for guitar enthusiasts

If you compare it to Rockband, it is obvious that Rockband has the edge and will be the new music game in the living room for years to come, but if you’re not into singing or drumming this is essential.

In a nutshell this game is just a continuation of the previous sequel and does a decent job, but with Rockband available now it pales in comparison. Why have one instrument when you can have four? If you’re not into drumming or singing this is right down your lane.

Pros: A formula that keeps on giving; two player online co-op; awesome downloadable track packs.

Cons: Some of the songs aren’t too hot; is boss battles really necessary?

Purchase: