It was during the second chorus of Rio when I decided that Singstar 80s was the greatest thing in the world ever. Even when the hangover wore off the fact remains - everyone aged 30-40 loves Singstar 80s (or would if they played it) The only thing lacking is, as usual with Singstar, more songs. Oh, and the fact that some people, lets call them "men", aren't quite as keen to do the singing thing.
Realising this, or perhaps stumbling on a pile of dusty plastic guitars in a warehouse, US publishers Red Octane created Guitar Hero - the rhythm game equivalent of the Yorkie bar. Released in the US late last year to critical acclaim - otherwise known as whooping and hollering - the game is starting its European tour this April. Some of you will have already imported, but for the other 99%, here are the official Gamesblog (ok, actually just mine for now) first impressions of Guitar Hero.
Getting the game in the post was slightly underwhelming. I was expecting Ozzy, or at least the bass player from Motorhead, to hand-deliver. The feeling continued when the box was opened.The guitar peripheral itself is more Fisher Price than Ziggy Stardust with a cheap-ish feel and plasticky buttons. But fire up the game - yeah! - and it all makes sense.
This is a rhythm game that lets you rock out with guitar rather than leap around on a mat. Ignoring the rock "classics" I dove straight into Franz Ferdinand's Take Me Out. Er, help. Those choppy new-wave riffs were far too challenging - luckily Boston (yes, remember to give your internal taste police the weekend off) were on hand to lead me gently into the world of rock. And once you've got to grips with co-ordinating your fingers on the fret the urge to get down on your knees is overwhelming.
And unlike most rhythm games there is actually some substance, with a decent enough (from what I've seen so far) career mode. I'm still playing in the dives though - weeks of Mario Kart DS action have played havoc with my fingers.
Downers? Well, it is less social than Singstar - this is all about rawk posturing rather than duets - and there is lack of really interesting music (although Status bleeding Quo would probably work well here) But even though I'm more of a synth man - Moog Hero next please - Guitar Hero delivers in (Ace of) spades.
