Because of the strength of the Guitar Hero franchise, it really isn't hard to understand why Activision wanted to expand the series to the Nintendo DS: just slap a familiar brand on the packaging and you're bound to sell enough numbers to justify its existence, right? But something happened when Activision gave Vicarious Visions the go-ahead to turn the guitar jamming game into a portable product: the team actually took the project seriously. The result is a Nintendo DS version of the series that truly feels like it's a part of the Guitar Hero license and not a cheap cash-in.
9.5 - Presentation
The Guitar Grip is a fantastic compromise to get the Guitar Hero experience on the DS. Pair that with the excellent strumming, it may not feel like a guitar, but it definitely feels like Guitar Hero.
8.5 - Graphics
Very impressive 3D bands and venues running behind all the action. Maybe we can get some music syncronization in the sequel?
9.0 - Sound
All of the songs sound great. The line-up of tunes might not be your forte, but then again, which music game has ever pleased everyone?
9.0 - Gameplay
Deal with the handcramps because even though you're not jamming on a huge guitar this DS game is fun as hell and very challenging...even for GH veterans.
8.0 - Lasting Appeal
25 songs is pretty impressive for a DS cart but might be a bit short for Guitar Hero standards. Still, with all the different modes in single and multiplayer, you get a lot of bang for the buck.
Alex S. from Link Cable Gaming writes: "So as the Sun sets on Vicarious Visions as an independent studio within Activision|Blizzard, let’s take a look at the top 10 best games they have ever put together."
Ryan Johnson | GoozerNation
GoozerNation author Ryan Johnson loves delving into the Value Bin and Available Now sections of Goozex to find a game that perhaps was wanted back in the day, but wasn't purchased because it was just too much of a risk. Last time in, he found Guitar Hero: On Tour Decades for a mere 100 Goozex points. While it was a bit pricey back in the day, this was an unpassable deal. Is the game worth searching out? Click in and learn!
Chris Buffa (Modojo): For the most part, the video game industry is fairly predictable and disinterested in taking risks. That explains the glut of sequels and copycat titles collecting dust in stores and warehouses.
That said, a handful of companies and designers occasionally do something different. Results have been mixed, but by and large, these games stand out for offering a unique experience you can't find anyplace else.
I was in Toy's R Us today, they have a DS promotion: two DS games and get the third one for free.
I wanted to buy this game, but decided to wait for a review. Now is definitely a must buy.
I will pick this, the new Space Invaderes game, and for free, the new Arkanoid game.
Yea I was a little skeptical, but Guitar Hero mobile is sweet. I might check it out. I was a little disappointed with GH3, considering Rock Band was much more polished.
Oh you just set my guitar on fire!!! Now that really wasn't fair! Red green yellow blue, what will you do!!!!!!
I got to play it last week and I was very impressed, it worked very well...even though you do look like an idiot when you scream "star power" into your DS.
There are so many goddamn Guitar Hero's that I though this was the new Rock Band rip off. You know you have too many sku's when the names become muddled in the audiences' mind.
It's good that they brought it to the DS, but they are definitely fatiguing the console market. Shame really, it's a great franchise.