Tools for this page
Print

Guitar Hero

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Addictive rock 'n' roll party for tweens and up.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 8–12

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.
  • Messages:

    Not an issue.

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Some sexual innuendo in the song lyrics, including phrases like "come on and use me" and "how it feels to be inside of you."
  • Language:

    Song lyrics contain sexual innuendo, references to drinking and drugs, and some occult-ish imagery.
  • Consumerism:

    Players play the songs of real life bands. Showcases Gibson guitars. Players can purchase special guitar-shaped controller to play.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    The game instructions contain a drawing of a game character smoking. Some bottles are shown in the game. Song lyrics include a few songs that make reference to drinking and drugs.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Guitar Hero was written by Chris Jozefowicz

Parents need to know that this rhythm game plays the rock 'n' roll scene for fun, but the lyrical content still includes some mild references to drugs and sex (though these cover versions omit the rare cursing present in the originals). The imagery of the game is likewise invested in a silly version of sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll, and presents some drawings of smoking and bottles of alcohol. The game celebrates the commercial bands whose songs it features, as well as Gibson guitars.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the creative premise here. Which way is the industry going? Are games becoming more creative (such as Guitar Hero and Karaoke Revolution Party), or less creative (run-of-the-mill first-person shooters)? Families may also want to discuss some of the racier elements of the rock 'n' roll image. Do songs about drinking and sex encourage kids to emulate them?
Did this review help you decide?

OK for Your Kids to Play?

Do you play it? Review It!

More on Guitar Hero

What’s the Story?

This energetic, fun rhythm game lets players feel like they are on stage along with some of the rockin'-est bands of the last 35 years. GUITAR HERO uses a special guitar-shaped controller that lets gamers play along with authentic-sounding cover versions of popular rock songs by following colored circles on the screen that scroll by in time to the music. The controller is simple to use, but feels surprisingly close to playing a real instrument.

Is It Any Good?

The gameplay is simple and addictive, and the range of difficulty is such that it should welcome non-musicians as well as push seasoned guitar shredders past their limits. The sound is excellent, from the electric hum of the amps to the cheers of the crowd when players unleash some successful rocking.

Some of the songs are a little off-color, but they are all tunes that are played on the radio. Since this is rock 'n' roll, players will encounter some occult imagery, lyrics about drinking, and some fairly blunt sexual innuendo, but in most cases anything that might be considered offensive really seems more cartoon-ish. These cover versions even omit the rare cursing present in the originals. All in all, it's quite a rush holding that silly little guitar and feeling like you're right up on stage with the Grim Reaper, strumming fast and furious along with Pantera's "Cowboys From Hell."

Publisher’s Details

Developer: Red Octane
Released on: 01/06/2006, Price: $$79.99, not online enabled
ESRB Rating: T for Mild lyrics

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Do you play it? Review It!

What did you think about Guitar Hero?

or

to post a review

See all 36 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Arizona
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models
    • Safety is an issue
    • My highlights are:
    • Easy to play

    Good for kids 10 and up

    Aw man this is the best guitar hero ever it has good songs smoke on the water by deep purple Iron man by black sabbeth Frankenstein by the edger winter and more

  2. I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • My highlights are:
    • Safety isn't an issue

    great game

    this game is wicked fun. The only thing that makes it iffy is woman characters wear really inapropreat outfits also theres some iffy lyrics to some songs.

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    i love guitar hero for wii i think that the age rating of 12 is appauling!!!

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Arizona
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Easy to play

    Great game

    Really easy to play , teaches you coordination , and it's very fun . Great game . Just a few bad words a song or two .

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Kentucky
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0

    The game that started the Franchise

    This game is very good, even the price is, which is about $20 or less. The game is INSANELY addictive. You won't stop playing once you start! The song list is amazing, but more than 90% of the songs are covers though. A few songs may not be suitable for young players ex. "Cowboys From Hell". But this game is very good, 4 difficulties for when you gradually get better (Easy, Medium, Hard, Expert) deffinately 4 stars

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Avatar

    Avatar

    Action-heavy epic has dazzling effects, familiar story.

  • Advice for Parents

    Facebook for Parents

    Facebook for Parents

    Get info and facts to keep your kids safe and smart on Facebook.

  • Must See TV

    Team Umizoomi

    Team Umizoomi

    Super team teaches preschoolers real-life math applications.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Download This

    Pickin' & Grinnin': Great Folk Songs for Kids

    Pickin' & Grinnin': Great Folk Songs for Kids

    Fantastic folk favorites perfect for family road trips.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name