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Guitar Hero

(2006, Video Games - Arcade Games, Rated T, Play it on: PlayStation 2)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    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.

updated 07.04.08

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.
  • 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.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Guitar Hero

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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?
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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Guitar Hero?
  •  I think this game is

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See all 34 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer
    Age 12
    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

  2. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 3.0

    The game is... ok.

    At the time it was great but now that world tour and stuff are out this is a last resort only. It is easy enough for six year olds though.

  3. Kid Reviewer
    Age 7
    Anonymous
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title off for age 4 and give it 1.0

    put the note on

    good game good sangs bad sangs bad game

  4. Kid Reviewer
    Age 7
    Anonymous
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title off for age 4 and give it 1.0

    put the note on

    good game good sangs bad sangs bad game

  5. Kid Reviewer
    Age 8
    Anonymous
    Lives in Arizona
    I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give it 5.0

    Very good game!

    Guitar Hero is fine for some people 7 and up.It says the h word and d and f word.But for me fine for kids age 7 and up.

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