 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Guitar Hero
- PlayStation 2
- Price: $79.99
- Genre: Arcade
Common Sense Media says
Addictive rock 'n' roll party for tweens and up.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
What's it about?
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."
What 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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AGE
Everyone will love this game!!
This game was incredible, you literally get out of your seat and strum the guitar. But for all of you nerdy people, who have no hand-eye coordination, this is not the game for you. I played his for unlimited hours with my 19 yr. old brother, and we both loved it. A Must Buy!!
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AGE
If you've got the money, buy it for sure.
Incredible fun. As stated in the Common Sense Media review the game requires a special guitar controller that is packaged with the game, and it really makes the experience just that much better.
On the content, it is really just making fun of the stereotypical rock n' roll imagery. After one of the tutorials groupies and a "video" are mentioned. Some songs such as David Bowie's classic "Ziggy Stardust" contain mild language... but does it matter? No. A buy if you're willing to drop the dough.
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AGE
Tons of fun!
I love rock and roll....
and this game. The whole game is tons of fun to play with or without friends. But watch out for the price tag!
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AGE
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 .
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Kid, 12 years old
December 20, 2009
AGE
i love guitar hero for wii i think that the age rating of 12 is appauling!!!
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AGE
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
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Kid, 11 years old
May 15, 2009
AGE
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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AGE
Great! It's a great game that is so much fun! The songs are cool, too.
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AGE
i love guitar hero !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
there is nothing wrong with this game. i love playing it im even teaching my 5 yo bro. how 2 play!!!!look, i play the guitar in real live and i think it is reelly fun to combine my video game expereince with my guitar experince. it really is a must have for every one from 5-118 years old.
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AGE
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.
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| Platforms: | PlayStation 2 |
| Available online? | Not available online |
| Genre: | Arcade |
| Developer: | Red Octane |
| Release date: | January 6, 2006 |
| Price: | $79.99 |
| ESRB rating: | T for Mild lyrics |
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