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  • $49.99
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Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s (PlayStation 2)

common sense media says

The award-winning series continues to rock on!

parents & educators say
See all 7 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know there is no violence, sexual content, or swearing in this game, though some lyrics might offend including Accept's "Balls to the Wall" and the Vapors' "(I Think I'm) Turning Japanese." This a fun game for families to explore together because everyone who likes music will enjoy these music/rhythm games.

Educational value: Great for teaching rhythm, coordination, and music history
Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: None, unless you consider smashing a guitar an act of violence!
Sex: Some songs contain lyrics that make sexual references or innuendos, including "Balls to the Wall."
Language: Nothing you wouldn't hear on the radio; but some contain potentially offensive lyrics, such as "Balls to the Wall" or "Turning Japanese."
Consumerism: Includes references to real guitar companies and the songs are from commercial bands.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how video games do not need to have guns, gore, sex, or foul language to be fun. Do you enjoy playing this game solo or with a friend? How important is the song that you are playing to your enjoyment of the game?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Like the other Guitar Hero games, in GUITAR HERO ENCORE: ROCKS THE 80S you can choose an on-screen character, a name for your band, and whether you'd like to play an individual song or the meatier Career mode (where you to work your way up from a teeny bar to a huge outdoor stadium.) Song selections range from head-banging rockers such as The Scorpions' "No One Like You," Twisted Sister's "I Wanna Rock," and Quiet Riot's "Metal Health" to pop hits such as Flock of Seagulls' "I Ran," The Romantics' "What I Like About You," The Vapors' "Turning Japanese," and The Go Go's "We Got the Beat" -- they're all cover tunes but sound very close to the original recordings. Cooperative and competitive two-player modes add to the fun, allowing a friend to plug in a second guitar controller to jam (one takes lead; the other rhythm guitar or bass) or compete in a duel to see who can rack up the most points.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Unfortunately, a handful of the 30 or so songs seem like filler material, such as obscure tracks from Faster Pussycat, Oingo Boingo, X, and Limozeen. Plus, in some cases, the game makers curiously opted for less popular cover versions of songs instead of the originals such as Krokus' "Ballroom Blitz" or White Lion's "Radar Love."

Aside from some questionable songs, another issue with the game is the $50 price tag, which is relatively high for a PS2 game, not to mention you need to pick up the guitar separately for about $60 for the wireless model. But fans of these Guitar Hero games should be satisfied with this interactive tribute to the '80s. Headband is optional.

Game themes & details

Game Details
Available on: PlayStation 2
Not available online
Genre: Music
Developer: Activision
Released on: July 23, 2007
Price: 49.99
ESRB Rating: T for Lyrics
This review was written by Marc Saltzman
 
 

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What parents & educators say

10

Most useful reviews by all members

saintcharlie1
teen, 17 years old
 
AWESOME
THis game is the best in the series! It is so cool. I love it. They have awesome songs like "Nothin but a good time" and "I wanna rock" Ok for any age. ROCK ON!
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Seph123
adult
 
Great game
This game has alot of the best songs of the 80's and they bring back alot of memories for older players as well
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (5)
noah719
teen, 15 years old
11
 
Awsome Game With An Awsome Price
The game has a really good song list. But a few songs have sexual references "Balls To The Walls" and "Turning Japanese". On one of the loading screens it says "B*tchin'" this game is suitable for ages 11+.
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AmR
adult
 
Kind of Boring
I am a HUGEEEEEEE 80's music fan. 80's songs are fun to listen to, not to play. I say if your kid plays any Guitar Hero game, this shouldn't be inappropriate.
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Chris42696
adult
10
 
Great Game!!
Very good game...also very fun to play as a family. Watch out for some little small curse words though! Also, if you want this game for free or any game go to: *amazonitems4free* Enjoy!
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Riddle_Me_This
adult
 
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mikbuck
adult
 
Good for all ages as long as they can hold a guitar!!!
This game is for adults and children. There are a couple of songs that I will not let my child play, but the rest are great.
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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