Guitar Hero II

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Rock-'n'-roll party returns, better than ever.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the songs in this game include sexual euphemism and drinking and drug references, and some of the game takes place in bars. Some profanity has been edited out of the songs, but kids will still hear "hell." Most of the songs are from well-known commercial bands, and the game promotes a guitar store and guitar gear. The game is best played with the special guitar-shaped controller, which adds to the price.

  • Not applicable.
  • Not applicable.
  • Some songs include innuendo in the lyrics, like "I mixed up the batter and she licked the beater."
  • Nothing that wouldn't play on the radio, but the song lyrics include sexual innuendo, drug and drinking references, and some mild cursing like "hell."
  • Includes references to real guitar companies like Gibson and Ernie Ball. Players can buy bonus material at a Guitar Center store. Most songs are from commercial bands.
  • Songs refer to drinking and drugs. Some of the settings are bars with bottles of alcohol on the shelves.

What's it about?

As in the first game, the appeal of GUITAR HERO II comes from the air-guitar-meets-karaoke thrills players get when jamming to some great rock-'n'-roll songs. Although the game can be played with a standard Playstation 2 controller, to get the full experience it is best to purchase a version that includes a guitar shaped controller ($80 versus $50 without the controller). Gameplay involves strumming the controller and pushing fret buttons in time to the music. The new cooperative mode lets two players tackle one song, with one player on lead guitar and the second player on bass or rhythm guitar, depending on the song.


Is it any good?

 

The Guitar Hero formula is so much fun that even if a sequel were nothing but a collection of new songs, it would still be worth playing. With two guitar controllers, Guitar Hero II is one of the most fun party games in ages. Single players will find a great new addition in the practice mode: On higher difficulty setting, the songs become very difficult. This time around, the songs even seem a bit faster on easier levels, making the game a potential challenge to new players.

Here's the bottom line: Guitar Hero II is just as much of a blast as the original. Players who missed the first game will find the sequel to be a friendly game even for the musically challenged, thanks to the practice mode. And players who already have the first game and have friends to play with may wish to consider spending a bit more for a second controller to go with the new game. Long live rock 'n' roll!


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about issues related to the songs in the game. Do songs about sex and drugs encourage kids to engage in risky behaviors? Does playing along to licensed songs make you want to purchase recordings by a band? Families may also wish to discuss the difference between playing a creative game like this one and a shoot-'em-up game. Which teaches you better skills? Which is more enjoyable and why?


This review was written by Chris Jozefowicz
Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
 
This game Rocks
I borrowed this game from my friend and loved it

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
One of my favourites.
If Guitar Hero 1 was good, Guitar Hero 2 is awesome. I suggest this game to everyone. About Rating, there are some really mild sexual innuendos or bad language, but nothing to offending for kids 12+.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Perfect
Great for all ages!

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 

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Teen, 17 years old
April 9, 2008
 
The best guitar hero
This is the best guitar hero the really bad words in the songs are edited like in killing in the name in the original the guy says f**k you i wont do what you told me i dont really care about language their coulve been a naked girl and i wouldnt care k maybe a little

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Kid, 13 years old
April 9, 2008
 
i love this game
This game is so D**n fun I can hardly speak about it. I dont agree with the assholes that said it was "know your bitchin kid." It is so cool that is my favorite game. You should buy this game for your kid!!!!!

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Teen, 15 years old
July 24, 2009
 
GREAT!
The only real cuss word is " h " , one character is skimpily dressed . But teaches coordination !

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Teen, 15 years old
November 7, 2008
 
Awsome
I love bands like motley crue and guns n roses so natrually i love this game

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This review was written by Chris Jozefowicz
Platforms:PlayStation 2
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Music
Developer:Activision
Release date:November 21, 2006
Price:$79.99
ESRB rating:T for Lyrics

This review was written by Chris Jozefowicz

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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