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Guitar Hero: Metallica (Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2)

common sense media says

Heavy metal music with edgy lyrics comes to rhythm sim.

parents & educators say
  • 33% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say language is an issue
See all 17 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is a sequel to the very popular Guitar Hero game. While some of the lyrics might raise an eyebrow here and there -- with references to sex, drugs, and violence -- it's certainly tame compared to other T-rated games.

Educational value: Music games including this one can impact good music appreciation and composition skills, along with exceptional hand-eye (and for drummers, foot) coordination.
Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Some minor lyrics that refer to fighting and shooting, such as Metallica's
"Whiplash" ("We're gathered here to maim and kill").
Sex: Some female musicians have revealing outfits, such as showing a bare torso. Tatoos show women is sexy ways. Some lyrics have sexual themes such as Social Distortion's "Mommy's Little
Monster" ("Mommy's little monster had sex at 15").
Language: A few swear words can be heard in the game's lyrics including "bitch," "ass," "bastard" and "damn." Other songs have lyrics that may not be appropriate for younger kids including Metallica's "Am I Evil?" ("Sweet
and timely whore, take me home"), Social Distortion's "Mommy's Little
Monster" ("Mommy's little monster had sex at 15"), and Michael
Schenker Group's "Armed and Ready" ("I got a gunsight trained on you").
Consumerism: Gamers will see branded instruments (with familiar manufacturers) and of course, licensed music track from many bands including Metallica.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: The odd drug-related lyrics include the line ""Mommy's little monster shoots methadrine" from Social Distortion's Mommy's Little Monster.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Guitar Hero: Metallica

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about whether they're experiencing Guitar Hero overkill. With many, many games in the franchise these days, not to mention new song downloads each week, when is it time to call it a day? And is this music genre evolving at the pace it should? Or do gamers want the same thing each time but with new music?

What's the story?

What's the story?

Plug in and rock out with Activision Publishing's latest in the multimillion-unit-selling Guitar Hero series. Just as we strummed along with an Aerosmith-centric Guitar Hero game last year , now it's time to crank the volume and let your hair down for Metallica and its celebrated catalog of heavy metal tunes ranging from their early work ("Seek & Destroy" from the band's debut disc) to the commercial ditties of their self-titled "Metallica" album ("Enter Sandman," "Nothing Else Matters") to newer tracks including "Frantic" and "My Apocalypse." More than 45 tracks from the group's 28-year history are here, most of which need to be unlocked, as gamers jam as the L.A.-based fab four, led by vocalist James Hetfield. GUITAR HERO: METALLICA also features more than 20 tracks from other artists personally selected by the band, including Foo Fighters, Judas Priest, Queen, Motörhead, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Thin Lizzy.

In case you've never picked up (or observed) a Guitar Hero game, these music-based challenges let players jam along to some of rock's greatest hits over the past 40 years, using guitar/bass and drum-shaped peripherals, as well as a mic to sing, karaoke-style. Whether you're playing solo or with friends (in front of the same TV or via the Internet) your goal is to rack up points by hitting the right note (or drum) at the correct time. Play well and the virtual crowd goes nuts and you can unlock additional venues and tracks, but make too many mistakes and you're booed offstage faster than you can say "Lars Ulrich."

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Yes, Guitar Hero: Metallica is good, but you most definitely need to be a fan of the band and this type of music to enjoy it. Therefore it doesn't have the same mass appeal as a game like Guitar Hero: World Tour, with its wide range of musical styles and artists, plus this game lacks the same breadth and depth when it comes to modes, online options, and replayability. That said, it's a decent game for those looking to rock out to the music of Metallica.

Game themes & details

Game Details
Available on: Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2
Available online
Genre: Music
Developer: Activision
Released on: March 31, 2009
Price: 39.99-59.99
ESRB Rating: T for Lyrics, Mild Suggestive Themes
This review was written by Marc Saltzman
 
 

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What parents & educators say

7
Based on 9 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say language is an issue
  • 33% say it's educational
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

cheeserules
teen, 16 years old
12
 
A must for Metallica fans!
It's Guitar Hero, with Metallica. That's pretty much it, and that's all it needs to be. Metallica's awesome guitar riffs and solos make the game. If you don't like Guitar Hero, this version is not going to change that. But if you do, and you like your music heavy, Metallica is a must!
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JacobWAd
teen, 15 years old
8
 
You know what...
The parent reviewer, cthomasgirl, needs to shut up. I don't care what she says, this is thrash metal, if you can handle that, then leave. Kids need to finally know what good music is. Metallica is one of the best metal bands of all time. This game is perfect for everyone, and has a large range of songs from their 1983 album "Kill 'Em All" to their 2008 album "Death Magnetic". If you play Metallica's songs, Metallica plays in the background, which is awesome. They really got the details down, like Robert's hair, Lar's facial features, and the way James sings and moves. I recommend this game to anyone, especially Metallica fans.
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Nyankeeman
adult
13
 
Great Game! I got it free!
I LOVE this game but it can be a little expensive. I got mine for free Here: *://swagbucks*/refer/Teejay9393 It's free at least sign up and try it out! Great prizes
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cthomasgirl
parent of and 5 , 6 , 7 year old
6
 
Iffy for tweens but inappropriate for younger kids
While I understand the "educational" value of "music appreciation" I feel that this game is borderline inappropriate for early teens and downright NOT appropriate for younger children. Although the lyrics may be a bit difficult to understand on the game, it still exposes children to more violence, vulgarity, and sexual innuendo than they are old enough to deal with. (Even if they are older doesn't mean they SHOULD be exposed)
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Phreakout93
adult
3
 
will bring inspiration and appreciation for great music
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ESSENCE
teen, 15 years old
10
 
Essence need this 4 her x box 360
I need this 4 my x box 360 because I really don't have any games 4 my x box I only have one tinnes game and one arcade.
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bran91095
teen, 16 years old
13
 
All filler, no thriller.
Its an EXPANSION PACK, not a real game. Only buy if you are a DIE-HARD FAN. Otherwise, its just plain not worth your money. Its just like Guitar Hero : Aerosmith - Not worth your money.
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joey15RE5
adult
11
 
you never rocked this HARD before!
its a great game and the songs rock out loud! also love the features and the game play. also get your friends together to play as a band and rock all your socks off!!! if you like guiter hero games this is a must get!
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poisondeath123
teen, 14 years old
2
 
I like
Best idea ever! whoever doesn't like Metallica or think that they're too "scary" is an idiot. Half the kids can't understand their poetic lyrics (at least after Kill Em All)
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Donkey 10000
kid, 12 years old
8
 
This game is fun for almost all ages..I think so anyway.
I first played guitar hero whe I was 8, so it is perfectly fine.
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Tom_Gamer_Tom
adult
10
 
Only good for metallica fans, Some mature lyrics too.
Guitar hero has always been good, But now for the Metallica fans they released this. I am no metallica fan to be honest, but this is a great game with a lot of mature lyrics. Considering its a heavy rock group and only people who can handle and listen to metallica would buy this game. A few bits of cleveage with the female artists and guitarists etc. Its a good game though :)
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atomicpunk5236 ...
parent of 14 year old
10
 
perfect for 10+ if your a little protective 12+
If you love Metallica then you will love this! Out of all the role models if your looking to be a musician then this could help you. Metallica is one of the best! This game is a defnite 10+
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zac3
parent of 13 year old
2
 
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phantomstranger
parent
8
 
Metallica Fans Rejoice
What can I say some of the best songs by the metal gods known as Metallica, the game has some good features and extras, a must havefor any Metallica fan. All of my kids and me like and play the game, I can't say anything about the other songs on the game as all we play are the Metallica songs.
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eliana00
kid, 11 years old
8
 
good for 8 and older.
i love it and hate it.
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gamesrater55
parent of 15 , 16 , and 18 , 18 year old
2
 
Perfect for anyone who loves classic rock and roll music
This game is a very interesting game for people who would like to relive the classic songs of Metallica, there are no inappropriate themes that could be heard by anyone other than god unless you have some sort of sound amplifier.I bought this game for my son Sean and he keeps telling me he wants guitar lessons. Great game a must buy for Metallica fans
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eviltaylor
teen, 14 years old
6
 
I kind of agree
I say if you can play, than do because most people who arent into music really wont know what james (singer to mettalica) is saying. BUT...If some parents let us kids listin to this kind of music (Metal)than im sure there fine with us playing this game because they are listing to the normal stuff they do and they are learning hand-eye cordanent. I for one listen to metalica,disturbed,etc.(METAL RULES)and i own the game. i have two little brothers (7 and 10) who are great at the game but dont get the message of metalica's songs. SO if your a parent who dosent want your children to become metal rockers than i dont suggest it.
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