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Guitar Hero: On Tour (Nintendo DS)

common sense media says

A fun music game for players on the go.

parents & educators say
See all 7 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is the first version of Guitar Hero that plays on the Nintendo DS. As in the other versions, there are lyrics in some of the 25 songs that might be considered offensive because they contain sexually suggestive lyrics.

Educational value: Music games can expose kids to music history, composition, and appreciation.
Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not cursing, but some sexually suggestive lyrics in a couple of the songs, with the most notable example being Maroon 5's This Love ("I was so high I did not recognize/The fire burning in her eyes" and "My pressure on her hips/Sinking my fingertips/Into every inch of you/Cause I know that's what you want me to do"). Other potentially inappropriate lines include "Why can't you be more European/Bastard child of guilt and shame" (from Bloc Party's Helicopter) and "And she's lovin' him with that body/You know, I feel so dirty" (from Rick Springfield's Jessie's Girl.
Consumerism: The game features popular rock songs from the past 25 years.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Guitar Hero: On Tour

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about if this Guitar Hero game is as much fun on a portable system compared to a console. Sure, there are wireless multiplayer modes and a guitar pick, but is it the same as jamming with friends in front of the same television, wearing guitars? And will gamers mind that you can't download additional songs with this game as you can with its console counterparts?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Guitar Hero is back – and this time it's mobile. For the first time in the mega-popular music series, Nintendo DS gamers can unleash their inner rock star with Activision, Inc.'s GUITAR HERO: ON TOUR. Packaged with a "Guitar Grip" peripheral that fits snugly into the Nintendo DS system, players then hold the game system like an instrument and strum along using a guitar pick-stylus hybrid (also included) on the bottom touch-screen. You know the drill if you've played any of the previous Guitar Hero console games: players assume the role of an up-and-coming rock band and must work their way up from playing grungy clubs to sold-out stadiums. While listening to the 25 or so songs, you must watch notes sail down the neck of a guitar and press the corresponding color at the right time, while also strumming; play well and the crowd cheers you on, but if you make too many mistakes you're booed off the stage.

Songs include the likes of Blink 182's All The Small Things, No Doubt's Spiderwebs, Jet's Are You Gonna Be My Girl, Nirvana's Breed, Twisted Sister's We're Not Gonna Take It, and as heard in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, Pat Benetar's Hit Me With Your Best Shot. Some lyrics, however, might not be suitable for kids, such as Maroon 5's This Love, which has lines such as "I was so high I did not recognize…" and "My pressure on her hips/Sinking my fingertips/Into every inch of you."

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Some doubted how this popular franchise would translate to a handheld game, and the good news is that it works -- and well at that. Sure, you don't get the same sensation with a guitar-shaped controller over your shoulder, nor do you have a big-screen TV with the volume cranked up, but given the medium, developer Vicarious Visions did a bang-up job with this portable version. In fact, along with a "Quick Play" and lengthy "Career" option, Guitar Hero: On Tour also offers cooperative play using a local wireless network and a head-to-head battle mode called "Guitar Duel." As examples of the latter, players must blow into the microphone to extinguish a pyrotechnics effect gone wrong or use the touch-screen to autograph a crazed fan's shirt during the band's set.

Game themes & details

Game Details
Available on: Nintendo DS
Available online
Genre: Music
Developer: Activision
Released on: June 24, 2008
Price: 49.99
ESRB Rating: E10+ for Lyrics
This review was written by Marc Saltzman
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Mainmaines
teen, 16 years old
 
Great game! for every age
This game is amazingly... fun, many people were iffy about the small control pad, and well its alright, maybe if you have a big hand, and if you get motion sickness, don't play for more than 15 mins, or else oh about the content there is no sex, no viloence, Drugs a little (The song this love says "I was so High" but bleep out) so great game love it, hate it
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fdog1
teen, 16 years old
 
Awesome addition to the Guitar Hero franchise
Well all i have to say is that this was a great game, I say was because it's so addicting I beat it on the first day I had it. The track list id awesome. A couple songs are a bit mature, but only about three. There is a great mix of old favorites, such as China Grove by the Doobie Brothers, and newer music, like What I Want by Daughtry. This game has amazing replay value to. I first beat the game on Easy and now am starting on medium. Having the Guitar Battles as a separate game type was a great idea because it adds even more replay value to this incredible game. Oh i'd say for an age group 12+
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dancing girl
kid, 12 years old
7
 
OK game but got tired of it
I like the game. But hard is hard, haha.
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andrew121798
kid, 12 years old
 
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (2)
ILUVMEAT
teen, 17 years old
 
This game rox my sox
Wow I got this just an hour or two ago and its awesome. My left hand hurts from fingering the frets you put on the ds although. The songs (so far)are no problem. Its hard to do the advanced techniques from the tutorial part. I give it 5 stars because its fun. Its for 11+ in my opinion because thats when most people start learning instrumental music. I cant wait to play it again. I recomend it to anyone who wants to have a game that teaches musical concepts and try to be great.
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the boy in the ...
teen, 14 years old
8
 
8 and up
The game is fun and easy to play most 8 years olds will enjoyy but there is some iffy stuff for them like how the people in the game dress and lyrics to the songs can sometimes be inapropreat.
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alexgogo
kid, 12 years old
9
 
Great Game
love it beat on every diffilculty!
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