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Guitar Hero on Tour: Modern Hits (Nintendo DS)

common sense media says

Handheld rhythm game features lyrics from newer rock songs.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this rhythm game contains lyrics from modern pop and alt-rock songs, a few of which reference violence, sex, and alcohol. Some also contain mild profanity. The language is never graphic or gratuitous. Kids unschooled in music may learn something about the composition of pop music while they play, including song structure and musical patterns. Note that this game, like previous games in the Guitar Hero On Tour series, is not compatible with the Nintendo DSi. The fret attachment it ships with plugs into a Game Boy Advance slot, which exists only on the original DS and the DS Lite.

Educational value: Players may learn popular songs with which they were previously unfamiliar. If they are unschooled in music, they may also glean a better understanding song structure.
Positive messages: This game is about pretending to be a rock and roll star. None of the profession’s stereotypical vices (drugs, sex, profanity) are present in any significant way.
Positive role models: Players take on the role of either a male or female a lead guitarist in a band. Some characters sport tattoos and wear slightly provocative outfits (short skirts, bosom-enhancing tops). Their onstage antics -- heads bopping, arms raised to the crowd -- are what one would expect of a rock star.
Ease of play: Anyone who has ever played a guitar-based music game should be instantly at home. However, the snap-on fret attachment can become dislodged during play. Plus, it makes for sore wrists when the game is played for lengthy durations.
Violence: No onscreen violence, but some songs are about fighting, with lyrics such as “There was a flash of a fist, an eyebrow burst/you’ve a lazy laugh and a red white shirt/I fell to the floor, fainting at the sight of blood.”
Sex: Some of songs have mildly suggestive themes and lyrics with double meanings, such as “And if you open up wide/And if you let me inside.”
Language: A few songs contain mild obscenities, such as “hell” and “damn.”
Consumerism: The game acts as a promotional tool for rock bands. All of the songs in the game have been released commercially and are available to purchase individually or as part of albums.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Alcohol (wine, champagne) is briefly referenced in the lyrics of a couple of songs.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Guitar Hero on Tour: Modern Hits

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about pop music. What did this game teach you about the structure of pop songs? If a song has a complex guitar track does it automatically make it more entertaining to listen to or to play, or does your appreciation derive more from melody? After playing the game do you feel like you have a better understanding of how to play a guitar? Do you have more respect for guitarists who carry out physical antics on stage while playing difficult passages?
  • Families may also want to discuss the stereotypical rock and roll lifestyle. Why do you think vices such as smoking, drinking, promiscuity, and profanity are so closely associated with rock musicians? Do you think the game’s avatars accurately depict how real-life rock and roll stars look and act? What is it about the rock and roll aesthetic that makes it alluring to young people?

What's the story?

What's the story?
The third entry in Activision’s popular rhythm game franchise to be released for the DS over the last year, GUITAR HERO ON TOUR: MODERN HITS offers up play similar to that of its two predecessors, just with a track list composed only of pop and alt-rock songs from the last five years. Featured artists include: Franz Ferdinand, The Offspring, Foo Fighters, Finger Eleven, Fall Out Boy, Coldplay, and about two dozen other current and recent acts. Players work their way through venues that escalate in size as the game progresses, playing sets consisting of a few songs each and taking on fan requests when available. Note that this game is compatible only with the original Nintendo DS and DS Lite; the new DSi lacks a Game Boy Advance cartridge slot, which means it can’t accommodate the fret attachment that comes bundled with the software.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Aside from providing a few dozen fresh tracks to play, Modern Hits is much like its precursors. Players press buttons on the fret attachment, strum the screen with a pick, and gradually unlock new venues and challenges. However, there are a few minor tweaks to the formula, the most noticeable of which are fan requests. As players master new songs, fans begin to request them to be played with special criteria. For example, players may need to duel another guitarist and launch a variety of attacks (such as breaking strings or speeding up the tempo). Or they might need to play a song’s bass section and chain together a set number of notes without error.

These tasks help mix things up a bit, but the core play is pretty much identical to what the franchise’s fans have experienced in previous games. That means most players’ enjoyment will hinge on how much they like the game’s music. Best check the complete track list before buying.

Game themes & details

Game Details
Available on: Nintendo DS
Not available online
Genre: Music
Developer: Activision
Released on: June 9, 2009
Price: 49.99
ESRB Rating: E10+ for Lyrics
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This review was written by Chad Sapieha
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

esams
parent of 10 , 13 , and 17 year old
11
 
THIS GAME CANNOT ALLOW KIDS UNDER 12
I KNOW MY SON LIKES IT BUT he cant he will wait till he is 12 my other kids can enjoy but i would say ages 10-11 can play with a parent but i saw violence and bad language so i know common sense rated it off 2-9 iffy --- on 10+ so no more of this for children under 11
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love2
parent of 19 year old
6
 
a great game
my six year old cousin loved this game!
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (3)
dell177
teen, 16 years old
2
 
i think i am in love with guitar herp
i love guitar once you get it you will be like what the heck i love it and i think it should be for all ages who can stand up at least HAHA! LOL
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Evan182
teen, 17 years old
7
 
Guitar Hero Modern Hits
Guitar Hero On Tour Modern Hits is a great game for the Nintendo DS. But be warned, this game is only compatible with the Nintendo DS lite and the original DS. This will not work with the DSi or the DSi XL because of the lack of a GBA slot. Which is required to play. Also be wary of hand cramps which might occur after an hour or so of gameplay.
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