July 27, 2007
Guitar Hero encore Rock the Eighties
I just picked up Guitar Hero encore Rock the Eighties (dead link removed, see below). I’ve been a big fan of the series and was so glad to see the original GH come out; especially after I played a guitar arcade game at an IAAPA tradeshow several years ago (it was probably Guitar Freaks). Unfortunately, GHeRE just doesn’t live up to my expectations. The set list isn’t all that great. I haven’t unlocked all the songs yet, but so far the songs have just been so-so with the occasional good one thrown in the mix. For comparison’s sake, I’d say the set list is inferior to that found on the popular 80’s rock anthology album,
Monsters of Rock (dead link removed, see below)
. Though there’s definitely some overlap and some of the songs that would be appropriate for the 80’s game have already appeared in GH 1 and 2. Also, the song covers appear to slowly be degrading in terms of quality and accuracy as compared to the original recordings when we go from GH1 to GH2 and on to GHeRE.
Furthermore, changes from GH2 are really nonexistent other than new songs. All the same animations are used with just some “re-skinning” of the models for appropriate 80’s attire. Also, there are no bonus indy band songs that can be purchased from the virtual store like in GH 1 and 2.
Realistically, GHeRE can be described as an expansion pack in terms of the entertainment value. Back when the PC was the only platform to find good games, an expansion pack was a $15 or $20 software package that expanded a game you already bought with additional levels to play that didn’t really equate to a completely new game (expansion packs still exist today but typically only for PC games). If I had paid $20 for GHeRE instead of $50, I would have no complaints about the product. The reality is that $50 is simply too much money for the game.
I suspect that Activision/Red Octane may have even mulled over the idea of releasing GHeRE as an expansion pack. However, expansion packs don’t really make sense on a game console like the PS2 probably largely because it can confuse consumers that can’t figure out that they need to own both the original as well as the expansion to play the new content. There may also be technical limitations with disc swapping and such to authenticate ownership of the original product. Also, retailers are reticent to put bargain priced software on their shelves. Finally, if a fully playable GHeRE was priced at $20, then this would potentially cut into GH 2 sales. But enough making excuses for the game…
While I will say I am still enjoying the game for the same reasons I enjoyed GH 1 and 2, I can’t help but to begin to feel like Red Octane et al are milking the franchise for all it’s worth with no concern for sustainability.
Maybe they will come out with a 5/6 piece drum set controller and game soon and freshen the genre a bit.