In late March, I was privileged enough to attend a media event for what is sure to be one of Xbox 360’s flagship titles for Spring of 2007, Guitar Hero 2.

Having already played my Playstation 2 copy to death, I was already prepared for the 5 button guitar shredding I was going to encounter when I walked up the stairs of the Hard Rock Café hearing the faint sounds of War Pigs, whether it was on Medium or Hard mode, I’d soon discover.

When I entered the main area there was a beautiful HD screen showing off GH2 with various mini guitar hero stations set up all around the room. The first thing I noticed was the large improvement to the graphics. Little nuances like blood on the Grim Ripper’s scythe and Axl Steel’s handle bar-goatee combination finally noticeable thanks to an upgrade of lighting and shaders that the Xbox 360 has shown us in the past. The sound has also significantly improved – finally Guitar Hero in true 5.1 surround sound -both players in co-op and face-off can finally be heard independently and clearly a common problem with the Playstation 2 version.

The guitar is a white explorer model – it took a bit of getting used to I will admit, but once I played a few times it started to feel like that black and red SG I have waiting at home. One thing I did notice is that there seemed to be lag on the whammy bar – I actually discussed this with a few people and they had noticed this as well.

The new songs are the best addition to the 360 game. I was able to play Iron Maiden’s The Trooper which was one of the most requested bands to be in GH2 when the PS2 game was forthcoming – the song does not disappoint and it’s sure to become one of those songs you’ll curse Iron Maiden for when trying to beat the game on Expert. Another song I had the opportunity to try was Rick Derringer’s Rock N’ Roll hoochie coo which will bring you back to that time you turned on your classic rock radio station and didn’t hear Steppenwolf’s Magic Carpet Ride.

All in all, what more can be said. It’s Guitar Hero, the best rhythm game ever made. Buy it on April 3rd and bring it to parties if it isn’t waiting there for you already.






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