"An expansion pack... but it's a GOOD expansion pack."

Everyone's all pissed that this game is an expansion pack for GH2. They seem to be overlooking the fact that this makes it good. What's bad about an expansion pack to a good game? But just to be fair, I'll judge this game on its individual aspects.

Gameplay: 10/10

The same gameplay system as GH2, which was a good system. Hold down the button according to the note onscreen, and strum when it reaches the bottom. Hammer-ons and pull-offs continue to be non-pains in the neck, and cooperative mode and pro face-offs are always good multiplayer options. The songs selected provide a worthy challenge, particularly the final song, Play With Me. While the game is shorter and has fewer unlockables, that's how an expansion pack works. Everyone, stop being stupid. Although I will admit that there are some annoying bits in some songs... those who have played the game know which song in particular... All in all, nothing new in the system, but the songs are fresh and ready for shredding.

Sound: 10/10

Harmonix managed to pull together a great setlist for this game, grabbing songs of all 80's genres and one song meant as a stereotypical 80's song (Because It's Midnite by Limozeen). Although some songs are not really of mainstream material, like Play With Me, Balls to the Wall, and Only a Lad, some songs are from the big hit bands of the 80's, like Ain't Nothin' But A Good Time, Hold On Loosely, and Round and Round. A lot of songs have some hair-raising solos, while others are just fun to play or hear. The main error in judgement I see in many people is that they are disappointed that their favorite 80's artist did not make the game, and therefore the setlist must be crap. But honestly, the songs are good and fun.

Plot and Characters: 9/10

This is the only true disappointment of the expansion. Not only are there no new guitarists, but the number is almost halved from eleven to six. Maybe this is because it's hard to imagine Clive Winston playing anything 80's, and Xavier's afro isn't going to mullet status anytime soon. I don't know. But this is made up in the fact that each guitarist has got some new 80's clothes. Even Grim decided the hourglass around his neck needed some updates. I won't say who he looks like because that would ruin the surprising revelation. The plot is the same as GH2's, which makes sense with the whole, you know, expansion pack deal, but since the setlist is a bit shorter we take a few detours. The Red Octane club and Stonehenge are not available, which means yes, your final venue is the Harmonix arena. This category isn't much of a big deal in the Guitar Hero series, at least not as much as sound and gameplay, so I decided to dock only one point because the only guitarists I missed are Clive and Casey.

Graphics: 10/10

Recolor city on GH2, but who's complaining about that? If you want something new, certainly you can wait three more months for GH3. All the guitarists get new 80's outfits, and the venues have some minor changes. Just a tad different from GH2, but still looks great. I'll miss the UFO at Stonehenge though.

Other Stuff: 10/10

I like this category. Those who love the 80's will play this game without end. Those who don't like the 80's... well, they'll still play. So good replay value, but what I want to focus on is the loading screen tips. Those who've played any GH game know that occasionally the loading screen gets smart with you, saying things like "Life is hard for musicians, but for drummers it's nearly impossible." Well, this game has a good helping of 80's-related tips such as "If your hair still moves while headbanging, you aren't using enough hairspray." Just these comments keeps the entertainment value up, at least for a while. Not nearly as much as GH2, but still funny.

Overall: 10/10

This is one of those games where you should only get it if you're the right person. If you're a hardcore GH fan or a total newbie, you should definitely get this game. If you're a regular player but you really need new graphics and gameplay and unlockables, wait for GH3. If you're a regular and like new music, however, buy it. If you're cool with expansion packs, go ahead. If not, stay away. If you love 80's music and wanna play, join the party. If you hate 80's music, this isn't for you. However, if you're anything like me, and if you're reading this you probably are, buy this game.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/02/07