Guitar Hero: On Tour

"Not exactly the "Guitar Hero" experience"

Well, everyone has waited for this since...I don't know, when Guitar Hero started, I guess. Now it's here! Guitar Hero: On Tour is a game combining the console game with "aerodynamics" to make it easy to play and keep that Guitar Hero feel. I know that everyone has wanted something like this, so I bought it, played it, and thought some people should know the truth about the game.

Graphics: 7/10

They suck for a DS title. they made little paper cut-outs and made puppetteers control the characters. They jump around and move their hand up and down the neck. The Super Nintendo could've done that! Plus, it's hard to pay attention to graphics when you have to play a song.

Gameplay: 8/10

For a brand new game, this is great! To try spinning off of the real deal, this isn't close. Yes, there are fret buttons and a "strum bar-kinda-thing," but it still kinda works. You hit the buttons and strum when the note goes by. Now, there is something completely wrong with the strumming. You can't strum at a rhythm without losing control. And no, I do not suck at Guitar Hero. I am a great GH'er. (Expert Player, 5-starred almost all songs, but can't beat Through the Fire and Flames) So, not only that, it is impossible to alternately strum and see the notes go through one by one at the same time. You focus on how fast you strum then you realize it's now too fast! Every time you play the same song this can happen! Here are a couple of tips:

- Hold the Guitar Grip comfortably where you can play at least 5 songs with nothing hurting.

- Instead of holding the grip how the commercial says, do the opposite: Only stick your thumb in the grip and the fingers out, where you can control playing much easier.

- The pick stylus should be held like a real guitar pick. Grip it firmly. Other than that, feel however you should strum where you can 100% the first song on Easy (If you are a GH vet)

Sound: 9/10

Could use work, but the songs sound clear when coming out of my DS. The songs are great hits, kind of like Rockband, where you've heard every hit somewhere on the radio. Songs include new ones like China Grove, I Don't Wanna Stop, and Heaven, or old ones like La Grange, and Pride and Joy.

Difficulty: same as GH games

Even though there are only 4 buttons, it's still Expert-type on Expert, and Easy-type on Easy. The style of the difficulties are the same, just the buttons are different. I find it hard to pass the last set on Expert in Career, but I can do it. (Yeah, first day and I beat Expert) But it's a small challenge.

Content: 7/10

Not enough of anything. Even for a DS game! Not enough characters, guitars, finishes, clothes, even songs! Only 25! If you ask me, if you want something to entertain you at your house only, this game isn't the one. Get Legends of Rock if you want more songs and stuff.

Multiplayer: 9/10

Bravo, guys! You made multiplayer as good as it has been. Couple of problems. You have to activate a power by touching it, which is hard to do while in the middle of a song. And, it's only Wireless play, no Wi-Fi. Well, you will have more fun with a friend than by yourself for a road trip!

Overall: 8/10

Get it if you plan to be everywhere a lot, don't get it if you aren't the traveling type. Either get the ability to travel, or get another GH game. for $15 more, I say it's worth the price!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/25/08

Game Release: Guitar Hero: On Tour (US, 06/22/08)