Guitar Hero 2 Demo

Damn you Harmonix, damn you to hell. The Guitar Hero 2 demo is only four songs large, and I haven’t been able to play anything else all day. Curse you and your innate ability to create unbridled gaming fun!

Yes folks, if you haven’t heard already the new issue of OPM has nice little demo of GH2. Jay and I have it. Now let’s talk about it:

Songs: I’m hearing some recent dissent about the Guitar Hero 2 soundtrack. Whereas the original had a wide variety of rock, the sequel seems to have a heavy focus on classic metal and hair bands, as well as prog. rock. I understand that everyone has different musical tastes, but for a game called “Guitar Hero”, the tracks seem to be appropriate. The four included here are Strutter, Shout at the Devil, You Really Got Me, and the infamous YYZ of Rush fame.

All four of them are done incredibly well, and I find it hard not to pull out the moves and really get into the song (and this comes from someone who doesn’t even like Motley Crue). This is glorious, cigarette lighter rock music, and I can see those who stick with it enjoying the spectacle even more than in the original.

Interface: Same as the original in every way, save for obvious changes to the artwork used in each screen. What isn’t broke doesn’t need to be fixed, so it is nice to have a fun looking, comfortable interface return.

Goodies: The four songs can be played in Quick Play with two characters, 4 or 5 guitars and just one venue. That means you don’t get a chance to see most of the new goodies (like co-op, character outfits, etc.), but the new venue and character featured are quite enjoyable, if very different than what was found in the original. They also have given us a heaping helping of Cherry Red Gibson guitars. Looks like we’ll be getting quite a nice mix of old and new. I’m also impressed with the improved stage presence. The whole band gets into the music with even greater gusto than before, as does the crowd (they’re even nastier when you screw up).

All in all, I’m 100% pumped for this game. Harmonix looks to be making another quantum leap for music games, by actually listening to fan demand rather than just slightly upping the songlist and throwing it out on the market (I’m looking at you Konami…) Forget the Wii, forget the PS3. Forget Twilight Princess even. My most anticipated game of all of 2006 is Guitar Hero 2. Now who’s with me?