Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades, released for the Nintendo DS in 2008, isn’t just a game; it’s a time machine. Strap in, because we’re going on a musical joyride through five decades of rockin’ tunes, from the groovy 70s to the edgy 2000s. This portable masterpiece captures the essence of Guitar Hero’s iconic gameplay while adding unique DS-specific twists that make it a must-have for any rhythm game enthusiast.
The game doesn’t bog you down with convoluted narratives. It’s all about the music, baby! Choose from five distinct decades: 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s, and Metal Mayhem (a glorious mix of headbanging anthems). Each decade boasts a handpicked selection of tracks spanning various subgenres, ensuring something for every musical palate. Want to shred some classic rock with Journey? Done! Crave the grunge vibes of Nirvana? No problem! Feeling the angst of early 2000s emo? You got it.
Hitting the Right Notes: Gameplay Mechanics
The core gameplay remains faithful to the Guitar Hero formula: hit the notes as they scroll down the screen, strum to the beat, and unleash epic solos by nailing those star power phrases. But here’s where things get interesting – Guitar Hero On Tour innovates by utilizing the DS’s touch screen and stylus.
Forget bulky plastic guitars; this time, you “strum” with your stylus on a virtual guitar neck displayed on the bottom screen. This clever implementation not only feels intuitive but also adds a unique layer of precision. No more accidental misses due to clumsy button presses!
The game further enhances its portability by incorporating “Guitar Grip,” a nifty peripheral that attaches to the DS and houses the stylus, mimicking the feel of a real guitar pick. While optional, it elevates the experience for those seeking greater immersion and tactile feedback.
A Blast From the Past: Setlist Showdown
One of Guitar Hero On Tour’s greatest strengths lies in its diverse and undeniably awesome setlist. Let’s take a peek at some highlights from each decade:
Decade | Songs |
---|---|
70s | “Sweet Home Alabama” (Lynyrd Skynyrd) |
“Rock and Roll All Nite” (KISS) | |
“More Than a Feeling” (Boston) | |
80s | “Livin’ on a Prayer” (Bon Jovi) |
“Pour Some Sugar on Me” (Def Leppard) | |
“Sweet Child o’ Mine” (Guns N’ Roses) |
Decade | Songs |
---|---|
90s | “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (Nirvana) |
“Losing My Religion” (R.E.M.) | |
“Basket Case” (Green Day) |
Decade | Songs |
---|---|
2000s | “Seven Nation Army” (The White Stripes) |
“Mr. Brightside” (The Killers) | |
“Are You Gonna Be My Girl?” (Jet) |
Metal Mayhem: Shredding Your Way to Glory
The Metal Mayhem setlist is a feast for metalheads, packed with bone-crunching riffs and face-melting solos. Prepare to unleash your inner shredder on tracks from Metallica, Slayer, Iron Maiden, and more!
Beyond the Beats: Unlockables and Extras
Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades isn’t just about hitting notes; it’s about progressing, unlocking new content, and customizing your experience. Successfully completing songs earns you stars, which unlock bonus tracks, alternate costumes for your rocker avatar, and even hidden venues to jam in.
The game also features a “Practice Mode” that allows you to hone your skills on specific sections of songs, making it perfect for mastering those tricky solos or nailing those difficult chord progressions.
Final Verdict: A Pocket-Sized Rock Symphony
Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades is more than just a portable rhythm game; it’s an immersive musical journey through five decades of iconic rock and roll. The intuitive touch screen controls, diverse setlist, unlockable content, and the sheer joy of shredding on the go make this a must-have for DS owners and music lovers alike. So grab your stylus, crank up the volume, and prepare to rock!