Preview Body

Previewed: May 30, 2008
Previewed by: Mark Smith

Release Date: June, 2008
Genre: Music
Players: 1-2

Guitar Hero has invaded every facet of our existence and the fever isn't letting up anytime soon. Karaoke Night at the local pubs has been replaced with Guitar Hero competitions; kids will stand in line at store kiosks to rock out with germ-infested guitars to the delight of onlookers, even though they have their own game and guitar at home. The infatuation has gotten so bad you can even play a 3-fret version of the game on your cell phone.

So when Guitar Hero was finally announced for the NDS I probably wasn’t as surprised as I was puzzled that it took this long to arrive. I also had my doubts about how well a game that relies solely on the tactile immersion of a guitar controller would work when you remove the guitar. No offense, but that cell phone version really sucks.

But after a recent hands-on preview experience with Guitar Hero: On Tour I have to admit, it was worth the wait. Vicarious Visions once again proves they are the indisputable masters when it comes to creating games on the DS, and thanks to some cleverly designed hardware, On Tour is on track to becoming the best music game available for the NDS.

On Tour works surprisingly well thanks to several key factors. First, the song selection is as strong as any of the console versions, both in quality and quantity of music. Secondly, the core gameplay doesn’t change from what we have all come to know and love. You still strum and finger the frets just like you always did. Third, the game features a robust multiplayer mode for versus and co-op and a bigger and better battle mode with all new attacks that make use of the unique features of the DS.

A few sacrifices had to be made when redesigning Guitar Hero for the DS. The orange button had to go. Even though a 5-button expansion prototype was created and used with moderate success, it was ultimately decided that the 4-button device worked best. Once your hand slips into the adjustable Velcro glove you don’t have the freedom to slide your fingers to that fifth button – they are pretty much locked in place.

Playing Guitar Hero: On Tour takes some getting used to. I’m sure veterans of the console versions who tear it up on Expert will come into this game thinking that the lack of the fifth button is going to make the game “too easy” or something for the kiddies, but nothing could be further from the truth. On Tour is extremely challenging, even on the Medium setting, and there is a nice progression of difficulty as you rise through Hard and Expert levels.

The first challenge is finding a comfortable fit for the glove. After a few hours, many at the preview event were wringing their hands and massaging sore wrists and fingers. Ideally, you are supposed to slip four fingers through the Velcro strap and curl them around the fret expansion that fits in the GBA slot on the front of your DS. If your hands are too large or too small you will have to experiment to find an alternate grip that works. I ended up just hooking my thumb through the loop so the strap wasn’t pinching the top of my hand.

Another issue is that you slip your hand into the strap in the opposite direction that the expansion device plugs into your DS. This means that you will most assuredly push the fret expansion out of the DS as you put your hand into the strap. If this happens during the game you may lose your progress, since the DS must be restarted.

You cradle the DS in your hand in the 90-degree book rotation. Notes will stream down the left screen and you strum on the right using the realistic pick-stylus. Personally, the pick-stylus started to hurt my fingers after about 3-4 songs and I ended up using the normal DS stylus instead. The pick is a cool idea but having to hold it in that pinching fashion for extended periods really cramped my fingers. It's like taking the SAT's with a 1-inch piece of #2 pencil.

The one thing I did love about the new pick, or rather the strumming feature, is that it is far easier and intuitive to strum “both ways” on the guitar. To this very day I have never up-strummed on the console version of Guitar Hero or Rock Band, but I was strumming in both directions on the DS during my very first song, and it really helps hit those fast succession of notes.

On Tour makes great use of the DS special features, especially in the creative new battle mode attacks. You can set the other player’s guitar on fire and watch them blow out the flames by blowing into the mic. You also invoke Star Power by yelling “ROCK OUT” into the mic (or tapping a face button if you are in public). And instead of furiously tapping a fret button to restring your guitar you actually have to make the realistic motion of replacing a string. You’ll even get to sign autographs in mid-concert using the pick (or stylus).

Guitar Hero: On Tour doesn’t stray far from the game modes or presentation of its console cousin. You still pick your rocker and choose your guitar. The guitar you pick is used as the background art for the right screen, and the strings and whammy bar animate realistically. Once you have your performer equipped you can head to the Career mode, Quickplay, or rock out wirelessly in any of the challenging and fun multiplayer modes.

The Career mode takes you through the traditional series of venues, each with their own track list that you must complete to unlock the next venue and more songs. Earn cash to buy more clothes, guitars, and music. It’s classic Guitar Hero in the palm of your hand.

This is definitely going to be one of those games you’ll want to output the sound to either a stereo amp or powered headphones. I like my rock and roll loud and On Tour, even on maximum volume sounded a bit weak, both on the DS speakers and using un-powered headphones. I have a pair of amplified ear buds set aside just for this game when it ships in June. Another thing to keep in mind is that any existing carrying case you have for your DS will likely not work if you intend to go on tour with the fret expansion plugged in. I think a custom carrying case would have been a nice addition to the DS bundle. You can be sure third-parties are already working to fill this niche demand.

While a full song list is still being kept under wraps, the following songs and venus were available for my preview experience.

Rooftop
All Star – Smashmouth
Breed – Nirvana
Jessie’s Girl – Rick Springfield
Hit Me With Your Best Shot – Pat Benatar
This Love – Maroon 5

Parade
Heaven – Los Lonely Boys
Helicopter – Bloc Party
China Grove – The Doobie Brothers
Rock And Roll All Nite – Kiss – *Cover
What I Want – Daughtry

Greek Arena
Jet Airliner – Steve Miller Band – *Cover
Black Magic Woman – Santana – *Cover
Stray Cat Strut – Stray Cats
La Grange – ZZ Top – *Cover
Youth Gone Wild – Skid Row – *Cover

Guitar Hero: On Tour definitely has the potential to become as big a success on the DS as it has proven to be on the consoles. There are definitely some comfort issues to take into consideration. I can use a guitar controller and play Guitar Hero for 5-8 hours straight, but even after experimenting with multiple grips and strap adjustments, I couldn’t play On Tour for more than an hour.

Ergonomic issues aside, there are a hundred ways Vicarious Visions could have screwed up bringing Guitar Hero to the DS. Somehow, they managed to avoid them all and created an entertaining and challenging game that recreates the Guitar Hero experience as best you can without actually holding a guitar.

Look for Guitar Hero: On Tour, coming in June, and take your legendary rock skills on the road. Meanwhile, enjoy these cool screens and start booking your tour dates.