78
MONSTER
Guitar Hero Live is an upcoming music game and will serve as a reboot of the Guitar Hero franchise, being the first new entry in the series since Warriors of Rock in 2010. Guitar Hero Live will introduce major changes to the core gameplay and experience of the Guitar Hero franchise, including a revamped guitar controller with a new, 6-button layout, a new in-game presentation style that utilizes full motion video, simulating a real-world concert setting from the perspective of the guitarist, and a new Guitar Hero TV mode to encompass multiplayer and curated playlists in the style of television music channels.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
71
Critics praise Guitar Hero Live's unique story mode for its immersive live concert experience and real bands playing each song, enhancing authenticity. However, some critics criticize the short length and poor acting in the live-action videos. Despite mixed opinions, the game offers a fresh approach to storytelling in the music genre, with both positive and negative aspects to consider.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
71
Positive (80-100)
29%
Mixed (50-79)
71%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics praise Guitar Hero Live's unique story mode for its immersive live concert experience and real bands playing each song, enhancing authenticity. However, some critics criticize the short length and poor acting in the live-action videos. Despite mixed opinions, the game offers a fresh approach to storytelling in the music genre, with both positive and negative aspects to consider.
Gameplay Mechanics
Expand for full analysis
83
Critics lauded Guitar Hero Live's gameplay innovations, like the six-button guitar mechanic, for adding complexity and challenge. Positive feedback highlighted the game's steady challenge ramp-up, intuitive controller layout, and closer resemblance to real guitar chords. While some critics noted challenges with the new button layout and difficulty curve, overall feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The game was praised for offering a rewarding learning curve and an engaging music rhythm experience, revitalizing the franchise for fans of the genre.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
83
Positive (80-100)
86%
Mixed (50-79)
14%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Critics lauded Guitar Hero Live's gameplay innovations, like the six-button guitar mechanic, for adding complexity and challenge. Positive feedback highlighted the game's steady challenge ramp-up, intuitive controller layout, and closer resemblance to real guitar chords. While some critics noted challenges with the new button layout and difficulty curve, overall feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The game was praised for offering a rewarding learning curve and an engaging music rhythm experience, revitalizing the franchise for fans of the genre.
Graphics and Visual Design
Expand for full analysis
74
Critics have praised Guitar Hero Live's graphics for their immersive and realistic visuals, particularly the use of full-motion video (FMV) to enhance live performances and create a unique experience. Some critics noted the modern filming techniques and creative set designs that added to the overall immersion. However, there were reservations about the live-action videos feeling fake and the HUD design being lackluster. Despite some criticisms, most critics appreciated the game's bold visual presentation and departure from cartoonish graphics in previous music games, ultimately finding it visually engaging and innovative in the music rhythm genre.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
74
Positive (80-100)
50%
Mixed (50-79)
47%
Negative (0-49)
3%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics have praised Guitar Hero Live's graphics for their immersive and realistic visuals, particularly the use of full-motion video (FMV) to enhance live performances and create a unique experience. Some critics noted the modern filming techniques and creative set designs that added to the overall immersion. However, there were reservations about the live-action videos feeling fake and the HUD design being lackluster. Despite some criticisms, most critics appreciated the game's bold visual presentation and departure from cartoonish graphics in previous music games, ultimately finding it visually engaging and innovative in the music rhythm genre.
Music and Sound Design
Expand for full analysis
81
Critics have mixed opinions on the sound design and music of Guitar Hero Live. Positive feedback praises the diverse soundtrack and immersive gameplay. Some critics appreciate the mix of genres and interactive stage experience, while others criticize the lack of classic rock songs and focus on more modern tracks. Despite concerns about song selection and microtransactions, reviewers generally find the game enjoyable, with innovative features like Guitar Hero TV earning praise for offering a unique music gaming experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
81
Positive (80-100)
63%
Mixed (50-79)
38%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics have mixed opinions on the sound design and music of Guitar Hero Live. Positive feedback praises the diverse soundtrack and immersive gameplay. Some critics appreciate the mix of genres and interactive stage experience, while others criticize the lack of classic rock songs and focus on more modern tracks. Despite concerns about song selection and microtransactions, reviewers generally find the game enjoyable, with innovative features like Guitar Hero TV earning praise for offering a unique music gaming experience.
Voice Acting
NA
TL;DR
voice acting
Description unavailable
Technical Performance
NA
TL;DR
technical performance
Description unavailable
Replay Value
Expand for full analysis
78
Critics rave about Guitar Hero Live's replay value, praising its robust XP system and expansive song collection in Guitar Hero TV mode. Engaging real-time multiplayer and dynamic leaderboards add to the game's lasting appeal. However, concerns about microtransactions and lack of song ownership options are raised. Overall, critics agree that Guitar Hero Live offers a compelling and diverse gameplay experience with high replayability potential.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
78
Positive (80-100)
54%
Mixed (50-79)
46%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Critics rave about Guitar Hero Live's replay value, praising its robust XP system and expansive song collection in Guitar Hero TV mode. Engaging real-time multiplayer and dynamic leaderboards add to the game's lasting appeal. However, concerns about microtransactions and lack of song ownership options are raised. Overall, critics agree that Guitar Hero Live offers a compelling and diverse gameplay experience with high replayability potential.
Overall Verdict
78
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
78
Positive (80-100)
68%
Mixed (50-79)
32%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Guitar Hero Live wins praise for its innovative gameplay, fresh approach to rhythm games, and immersive experiences. Critics laud its unique features and diverse tracklist, but some raise concerns about freemium content and microtransactions. Overall, the game successfully revitalizes the franchise with its bold experimentation and potential for the future, despite some drawbacks.
78
MONSTER
Reviews
118 reviews found100
Slant Magazine
Oct 20, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review praises the game and describes it as an absolute dream to play.
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95
Destructoid
Oct 20, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Guitar Hero Live is a surprising reinvention of the series with a new controller design, impressive FMV portions, and a compelling channel concept in Guitar Hero TV.
90
Game Rant
Oct 26, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review states that Guitar Hero Live is back and more satisfying than ever before, and that it is worth recommending to anyone who has ever enjoyed holding a plastic instrument.
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90
TheSixthAxis
Oct 20, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Guitar Hero Live is what the franchise and the genre needed, a quintessential party game
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90
The Jimquisition
Oct 26, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Guitar Hero Live is praised for its bold new gameplay mechanics and personal experience, despite some issues with fee-to-pay elements in Guitar Hero TV.
90
PlaySense
Oct 23, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Well-crafted music game that marks a great comeback for the franchise, praised for its innovative features, diverse music selection, and engaging gameplay.
90
Polygon
Oct 20, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review praises Guitar Hero Live for its innovative and clever gameplay mechanics, stating that it takes the series in a bold new direction. It also mentions that the fears of the game being a cash grab were unfounded and that it is well-executed.
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90
The Digital Fix
Nov 18, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Guitar Hero Live is praised as a bold experiment that pays off, moving in a new direction that's vibrant, exciting, and contemporary. It is considered a visceral and totally different experience that works well.
90
Arcade Sushi
Oct 28, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review praises Guitar Hero Live as a revitalization of the franchise and a relevant rhythm game.
90
Worth Playing
Nov 2, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review gives the game a score of 9.0/10 and praises it as a fresh take on the genre that future games should follow.
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