Score
Gameplay:	8
Graphics:	8
Sound:	8
FunFactor:	7
PlasmaFactor:	8
Overall:	7.8

Guitar Hero Aerosmith Review
July 25, 2008 by Jereme Puik

Aerosmith is probably one of the oldest bands in the Rock genre today, no offense to them personally of course. With the years of history behind them, it was only right that they would eventually be featured in a Guitar Hero title. Activision surprised us when they announced that they would be bringing band specific Guitar Hero titles to the next-generation platforms. Aerosmith being the first seemed right because of its rich history and plenty of album hits to choose from. With some added motion-capture to the bands physique, the overall experience of Guitar Hero Aerosmith brings in one of most detailed Guitar Hero games to date. Fans of the band might find the track list a little underwhelming or could enjoy it for what it is. There is no doubt, however, that Aerosmith has left its place in history.

Let’s Bring it to the Game

For those who have some how not heard of Guitar Hero, it is based on the concept that you’re the rock star and you are living out the dream. As the name suggest, you are the guitarist and you’ll be fretting notes as they fly across the screen as if you’re playing a real guitar. As you hit each note, you just have to remember to use the strum bar which will activate that note. If given enough power, you can activate Star Power which will give you additional bonus points for a short amount of time. Should you find yourself jumping all over the floor in your basement pretending you’re on stage, just remember, you’re still in that basement.

Obviously, the game focuses heavily on Aerosmith as shown by the colorful cartoon-like character art and overall design throughout the game. Nothing seems to have changed much from Neversoft's first attempt with Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock. This is their second go around in this particular series. Menu design is still the same, along with the Xbox Live multiplayer menu. Unfortunately it seems like something is missing. You can no longer search for custom matches and all you are left with is Quick Play mode when you want to rock out online.

Character selection hasn’t changed much, other then different outfits. Some gamers might like the idea of having DMC as a playable character, but that’s about it. It would’ve been even better if they added in a new character here or there and not just Run DMC. One obvious change you will notice is that there are no boss battles and the only rock star you’ll be battling is Joe Perry, Aerosmith’s guitarist. Don’t worry though; you’ll still be able to battle your friends, just not rock and roll’s famous members. Not to worry, there is a shining light in this dark tunnel that doesn’t crash into the wall of cheap cash-ins.

One noticeable change comes with the highly advertised motion-capture that developer Neversoft were so keen on before the titles release. It works nicely for the most part, but you’ll more concerned with the shredding of notes than admiring the work in the presentation of the band. Still, it’s not a bad step in terms of giving a more immersive experience. The engine running Guitar Hero Aerosmith is given a nice update and the overall tone of the game feels a bit sharper. There are stages and arenas that are from the 70s and 80s…etc that are brought to life from the bands first gig to their breakthrough at the Orpheum Theater.

Sound

Guitar Hero games always lived or died on their track lists. Once a track list is released before the actual game people will easily be able to decide if it’s worth the purchase based on that list alone. Guitar Hero Aerosmith comes packaged with a 41 song list and only 12 of those are not Aerosmith related. Although this is an Aerosmith centric game, Activision thought it was necessary to add a guest list of artists that have either inspired the bands career or were bands that Aerosmith has played with before. Personally, the only song I find worth playing on the guest list is “Dream Police” by Cheap Trick. All Aerosmith songs are master recordings while about half of the guest list songs are re-recordings. As is familiar with the past Guitar Hero games, the same sound beats and volume are all here to enjoy.

Graphics

The art style pretty much remains constant throughout Aerosmith. You’ll notice the changes with the cartoony like drawings of the band members throughout the menu options. Load time screens between songs will give you a heads up about a little history on the band that should prove interesting for those interested. The motion-capture is a plus and adds to the game, but it isn’t enough to carry the game forward in any direction. You’re stuck at a fork in the road here as you pretty much have the standard fluff you would’ve seen in Guitar Hero 3.

Plasma Factor

In terms of gameplay, as compared to Guitar Hero 3, Guitar Hero Aerosmith fails to deliver any new game modes. But, what was done on the inside makes it more interesting to see in the long run. The motion-capture just grabs you and pulls you along for the ride during career mode or when your in quick-play mode just playing through any song. Aerosmith is so extremely detailed that you would swear you were in concert with them. Less boss battles is a good thing and only having to battle against the great Joe Perry makes the career mode a bit easier to contend with. If I had to pit one thing going for the Plasma Factor of this title is the fact that it’s Aerosmith, plain and simple. No ifs, ands or buts about it. The move to a one-center band in the Guitar Hero series was a smart move.

Conclusion

So, what I will recommend is that you rent this title, as the price tag is a bit too steep for such a shallow offering for a Guitar Hero game. Sure, this might hold you until the release of Guitar Hero: World Tour, but not for long. The motion-capture is cool at first, but you will end up barely noticing it in the grand scheme of things. If you do find yourself getting this title, you might just be completing a career mode or two or even ramping up the difficulty for a better challenge. With no downloadable content announced, this makes Guitar Hero Aerosmith look all too similar to Rock the 80s.