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Guitar Hero
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My son asked for Guitar Hero for Christmas. We are considering it. I don't play video games myself...but he gets half an hour a day to play...would it be suitable for 12?
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We already have the Wii hidden away for Christmas and my sons would probably love Guitar Hero. They love to play the demos in the store and I'll admit it, I'm not much of a gamer, but it is kinda fun to try to match the song. So this might be one of the games we get in addition to the console.
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I passed on Dance Dance Revolution in favor of freestyle booty-wiggling. Similarly I have forsaken Guitar Hero in favor of actually learning to play the guitar. I dance to the beat of my own drummer. He's rhythmically challenged but a lot of fun 
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Here's an interesting take on the whole concept of these games.
"What kid will ever want to pick up a real guitar, when learning to play a fake one is so easy? If Rock Band had been available in the late 1980s, would we even have a Green Day - or just three more no-name slackers killing a lot of time in their parents' basement?"
Full article here.
"What kid will ever want to pick up a real guitar, when learning to play a fake one is so easy? If Rock Band had been available in the late 1980s, would we even have a Green Day - or just three more no-name slackers killing a lot of time in their parents' basement?"
Full article here.
Interesting article. I definitely see the writer's point, but I think when kids learn to play an instrument (especially the guitar, which is so steeped in Americana and pop culture), it's about the music. Guitar Hero isn't about the music. It's about timing and rhythm and colors and symbols. The songs are secondary.
It's a very fun game. Almost fiendishly difficult when you first begin, though. I've only played it a handful of times and don't think I've made it past the three button mode.
Well...my kid already plays the guitar. If kids are interested in playing the guitar they will play it. These are games...not a substitute but a way to further enjoy something they already like. If I get this game for my son I know he won't stop playing the guitar...he's passionate about the instrument.
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So essentially we should also get rid of all those Playscool instruments that are just a couple buttons because they might think real instruments are that easy to learn?
His logic seems flawed to me.
What kid will ever want to be a pilot because flight simulators are so easy?
Or drive a car because driving games are so easy?
Or hunting, or fishing, or golf, or football, or baseball, or basketball, or any of a hundred other activities that are so much easier in game play?
Moron.
His logic seems flawed to me.
What kid will ever want to be a pilot because flight simulators are so easy?
Or drive a car because driving games are so easy?
Or hunting, or fishing, or golf, or football, or baseball, or basketball, or any of a hundred other activities that are so much easier in game play?
Moron.
We got guitar hero 2 and guitar hero 3. Both my husband and I played through all the songs within a couple of days after both purchases, and they continue to be great party games. Also, if you know someone else has it, and your xbox is online? Be prepared to compete like mad.
As to those who say this will encourage kids not to play the guitar, give me a freaking break. This does not in any way replace the feeling of playing an instrument. In fact, I think it might work the other way. If a kid plays this game and really enjoys the sensation of "playing a song," he's going to seek out more. There are only like 40 songs total on the game and half of them aren't very good. With a real guitar, you can play any song you want.
One thing I have noticed is that people who already play instruments are WAY WAY WAY better at this game. I always ask people who play our game whether they know how to play a real instrument, and the correlation is quite strong. Those who have never learned how to play music really, really suck at guitar hero (we're talking adults here), while those who play the trumpet (like my husband) or the violin (like me) pick it up almost instantly. I have a friend who actually does play the guitar, and I have NEVER seen anyone play guitar hero as well as her.
As to those who say this will encourage kids not to play the guitar, give me a freaking break. This does not in any way replace the feeling of playing an instrument. In fact, I think it might work the other way. If a kid plays this game and really enjoys the sensation of "playing a song," he's going to seek out more. There are only like 40 songs total on the game and half of them aren't very good. With a real guitar, you can play any song you want.
One thing I have noticed is that people who already play instruments are WAY WAY WAY better at this game. I always ask people who play our game whether they know how to play a real instrument, and the correlation is quite strong. Those who have never learned how to play music really, really suck at guitar hero (we're talking adults here), while those who play the trumpet (like my husband) or the violin (like me) pick it up almost instantly. I have a friend who actually does play the guitar, and I have NEVER seen anyone play guitar hero as well as her.
PS This is kinda off topic, but... BEST FEELING EVER:
My husband and I walk into Toys R Us where a bunch of kids are standing around ogling the new guitar hero and fooling with the guitar. You can see the desire in their beady little eyes. Hubby and I shoulder through this group of pathetic tots, pick up a brand new guitar and game and walk over to the counter and buy it. That's right, little munchkins, I'm an adult. That means I HAVE THE POWER TO BUY ANY TOY I WANT!!! MUAHAHAHAHA!!!
My husband and I walk into Toys R Us where a bunch of kids are standing around ogling the new guitar hero and fooling with the guitar. You can see the desire in their beady little eyes. Hubby and I shoulder through this group of pathetic tots, pick up a brand new guitar and game and walk over to the counter and buy it. That's right, little munchkins, I'm an adult. That means I HAVE THE POWER TO BUY ANY TOY I WANT!!! MUAHAHAHAHA!!!
Don't you love it, I do?
Also I cracked up when I saw the thread said Guitar Hero III- I am so tired of seeing that everywhere I go.
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That correlation doesn't apply to me. I play guitar and I suck at this game. This game requires hand-eye coordination and good reflexes. I don't have either, which is probably why I suck at games in general.
I just lost about 20 hours of my life to this game (with a short sleeping break). I came home to FL yesterday for vacation and my youngest brother got Guitar Hero III as an early Christmas present. My hands are permanently cramped into the guitar-holding position (I'm typing with like three fingers). I was beyond hopeless when I started but am proud to say I just beat the devil (at easy). Now I have to go back and start the medium.
My brother is incredible on a (real) guitar and he just whips through those difficult songs. I'm imagining it helps a little to be an actual musician.
My brother is incredible on a (real) guitar and he just whips through those difficult songs. I'm imagining it helps a little to be an actual musician.
I got GHII for Hanukkah and haven't played it yet. Looking forward to carving out some time.
However, the recent South park episode is a good panecea until then.
jt
However, the recent South park episode is a good panecea until then.
jt
Make sure to carve out a lot of time. My personal hygene has gone out the window, I'm still in my PJs, and I'm heading back in to play again.