The Gaming Experience
Shaun InguanzoGuitar Hero On Tour (DS) First Impressions
June 20th 2008 05:52
Guitar Hero On Tour (DS) First Impressions
IS PLAYING Guitar Hero with a handgrip and a pick-shaped stylus as much fun as bounding around the living room with a plastic guitar?
Well, it's the question on the tip of everyone's tongue, and Gamer Herald's first few hours with Guitar Hero On Tour for the Nintendo DS have proved revealing in more ways than one.
To answer the initial question, playing a hand held unit is never as much fun as playing a console game, and being a portable version means sacrifices have been made.
But, in its first attempt at Guitar Hero on a handheld, Gamer Herald can tell you that developer Vicarious Visions has nailed it, and that any Guitar Hero addict who finds they need to occupy their fret fingers during the day should be gearing up to purchase this.
Although we've only played enough to unlock two sets, the songs so far have all been master recordings by original artists, and sound surprisingly great on the DS' otherwise tinny speakers.
The visuals are top notch, and although the DS is not an incredibly powerful handheld, the dual screens work well together, and at all times the notes are clear and easy to see.
So far, we haven't had any major issues with stylus strumming, and in some ways it's more enjoyable than bashing at a bit of plastic with your thumb.
It's hard not to sing a long to this set list - Jessie's Girl, for example, is there in all of its glory, and being a pub anthem it's just natural that one will burst out into chorus while trying to get that perfect score.
Speaking of vocals, the game uses the DS microphone - but not for singing. Players have to blow into the microphone to activate Star Power - a simply ingenious method that also looks incredibly stupid when playing the game on public transport.
We'll have a review with our full thoughts and feelings once the embargo is lifted, but for now rest easy knowing that the game is on the right track to meeting expectations.
Don't fret - the game's great fun
IS PLAYING Guitar Hero with a handgrip and a pick-shaped stylus as much fun as bounding around the living room with a plastic guitar?
Well, it's the question on the tip of everyone's tongue, and Gamer Herald's first few hours with Guitar Hero On Tour for the Nintendo DS have proved revealing in more ways than one.
To answer the initial question, playing a hand held unit is never as much fun as playing a console game, and being a portable version means sacrifices have been made.
But, in its first attempt at Guitar Hero on a handheld, Gamer Herald can tell you that developer Vicarious Visions has nailed it, and that any Guitar Hero addict who finds they need to occupy their fret fingers during the day should be gearing up to purchase this.
Although we've only played enough to unlock two sets, the songs so far have all been master recordings by original artists, and sound surprisingly great on the DS' otherwise tinny speakers.
The visuals are top notch, and although the DS is not an incredibly powerful handheld, the dual screens work well together, and at all times the notes are clear and easy to see.
So far, we haven't had any major issues with stylus strumming, and in some ways it's more enjoyable than bashing at a bit of plastic with your thumb.
It's hard not to sing a long to this set list - Jessie's Girl, for example, is there in all of its glory, and being a pub anthem it's just natural that one will burst out into chorus while trying to get that perfect score.
Speaking of vocals, the game uses the DS microphone - but not for singing. Players have to blow into the microphone to activate Star Power - a simply ingenious method that also looks incredibly stupid when playing the game on public transport.
We'll have a review with our full thoughts and feelings once the embargo is lifted, but for now rest easy knowing that the game is on the right track to meeting expectations.
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Comment by Glen Atwell
long car trips have just become bearable. can't wait for the full review!