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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
Guitar Hero: On Tour continues to build on the franchise’s signature easy-to-play, yet difficult to master addictive gameplay, and now lets players take their experience on the road wherever they go. Players use the Guitar Hero pick-stylus on the touch screen to strum their favorite tunes and create their rock ‘n’ roll legacy in career mode. Fans can also join together to play co-op mode using a local wireless network, or battle each other in a Guitar Duel using new Battle Items unique to the DS platform. For example, players must blow into the microphone to extinguish a pyrotechnics effects gone wrong, or use the touch screen to autograph a crazed fan’s shirt in the middle of their set. Featuring five unlockable new venues, the game lets players personalize their experience by choosing the color of their axe of choice, selecting to play as one of six characters -- two of which are all new and exclusive to Guitar Hero: On Tour – and outfitting their guitarist in numerous styles. [Activision]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 93
Game Chronicles
What impressed me the most was the quality of the music. While not as pristine as you'll hear on a Dolby Digital console, the DS boasts some impressive quality, and if you pipe it through a home stereo (or a Thunderbox Amp) you can really punch up the bass and immerse yourself in the concert experience.
 90
IGN
Even though Guitar Hero: On Tour might not feel like playing guitar, it definitely feels like playing Guitar Hero: it’s an excellent portable representation of the full experience, and it’s incredibly hard to think of any way to do it better than how Vicarious Visions did it.
90
GamePro
It's perfect for quick sessions and there's enough content to keep you satisfied for a long while. If you take your DS with you everywhere you go, you definitely should put this on your shopping list.
90
PGNx Media
Guitar Hero: On Tour does a great job of bringing the Guitar Hero experience to the Nintendo DS.
90
Extreme Gamer
Guitar Hero: On Tour is more than Activision trying to cash in on the success of the now legendary gaming franchise; it's a solid product that can stand on its own.
90
AtomicGamer
But despite these major differences, On Tour stands tall on its own as a fantastic portable music game.
87
ZTGameDomain
Just about the perfect interpretation of the series in handheld form. I cannot imagine a better way to do it and I would love to see them continue to expand on the idea.
86
GamingTrend
It will take a little getting used to the Guitar Grip, and you do need to remember to take breaks. However, if you do this you will be rewarded with a fun Guitar Hero game on the go. Rock on!
85
NZGamer
Guitar Hero on the DS is an ambitious idea which could’ve easily failed but here we are with those ambitions fulfilled. Rock on, Vicarious Visions; let’s hear an encore soon.
85
Games Master UK
Combines two of our favourite travelling pastimes - gaming and music - to great effect. [Sept 2008, p.74]
85
Console Gameworld
Very solid and well put together, though an odd choice for a handheld. Recommended for big GH fans and casual gamers.
84
Cheat Code Central
It's awesome to be able to play Guitar Hero wherever you are, the song list is nice and varied (though too short), and the gameplay is almost perfect. The only downsides are you may get some serious tendinitis in your wrist if you play for too long, and the game feels like you're playing Guitar Hero rather than an actual guitar, which is the biggest attraction for the console counterparts.
83
GameFocus
Of course, you can’t match the exact same rock n’ roll experience of holding a guitar in your hands but it comes very close. So remember: find a comfortable way to hold the DS and grip before playing and rock the hell out of it.
80
Kombo
Guitar Hero has been a smash hit on the consoles, and while many people scoffed at the idea of a DS version, Activision has proven that the series can thrive in a portable setting.
80
Game Over Online
It doesn't offer nearly the same social experience as the console version, and you will have to learn to find a comfortable, still position to play the game in, but if you can work past those initial issues, you're in for a rockin' good time.
80
Nintendojo
So, On Tour is not the best game and the series and does little to progress the franchise, but Guitar Hero fans now have a decent distraction while away from home.
80
GameDaily
It's not the most comfortable way to play, but it is very effective way to jam with.
80
Gamer 2.0
So Guitar Hero On Tour manages to be more than a pimping out of the series and more than just a dumbed-down version of its console cousins.
80
NGamer UK
The grip makes it feel like more of a silly Guitar Hero toy than a hardcore contender, but hand cramps aside, this is a thoughtful adaptation for DS. [Oct 2008, p.63]
80
Gamer.nl
Equally addicting as its older brothers. But not suited for long sessions as you might find yourself with a cramped wrist at the end of the day. Some nice new features and a solid tracklist, although it lacks some variation. A succesful conversion.
80
AceGamez
Save for a few minor issues, Guitar Hero: On Tour is right on target and suits the handheld format wonderfully.
80
Nintendo Power
That's why Guitar Hero: On Tour is so exciting--it's Guitar Hero on the go, played a bit differently, with more emphasis on picking than fretwork (though there's still plenty of that). [Sept 2008, p.87]
79
GameZone
While the flight does get bumpy at times due to some wrist issues and limited song choices the overall experience is still intact.
78
Da Gameboyz
Guitar Hero: On Tour is the first time that the franchise has made it to the Nintendo DS and overall it does so with a big splash.
77
GameTrailers
The implementation of the system and peripheral is inventive, but its somewhat lackluster set list and poor audio quality strike at the core of the experience. Still, if you’re the person that imported Ouendan (when-dan) from Japan or just can’t get enough of the series, hop on the tour bus.
76
Official Nintendo Magazine UK
This feels more like Guitar Hero Lite than a proper instalment in the classic rhythm action series. [Sept 2008, p.78]
75
Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
The experience is not as fun as with plastic guitars. But it’s a well thought game to take advantage of the DS, with the help of the Guitar Grip. It’s a shame that the limitations of the console itself became an obstacle to the fun factor, making you struggle with the size of the console and the cramps on your hand. [Aug 2008]
75
Gameplanet
This is no cut-down, dumbed-down version of its full sized counterparts. Guitar Hero: On Tour goes to great lengths to prove you can make beautiful music - and a real ass of yourself - absolutely anywhere.
75
GameShark
In the end, Guitar Hero: On Tour is a blast to play with friends or alone, but it's hard to shake the feeling that any videogame not called Track and Field should be such a physical endurance challenge.
75
The Onion (A.V. Club)
Still, it's an ingenious piece of technology that means addicts never have to leave Guitar Hero at home.
75
Gamer's Hell
A weak song selection and poor audio quality make On Tour a good travel-friendly game, but not a standalone franchise maker.
70
GameSpy
In some ways, Guitar Hero: On Tour feels more like an experiment than a full-fledged game, as if Activision just wanted to see if it could be pulled off. Whether or not it succeeded is open to debate, as there are a number of issues that hurt the game.
70
Gameplayer
Beyond that annoying [grip] inconvenience, On Tour is a surprisingly decent package - however it has to be said that the sound quality from the DS speakers is a bit weak (it gets better with headphones, though), and to complete Expert Mode you need to be Slash crossbred with Jesus.
70
PALGN
Guitar Hero: On Tour is a heck of a surprise, it works rather well on the Nintendo DS and while the console versions are undoubtedly better, those who prefer portable gaming are getting a solid alternative with On Tour.
70
NintendoWorldReport
This game is ultimately an interesting experiment that can be a lot of fun in short bursts, so in that respect, it actually works on the DS. I would recommend it for casual fans of the series and younger players who may be less demanding.
70
N-Europe
Guitar Hero On Tour is a good conversion of the console facemelter, but will not become your main source for rocking out. Best saved for when your travelling/on holiday and just can’t go without a Guitar Hero fix.
70
Pelit (Finland)
Guitar Hero: On Tour tries its best to convert an uncovertible game. The music is good and the rhythm-based playing is fun enough, but the fails at creating the illusion of rocking out. [Sept 2008]
70
BigPond GameArena
If you're under 14, or some unfortunate pituitary disorder has rendered your hands miniscule, you can't really go wrong with Guitar Hero: On Tour. Just make sure that when you're touring, it's somewhere devoid of other people and their pitiless, judging eyes.
70
Gamestyle
As a solo game, Guitar Hero On Tour is a worthy addition to the series.
70
n-Revolution Magazine UK
Kudos to Vicarious Visions for trying. [Issue#25, p.70]
70
Total Video Games
It's not quite as well-rounded as its home console older brothers, there's certainly room for improvement, but it's a solid enough start...bring on Guitar Hero: Decades.
70
Armchair Empire
While Guitar Hero: On Tour is a very solid port of the franchise to the DS and the technology to get it working is brilliant - why don't more developers make use of the GBA cartridge port for DS games?
70
Game Informer
Even with some clever adjustments, On Tour just doesn’t feel the same.
68
Gamers' Temple
Even if you can play through the pain, tapping a screen just isn't as much fun as rocking out with a fake plastic guitar.
67
Gaming Age
Personally, I enjoy the idea and most of the execution, but it doesn't live up to the previous titles (except maybe Rock the 80's), and it still has a way to go before it completely impresses me.
67
1UP
It doesn't feel like Guitar Hero. Sure, you get to press buttons in rhythm and watch an avatar bounce around the screen...but some major components are lost because of the platform. The DS certainly doesn't look or remotely feel like a guitar, and the songs -- though high quality -- just don't sound quite as awesome popping out over the system's tiny speakers.
66
GamingExcellence
On Tour is sort of a mixed bag. On one hand, hey, portable Guitar Hero. But does it really need to be portable at all? The peripheral comes with a bevy of problems that can affect gameplay and enjoyment, and that’s the center of the entire gaming experience.
65
PTGamers
On Tour is destined to be praised by some fans, but mocked by others.
65
IGN AU
It's got so much potential that, when you kick into hard mode and start noticing the touch screen's inaccuracy, the awkward hand contortions needed or the ill-conceived Duel Mode controls, you'll shake your head and wonder where everything went awry.
62
Jolt Online Gaming UK
A brave but ultimately over-ambitious waste.
60
Modojo
Complaints notwithstanding, Guitar Hero: On Tour is a successful first experiment that delivers a slice of the console experience on the go, and Activision and Vicarious Visions deserve props for making such a cool portable music game.
60
games(TM)
Great gameplay marred by poor ergonomics. [Oct 2008, p.116]
60
Destructoid
To take a page from the book of elitist musicians everywhere: "Put down that toy and go play a real plastic guitar."
60
Pocket Gamer UK
You won't want to rock and roll all night with this hand-cramping game that doesn't have the right tunes to back up an inventive slate of multiplayer modes.
60
Games Radar
A curiosity to be indulged and then discarded in favor of another round of full-sized guitar heroism.
60
GameSpot
It's simply not enjoyable to contort your hand around the DS and listen to 25 low-fi songs while you strum the touch screen and fight the pain in your hand.
60
Gamervision
Outside of the lack of songs, I had one major issue with Guitar Hero On Tour: portability. I tend to buy handheld games to play on train rides, or while flying. The combination of the cumbersome Guitar Grip, the non-ergonomic angle at which you hold the DS, and gameplay interface make this a game I was actually embarrassed to play in public. And if a handheld game can only be played at home, what’s the point?
60
G4 TV
Technically this is Guitar Hero, but a huge piece of the puzzle is missing. Clutching your teeny tiny DS, squinting at a teeny tiny screen, and listen to tinny audio does nothing to enhance the illusion that you're a rock god.
58
Gaming Nexus
Don't be fooled by the name, this is one game that won't make you feel like a real guitar hero!
55
Worth Playing
Finding a way to pump more music into the mix should have been a higher priority as well.
50
VideoGamer
With a more reliable control system Guitar Hero: On Tour would have been a perfectly playable, enjoyable game, but with its problems it feels more like a novelty. Getting the game to work on the DS is admirable and technically a solid achievement, but it doesn't make for a must-own DS title.
50
Thunderbolt
If the peripheral wasn’t plagued with pestering annoyances and the ability to induce cramp after half an hours play, this may have been more of a success. With a lack of original or even quality track listing, this game begins to wear thin after only one play through.
50
EuroGamer
Even proper strumming seems to be measured inconsistently, breaking otherwise-perfect sequences and potentially losing you points or even getting you booed off if your performance dips below a certain threshold, forcing you to replay the entire song.
45
Ferrago
It's horribly awkward to play, causes genuine pain after a while and thanks to the limitations of the DS cartridge has horrible sound quality. If you can get past important issues like those then the game itself is nice enough, but that's a very big if.
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