Games

Best of 2009 | 08 |07 | 06 | 05
Advanced Search

Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.

Guitar Hero 5

EMAIL PRINT wii

6.8 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 25 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 20 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >

Game Info

Publisher: Activision

Developer: Vicarious Visions

Genre(s): Music

Players: 8

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Release Date: September 1, 2009

Summary

For the first time ever, players can customize the make-up of their band by rocking with any combination of instruments in-game: whether it be two guitars and two drums, or three guitars and a microphone, any combination is possible, allowing players to experience music their own way. Brand new, innovative, easy-to-use gameplay modes like Party Play and RockFest put fun, competition and control at center stage as fans tailor the Guitar Hero experience to match their personal style and interests. For extended hours of entertainment, downloadable content from Guitar Hero World Tour is compatible with the game and can automatically be updated to include all of the upgrades and enhancements of Guitar Hero 5. Guitar Hero 5 features the strongest, most varied set list to-date comprised of master tracks from 85 of the hottest bands of today and the biggest classic acts including; Kings of Leon, The Rolling Stones, The White Stripes, Santana, Vampire Weekend, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, plus more than 25 artists from a variety of music genres that are making their music video game debut. Among the first-time-ever features of Guitar Hero 5 are: Party Play, where players can jump in or drop out of gameplay seamlessly; RockFest, a comprehensive competitive experience available featuring five new head-to-head modes playable online or in your living room; and the ability to play the entire set-list from the first time the game is turned on. Guitar Hero 5 refines the player experience, enhances the art style and redesigns core features such as GHMusic StudioSM, making it the most accessible, fun-to-play and authentic experience for seasoned music gamers as well as first-time players. New innovations such as Band Moments, where bands are rewarded for hitting special note streams together and song challenges where gamers are tasked to play through a song a specific way, add a new competitive layer of excitement and accomplishment to the music rhythm genre. [Activision]

Also On Metacritic

GAMES: Guitar Hero World Tour

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

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...

PGNx Media

Guitar Hero 5 is the ultimate party game. The solid, addicting Guitar Hero gameplay has been made even more accessible and compelling with all of the new additions Neversoft has added for this version.

Read Full Review >

Game Chronicles

While I still enjoy my PS3 trophies and 360 achievements and I’m still a slave to 720p or greater graphics, there is something to be said for totally entertainment and addictive gameplay and Guitar Hero 5 on the Wii obliterates the other formats on pure originality and game design.

Read Full Review >

IGN

Guitar Hero 5 on Wii isn’t a must-own game because of one standout feature or option; it’s the total package through and through.

Read Full Review >

Official Nintendo Magazine UK

Though only a small step up, Guitar Hero 5 is now the best music experience on the Wii.

Read Full Review >

Nintendojo

You will want all the time to rock out with Guitar Hero 5. Vicarious Visions not only pushes technical aspects of the Wii, but also utilizes DS-to-Wii connectivity and online functionality to further enhance an amazing game.

Read Full Review >

GamingTrend

So, to recap: There's a crisper and more friendly GUI. There's a new wide selection of mostly great songs. You have loads of freedom to come and go from the stage as you please AND its backwards-compatible with Guitar Hero World Tour.

Read Full Review >

GameDaily

The presentation hasn't changed much and the gameplay still revolves around the same note hitting formula, but if you love music (and who doesn't), you can't afford to miss this latest jam.

Read Full Review >

GamePro

While Guitar Hero 5 doesn't re-invent the wheel (or the guitar, for that matter) it does offer up a bounty of new rockin' features that puts it above a "yearly update." With an eclectic set list, 85 playable tracks, and some DLC content sure on it's way, GH5 will keep your fingers strumming for a good while until the next inevitable installment arrives. That is, if you can get over the creep factor of seeing Kurt Cobain in GH form.

Read Full Review >

ZTGameDomain

Definitely the best of the series, and easily the most streamlined of the genre. The option for importing songs is disappointing, but everything else is finally up to par with that other music game.

Read Full Review >

Vandal Online

Although it may seem that Guitar Hero 5 is just an update of the last year edition, the truth is that the new features, the improvements in the interface and the track list make it the best installment of the series in the last years.

Read Full Review >

XGN

With Guitar Hero 5 Neversoft almost succeeded in creating the perfect music game. Only some small mistakes prevent this game from scoring the complete 100 points. Still this game is the best music game at this moment.

Read Full Review >

Play Magazine

Despite being a bit burned out on the whole music-game craze, Guitar Hero 5's new features and ear-pleasing track list had me strumming and drumming on the plastic instrument peripherals all over again...and having a great time doing it.

Read Full Review >

Cynamite

It doesn't reinvent the genre. But it's more fun than ever to play the game in band mode.

Read Full Review >

Da Gameboyz

Guitar Hero 5 for the Wii stands as the best instalment on Nintendo’s console to date.

Read Full Review >

VideoGamer

The core gameplay mechanics are as good as ever, the presentation has been toned down for the better, there are some brilliant new multiplayer options, and everything feels more streamlined than before. Well worth adding to your playlist.

Read Full Review >

N-Europe

With more tweaks, features and content than most Wii titles ever see, GH5 provides a unique and essential music title that all Wii owners should experience.

Read Full Review >

DarkZero

Despite these few annoyances, Guitar Hero 5 is still an excellent example of a band-based rhythm action game done right. This is a true evolution of the Guitar Hero phenomenon, simple but devastatingly effective changes that really bring the best out of the genre.

Read Full Review >

NintendoWorldReport

Simply put, Guitar Hero 5 is a fantastic and full-featured Wii rhythm game.

Read Full Review >

Cubed3

Guitar Hero 5 sets a new precedent for how music games should be treated on Wii. Nintendo have clearly come out with the best version of the game thanks to Vicarious Visions' work in ensuring a healthy spread of modes, including ones only to be found on Wii that make fantastic use of the system.

Read Full Review >

NGamer UK

The party features raise the bar for multiplayer gaming. [Dec 2009, p.65]

GameZone

A strong title that pushes the genre forward while retaining much of its original appeal.

Read Full Review >

Gaming Nexus

After a rough start as a full band game Guitar Hero has found its sweet spot.

Read Full Review >

Gamer.nl

Guitar Hero has become even more user friendly. The experienced player will have a problem with the minor flaws and the lack of improvements. As a party game Guitar Hero 5 has succeeded.

Read Full Review >

Cheat Code Central

Despite the aging conventions of the genre, Guitar Hero 5 gets nearly everything right. There is a ton of gameplay packed into a decidedly user-friendly/hardcore-friendly package.

Read Full Review >

Nintendo Power

True, these are not revolutionary additions, but they are appreciated refinements. [Nov 2009, p.88]

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 6.8 (out of 10) based on 20 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Derek H gave it a5:
The Good: 4 players can play anything. I've tried 2 mics on the wii... three guitars playing guitar (not bass). Its a lot of fun and makes you wish you could do it on the old games. Also party mode is cool, instantly swap people or skill levels while playing. The Bad: Song choices are horrible. Stick to one type of music. You'll find 5 songs max that you will like. They have completely ruined the career mode. There is no point, no game feel of unlocking songs or beating the game. All there is, is the party mode. This game was barely worth $50 and i got van halen for free (old bundle deal) and also download a few of the old songs from world tour.

Josh H gave it a7:
Plenty of songs, plus the music store really gives the series the boost they need. However, the experienced players will find the game all too easy. It's a real shame. There are two or three songs that will challenge the pros, but otherwise they'll just be adding more and more songs to their high scores.

Scott W gave it a10:
I just love this game. it's a very addicting step-up for guitar hero World Tour and Number Three. I especially love it on the Wii because of the fact that i won't be kicked off for hours!

Jermy C. gave it a10:
Really Overall good game guitar hero finally got it right and made a game the evryone likes oh and one thing Tony m. in a dumb ass all of the guitar jero guitars do that its not that big of a deal the wammy dosent even affect points in gh5 if you don't like the damn wammy bar just dont fricken use it

Adam T. gave it a9:
Brilliant game, and a great progression for the series. The Party Play mode just plays through the songs until someone wants to rock out...that is just AWESOME because the setlist can just run the background and create party ambience. I didn't buy the Guitar bundle, so can't comment on Tony's issue, however I have tour World Tour guitars and both Whammy's work perfectly. Also, I am pretty sure Van Halen doesn't come out till October or November...that might explain the reason you don't get it immediately.

Ukemi gave it a6:
This game keeps the GH formula and has a well-rounded soundtrack, but experienced players will find it far too easy. I mean, on GH: World Tour, I played on Hard. On GH5, I can finish songs on Expert with over 95% accuracy. I've never been able to do this before. No, I haven't been getting better: this is the developer trying to flog their now-everybody-can-play-guitar-hero campaign. Developers, look: we don't care anymore. Hardcore GH players don't want you to make it family friendly ONLY. Sure, it's a nice touch, but why did they have to sacrifice the challenge? Also... the gameplay just feels... sluggish... and padded. Like a children's toy, so they don't hurt themselves. An annoying depreciation in value on an otherwise good franchise, but it's the worst GH game in years.

Games

Sony

Microsoft

Nintendo

Other Platforms

Upcoming &Recent Releases

Guitar Hero 5

Game Info

Summary

Also On Metacritic

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

Upcoming &
Recent Releases