Rocksmith 2014 Edition

1. celsius

   Oct 23, 2013

   10

   I am probably a near perfect example of a totally new beginner who never had the discipline, drive, and patience to learn guitar viaI am probably a near perfect example of a totally new beginner who never had the discipline, drive, and patience to learn guitar via traditional means.
   Though I had purchased the original Rocksmith years ago, I made the mistake of purchasing the cheapest brand name guitar I could find on Amazon, the Squier Fender Bullet Strat ($99), which upon unpackaging had the strings touching the fretboard. I still don't know if this was due to shipping or the product itself... I was going to get it fixed at the music store a couple towns over, but never got around to it (I'm also a good example of procrastination).
   
   This time around I decided to do some more research before purchasing the guitar, but it seems the one that comes in the bundle is the best (or at least one of the best) for the price currently (Epiphone Les Paul Jr.). I had to dig around for my old PS3 component cable, found it, left the video on HDMI and simply plugged the audio portion from the component cable directly into my stereo. Tuning was a snap, and though during the very first lesson it felt awkward, I could tell I had made real progress by the very next day. They say you can learn in 60 days, and right now I'm a believer. I started before their online site was up (it's still in beta), but today it appears like a very good second screen tool to check your progress.
   
   Basically Rocksmith does for learning guitar what Mavis Beacon does for learning how to type. It makes the learning process fun, changes it up so it doesn't get too monotonous, allows you freedom to learn what you want when you want to, provides immediate feedback and rewards.
   
   I'm not an expert yet, but the thing is I'm having enough fun for this to be a daily habit. It's a console video game that teaches you a skill, and makes learning that skill fun enough to keep up with it over time. I hope this coming generation sees Rocksmith continue to refine this process with their xB1 and PS4 offerings, while adding piano, drums, and vocals.
   
   Who knows, maybe even Khan Academy and Rosetta Stone could have their own console versions. I remember "educational" games on the Magnavox Odyssey 2 back in the day. They were not fun. But the times and technologies have changed enough that I believe learning certain skills (especially musical ones) can be easy and entertaining at the same time.
   
   But back to Rocksmith 2014. I can't find a fault in it, and maybe that's because I'm a beginner, but the thing is, it makes me want to keep that guitar in my hands every day and keep on learning new songs/techniques, so it is perfect for me.… Expand

   • 3 of 3 users found this helpful
2. eran_le

   Sep 29, 2014

   10

   There's so much to learn from this software, for all player levels. It can really boost your guitar level, if you practice of course, whileThere's so much to learn from this software, for all player levels. It can really boost your guitar level, if you practice of course, while making the process pretty fun.
   Several really impressive aspects and technologies are inside:
   - Lessons - A long series of lessons for all level, involving video and practice tracks which keep your progress.
   
   - Guitar arcade - Mini games that really improve your guitar technique. And most are pretty fun to play too. Looks like a lot of thought were put into them.
   
   - Songs - A big collection of mostly really cool rock songs, and more can be purchased. They did a terrific job in picking most of the songs, discovered quite a few gems I didn't know before. Software adds more and more notes to the song as you progress. And there's an excellent riff repeater which lets you practice parts of the song, with various speed and difficulties.
   
   - Session mode - An impressive technology that lets you to improvise along with a band, which keeps your rhythm and "mood".
   
   - Sound creator - a surprisingly long list of virtual equipment to create cool sounds and effects. Feels professional.
   
   All of these are excellently implemented, feels like guitar and sound experts who are passionate about this were involved, and combining all of these gives you tens or hundred of hours worth of effective lessons.
   
   Identifying the notes played in the guitar is excellent most of the time, except some rare cases. And I have no lag, even though I use hdmi.
   
   All in all, after playing with this for months, I can say - terrific job guys, this is really impressive, effective - and fun! Highly recommended!… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
4. dammii96

   Oct 24, 2013

   10

   This game is too awesome. Is a terrific improvement over the first Rocksmith, all the things that are bad in that game are fixed in this one.This game is too awesome. Is a terrific improvement over the first Rocksmith, all the things that are bad in that game are fixed in this one. The fact that you can activate (an improved) Riff Repeater is one of the most helpful things. Te Session mode is a goldmine, perfectly well done. I thought "I'll check it out for five minutes before playing a song to see how it is" I spent 4 hours.
   I know what game is my game of the year… Expand

   • 1 of 1 users found this helpful
5. smerickson89

   Jan 2, 2014

   9

   It's really fun. I've played guitar for a long while but never was very good at chord theory. The mini games are very effective at slammingIt's really fun. I've played guitar for a long while but never was very good at chord theory. The mini games are very effective at slamming the techniques into your brain. There is zero latency for me, which was the main reason I hated the first Rocksmith release.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
6. Hogen

   Mar 24, 2014

   9

   As a beginner, who never struck a single chord before, the rocksmith experience have been a roller coaster ride. First off, yes it works. ItAs a beginner, who never struck a single chord before, the rocksmith experience have been a roller coaster ride. First off, yes it works. It really works. And it is fun. But, if you, like me, never played before I think you should at least think about talking to someone who do play. The reason is, when you play rocksmith without guidance, the game will tell you if you play the wrong note or chord. But the game can not see what you are doing wrong. So, for me, for instance, I struggled with muting strings and holding my fret hand a bit off.
   
   A short talk and "lesson" from a friend did the trick and I went from 26% progression to 97%. Have played the game, every day now for two months and are already seeing a huge difference. I have learned several chords, are more familiar with the frets and notes. And have also started to play along to my favorite songs only using headphones and trying to play the right chords.
   
   But! The game crashes at times. I have tried to find out why. Some, on the boards, say certain DLC can make the console prone to crashing, some say that the amount of free space on the drive is the culprit. I have only had three crashes in two months time, no biggie, but still an issue.
   
   Verdict? Play this game, play more guitar. :)… Expand

   • 1 of 1 users found this helpful
7. Orhunkk

   Oct 4, 2014

   9

   Best way to learn guitar from digital way.If you really try to learn,make practices and complete all tutorials you are going to learn how toBest way to learn guitar from digital way.If you really try to learn,make practices and complete all tutorials you are going to learn how to play a guitar.While learning it gives you some fun as well.Rocksmith got some mini games as well for instance,killing zombies with your guitar!… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
8. Natacus

   Dec 15, 2013

   1

   Extremely poor example of a "Rocksmith" game 2013 had a lot of amazing features that have been stripped away from the simplicity of enjoyingExtremely poor example of a "Rocksmith" game 2013 had a lot of amazing features that have been stripped away from the simplicity of enjoying playing guitar such as the concert mode. Now with no real feeling of achievement, a handful of the beginners may never continue to play their guitar and enjoy their music from lack of a better words motivation. I see what they're trying to do, but they shouldn't have taken out the sense of achievement in the game. No credits or anything to spend to earn a ranking of some sort. A title to feel proud of yourself. I hope to god in the 2015 edition they realize this was a mistake and have re added some simple features that enhanced the game play of traditional "Rocksmith".… Expand

   • 0 of 1 users found this helpful

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