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Review

Guitar Hero Metallica (Wii) Review

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Guitar Hero is without a doubt one of the fastest growing and increasingly popular gaming franchises available on the market today. In just a few short years, Guitar Hero has grown from a novel rhythm based game to the cult social phenomenon it is today. It took me a couple of years before I finally jumped on board the Guitar Hero hype train, but once on-board, I have never looked back. The latest installment of Guitar Hero pays tribute to one of the finest metal bands – nay, bands – that have graced this planet: Metallica.

Metallica are perhaps one of the finest metal acts around, particularly in their earlier years when metal was a foreign genre of music. Metallica might not be the metal powerhouse they once were, but any music fan should be able to appreciate what Metallica have contributed to the music industry. I still have no idea why Aerosmith were given their own Guitar Hero game before Metallica, but at long last the metal giants have been given the Guitar Hero treatment. It is a no-brainer to bring Metallica into the Guitar Hero world, as their style of music is perfectly suited to what Guitar Hero is all about; loud music with loud guitars, gnarly solos, earthquake inducing drumming, and vocal anthems that get everybody singing along. How does Guitar Hero: Metallica (GTM) rate? Read on to find out.

 

I will spare the unnecessary ranting about what Guitar Hero is and how it is played, as most people will have a fairly good idea of that by now. Instead, I will focus on what is new to GHM and whether any changes that have been made add to the experience or not. Arguably, the most important thing about any Guitar Hero game is the setlist. Guitar Hero 3 and Guitar Hero: World Tour both had impressive tracks, but compiling a list that pleases everybody is nigh on impossible. Depending on your personal preferences, the degree to which you like a Guitar Hero track list is likely to vary considerably. For GHM, the focus is obviously Metallica songs – so if you do not like Metallica, or metal in general, then it is unlikely that you will enjoy GHM.

For Metallica fans, such as me, GHM has brought to the table a compilation of their greatest hits over the years. GHM includes both classics from earlier albums such as ’…and justice for all’ and more modern hits, including tracks from the recently released ’Death Magnetic’. Personally, I felt the track list was perfect, as all the greatest songs were there: One, Nothing Else Matters, The Unforgiven, Seek and Destroy, The Memory Remains, and so on. There are over 25 songs from Metallica spanning their many years in the industry. There are also 21 songs from various artists that Metallica have toured with over the years. This includes System of a Down, Slayer, Machine Head, Queen, Motorhead, and Mastodon. Being a lover of metal, the track list was salivation-inducing for me. Just about every song on GHM is a blast to play, and being metal bands, there are plenty of solos and difficult rhythm sections, particularly from some of the earlier Metallica songs. All in all, the track list gets two thumbs up from me.

Another nice addition to GHM is the ability to actually play as the Metallica members. Playing the game in career mode (either solo or group) allows you to follow the path of Metallica across various venues from memorable Metallica tours. The venues also include various themes from their album artwork, which is a nice touch. GHM also includes closer camera angles which brings you closer to the action this time around. The multiplayer battle mode has also had a Metallica make-over, with new Metallica themed attacks such as being able to completely black out your opponent’s note track. Certainly not a huge addition, but the attention to detail in making the game as Metallica themed as possible is great, and only adds to the overall experience. Another major new addition to the game is the addition of a second bass pedal for the drum kit and the inclusion of Expert+ mode for drums. Unfortunately, I have not been able to purchase a second pedal yet, so I am yet to try this additional difficulty. Keeping in mind I am quite competent on drums on medium, I think I still have a bit to go anyway before I can tackle this mode. For those that are quite good at drums, this mode is promised to deliver a drumming experience that is as close to playing on real drums as you can get. Buying GHM in a bundle also includes a new, more responsive Metallica themed guitar which is a nice addition.

 

Another new feature in GHM is various trivia and song information that can be accessed once you have completed a song. You can access information about the song, the songs lyrics, and you can even replay the song with various trivia popping up on screen. For the other bands in the game, information is displayed that details how Metallica and the said band are linked together. Again, this is not a huge addition by any means, but it compliments that overall package nicely. Other features in GHM that have been included from previous games are features such as the rock star creator, instrument creator, online play, and the music studio. All these modes are quite well executed and provide the game with an incredible amount of replay value. Local multiplayer is an absolute blast as it is, but the ability to play online, create your own songs, download songs, and so forth adds up to an impressive package that smacks of value. Speaking of multiplayer, the multiplayer HUD has had an overhaul too, and is much better for it. This time around, when you are playing multiplayer, each player gets their own HUD allowing each player to gauge whether they are rocking like true champions, or on the verge of being booed of stage.

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Visually, GHM looks a little better than Guitar Hero: World Tour, though it still leaves a bit to be desired. The Metallica members look impressive, but crowds are again lacklustre due to sloppy modeling and a case of copy-and-paste, as every member of the crowd is identical. Thankfully, you pay little attention to the crowd when playing, as you are focused on the note track, which is bright and easy to see. The game excels in terms of sound, notably because of the awesome track list. If you don’t like your music loud, then it is advised that you steer clear. Otherwise, turn the amp up to eleven, and rock out until your neighbours feel obliged to call the police.

 

There is a lot of substance to GHM, but it is unnecessary to rant and rave about every little detail. Rest assured, the track list is impressive, the additions to the game all add to the experience, and the multiplayer options remain some of the best in modern gaming. With a few friends around, there are few gaming experiences as entertaining as Guitar Hero. By combining one of the best gaming franchises around with one of the best bands in the world, Activision have another huge hit on the hands. The value for money here is fantastic, even if you do fork out cash for the entire set of instruments. If you like Metallica and Guitar Hero, then I know you are already going to buy this game.

Graphics 7.0

Slightly improved over Guitar Hero: World Tour, but still not particularly impressive.

Gameplay 9.0

Combine the best rhythm based game with one of the best bands in the world = Awesome

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Sound 9.9

The best of Metallica songs with a further 21 tracks from other great artists. It doesnt get better then this.

Tilt 9.9

An awesome multiplayer experience, entertain solo experience, online, create your own songs…need I say more?

Value 9.0

Guitar Hero Metallica is utterly brilliant and can be highly recommended to any Guitar Hero fan or individual wanting to have a go at the brilliant Guitar Hero. Rock on.

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About The Author
Toby Mizzi
First gaming experiences were with my older brother playing Sonic the Hedgehog on the Sega Master System and Sega Mega Drive. I was about 12 years old when the PS1 and the N64 were just about to be released, and I wanted to get a PS1 based on my experience playing some demo PS1 games at a Video Games Heaven store. On the day we came to lay buy the PS1, they had demo N64 consoles set up in the middle of the shopping centre and we naturally took some time to sample the goods. Dad, who barely played games, decided that the N64 would be a better console and I have never looked back since then. Don't get the time to play games as much as I did when I was younger, though I still enjoy nothing more than sitting back on the couch and being absorbed into a totally different world.

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