Guitar Hero 3

Guitar Hero III for the PC continues the popular Playstation 2 series. In this game you take on the role of a budding cover band that plays its way through shows, picks up sponsors and fans, and tries to grab the biggest contract they can. Like the previous games, gigs are done as a small set list at a particular location. Each song is comprised of a series of notes that must be played either using the keyboard, a controller, or a plastic guitar that is supplied with the game. After clearing the four set list songs, an encore must be played in order to move on.

The main changes from the first two games are graphical. The whole interface has been given a facelift, but is still fairly easy to use. Most of the character models have been changed, and Slash is a playable character. Three boss battles have been included which pit you against a famous guitarist in a duel.

The sound is the most important part of any rhythm game and GH3 really shines here. Most of the tracks are the originals, with only a few lame covers. In addition a couple of the tracks were re-recorded just for this game. Gameplay is just as easy to pick up as ever. On the harder levels the songs are much harder than either of the previous two games, but the sensitivity for hitting a right note has been turned down. Youll thank the game once you get to the harder songs.

Overall GH3 is a worthy entry into the series, although in the coming months it will have a challenge keeping up with the variety of Rock Band.