Vash

I've now spent around 7-8 hours with this game (yes, a full work day) and I must say I am extremely impressed. What's funny to me is that there are server difficulties and the Music Store still hasn't launched, although I'm writing this the day after the game's release. Obviously I can't talk much about the DLC yet, but I will definitely get to that when it is made available to me. What I can say is that the career is great fun. It really feels like early Guitar Hero games where you have a set list at a venue, then you move up to the next venue. What's unfortunate is that every song is made available to you in Quick Play from the second you launch the game. The only incentive to play the Career mode is the feeling of satisfaction you will get from finishing it. Oh, and you'll also enjoy the special guest appearances like in past games. Online runs unbelievable, even when compared to previous Guitar Hero Wii entries. I played one person on Pro-Faceoff Expert, Sultans of Swing (my absolute favorite song). I felt like I was playing offline; I really did. Whatever trickery or black magic Vicarious Visions is doing with this online mode, it is definitely working. It's funny how they have such a flawless online play component but still no Music Store to be found. Hopefully that'll be up later today, though! I've had more time with Roadie Battle and I can still say, without a doubt, that this makes the Wii version the absolute best version of Guitar Hero 5. This should sell the game itself. They should make 30 second commercials based entirely around Roadie Battle. Kids holding Nintendo DS systems and more kids holding Guitar controllers for Wii? All playing together? Billions of copies sold. End of story. It's not just some gimmick for little kids, though. In fact, I'd like to see a child pick up Roadie Battle and successfully play it. This is definitely a mode for the hardcore Guitar Hero players. You need some serious skills to survive the battle going on on the big screen. Arguably, you may even need more skill to handle all of the roadie tasks on the DS and destroy your opponent. It's an unbelievable gameplay mode. One that makes Guitar Hero 5 on the Wii the ideal version to own. If you are considering buying it for another console, think again. When you pick up that Nintendo DS with a few buddies, you'll be running back here to thank me. In my first write-up about this game, I mentioned something about the note window being smaller. Well, I can confirm this for you now. Things have definitely changed regarding the timing and note window. This is absolutely for the better. Strum recognition is perfect (in a league of its own compared to past Guitar Hero games). I can't begin to describe how perfect the game mechanics for Guitar Hero 5 are on Nintendo's little white box. You really have to try it for yourself.

So anyway, yeah, the game is that good. I mean, I've drained countless hours into it so far just being a perfectionist trying to complete career mode. I can't even begin to describe the replay value in this game. It's off the charts! You need to pick this up. I guarantee whenever you get some free time you'll be aching for some Guitar Hero 5 on Wii.

Oh, definitely check out the leaderboards when you get a chance. You won't believe how many people are playing the game. The leaderboards are PACKED. Thousands of users. I'm ranked 41st on my favorite song as of this writing!

-Vash