DESCRIPTION

Guitar Hero II continues the strumming sensation that began on PlayStation 2 with a new lineup of songs, added play modes, extra characters, and an assortment of imaginative venues in which to rock out. The underlying interface has undergone a few tweaks from the original, but it still consists of color-coded notes scrolling down the screen as you attempt to play them using the five colored fret buttons and working strum bar on RedOctane's guitar controller. One significant change is that users can select which guitar part they want to play from three choices: rhythm, lead, or bass.

Cooperative jams have also been added to the multiplayer mode, allowing would-be guitar gods to work together on songs while each playing a separate track. Over 55 songs are included in this version, spanning such genres as classic rock, heavy metal, hair metal, modern rock, and more. Among the featured tunes are "Sweet Child O' Mine," "Heart Shaped Box," "Message in a Bottle," "Free Bird," "Madhouse," and "YYZ." Guitar Hero II is released as a standalone title for owners of the original game or as part of a bundle that includes a guitar controller, stickers, and a shoulder strap. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide