Guitar Hero Rocks The 80s
PS2
Activision


Because I'm nobody's Hendrix at real guitar, the 'Guitar Hero' series has made me look like a champion, perhaps even a hero. GH 80s has the solos, riffs and whines to put even more emphasis on my plastic guitar controller skills; and it will yours.

Tracks like .38 Special's Hold On Loosely and White Lion's Radar Love provide a good noodling session for those who like to look like an absolute guitar god. However, there is mind-numbingly easy play even in the more difficult levels from songs like We Got The Beat from The Go Go's and my personal favourite I Ran (So Far Away) from Flock Of Seagulls (most tracks are cover versions for the purpose of the game; in a smart move this an original recording. It's a pivotal 80s moment and wouldn't be complete without it).

The gaming itself has upped slightly in the same way GH2 progressed from the original. It is most noticeable in comparing the levels between the games; the patterns played are more intricate as the games are released. Where I expected the game to develop and use the theme to an advantage it falls short. Visually, the menus are no different except for splashes of signature 80s fluorescent colour. The same disappointing efforts have been made in the design of the venues in which you can play.

The small choice of reused characters is disconcerting, however the ones on offer are dressed to the nines in trademark 80s attire. This provides a laugh as you can select green haired punk-rocker Johnny Napalm to scissor kick to The Police's Synchronicity II. Another bone tickler is the Grim Reaper who must be purchased with gig money won on all levels, bar easy. Sporting 3D glasses and a massive timepiece around his neck ala Run DMC, get the Ripper performing the era's classics such as The Warrior and (I Think I'm) Turning Japanese for a guaranteed giggle.

While the track list includes countless classic hits of the colourful era (Ballroom Blitz, What I Like About You) from typically 80s artists (Twisted Sister, The Police, Poison), the creators have failed to appeal to an international audience where they excelled before. Some tracks from artists such as Guns 'N' Roses and Bon Jovi (just for good measure, not for acclaim) would have created a grander party theme.

In the end, like the past GH versions, it's a fun game and very hard to leave alone; it just lacks new features and design. I'm yet to go head-to-head with a fellow GH nut in any of the versions of the game but I reckon this will be my pick to do the honours. Let me know when you are ready and I'll take you on, skinny jeans, sweatbands and big hair!

Monika Laskowski