Guitar Hero II

PC Action (Germany) (1 out of 7)

Wir haben zwei Flaschen Whisky und zwei Flaschen ... äh ... Rocklegenden aus der PC ACTION-Redaktion für den Test abgestellt. Beste Voraussetzungen für den – wir nehmen es vorweg – Party-Meilenstein mit Plastikgitarre. 74 Songs dürfen Sie auf dem handlichen Gibson-Explorer-Nachbau spielen. Die metallige Songauswahl reicht von Nirvana bis Suicidal Tendencies. Dazu drücken Sie einfach die farbigen Tasten am Gitarrenhals und mit der anderen Hand die Anschlagtaste am Corpus. Natürlich erst, sobald Sie am Bildschirm die Aufforderung dazu bekommen. Ein Spaß für Groß und Klein.

Yahoo! Games ( )

Microsoft is eroding Sony's collection of exclusives at an alarming rate, and this week one of the biggest hits arrives on the 360: Guitar Hero II finally reaches the next generation. And while we're sad to be saddled with a wired controller, the other changes are pure gold: better graphics, ten new songs, online leaderboards and the promise of a steady stream of downloadable content. Even as we wait for that online content to materialize, this edition of Guitar Hero II is a chart-topper.

USA Today (4 out of 4)

These online features certainly give it even more staying power. Guitar Hero II for the Xbox 360 is like one of the many rock songs contained in the game. It's a combination of musical escapism and pure unadulterated fun, and destined to become a classic.

Snackbar-Games.com (5 out of 5)

Even though I have some issues with the game I must admit that Guitar Hero II is still a blast to play. The game throws in just the right amount of references for guitar geeks and non-geeks to enjoy. From Spinal Tap, 80's hard rock, to UFO's there are just enough jokes and clichés to keep you laughing all the time. There are plenty of songs that most gamers should recognize to keep you interested. While the difficulty can become a road block at Hard and Expert, practicing can help to eliminate these blocks. The amount of customization in the game is another great feature, from buying new guitars, new costumes for your rocker, new songs and new characters. The multiplayer modes vary from jamming on the same song to a full riff off against each other. Guitar players and non-guitar players should get plenty of fun out of Guitar Hero II.

EmpireOnline.com ( )

While most developers are striving for increased realism and tangling players in a myriad options and buttons, Guitar Hero II is like a pure distillation of what makes video gaming fun. And despite what sort of game normally rocks your world, this is essential.

AceGamez (10 out of 10)

Guitar Hero II on Xbox 360 is without a doubt the 'ultimate edition' of the ultimate music-based game. Though far from mind-blowing, the upgraded graphics are appealing, but the remastered sound, additional songs and features are the true stars of the Xbox 360 version's stage, making this game an even easier purchase than the two games before it - especially for those already entrenched with the series, while those who don't own a PS2 can finally get their hands on one of the best series that the console has ever offered. As long as RedOctane and Activision ride the gigantic waves of momentum this game has created - so far it has sold well over 300,000 copies in under a month's time in the U.S. alone - we can expect to have our heads blown to the other side of the universe when the assumingly built from the ground up for next-gen systems Guitar Hero III headlines fall release dates and many a Christmas wish list.

GamePro (US) ( )

By now, you're most likely finishing up Hangar 18 and Freebird on Expert in the PlayStation 2 version of Guitar Hero II, and you're probably wondering if it's worth it to pick up the Xbox 360 version for another round of furious fretwork, right? Well, the answer is simpler than a toilet; it's "Yes!"

ZTGameDomain (10 out of 10)

The bottom line is that if you have yet to dive into the world of Guitar Hero, there has never been a better time. The Xbox 360 adaptation is far and away the definitive version of the game and certainly worth the extra ten bucks. With an expanded track list, the promise of downloadable content, and the addition of leaderboards and Achievements you will be playing this game well into 2007 and beyond. I cannot honestly think of a reason not to own this game, this is the type of pick up and play addiction that I imagined the Wii would deliver with all titles. You will simply not find a better or more addictive game to play alone or with friends this year.

UOL Jogos ( )

A estréia no Xbox 360 não poderia ser melhor: "Guitar Hero II" mantém o fascínio da série e traz uma seleção musical maior que o original. No final das contas, o fator determinante será a identificação que o jogador tem em relação às músicas. Aos iniciantes, o modo de treinamento é bem-vindo, enquanto o multiplayer eleva a diversão a níveis incalculáveis.

EL33TONLINE ( )

If you enjoy Rock music (or music overall) then this game must not be missed, you’ll be doing yourself a HUGE injustice. Go out and buy it now!

GotNext ( )

A few menu issues and questionable download decisions aren't enough to hold the core game of Guitar Hero II from greatness, though. Guitar Hero sets out to rock hard and succeeds perfectly. The new songs on the disc are a great bonus, and the upgraded graphics are nice to see, but this is just icing on a ridiculously fun cake. The central gameplay of Guitar Hero conveys the feeling of rocking out better than anything short of being on stage in front of a crowd of thousands, guitar in hand and years of practice ingrained in the soul. It's the kind of pure fun that makes the higher difficulties look like a great challenge rather than hard work, and there's no better kind of gaming addiction than that.

GamesFirst! ( )

Guitar Hero 2 for the Xbox 360 is a very successful and hugely enjoyable game. It's the general energy and humor in the whole experience that makes it so enjoyable for me. It reminds me, and we can all stand to be reminded now and again, that not all games are meant to be taken seriously all the time.

Gaming Age (A)

Guitar Hero II rings in with a pretty hefty price tag at $90, but a price that I'd be more than willing to pay. Honestly, I can't get enough of this game, and by the look of the number of people on the leaderboard, I'm not the only one. Ok Harmonix, bring on Rock Band!

Video Game Talk ( )

Red Octane has knocked the ball entirely out of the park with their decision to port the game to the Xbox 360. In fact, more than just a simple port, the game has been re-imagined once again. The first difference you'll notice between this and the PS2 version are the inclusion of several new songs, including Alice Cooper's "Billion Dollar Babies," Pearl Jam's "Life Wasted," and Iron Maiden's "The Trooper." These songs do more than just extend the length of the game. They become integral portions of the gaming experience. Going back to the PS2 version, their exclusion is sorely missed.

Wonderwallweb.com (9.8 out of 10)

The only disappointment in my opinion is the exclusion of a online co-op mode, in fact if it wasn’t for this I don’t think I could have found a single flaw, but despite this Guitar Hero II has me hooked, I have never really been drawn to rhythm games before but give me a guitar, some rock music and a adoring public and just try to stop me having one more go, while there have been some grumbles over the cost of the game, in my opinion it is worth every penny, no other game will keep you coming back like this does, in fact excuse me while I go play Monkey Wrench one more time, my fans are calling.

411mania.com (9.6 out of 10)

Guitar Hero II is a blast to play. I can’t think of a time I had this much fun with a game in the past year or so. It’s a fantastic party game as well. If you’ve got two guitars hooked up, prepare to duel! I’ve been on the hard tour for a little while now, and my band, Pwn Hole, is loving every second of it. Hell even my girlfriend plays this regularly. Yea, it’s that fun. Whether you’re trying to get all the achievements, earn 5 stars on all songs, or simply rocking out with a friend, you’re going to love it straight through.

SFT (1.2 out of 6)

Haben Sie auch keine Lust mehr, sich mit albernen Auftritten auf der Luftgitarre zu blamieren, wollen aber auf den Spaß nicht verzichten? Dann ist Guitar Hero 2 für Sie goldrichtig! Hängen Sie sich den mitgelieferten Gitarren-Controller um und schon geht es los! Während farbige Noten über den Bildschirm rauschen, drücken Sie im richtigen Moment die Saitenknöpfe und schlagen auf die Strum-Bar. Am meisten Spaß haben Sie mit Guitar Hero 2 auf Partys. Die Version für Xbox 360 bietet einige zusätzliche Songs, die der PS2-Fassung fehlen.

XboxZone (Australia) (9.6 out of 10)

Playing songs in Guitar Hero II is an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. You simply can’t beat the feeling of nailing a really difficult passage in a song. You will find yourself involuntarily carrying on like an idiot while you’re playing this game, pulling rock-faces and holding your guitar up in the air like some kind of super-star. This is escapism at its best and it really shows that the developers have put a lot of effort into this game to make it a fun, original and entertaining experience. With over 70 songs and four difficulties to play through, you will keep coming back for more. Get a second controller and you have a perfect party game. Perhaps this game’s only letdown is the lack of online multiplayer. But, with the possibility of additional songs becoming available over Xbox Live, there is plenty here to keep you entertained for years or at least until the inevitable sequel comes out. Until then, rock on with Guitar Hero II, you won’t regret it.

Game Chronicles (9.6 out of 10)

So if you don’t own a PS2 and have never played Guitar Hero II and have been wondering what all the fuss is about, now is the time to start stalking your local software store so you can pounce on the next copy that shows up. Technically, the 360 offers a superior presentation and larger song library, but if you have already mastered the PS2 game there is probably no reason to double-dip anytime soon.

TalkXbox (95 out of 100)

Guitar Hero II is an amazing game. There is no better party game on the 360, or any console for that matter. I found myself getting up early just so I could rip a few tunes before I had to leave the house then just as quickly getting back on as soon as I returned. The lack of online multiplayer is a bit disappointing and the game does have a few minor faults, but I would be hard pressed to recommend a game to you more than Guitar Hero 2.

Xbox World Australia (XWA) (95 out of 100)

I enjoyed absolutely everything about Guitar Hero II. The practice mode ensures there's always that option there to improve yourself and master the game on hard and expert and also provides a great way for beginners to get into the game. With downloadable content planned to hit Xbox Live in the coming weeks, it's definitely a game I'll be coming back to over and over.

Planet Xbox 360 (9.5 out of 10)

If you can not tell I absolutely love this game and would only not recommend it if you literally do not have any fingers to strum the guitar. If you have fingers and like music I am ordering you to go out and get this game today, we should be seeing some downloadable tunes on Xbox Live any day now and you need to beat the included 74 before downloading any new ones. I have to get back to jamming out, if you think you can beat me add me to your friends list and use the in game menu to compare our high scores.

Meristation (9.5 out of 10)

Después de muchas horas de juego por delante podemos decir sin miedo a equivocarnos que estamos frente al mejor Guitar Hero de todos los producidos por Harmonix y Red Octane. Tomar el original y añadirle capacidades online y un nuevo periférico mejorado solo podía llevar a un producto de calidad sobresaliente, como así ha sido. Lástima que se hayan desterrado las opciones de enfrentamiento directo via Xbox Live!, deberemos ser pacientes a ver con que nos sorprenden en el próximo título de la serie. Para los poseedores de PS2 y Xbox 360 que ya dispongan del juego en su versión original, la pregunta lógica es si merece la pena adquirir de nuevo el juego. En nuestro caso opinamos que sólo si se pretende acceder al contenido adicional, como la descarga de canciones y las tablas de clasificación. Por otro lado, todos aquellos poseedores de la consola de Microsoft que disfruten de la música rock no deberían dejar pasar este auténtico imprescindible en las reuniones con los amigos.

PGNx Media (9.5 out of 10)

Guitar Hero II on the Xbox 360 is easily one of the most fun games on the platform. When compared to the PS2 version, the Xbox 360 game boasts additional songs, improved graphics, better flow of songs in career more and online leaderboards. While it may be enough to shell out $90 for all but the most hardcore Guitar Hero fans if you’ve already picked up the game on PS2, if you haven’t there is absolutely no reason not to get this game.

Game Vortex (95 out of 100)

Guitar Hero is one of those games that everyone should own, or at least play once in their lives. Yes, even the rhythmically challenged who have a hard time tapping their foot to a metronome. The music selection rocks, you get to play with a controller shaped like a guitar and it is a great ice-breaker at otherwise lifeless, uncomfortable parties. In a way, it is the pure game form of what Nintendo is trying to do with the Wii – a fun game that can reach just about any player regardless of skill level.

GamingTrend (566 out of 600)

What’s left to say? If you haven’t invested in Guitar Hero yet, you should seriously ask yourself why. The 360 version of Guitar Hero II sports improvements ranging from subtle to vast that bring this game to the next level. This is, by far, one of the best games on any platform – ever.

Fragland.net (94.2 out of 100)

The conclusion of this review is despite some minor disappointments (co-op less cool than hoped for, leaderboards could be better) still very positive. Guitar Hero 2 is and stays the best rythm game currently available and will offer you hours and hours of fun and thanks to the accompanying tweaks, extras and possibilities of the 360 version it has become even more addictive. On to Guitar Hero III!

GameLemon (9.4 out of 10)

Playing it is not as impressive as playing an actual musical instrument, but look at it like this: after I first started playing these games I decided to go out and get myself an actual guitar. So maybe videogames are good for something after all. You know, like supporting the world economy by hoaxing people into unrealistic dreams of stardom.

Console Monster (94 out of 100)

For a first time Guitar Hero player I really enjoyed it and it's well worth the price. I’m not too sure if the extra tracks will persuade PS2 owners to buy it. With downloadable songs costing more than what was expected it might be better to wait out for GH3. If you're new to GH then this is a must buy. The only fault with it is no Xbox live multiplayer and the slightly careless controller design. With achievements which will be impossible for some to get 1000/1000 it can get you hooked playing for hours. I can’t wait to see what GH3 will bring.

GameTrailers (9.4 out of 10)

The first time we heard about Guitar Hero II on the Xbox 360 we thought “Aw, sweet, we’ll finally get to play Guitar Hero online!” The new guitar is cool, the new songs are amusing, there’s downloadable treats on the way, and the game itself is hours and hours of fun, even though you always feel a lot cooler than you look. With that said, the lack of online play is a huge disappointment and a glaring example of missed opportunity. If you’ve alreday strummed through the PS2 version, only get it for the 360 if you’re dying for new material. If you’ve never played Guitar Hero II at all, then for those about to rock the next generation, we salute you.

IGN (9.4 out of 10)

If you've played Guitar Hero II already, there is still a ton of new content on the 360 version that makes it worth picking up again. For starters, there are ten new tracks that were recorded exclusively for the Xbox 360. Like the rest of the game, these tracks run the gamut between good and excellent, but the overall quality of recording and fun factor on these tracks is as high, if not higher, than the original set list. Iron Maiden's "The Trooper" and "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo" by Rick Derringer are flat out fantastic both in terms of the controller mapping and the cover music. "Dead!" by My Chemical Romance and "Possum Kingdom" by The Toadies are both master tracks, so you already know those songs are as good as they possibly can get. The new songs have been worked into a reordered career mode quite well and the progression of difficulty feels much smoother this go around.

V2.fi (94 out of 100)

Jos luulette, että peliarvostelijat saavat kaiken ilmaiseksi ja juovat samppanjaa päälle, voin kertoa, että olen kuluttanut Guitar Hero -pelisarjaan käytännössä jo lähes kolmesataa euroa. Tuplasti, jos laskee mukaan vahvistimen ja oikean sähkökitaran, jonka hankintaan peli innoitti ja jota vakaa aikomukseni on opetella satunnaista näppäilyä paremmin soittamaan. Moni peli ei moisiin summiin varmaan oikeuttaisi, mutta voin ilmeen värähtämättä sanoa, että Guitar Hero on ollut sen arvoinen. Nyt sarjaan luvataan uusia osia vuosittain, kolmonen on tulossa syksyllä langattomine ohjaimineen ja verkkopeleineen sekä samasta juuresta lähtenyt Rock Band rumpuineen, mikkeineen ja koskettimineen jouluksi. Näyttää siis siltä, että mahdollinen veronpalautukseni on jo käytetty. Olen edelleen Manu Pärssinen, Guitar Hero -addikti.

TeamXbox (9.3 out of 10)

Most of all, the Xbox 360 gets what’s probably the best party game ever, because GHII is compelling for anyone who’s into music, not just to hard-core gamers. It’s that rare title that doesn’t become boring with repeat plays. In fact, I played it so much the first day I had the game that the tips of two fret-flicking fingers went numb on me. If you’ll excuse me, though, the feeling is starting to come back, and I have one more star I need to squeeze out of Psychobilly Freakout…

XboxAchievements (93 out of 100)

Guitar Hero 2 can be an easy game to overlook whether it’s the lack of violence, the smell of hairspray, or the price tag, but just below the surface lies one of the greatest experiences your console can supply. I used to wonder what all the fuss was about until I played the game for the first time, and believe me, the talk is warranted and the fun is genuine. I’ve finally found a reason to wear leather pants and Quiet Riot T-shirts, and you can damn sure bet I won’t be taking them off anytime soon…Well, until the neighbors see…

Game Over Online (93 out of 100)

Ok, so the Gibson X-Plorer guitar controller isn’t wireless, there’s currently no online play, and the downloadable Track Packs are a little pricey. Big deal. Xbox 360 gamers are still in for a real treat. If this is your first exposure to the Guitar Hero franchise, prepare yourself for one of the most rewarding, addictive and ultimately satisfying gaming experiences you’re likely to have this year. Simply put, Guitar Hero II rocks!

Atomic Gamer (93 out of 100)

A game like Guitar Hero 2 is a hard to give a score to. While it seems to be horribly simplistic on the surface, the game doesn't reward you like most games do. You're not going to get more powerful guitars or more powerful characters (you will get different skins, though) – your rewards come in with the actual improvement of your manual dexterity and the sheer enjoyment you get from 5-starring a song like YYZ or Psychobilly Freakout on Hard or Expert. If you don't enjoy a game that requires you to be good with your hands as opposed to finding the Super Armor of Absolute Protection, you might want to avoid this. However, if you even slightly enjoy a chunk of the songs featured in this game, you can find a demo unit at most any store. Try it, and I can almost guarantee you'll be addicted. There's a reason this game is so popular among almost any crowd, be it the younger gamer kids, the college student crowd or the adult set – it is just pure, simple fun.

IGN Australia (9.3 out of 10)

The beauty of Guitar Hero II is that it’s a must-play title for both hardcore gamers and just about everyone else. It’s simplicity itself to get into, yet a serious challenge to master, and along the way you’re taken on a rock journey from the ‘60s through to modern day, from laidback noodling to hard machine gun riffs and explosive solos. This is the game to bring out the inner rock god in everyone. Get it.

XBox Front (92 out of 100)

Bereits seit der X06 im September letzten Jahres haben wir auf diesen Titel gewartet und Entwickler Harmonix hat uns nicht enttäuscht. Guitar Hero II rockt – und das ohne Ende! Neben einer Vielzahl von tollen Songs überrascht die intuitive und schnell zu erlernende Steuerung und verleitet den Spieler in kürzester Zeit zu Höchstleistungen auf der Wohnzimmerbühne. Im Bereich der Musikgenres hätten wir uns etwas mehr Vielfalt gewünscht, was jedoch sicherlich vom Musikgeschmack des Einzelnen abhängt und durch die herunterladbaren Track Packs ausgeglichen werden kann.

XboxAddict (9.2 out of 10)

Conclusion: Gameplay that will make you play till your fingers bleed. Promise of Downloadable Content is mind-bottling, but so far the song packs have been kind of meh. Too bad the guitar isn't wireless, and too bad about the price. - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Worth Playing (9.2 out of 10)

Dollars aside, Guitar Hero II is a sequel that improves upon its predecessor in every conceivable way, and the Xbox 360 version sweetens the pot with additional songs and light online functionality. It might be a tough sell for those who already bought the PlayStation 2 bundle, but gamers who abstained from the second entry in the best rhythm gaming franchise around should absolutely pick up this enhanced iteration of the brilliant, long-lasting experience known as Guitar Hero II.

GameZone (9.2 out of 10)

There are very few things in the world that a certain: death and taxes are two, a third is that you will enjoy rocking out to this game and living your rock-star fantasies. It is totally worth the $90 price tag.

Game Freaks 365 (9.1 out of 10)

The achievements in Guitar Hero 2 are both fun and amusing. You can gain points from beating a difficulty setting, to buying all the guitars in the game, or even to refuse playing an encore for your fans. Even if you can’t play on some of the higher difficulties, you can still rack up about 500 gamer points without really trying. Soon there will be downloadable songs to keep your play list fresh. New songs will constantly be available for download, adding to the replay value of Guitar Hero 2. You can play alone, team up in co-op with a friend, or battle head-to-head. So grab a guitar, grab a friend, sit down and enjoy. Even for a $90 price tag, Guitar Hero is well worth it for Xbox 360 owners as long as they do not own the PlayStation 2 version of the game.

Gamer 2.0 (9.1 out of 10)

If you own the PS2 version of Guitar Hero II the ten extra songs and the downloadable content are still reason enough to look into the 360 version. The new guitar controller is also definitely worth owning.

VicioJuegos.com / uVeJuegos.com (91 out of 100)

La saga Guitar Hero debuta con muy buen pie en su incursión en la nueva generación, ofreciendo un ya de por si gran producto, mejorado para la ocasión. Gran adicción, diversión endiablada y horas de buena música, hacen del título un imprescindible para todo aquel jugador que busque una nueva manera de diversión y un título que suponga un reto a la hora de dominarlo. ¿Te atreves con un solo de guitarra?.

UGO (UnderGroundOnline) (A-)

And that's that. If you own an Xbox 360 and you have even a passing interest in nodding your head along to music, then you need to load up the van and truck on over to your nearest game retailer (only amateurs use the Internet). We could spend all day finding fault with the lack of buyable second controllers or some of the questionable song choices. But frankly, we don't want to. We're too busy mastering "Free Bird" to notice. Run friends, don't walk... this one's a monster.

Gaming Nexus (A-)

The Xbox 360 version of Guitar Hero II is a real winner and offers some improvements over the PlayStation 2 version that will add value to the game later on down the road. The improved graphics, downloadable content, and new songs makes this port a must pickup for the 360. You don't have to be a guitar player or musically inclined to enjoy this game. If you have two guitars it's even more fun to play with someone else. Guitar Hero II will no doubt be a big seller on the Xbox 360 and deservedly so. A great port of a great game, Guitar Hero II is a solid title that one should pick up to include in their library of Xbox 360 games.

NZGamer (9 out of 10)

With unlockables, such as new tracks, characters and guitars, Guitar Hero offers plenty of reasons to keep hammering those fret keys. If you own an Xbox 360, you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of the game and begin your quest to immortal guitar God status.

1UP (9 out of 10)

Considering the praise we gave the PS2 version in our review last fall, Guitar Hero II for the 360 figured to be in good shape to pretty easily waltz in and wow the crowd. To their credit, the developers decided that as long as they were doing the work to port over to the 360 that they might as well make use of the time to tweak some things. Nothing major mind you -- the basic game mechanics all remain the same. But the reworked set list, including exclusive new songs, and the new and hip white Gibson X-plorer guitar controller (as opposed to the PS2's Gibson SG model) make this the "ultimate mix" version in music terms.

GameSpy ( )

Ultimately, any concerns we have with the guitar aren't enough to cloud the overall greatness of Guitar Hero II. It's arguably the perfect party game: it doesn't require lots of jumping around like a dancing game, and won't have people feeling as self-conscious as singing karaoke. There's a surprising amount of depth as you work your way through the various difficulty levels, and the new songs, online leaderboards, and upcoming downloadable content make it the definitive version of one of the best games of the past few years. Now, if we could just get a new guitar...

Gamernode (9 out of 10)

But I digress. Despite these warts, the game around it is worth the steep price of admission. $90 is a lot of money -- $20 more than the already pricey PS2 version -- but it'll buy you a boatload of gameplay if you love good guitar-driven rock music. If you're a fan of the first game, there's a lot to love here (especially the Achievements -- good luck beating Buckethead's "Jordan" on Expert difficulty, hands down the hardest -- and coolest -- song in the game). Guitar Hero II makes a fantastic addition to the 360 library, easily sidestepping and accompanying all those shooters in your collection. Dig it.

Gameslave UK (9 out of 10)

Overall GH2 is a blast, the improved sound and graphics are nice, the added tracks welcome. Guitar Hero games are fun - fun on your own and fun at a party, you really can't go wrong with them. With Xbox Live, the potential is there to fill the gap until GH3 is released with online multi-player (yes it is official) and Harmonix' rather ambitious Rock Band title. Yes it is rather expensive for a game, but what's £65 to become a rock star?

Gamer.nl (9 out of 10)

Guitar Hero II voor de Xbox 360 komt als een kudde wilde buffels uit je console. Een wervelwind, een overdosis adrenaline, één brok emotie. NU AL EEN KLASSIEKER!

Eurogamer.net (UK) (9 out of 10)

Petty gripes aside, this is still the definitive version of the greatest music game on the planet right now and as such is an essential purchase for anyone with even the slightest interest in guitar music. You don't even have to like the songs on offer as the first game proved, successfully making Boston exciting and Franz Ferdinand a little bit less irritating. Here, though, you've got even more songs to choose from, learn and master with the tunes from the first game on the way too through the Live Marketplace. And with the improved mechanics of the second game, the old songs work even better - Bark At The Moon's once nigh-impossible solo is now made a hell of a lot easier while Frankenstein goes from being a chore to an absolute delight.

Pro-G (9 out of 10)

Minor quibbles with the soundtrack aside (it really is excellent, just not as excellent as the first game's), Guitar Hero II is everything you'd want in a sequel to a rhythm-based game. It might be tailored more for experienced players than complete newcomers, but that's not a bad thing, and the new multiplayer modes and practice options are excellent. By yourself there are few games that provide as much of a thrill, and when playing with friends Guitar Hero II reaches even greater heights, making it a must own game. It's just a shame that this Xbox 360 release only offers slight improvements over the PS2 original.

JustPressPlay (9 out of 10)

Despite its occasional hiccups, GHII stands out as a finely-tuned experience. This is a game that converts non-gamers to the controller congregation. With an infinitely high replay value thanks to downloadable content and a lovable concept, GHII should be in the library of every Xbox 360 owner regardless if you’re a Guitar Hero veteran or not. Invite some friends over, crank the volume up to eleven, and see who amongst your friends has a little Hendrix in them.

DreamStation.cc (9 out of 10)

What else can I say? If you like rock music, always wanted to be in a band and/or enjoy playing air guitar then you need Guitar Hero II. Guitar Hero II is very addictive and will keep pulling you back for more. Playing with a friend in co-op mode is even more fun as you both get to play at the same time playing lead and bass guitar. Why are you still reading this? Go buy Guitar Hero II now and jam out tonight!

Wham! gaming (9 out of 10)

'Guitar Hero 2' requires a hefty commitment of time and effort, which is why it may be one of the most rewarding and addictive games ever made. If you can devote yourself to it, each achivement means alot because in the end, you will have really worked for it and trust me, you'll proudly have the callouses and blisters to prove it.

videogamer.com (9 out of 10)

Minor quibbles with the soundtrack aside (it really is excellent, just not as excellent as the first game's), Guitar Hero II is everything you'd want in a sequel to a rhythm-based game. It might be tailored more for experienced players than complete newcomers, but that's not a bad thing, and the new multiplayer modes and practice options are excellent. By yourself there are few games that provide as much of a thrill, and when playing with friends Guitar Hero II reaches even greater heights, making it a must own game. It's just a shame that this Xbox 360 release only offers slight improvements over the PS2 original.

Gamestyle (9 out of 10)

Guitar Hero II is nothing other than a roaring success. People unable to experience the rock star lifestyle of the original now have their chance. Even at the £70 price point, it's an essential purchase, which is something that can't be said for many titles.

Darkstation (9 out of 10)

The question is probably being asked, I own the PS2 version of Guitar Hero 2, do I need to upgrade? My answer is simply no, there is not enough content in this game to make it worth a complete new purchase. In the end, Guitar Hero 2 is still a brilliant game and one that needs to be purchased if you do not already own the PS2 version.

Thunderbolt Games (9 out of 10)

At the end of the day, without any of the core aspects of the game being altered, Guitar Hero is all about rocking out and showing off; and this version does nothing to change that fact. With the improved visuals, increased song count and the crucial addition of friend-bating online leaderboards, the 360 version is the best yet. Just don’t beat my score on Hangar 18, I’ll not be pleased.

Cheat Code Central (4.5 out of 5)

Guitar Hero II for the Xbox 360 is a truly great title. It looks good, sounds great, and plays even better. Don't be scared of the new Gibson X-Plorer controller because it plays just as well as the PS2 version. Too bad it looks a little too 80s hair band for my taste. No matter, the game still totally rocks. If you've not played the series before, you're in for a real treat. If you do own the game for the PS2, I've got some bad news for you. You are going to have to buy it all over again. Just kidding! There is no real difference in gameplay. You can probably get by with what you've got now. Nevertheless, the new songs are awesome and not being able to download new tracks is unfortunate. The Xbox 360 version is definitely an upgrade that will provide you and your friends with nearly unlimited fun. If you have a 360 and $89.99 to splurge, you won't feel bad about spending it on this game. For those that are about to rock, we salute you.

PAL Gaming Network (PALGN) (9 out of 10)

Guitar Hero II may seem a little pricey, but with so much content and an extra guitar, it's one of the easiest games we've had the pleasure of recommending. Even those who normally don't consider themselves fans of music games will enjoy Guitar Hero II - it's just so easy to pick up and play, yet so incredibly difficult to put down and master. An instant classic and a great addition to the Xbox 360 library.

Kombo.com (9 out of 10)

More songs, better sound, a sexier guitar and online functionality. The Xbox 360 version of Guitar Hero II is the definitive entry in Harmonix’s phenomenal rhythm and music game series. Hardcore fans that have already played the game on the PS2 should give this version a look now for the ten new tracks, or in the very least keep their eye on it until the first batch of completely new songs hits the Xbox Live Marketplace. Anyone that hasn’t had the chance to experience the hottest franchise in gaming today should close their eyes, take a deep breath, hand the cashier the $90 and get ready to rock.

Digital Entertainment News (den) (8.9 out of 10)

Guitar Hero II plays fine, really, and if you didn’t pick up the previous titles on the PS2, then this is an absolutely fine choice. If you have a PS2, and have already purchased Guitar Hero, you may want to reconsider having waited all this time for the Xbox 360 version. On PS2 or Xbox 360, Guitar Hero II is a fun game. The Xbox 360 version just doesn’t match up to the promise of what it could and should be.

GameSpot (8.9 out of 10)

The Guitar Hero series makes a fantastic debut on the Xbox 360 in Guitar Hero II, adding a bunch of new content and even tweaking a few small things that weren't so great about the PS2 version.

GamingExcellence (8.8 out of 10)

Putting aside the gripes, Guitar Hero II on the Xbox 360 is still a damn good game. Sure, the track list could use a bit of work, the new controllers are a bit flimsy, and the so-called downloadable content has been scarce (and overpriced) thus far, but it's still the ultimate party game on the Xbox 360 (and the game I've probably played the most to date). To those unfamiliar with the game, seeing the oddly-shaped controllers sitting next to the console usually ends up in an hour-long marathon sessions where we rock out a few tunes. If you've already got the PS2 edition, then it's difficult to justify the upgrade to the 360 release, as there just isn't enough new content and the new controller isn't particularly worth the asking price. Yet, if you're new to the franchise, what are you waiting for? Rock on!

Games Master (88 out of 100)

It works brilliantly - and the guitar controller turns this straightforward rhythm game into a hilarious party game. If you've got two guitars, co-op and face off modes make it even better. Be warned though, the tracks included are for hardcore rockers only!

Giery.eu (35 out of 40)

Nie ma się co dalej rozwodzić. Gra jest pierwszo ligowa w swojej klasie i zasługuje na uznanie. Od strony wizualnej również wszystko wygląda dobrze. Nie jest to Unreal Engine 3.0, ale dla tego typu gry to co mamy pasuje w sam raz. Świetnie zdetalizowane postacie w naszym zespole oraz sale koncertowe. Jednak czy to zamknięte pomieszczenia czy to estrady w plenerze, nie pomogą ukryć jednego małego mankamentu. Chodzi o widownię, a raczej jej wygląd. Postacie potrafią się rażąco powtarzać i widać to na zbliżeniach. Tragizować nie ma po co, ale skoro dostajemy port z konsol poprzedniej generacji to warto by było przy okazji poprawić takie rzeczy. A że z kolei Xbox 360 ma lepszą specyfikację niż PlayStation 2 to w czym był problem?

360 LIVE (8.7 out of 10)

Das hört sich nicht nur gut an, sondern sieht auch schräg aus. Dynamische Lichteffekte und lebendige Figuren unterstreichen den trashigen Look. Allerdings bekommt man davon während eines Songs nur wenig mit. Schließlich ist man voll und ganz auf die Töne konzentriert. Das macht aber nichts, denn dank des genialen Controllers macht das Spiel einfach nur Spaß. Und genau deshalb sollte »Guitar Hero 2« in keiner Sammlung fehlen, außer der Onkel Doktor hat eine schwere Allergie gegen laute und harte Riffs diagnostiziert.

4Players.de (87 out of 100)

Es gibt nur wenige Spiele, die passiv irre viel Spaß machen: Rayman Raving Rabbids, ein paar EyeToy-Games oder diverse SingStars gehören zu den Vertretern, die die Zuschauer in der Regel noch mehr unterhalten als den aktiven Spieler. Und Guitar Hero 2 setzt sich auch auf der 360 problemlos an die Spitze dieser Gruppe, denn allein die Gitarre in der Hand zu halten, männlich-rockige Posen einzunehmen und den Hendrix raushängen zu lassen, ist bei diesem Spiel locker die halbe Miete! Steuerung, Umfang und Auswahl der Songs (von einigen Ausnahmen abgesehen), Zugänglichkeit, Party-Faktor, Koop-Modus - dieses Game lässt kaum einen Wunsch offen! Dass die Grafik stark nach hochskalierten PS2-Bildern aussieht lässt sich ebenso verschmerzen wie die viel zu leicht erklimmbaren Achievements - aber dass es keinen Online-Modus gibt, ist verdammt schade. Nichtsdestotrotz: Viel besser hätte die Serie kaum auf der 360 landen können!

Jeuxvideo.com (17 out of 20)

Au final, ce second volet du simulateur de guitare donne le sentiment d'être une évolution technique de l'original, oubliant un peu (trop) les gros riffs qui parlent à tout un chacun pour se concentrer sur des morceaux très véloces qui plairont sans aucun doute aux joueurs déjà expérimentés mais qui laisseront les néophytes sur le carreau. On conseillera donc aux nouveaux joueurs de se faire les dents sur les grands classiques rock du premier volet. Quant aux autres, il vous reste surtout à consulter la playlist et à vous décider en sachant qu'en matière de pratique et de sensations, peu de choses ont changé et qu'il y a toujours moyen de se régaler.

Gaming Target (8.4 out of 10)

Guitar Hero II is a lot of fun, no doubt about it. Unleashing your inner geek while shredding away on rock tunes is definitely enjoyable, and it’s likely that most of the songs will be appealing in some way. Still, it’s hard not to cringe at the initial purchase price, as well as the cost (and lack of purchasing options) for downloadable songs.

Game Revolution (B+)

Yeah, I wouldn’t recommend this one for anyone who already shelled out for the PS2 version, but you gotta admit that it’s an excellent port. Here’s an analogy. Your 360 before Guitar Hero 2 is like an innocent Catholic schoolgirl who has never heard an electric guitar before in her life and who probably thinks the Captain and Tennille is pretty heavy. Your 360 after Guitar Hero 2 is the headless yet paradoxically headbanging body of that schoolgirl after her mind was literally blown away at the loudest rock concert in hell. So there’s only one question you gotta ask yourself: Cash or credit, bro?

Deeko (8 out of 10)

So, my friends, this is my cross to bear. Rest assured if the series continues down the path of leather pants and fret board showboating, I'll be unplugging my axe and shutting down my amp. By the way, isn't there a new Rock Band gearing up for a worldwide console tour? This could get interesting.

PlayDevil ( )

"Guitar Hero 2" is a great game, but it is not without its flaws. It's a clear PS2 port before GH3 comes out. The achievement points are measly, the guitars should have been wireless, the DLC is over-expensive and has not been at the promised frequency. It's also very, very hard! But it is also tremendous fun to play, and despite the expense and the flaws, GH2 is one of the best games available for any system.

Computer Bild Spiele (2.05 out of 6)

"Guitar Hero 2" für Xbox 360 ist das wohl beste Rythmus-Spiel. Die Songs sind aber mehrheitlich den Musikstilen Metal, Punk und Rock der härteren Gangart entsprungen. Ein paar Ausflüge in Richtung Pop oder Ska würden sicher mehr Musikfreunde ansprechen und der Abwechslung auf die Sprünge helfen. Doch auch ohne vielfältiges Repertoire ist Guitar Hero 2 "gute" Musik.

Retro4Ever (7.75 out of 10)

If you’re looking for one of the best track lists in the series, GH2 has you covered. This is the definitive version, and aside from most of the tracks being covers, there really is nothing wrong with the package for the price. It’s dirt cheap to find at used game stores. I picked a copy up for $2 at Gamestop, and there was no shortage of them in stock. If you want an even better value, try finding the two-pack with Guitar Hero: Aerosmith. These two pair up well and you can find brand new copies all over the place for bargain bin prices. There have been better guitar games since, but as long as you don’t require the full band experience, you can have all the fun you need just with this one.