Like, totally grab some shoulder pads and acid-washed jeans. “Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s” is here.
“Encore” offers 30 songs that represent some of the best (“No One Like You” and “Lonely is the Night”) and worst (“Turning Japanese” and “We Got the Beat”) of the ’80s, in the known and loved Guitar Hero form. The set list, however, is two sets shorter than Guitar Hero II with only six instead of eight and no bonus tracks.
“Encore” falls short in other areas as well. There are only six returning characters, all decked out in authentic ’80s garb. Grim Ripper, who sports 3-D glasses and a large clock necklace, has to be purchased. The venues are the same (sans Stonehenge) but offer neon and pastel colors.
The store is also disappointing. Available for purchase are guitars, finishes and one character, Grim. Where are the songs, the outfits and the videos?
The menu is the same as “Guitar Hero II” with the options of career, quick play, multi-player (beating the game on medium unlocks Pro Face-Off mode) and training.
Most of the songs seem easier than those from “Guitar Hero II,” but “Encore” is missing the set lists “Thrash and Burn” and “Face Melters” (the most difficult). Playing the songs on hard or expert, however, is still challenging and fun enough.
Overall, “Encore” isn’t bad, but it could be a lot better. It is definitely worth renting, but it’s not worth the $49.99 price tag. “Encore” is fun and can help kill time until “Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock” will be available in late October.
Cora Kilcoyne can be reached at [email protected].
