[Note]
CJ here, sorry I haven't been able to write a review lately. I've had some 360 Hard Drive problems, and I just got back my HDD a few days ago. But onto the game!

[Overview]
Okay, so. We've all heard of Guitar Hero and Guitar Hero II. For those of you who have only played the version for PS2, you're missing out on a whole bunch of extra songs. Namely; Billion Dollar Babies, Dead!, Kicked to the Curb, and others. With a total of 72 songs to master, it's hard to get tired of the game. I've owned the PS2 version for about 6 months, and I bought the 360 version earlier this week. Even after that long, I'm still completely addicted to it. Whether you're into the slow, sedated style of Nirvana's Heart-Shaped Box, or the relentless riffs of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Free Bird, this game has something for you.

[Gameplay]
Well, the basic gameplay consists of five colored gems coming down an HUD. Sounds simple, eh? Not in the least. For the beginners, the Easy mode is perfect for training. Only utilizing the first three gems and simple rhythms, it's great for learning the basics. The Normal mode will use the first four gems, and slightly more complicated rhythms. Hard uses all five gems, and you'll probably be playing for a few weeks until you get here. Expert "separates the champs from the chumps." You'll be shredding with all five gems, along with uber complicated rhythms. Only for the seasoned veterans of the game.

[Achievements]
Again, the top five Achievements!

1. Start a Real Band Already Award - 30G: Get five stars on all songs on Expert.
2. Champagne Room V.I.P. - 30G: Get 500,000 points in a single song.
3. Yngwie Malmsteen Award - 30G: Get a 1,000 note streak.
4. Millionaire Pair - 30G: Get 1,000,000 points in a song on cooperative.
5. Perfectionist Award - 30G: Get 100% on a song.

[Game Highlight]
Two words: FREE BIRD.

[Online]
Nothing spectacular here, just online leader boards and rankings.

[Ratings]
Replay Value: High. You'll be picking up your X-plorer guitar controller for years to come!
Music: 10/10. Perfect. Great track listing.
Extras: 7/10. The only things here are a couple of 'making-of' videos. Still cool, though.
Enjoyment: 9.75/10. The only reason it missed out on the 10/10 was the annoying lag calibration. It changes with almost every song.
In-Game Graphics: 8.5/10. Improved from the PS2 version, but still gives off a slightly cartoon-ish feel. Lighting effects pwn, though.
Cutscene Graphics: N/A.
Overall: 9.25/10.

Really, a great game! Addicting, and you can always improve. There's no really 'beating' this game. Of course, unless you're the best in the world on all the songs.

That's all for now, peace!

[CJ]