For fans eager to shred on their PlayStation 5, the question of whether you can dive into the world of Guitar Hero is a valid one. While the landscape of rhythm games has shifted over the years, here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about playing Guitar Hero and similar games on the PS5.
Rock Band 4: The Current Generation Guitar Game
If you’re looking for the closest experience to Guitar Hero on your PS5, Rock Band 4 is your best bet. Developed by Harmonix, the creators of the original Guitar Hero, Rock Band 4 is the latest iteration in the series and continues to receive support with weekly downloadable content (DLC). This means you can still expand your song library with a constant influx of new tracks.
While you can no longer export songs from older Rock Band titles due to licensing restrictions, Rock Band 4 is arguably the more refined game. Be aware that the note-hitting window is considered stricter compared to Guitar Hero, which may present a learning curve for newcomers or those used to the older games. However, many players find this tighter gameplay ultimately more rewarding. You can find a wealth of songs available as DLC, typically priced around $2 each, allowing you to curate your dream setlist, although costs can add up if you become a dedicated collector.
Clone Hero: A Free, Customizable Alternative
For those seeking a more expansive and customizable experience, Clone Hero emerges as a compelling, albeit unofficial, alternative. This free, fan-made game allows you to import songs from various sources, effectively letting you build a massive, personalized library. However, it’s worth noting that obtaining songs for Clone Hero often treads into legally grey areas concerning copyright, so proceed with caution and be mindful of piracy concerns.
While Clone Hero offers unparalleled song choice and customization, it does lack the visual polish and presentation of commercial titles. The game focuses purely on gameplay, often using simple background images instead of the character avatars and stage performances found in Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Despite this, for players primarily focused on gameplay and song variety, Clone Hero is a powerful and accessible option.
Guitar Hero Live: A Discontinued Chapter
It’s important to address Guitar Hero Live, Activision’s attempt to revive the series. While it introduced innovative elements like a first-person perspective and live-action crowds, Guitar Hero Live was ultimately not commercially successful, and Activision has discontinued support for the game. This means no new content is being released, and finding instruments may be even more challenging than for other games.
The Hunt for Instruments and Calibration Considerations
Regardless of whether you choose Rock Band 4 or explore Clone Hero, acquiring instruments is a significant hurdle. New instruments are no longer widely produced, making the second-hand market, particularly platforms like Facebook Marketplace, your most likely source. Expect to find used instruments ranging from $50 to $150, but be aware of the risks associated with used electronics.
A common issue with second-hand guitar controllers is the strum bar, which can become worn or unresponsive. Fortunately, solutions exist, such as aftermarket replacements like the Strum Fix Plus, offering improved durability and responsiveness. Modifying your guitar controller may be necessary to achieve an optimal playing experience.
Finally, calibration is paramount for rhythm games, especially on modern HDTVs. Input lag is inherent in most modern displays, and proper calibration is essential to synchronize the visuals and audio, ensuring accurate note hits. New players often struggle due to neglecting calibration. While older CRT TVs had negligible lag, making calibration less critical in the Guitar Hero 3 and World Tour era, it’s a crucial step for enjoying rhythm games on today’s displays. Take the time to calibrate your setup, regardless of your chosen game, for a significantly improved and enjoyable experience.
