Guitar controllers hold a special place in gaming history. For many, myself included, countless hours were spent mastering tracks on Guitar Hero, and the thrill of finding a Guitar Hero arcade machine was always a highlight. There’s an unmatched joy in rocking out with a plastic guitar in hand. Just as nostalgia for this golden era of rhythm games started to peak, PDP unveiled its Riffmaster Guitar Controller, a device that looks like it’s been plucked straight from that beloved time, promising to be the New Guitar Hero Guitar experience for modern gamers.
Launching in April, the Riffmaster Guitar Controller marks a significant moment as the first new guitar controller release in years. The genre experienced a lull after Guitar Hero Live’s 2015 release, but the arrival of Fortnite Festival has reignited interest in rhythm games, positioning the Riffmaster perfectly to become the definitive controller for this resurgence.
The iconic controllers of Guitar Hero and Rock Band were more than just peripherals; they were gateways to a unique form of gaming synesthesia. Their design, features, aesthetics, and overall feel created an immersive experience that even today’s advanced controllers often struggle to replicate. They arguably paved the way for the appreciation of high-quality PC controllers and gaming peripherals in general.
PDP Riffmaster
Priced at $129.99 / £129.99, the Riffmaster isn’t an impulse purchase. After extensive testing, while it successfully recaptures the immersive joy of classic guitar controllers, its value proposition at that price point, especially currently, requires closer examination.
Currently, Fortnite Festival doesn’t yet officially support guitar controllers, making the Riffmaster feel somewhat ahead of its time. To bridge this gap, PDP has designed the Riffmaster with Rock Band 4 compatibility at its core – a title from 2015. While it extends compatibility to games like Clone Hero on PC, potential buyers looking to immediately enhance their Fortnite Festival experience should be aware that guitar controller support might not be available in Fortnite by the Riffmaster’s April launch. This delay, while potentially more of an Epic Games issue than a PDP one, is crucial to consider before pre-ordering.
Unboxing the Riffmaster: A Familiar Yet Enhanced Experience
PDP Riffmaster hands-on image of the guitar
For those familiar with Guitar Hero or Rock Band, the PDP Riffmaster will feel instantly recognizable. This officially licensed controller for PS5 and Xbox Series X (and PC compatible) includes all the essential elements: the signature colored fret buttons, a responsive whammy bar, a reliable strumming switch, and the solo pads reminiscent of later Guitar Hero iterations. Beyond these classic features, the Riffmaster introduces several thoughtful improvements, enhancing its usability as a new guitar hero guitar for the modern gamer.
A standout feature is the foldable neck, allowing for compact storage and easy transportation – ideal for taking to a friend’s for a gaming session. Wireless connectivity is provided via a USB dongle, similar to many top-tier PS5 controllers, and cleverly, this dongle stores within the detachable pickguard to prevent loss. Furthermore, a small but significant addition is an analog stick located at the guitar neck’s end. This provides intuitive menu navigation, a welcome upgrade from the cumbersome strumming toggle method previously used for side-to-side movements in menus.
Perhaps the most user-centric innovation is the integrated 3.5mm headphone jack at the base of the controller. This simple addition solves a common problem: wanting to game without disturbing others or needing to communicate with friends online while playing. Pairing the Riffmaster with one of the best gaming headsets becomes seamless, allowing for private jamming sessions or coordinated online play without disrupting your surroundings.
PDP Riffmaster
However, the Riffmaster isn’t without its drawbacks. The glossy finish across the guitar’s body, including the pickguard, is a magnet for fingerprints, sweat, and smudges – inevitable consequences of intense gameplay. This, combined with the hollow plastic construction of the body, raises questions about its premium $100+ price tag. The feel of the body doesn’t quite match the price, and it lacks the substantial feel of older Guitar Hero controllers. The detachable pickguard, while functional, further contributes to this less-than-premium impression with a somewhat cheap snapping sound when removed. While the guitar neck feels more refined, the body’s plastic detracts from the overall sense of quality.
Despite these material concerns, the innovations and quality-of-life improvements PDP has implemented are noteworthy. It’s just a shame that the choice of materials doesn’t fully align with the asking price.
Performance and Playability: Rocking Out with the Riffmaster
PDP Riffmaster folded up
Fortunately, the PDP Riffmaster excels where it truly counts: playability. It genuinely captures the authentic feel of a classic Rock Band or Guitar Hero controller, instantly transporting players back to the golden age of rhythm games. The hours spent perfecting tracks in teenage years come flooding back, and the Riffmaster feels like a natural extension of those cherished memories.
The fret buttons on the Riffmaster are exceptionally well-designed. Their size and responsiveness are perfectly calibrated for enjoyable and accurate gameplay. They activate reliably from various angles, accommodating both nuanced and more forceful playing styles, essential for tackling challenging tracks or for experienced guitarists with a lighter touch. The whammy bar is as expressive and satisfying to use as ever, with a design that feels ergonomically optimized for easy access without disrupting hand positioning – a significant improvement over some older Guitar Hero controllers with shorter, less accessible whammy bars.
The inclusion of higher fret buttons further enhances the authenticity. Mirroring the smaller size and closer spacing of higher frets on a real guitar, these buttons add a layer of challenge and realism, demanding practice and precision to master, especially for players accustomed to only using the lower frets.
If there’s one area for improvement in terms of gameplay feel, it’s the strumming bar. While fully functional, it lacks the distinct “clicky” feedback present in some preferred guitar controllers. This subtle difference makes strumming feel slightly less tactile and diminishes the overall game feel by a small margin.
Final Verdict: Is the Riffmaster Ready to Rock?
PDP Riffmaster preview image of the finger smudges and marks on the guitar
While PDP’s promotional materials have indicated “anticipated support for Fortnite Festival”, the Riffmaster packaging initially stated “compatible with Fortnite Festival and Rock Band 4.” This discrepancy raised some concerns about the immediate readiness for Fortnite Festival. PDP has since clarified that packaging is subject to change based on the final release timing of Fortnite support, which is reassuring and suggests they are committed to ensuring accurate information reaches consumers.
At $129.99 / £129.99, the Riffmaster is a significant investment. While it successfully revives the spirit of classic guitar controllers and delivers a genuinely fun and faithful playing experience, justifying the price is challenging, particularly given the build quality concerns. Ultimately, potential buyers should closely follow news regarding Fortnite Festival compatibility before making a purchase. If Fortnite Festival support arrives promptly and you’re eager to relive the guitar hero experience with a new guitar hero guitar, the Riffmaster offers a compelling, albeit somewhat pricey, option.
Looking for other controller options? Explore the best Xbox Series X controllers, the best joysticks, and the best racing wheels for PC.
