The anticipation was palpable. For rhythm game enthusiasts and guitar aficionados alike, the wait was almost over. Guitar Hero 2, the sequel to the groundbreaking PlayStation 2 title that had redefined living room entertainment, was just days away from release. Back in November 2006, the excitement was reaching fever pitch as gamers prepared to shred their way through an even more epic setlist than its predecessor.
Guitar Hero had already struck a chord with players, offering an unparalleled sense of rock star fantasy. But Guitar Hero 2 promised to amplify everything that made the original great. With a refined gameplay experience and, crucially, a tracklist boasting even bigger names and more iconic songs, the sequel was poised to become a must-have for any self-respecting music game fan.
The Hype Was Real: Days Away from Rock and Roll Domination
The original announcement of Guitar Hero 2 had already set forums and online communities ablaze. The promise of more challenging gameplay, improved graphics, and, most importantly, a fresh set of tracks to master had fans counting down the days. This wasn’t just another sequel; it felt like a significant step forward for the genre.
Adding fuel to the fire, early reviews started pouring in, and they were overwhelmingly positive. IGN, a leading voice in video game journalism, awarded Guitar Hero 2 an impressive 9.5 out of 10. This near-perfect score solidified the game’s status as a potential classic even before it hit store shelves. The review highlighted the addictive gameplay, the expanded career mode, and, of course, the stellar soundtrack, assuring fans that their anticipation was justified.
A Setlist for the Ages: From Classic Rock to Metal Mayhem
One of the biggest draws of any Guitar Hero game is its song selection, and Guitar Hero 2 absolutely delivered a knockout punch in this department. The setlist was a carefully curated blend of rock anthems, metal classics, and alternative gems, appealing to a broad spectrum of musical tastes while staying true to the rock and roll spirit of the game.
From the opening riffs of Motley Crue’s “Shout at the Devil” to the furious energy of Anthrax’s “Madhouse”, the tracklist was a journey through rock history. Players could test their fretboard skills on the bluesy swagger of Rolling Stones’ “Can’t You Hear Me Knockin'” and then switch gears to the punk fury of Iggy Pop and the Stooges’ “Search and Destroy”.
The diversity was a key strength. Classic rock staples like Kiss’ “Strutter”, Van Halen’s “You Really Got Me”, and Kansas’ “Carry on Wayward Son” stood alongside grunge icons like Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box” and alternative anthems such as Foo Fighters’ “Monkey Wrench”. The setlist wasn’t afraid to delve into heavier territory either, featuring tracks from metal titans like Black Sabbath (“War Pigs”) and thrash legends Megadeth (“Hangar 18”).
For those seeking guitar heroics, tracks like Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” presented ultimate challenges, demanding precision and stamina. And for a touch of surf rock cool, Dick Dale’s “Misirlou” (famously known from Pulp Fiction) added another layer of variety.
Here’s a glimpse at the main setlist that had players buzzing:
- Motley Crue – Shout at the Devil
- Danzig – Mother
- Cheap Trick – Surrender
- Wolfmother – Woman
- Spinal Tap – Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight
- Kiss – Strutter
- Nirvana – Heart-Shaped Box
- Police – Message in a Bottle
- Van Halen – You Really Got Me
- Kansas – Carry on Wayward Son
- Foo Fighters – Monkey Wrench
- Alice in Chains – Them Bones
- Iggy Pop and the Stooges – Search and Destroy
- Pretenders – Tattooed Love Boys
- Black Sabbath – War Pigs
- Warrant – Cherry Pie
- Butthole Surfers – Who Was in My Room Last Night
- Mathew Sweet – Girlfriend
- Rolling Stones – Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’
- Guns N’ Roses – Sweet Child O’ Mine
- Rage Against the Machine – Killing in the Name Of
- Primus – John the Fisherman
- Sword – Freya
- Thin Lizzy – Bad Reputation
- Aerosmith – Last Child
- Heart – Crazy on You
- Stone Temple Pilots – Tripping on a Hole in a Paper Heart
- Stray Cats – Rock This Town
- Allman Brothers – Jessica
- Jane’s Addiction – Stop
- Anthrax – Madhouse
- Living End – Carry Me Home
- Lamb of God – Laid to Rest
- Reverend Horton Heat – Psychobilly Freakout
- Rush – YYZ
- Avenged Sevenfold – Beast and the Harlot
- Suicidal Tendencies – Institutionalized
- Dick Dale – Misirlou
- Megadeth – Hangar 18
- Lynyrd Skynyrd – Free Bird
Bonus Tracks: Unlocking Even More Guitar Goodness
Beyond the main setlist, Guitar Hero 2 also featured a robust collection of bonus tracks, adding even more replayability and discovery for dedicated players. These weren’t just filler; they were often challenging and rewarding songs in their own right, representing a diverse range of genres and artists within the rock spectrum.
From the hard-hitting riffs of Anarchy Club’s “Collide” to the quirky energy of Freezepop’s “Less Talk More Rokk”, the bonus tracks offered a deeper dive into the Guitar Hero experience. Bands like Shadows Fall, All That Remains, and even the virtual metal band DETHKLOK (from Metalocalypse) contributed tracks, showcasing the game’s commitment to showcasing a wide variety of guitar-driven music.
Here’s a list of the bonus tracks that extended the Guitar Hero 2 experience:
- The Las Vegas – Raw Dog
- Drist – Arterial Black
- Anarchy Club – Collide
- That Handsome Devil – Elephant Bones
- Valient Thorr – Fall of Pangea
- VAGIANT – FTK
- Brian Kahanek – Gemini
- Bang Camaro – Push Push (Lady Lightning)
- The Acrobrats – Laughtrack
- Freezepop – Less Talk More Rokk
- Buckethead – Jordan
- The Amazing Royal Crowns – Mr. Fix-It
- Every Time I Die – The New Black
- Artillery – One For the Road
- The Neighborhoods – Parasite
- Count Zero – Radium Eyes
- MEGASUS – Red Lottery
- All That Remains – Six
- Honest Bob and the Factory-to-Dealer Incentives – Soy Bomb
- Shadows Fall – The Light That Blinds
- DETHKLOK – Thunder Horse
- Strong Bad – Trogdor
- Voivod – X-Stream
- Made in Mexico – Yes We Can
Guitar Hero 2: A Landmark in Music Gaming History
Guitar Hero 2 wasn’t just a successful sequel; it was a cultural moment. It cemented the Guitar Hero franchise as a powerhouse in the video game industry and further popularized the rhythm game genre. For many, it remains a defining title in the series, remembered for its incredible setlist, addictive gameplay, and the sheer joy of rocking out in your living room. The anticipation leading up to its release was a testament to the game’s impact, and Guitar Hero 2 delivered on every promise, becoming a true guitar hero for a generation of gamers.
