For music game enthusiasts and especially those looking to shred on a plastic guitar, the PlayStation 4 offers a few solid choices when it comes to guitar hero games. While the landscape has shifted since the peak popularity of the genre, there are still ways to rock out on your PS4. Let’s explore your best options for Guitar Hero Games On Ps4.
Rock Band 4: The Modern Guitar Hero Experience
If you’re seeking the most up-to-date experience, Rock Band 4 is your prime destination. It remains the latest release in the rhythm game sphere and continues to receive weekly downloadable content (DLC), keeping the song library fresh and expanding. While you can no longer export songs from older Rock Band titles due to licensing restrictions, many popular tracks are available individually as DLC, typically priced around $2 each. For players seeking a challenge, Rock Band 4 is known for its stricter note-hitting window compared to Guitar Hero, offering a rewarding sense of progression as you improve. Building a substantial song library through DLC can become an investment, but it provides a constantly evolving gameplay experience.
Clone Hero: The Free and Customizable Alternative
Clone Hero emerges as a compelling, free alternative for those wanting extensive customization. This fan-made game allows you to import songs and create your own personal library, essentially offering a “dream” guitar hero experience in terms of song selection. However, it’s worth noting that obtaining songs for Clone Hero often involves navigating legally ambiguous territory, as it frequently relies on user-created content and song charts. From a presentation standpoint, Clone Hero is quite basic, lacking the visual flair and character avatars of commercial titles – the focus is purely on gameplay. Despite its minimalist presentation, Clone Hero is an excellent entry point if you’re curious about rhythm guitar games and want to test the waters without initial financial outlay.
Guitar Hero Live: A Look Back at a Unique Experiment
Guitar Hero Live was an attempt to revitalize the Guitar Hero franchise with a fresh approach, featuring a first-person perspective and live-action crowds. While it offered an interesting and different experience, it ultimately didn’t achieve lasting success, and Activision has discontinued support for the game. Therefore, while you might find copies of Guitar Hero Live, it’s not a viable option for ongoing content or long-term play.
Finding Instruments and Calibration for Optimal Play
Regardless of the guitar hero game you choose, acquiring instruments can be challenging. The second-hand market, particularly platforms like Facebook Marketplace, is often the best place to find guitars, typically ranging from $50 to $150. However, purchasing used instruments carries inherent risks. A common issue is the strum bar malfunction, but fortunately, replacement parts like the Strum Fix Plus are available. These aftermarket parts can significantly improve the feel and responsiveness of older guitar controllers.
Crucially, calibration is essential for a good experience, especially on modern HDTVs. Input lag is a common issue with contemporary televisions, which can severely impact rhythm game accuracy. Proper calibration within the game settings compensates for this lag, ensuring that your on-screen actions are synchronized with your gameplay. Don’t overlook calibration – it can make a world of difference in your enjoyment and performance in any guitar hero game.
In conclusion, for guitar hero games on PS4, Rock Band 4 provides the most current and supported experience, while Clone Hero offers a free and highly customizable alternative. Guitar Hero Live, while innovative, is no longer actively supported. Finding instruments may require exploring the second-hand market and potentially some repairs, and remember to calibrate your setup for the best possible rock and roll experience!
