Guitar Hero vs Rock Band

It’s on it’s way; rapidly becoming the Sega vs. Nintendo of the current generation of consoles. But is there enough room in today’s market for the two instrument super powers?

More importantly, does anyone care?

Let’s recap on the history of our favourite novel plastic peripherals.

• April 06: Harmonix, previously known for titles such as PaRappa the Rapper, Frequency, and Amplitude, come up with Guitar Hero. Their partner in peripheral production was Red Octane, who also published the game.

• Nov 06: Guitar Hero 2 is released.

• July 07: Harmonix acquired by MTV. Contractual agreements tied Harmonix to produce one more title with Red Octane. This came in the form of Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s.

• Oct 07: Red Octane purchased by Activision to continue the GH franchise. Activision hands the reins to their Neversoft team (previously best known for their work on the Tony Hawk’s series) produce Guitar Hero 3.

• May 08: Harmonix and MTV release Rock Band, published by EA.

• June 08: Activision release Guitar Hero: Aerosmith

• Nov 08: Rock Band 2 released.

• Nov 08: Guitar Hero: World Tour released.

• May 09: Guitar Hero: Metallica released

• June 09: Guitar Hero: Greatest hits released

• Harmonix have also released several track packs in addition to their Rock band titles over the years.

So where do we go from here? What do both fans and developers behind these titles see as the future? What advantages/disadvantages does each of these titles bring to the table?

The release of RB2 saw a genius move from Harmonix, giving players the option to download the majority of the RB1 track listing and incorporate this into the RB2 set list for a minimal fee. Harmonix have also shone through with their sympathy toward the plastic-curious consumer in regards to allowing any Guitar Hero based instrument to be compatible in some form with the RB2 title.

Meanwhile both franchises have continued support with fresh content made available to download on a weekly basis. Based on your personal preference, GH: WT seems to be leaning to a more commercial catalogue, whilst Rock Band 2 is undoubtedly more ‘rock’; bolstered by the likes of Pearl Jam’s ‘Ten’, along with tracks by industrial pioneers Ministry and Nine Inch Nails, the whole of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magic album and the recent announcement of Green Day exclusivity.

But GH has its share of heavy hitters with Tool, Ozzy, and Hendrix all exclusive to the brand. Not to mention the recently released GH: Metallica.

Gameplay wise, Rock Band has always been regarded the superior title; better note accuracy, fantastic style and animation, and just generally higher quality all round. GH could be accused of a repetitive career mode with no real direction, or a difficulty curve and a mediocre set list which lacked the ‘soul’ of previous titles. Yet even though Rock Band may turn out on top as a game, the same certainly cannot be said for its marketing; especially in Europe.

For a start the Rock Band 2 instruments are still yet to be released in this country and are looking likely never to be, especially with Beatles Rock Band mere months away. Marketing and publicity has been next to nothing in comparison to the momentum GH: World Tour has generated. The ‘band peripheral’ based market has now successfully penetrated the casual games audience and the Guitar Hero brand is at the forefront of that market. Not only through superior marketing and promotion but maybe even through the weight of the brand itself; Most people I’ve talked to about instrument-based games haven’t even heard of Rock Band.

It’s a sad state of affairs, so why have EA been so lackluster in their support of their IP in this territory? Could it be linked to the rather steep RRP of shipping instrument packs to PAL territories? Could the focus now shift to Rock Band Beatles kickstarting the franchise? Of course, Activision isn’t going to let EA roll out such a heavy hitter without a fight. With Guitar Hero 5, and two new titles in the form of Band Hero and DJ hero all due out this year, the peripheral based market is going to be splitting at the seams.

I for one genuinely believe that the Rock Band is a far superior game. A better made game with some fantastic backwards compatibility, a more consistent quality on its weekly DLC, and the open arms ethos with regards to the plastic peripherals are all big plus points; not to mention that the game feels more ‘real’ during play and has continued to capture that ‘band’ feel at every house party I’ve thrown. Especially when we break out the disco lights kindly purchased by my better half!

So how about you? Do you play both franchises? Are you happy with what each provides?

Let us know your thoughts.