Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s marks the first time we feel ripped off by Activision, RedOctane and Harmonix. Instead of programming a new interface wrapped around a sweet 1980s presentation, the developers reused almost everything from Guitar Hero II while incorporating a weak 80s theme and an equally disappointing soundtrack.

Newcomers will dig this expansion pack, which retains the quality Guitar Hero experience while dazzling them with a 30 song track list, which includes such favorites as Ball Room Blitz, I Ran, Turning Japanese, Heat of the Moment and Synchronicity II. At the same time, they'll enjoy the subtle 80s theme, with six characters from the series (Axel Steel, Judy Nails and Johnny Napalm, among others) decked out in 80s clothing. We, on the other hand (the Guitar Hero vets that we are), refuse to pay a ridiculous $49.99 for a game that not only reuses all of Guitar Hero II's modes, but also its venues and screens (including the loading screen- that's justlazy). This bodes well for gamers interested in a little co-op action, with one player on lead guitar and another on bass, but we expected at least one new mode.

An expansive song list would make the blatant recycling a non issue, but we have a love/hate relationship with Encore's tracks (ten shy of Guitar Hero II). The aforementioned songs fit perfectly. Some of the others, however, keep the game from greatness; most notably Shakin', Radar Love and numerous others. Instead of rewarding gamers for slogging through these tracks, Harmonix delivers another set of equally mediocre songs.

As an expansion, Encore performs adequately, with Harmonix delivering more Guitar Hero to the masses. With more effort, however, it could've been the ultimate 80s party game, a disappointing thought, given the average song list and the exorbitant $49.99 price tag.

Final Score: 7 (out of 10)

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