The visuals have been cleaned up a little as well. The interface with the scrolling playlist remains about the same as the original, but the background graphics look relatively sharper. Animation of the on-screen characters, including Judy Nails and mullet-packing Axel Steel, is just as fun as always. A high point comes when the energy bar is activated. Once that's done, the on-screen guitarist jumps into a frenzy, either swinging their guitar around like mad or riding it like a bucking bull before continuing their routine stance. The venues are appealing, ranging from local theatres and clubs to locations that are worth unlocking later in the game -- you can even rock out at Stonehenge. The lighting details and environmental touch-ups captured in each club are amazing. Furthermore, the crowd is fully into each performance -- they know just when to head bang, jump around, and boo like crazy. The game does have some humorous visual touches thrown in, too. Little things like tips given between jam sessions, an image of a little mini-van scooting across the country as new sponsors are claimed, and a rock teacher who doesn't know when to shut up with his crazy roadie stories.
The game's career mode is also incredibly rich, with lots to do. New songs can be acquired once certain "sets" are completed at certain difficulty levels. New swag can also be acquired in a virtual shop, including better guitars, unlockable characters, and video clips of real pros in action. And if there's a song that's a monster to defeat (like "Mother" on Expert -- which ironically IS a mother), players can turn back to the Practice Mode to see what parts they're getting stuck on.
The original game's multiplayer is a big hit at parties and for good reason -- the face-off mode where players trade off licks with each other is the stuff of legend. But Guitar Hero II's got it beat with a new Pro Faceoff mode, requiring players to play out ALL the jams at once. This mode will truly test the patience of guitar gods everywhere, as they must clash with another axe-wielding ego and prove their worth. Those who prefer the normal traditional Faceoff can return to it, as it's also included. And then there's Co-op, which works on a whole different level; two players must work together in order to complete a song successfully, or run the risk of being booed off the stage as a group.
The gameplay is incredible, just like it's always been. The first game's appeal lies solely in the fact that anyone, even those who have never touched a guitar in their lives, can get into the game in only a matter of plays. Now the circle is complete with part two, courtesy of the practice and training modes and also the ability to play along with a friend. The guitar peripheral still works wonders, leaving us here at GameDaily psyched to try out the forthcoming wireless model -- although the cherry red guitar still gets lots of love...
The only way Guitar Hero II can get better is with next year's Xbox 360 release, which will include downloadable tracks. But for now, Guitar Hero II on the PlayStation 2 stands tall, with devil horns fully extended on both hands. Visually, the presentation is a knockout, the play list is impressive, and the numerous modes are all worth experiencing, particularly co-op and practice. Denying oneself the glory of Guitar Hero II is unacceptable, even if another instrument is preferred. It's one of the best games of the year, as well as one of the best music/rhythm games ever made.
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