Guitar Hero 5 puts a guitar-shaped controller in your hand and asks you to play along with some of the biggest songs in rock history. The game launched in 2009 for PS3, Wii, X360 and PS2, and it remains one of the strongest entries in the series. It earns an 8.1 out of 10.
Trailer, via WCG – World Cyber Games.
The Controller
The guitar controller is the heart of Guitar Hero 5. It maps chords across five buttons, and the game rewards players who learn to press them fast. The plastic shape fits comfortably in the hand, and the whammy bar adds a small but satisfying layer of control. It is a solid piece of hardware that holds up well against rivals from other games in the genre.
The buttons themselves are placed in a familiar arrangement, and the game uses them consistently throughout its set list. The whammy bar sits near the neck of the controller, and bending a note feels natural when pressed during a solo. Together, the controller and its parts work well, giving players a solid foundation for the rhythm action that follows.
Songs on the Set List
The set list covers a wide range of genres, from classic rock to metal to pop. The game leans heavily on established bands, and it includes tracks from groups like Led Zeppelin, Guns N’ Roses, and The Rolling Stones. Here is a selection of what the set list offers:
- Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven”
- Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine”
- The Rolling Stones’ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”
- Metallica’s “Master of Puppets”
Each track is presented in a way that shows off the band’s identity. The difficulty settings rise steadily across the set list, giving new players a gentle start and veterans a serious challenge.
The variety across the genres means the set list never feels stuck in one era or one style. A player who prefers metal can find plenty of hard tracks, while someone drawn to classic rock will find their favorites represented as well.
Difficulty Settings
Guitar Hero 5 introduces a system that lets players choose the difficulty of each song individually. This means a player can pick an easy version of a hard track and then move up to harder settings later. The system is simple to use and removes the need to replay entire albums at a fixed level.
The game also adds a few new tricks to the mix. Players can now use the whammy bar during solos to bend notes and add expression. These small additions make the playing feel more natural without changing the core rhythm system.
The individual song difficulty setting is a practical addition for players who want to work through the set list at their own pace. Someone new to the game can start on the easiest setting and work up to the harder versions later, without having to replay whole albums at a fixed level.
The Campaign Mode
Campaign mode sends players through a series of gigs, each with a different city and a different band. The story is thin, but it gives the set list a sense of purpose. Players earn experience points after each gig, and those points unlock new content and difficulty modes.
The campaign moves quickly, and it does not waste time on filler scenes. Each gig is short, and the focus stays on the music.
The experience point system ties the campaign together, giving players a reason to keep playing even after finishing the set list. Unlocking new content and difficulty modes gives the campaign a lasting value beyond its first run.
Multiplayer Modes
Guitar Hero 5 includes a multiplayer mode that lets players compete against each other online. The mode supports head-to-head matches, and it works well over a connection that is stable enough to keep the rhythm steady. Players can also form bands and play together locally, which is a nice touch for parties.
The multiplayer modes are not the main draw of the game, but they offer a decent way to extend the life of the product beyond solo play.
Online play requires a stable connection to keep the rhythm steady, so players should check their connection before joining a match. Playing together locally is a good option for parties, though it is limited to the players gathered around one screen.
Sound and Look
The audio quality is strong across all platforms. The tracks sound clear and balanced, and the game handles multiple instruments well. The look of the game is clean, with plain stage sets that let the music do the talking. Nothing here is fancy, but nothing gets in the way of the experience either.
Guitar Hero 5 keeps the formula simple and lets the music carry it.
What Works Well
- The controller is comfortable and responsive
- The set list is varied and deep
- The difficulty system is flexible and easy to use
- The campaign gives the set list a sense of purpose
What Falls Short
The story in campaign mode is thin, and there is little reason to return to it once the set list is finished. Some players may find the difficulty curve too steep, especially on higher settings. The multiplayer modes are solid but not essential.
Final Word
Guitar Hero 5 is a solid entry in the series. It improves on past games with a flexible difficulty system and a wider set list, while keeping the controller and the core rhythm system intact. The game holds up well against its rivals and remains a strong choice for anyone who wants to play along with rock music.
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