Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is the third game in the series, and it is trying to do two things at once. It wants to be the definitive collection of classic rock hits, and it wants to be a band game with a story. Neither goal is entirely achieved, but both get far enough to make this one of the best games in the genre.
The game launched for PS3, Wii, PC and Mac in 2007, and it brought the format to new audiences on each platform. It is the first Guitar Hero game to include a full campaign mode, where players join a band and fight their way through a series of gigs to take down a villainous record label. That framing gives the game a reason to exist beyond simple song play, even if the plot itself is thin.
Trailer, via redoctanestore.
Campaign Mode
The story mode is where Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock separates itself from its predecessors. Players control a guitar-wielding hero who joins a band and travels the world, performing concerts to raise funds and followers. Each gig earns cash and fans, which are spent on gear and travel between locations. The story is told through short cutscenes and dialogue between songs, and it leans heavily on rock clichés about fame, fortune and the cost of success.
The narrative is not subtle. The villain, a record executive named Arion, runs a label that steals the souls of musicians. The band fights back by playing better than anyone else, which somehow defeats him. It is a premise that sounds ridiculous on paper, and it plays out with similar tone once the game begins.
What works is the pacing. Each location offers a distinct setting, from a desert highway to a stadium to a castle, and the variety keeps the mode from feeling like a grind. The missions themselves are simple: perform well enough to earn a gold rating, beat a rival band, or complete a setlist under pressure. These objectives push players to improve their timing rather than just collect points.
The Track List
The track list is the heart of any Guitar Hero game, and Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock has one of the strongest collections ever assembled. It spans decades of rock history, from the 1960s to the 2000s, with a focus on classic rock staples and a few surprises thrown in. The setlist includes tracks by The Who, The Rolling Stones, Queen, Guns N’ Roses, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, and many more.
Some highlights stand out:
- The Who’s “Behind Blue Eyes” — a demanding, bluesy rocker that tests finger speed and timing
- The Rolling Stones’ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” — a fast, driving track that feels like a proper classic
- Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” — the centerpiece of the set, a multipart epic that requires real skill
- Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” — a slow, melodic track that rewards patience over speed
- Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” — a heavy, atmospheric piece that fills the room with sound
- Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” — a technical masterpiece that demands precision and endurance
The list also includes some unexpected choices, like a cover of The Beatles’ “Hey Jude” and a version of Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man.” These tracks add personality to the set, even if they are not the most famous songs in their catalog.
Not every track is a winner. Some of the lesser-known selections feel like filler, and a few pop covers land awkwardly next to the rock heavyweights. But overall, the quality is high, and there is something here for nearly every fan of the genre.
Multiplayer Modes
Multiplayer is where Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock truly shines. The game supports up to four players on one screen, and the competitive modes are a major draw. There are standard head-to-head battles, but the game also introduces a mode called “Rock Wars,” where teams compete across a series of songs to earn the most points.
The multiplayer modes add replay value that the campaign alone cannot sustain. They are chaotic, loud, and often hilarious, especially when a player struggles with a difficult track while everyone else watches. The game handles multiple inputs well, and the online modes are stable enough that matches rarely break down.
The Wii version of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock uses a plastic guitar controller, while the PS3 and PC versions use a standard guitar-shaped peripheral. Both controllers work well, though the Wii controller is bulkier and less precise than the PS3 model. The PC version uses a keyboard or a guitar controller, and it performs comparably to the console versions.
Difficulty Curve
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock introduces a difficulty curve that adjusts dynamically during a song. As players perform well, the game raises the challenge, adding more notes and faster tempos. This system is designed to keep players engaged, but it can also be frustrating when it pushes too hard too quickly.
The difficulty settings themselves are generous. Songs can be played at Easy, Medium, Hard, Expert, or a special Pro mode that adds extra notes and timing challenges. Players can switch between these settings at any time, which allows for a great deal of flexibility. A beginner can play a track on Easy while a veteran takes on the same song at Expert, and both can enjoy the same concert.
The Pro mode is the most demanding setting, and it is where the game reveals its ambition. Tracks like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Master of Puppets” become true tests of skill, with long runs of notes and complex timing windows. The game rewards players who master these modes, offering special achievements and unlockable content for those who succeed.
Presentation
The presentation is solid, though it does not reach the heights of later entries in the series. The menus are clean and easy to navigate, and the concert stages are rendered with a cartoonish style that fits the rock theme. The animations are smooth, and the lighting effects are dramatic, especially during the boss battles in the campaign.
The sound design is excellent. The music is remastered and presented with clarity, and the instruments sound distinct and punchy. The crowd noise is present but not overwhelming, and the guitar sound is the star of the show. The game uses the original recordings, and the fidelity is impressive for a game of its age.
There are a few technical issues that crop up. The game can stutter during online matches, and some songs experience frame drops during the busiest sections. These problems are rare, but they are noticeable when they occur. The Wii version suffers from a slower frame rate than the PS3 and PC versions, which can make the game feel less responsive on that platform.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack is the reason to play Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, and it is a strong one. The selection is broad, and it covers a wide range of genres within rock. From the punk energy of The Who to the metal fury of Metallica, the game has something for nearly every taste. The remasters are faithful to the originals, and the audio quality is consistent across all platforms.
The game also includes a few bonus tracks, including a version of “Hey Jude” and a cover of “Iron Man.” These tracks are not essential, but they add character to the collection. The inclusion of these songs shows a willingness to take risks, even if they do not fit the main setlist perfectly.
Campaign Weaknesses
The campaign is a mixed bag. It is a novel addition to the series, but it is not deep. The story is thin, and the characters are stereotypes rather than fully realized people. The missions are repetitive, and the reward structure is simple: earn money, buy gear, play more gigs.
The campaign does have a few clever moments. The boss battles, where the villain appears on stage and the band must defeat him through performance, are a highlight. These segments break up the routine of the main mission loop and offer a sense of progression. The final boss, Arion, is a worthy opponent, and the climactic battle feels earned after the hours spent building up to it.
The campaign is not the reason to buy Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, but it is a fun addition for players who want a longer experience. It is a short mode, and it is best enjoyed as a palate cleanser between multiplayer sessions.
Legacy
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is a significant entry in the series, and it helped establish the formula that dominated the genre for years. The game sold well, and it spawned a wave of sequels that continued the band game trend into the next decade. Its influence can be seen in the rhythm games that followed, and it remains a benchmark for the genre.
The game is also a product of its time. Released in 2007, it captures a moment when the music industry was changing rapidly, and the rock stars of the past were being replaced by newer acts. The game’s focus on classic rock is a reminder of that era, and it offers a nostalgic look at a period that has since passed.
| Platform | Controller | Online Support |
|---|---|---|
| PS3 | Standard guitar controller | Yes |
| Wii | Plastic guitar controller | Yes |
| PC | Keyboard or guitar controller | Yes |
| Mac | Keyboard or guitar controller | Yes |
The game is a mixed bag, but it is a strong one. It is a solid collection of classic rock hits, a decent band game with a story, and a great multiplayer package. The campaign is a weak link, and the technical issues are noticeable, but the core gameplay is excellent. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is a game that rewards patience and skill, and it remains a worthwhile addition to any collection.
- The track list is strong and varied
- The multiplayer modes are engaging and replayable
- The difficulty curve is ambitious but sometimes frustrating
- The campaign is thin and repetitive
- The presentation is solid but dated
- The Wii version suffers from slower performance
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is a game that succeeds on its own terms. It is not perfect, but it is a well-made package that delivers on its promises. The soundtrack is excellent, the multiplayer is fun, and the campaign is a pleasant diversion. It is a game that fans of the genre will enjoy, and it stands as a solid entry in a long-running franchise.
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