Band Hero :: Wii Game Review

Platform(s): Nintendo Wii
Developer/Publisher: Activision/Guitar Hero
ESRB Rating: E 10+

Love music games but want something a little less, well ROCK than Rock Band and Guitar Hero? Welcome to Band Hero (cause Pop Hero sounds funny). Most of the songs on this game were pulled from the pop charts, and there's even a karaoke mode for times when plastic instruments just aren't appropriate.

Pop Tunes

Band Hero's 65-real song (plus six Neversoft compositions) playlist features easy pop songs by artists like Hilary Duff, Santigold, Papa Roach, Hinder, Maroon 5 and Janet Jackson. Other than new tunes, the gameplay is pretty much the same as in Guitar Hero 5, but with about 20% fewer songs. Luckily, for just $6 you can import 69 of GH5's 85 tracks to Band Hero.

Band Bling

Band Hero makes it really easy to read the catalog layout screens, create playlists and drop in and out of the cool

party play mode. Karaoke or sing-a-long mode lets you and up to three other people sing together in a pure karaoke interface. There's lots of 80s-glam pink and neon in this game, and the characters and venues all look amazing. But if you're thinking all this game glamor and pop rockery means the game's easy, think again. Sure there are some easy songs, just as in every rhythm game, but try Expert drumming along with Whip It - it takes some serious skills to get five stars on that track.

Drum Fun

Activision's drum hardware has been slightly revamped for the release of Band Hero. The new kit is smaller and lighter, has a crossbar connected to the kick pedal connects and features round cymbals instead of triangular ones.

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