Guitar Hero, the iconic music game franchise that revolutionized the gaming industry and brought rock music to the living rooms of millions of gamers worldwide. Released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2 (PS2), the first Guitar Hero game was a massive hit, and subsequent titles continued to top the charts. In this article, we'll count down the top 10 Guitar Hero PS2 games of all time, highlighting their unique features, soundtracks, and gameplay mechanics.
The magic of Guitar Hero lies in its ability to make players feel like rockstars, shredding on their favorite songs and competing with friends and family to achieve the highest scores. With its addictive gameplay and extensive music library, the franchise has become synonymous with music gaming. So, without further ado, let's dive into our top 10 list!
10. Guitar Hero: Aerosmith
Released in 2008, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith is a unique installment in the franchise, focusing solely on the legendary rock band's discography. The game features 31 Aerosmith songs, including hits like "Walk This Way" and "Sweet Emotion." While it may not have the same level of diversity as other Guitar Hero games, Aerosmith fans will love the opportunity to play along with their favorite songs.
Notable Tracks:
- "Dream On"
- "Rag Doll"
- "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)"
9. Guitar Hero: World Tour
Guitar Hero: World Tour, released in 2008, marked a significant shift in the franchise's direction. The game introduced a new drumming mechanic, allowing players to create their own music and share it online. The soundtrack features a mix of classic rock, pop, and metal tracks, including songs by the Rolling Stones, Van Halen, and Metallica.
Notable Tracks:
- "Hotel California" (Eagles)
- "One" (Metallica)
- "Are You Gonna Go My Way" (Lenny Kravitz)
8. Guitar Hero: III: Legends of Rock
Guitar Hero: III: Legends of Rock, released in 2007, built upon the success of its predecessors, featuring a massive soundtrack with 73 songs. The game introduced the "boss battle" mode, where players compete against guitar legends like Slash and Tom Morello.
Notable Tracks:
- "Through the Fire and Flames" (DragonForce)
- "Bulls on Parade" (Rage Against the Machine)
- "Knights of Cydonia" (Muse)
7. Guitar Hero: Encore: Rocks the 80s
Released in 2007, Guitar Hero: Encore: Rocks the 80s is a unique installment that focuses on the iconic music of the 1980s. The game features 30 songs from the decade, including hits by Journey, Bon Jovi, and Guns N' Roses.
Notable Tracks:
- "Livin' on a Prayer" (Bon Jovi)
- "Here I Go Again" (Whitesnake)
- "Girls, Girls, Girls" (Mötley Crüe)
6. Guitar Hero: Smash Hits
Guitar Hero: Smash Hits, released in 2009, is a compilation of popular songs from previous Guitar Hero games. The soundtrack features 48 tracks, including hits by Queen, Foo Fighters, and Weezer.
Notable Tracks:
- "Bohemian Rhapsody" (Queen)
- "Song 2" (Blur)
- "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" (Jet)
5. Guitar Hero: Metallica
Released in 2009, Guitar Hero: Metallica is another unique installment in the franchise, focusing on the discography of the iconic metal band. The game features 49 Metallica songs, including hits like "Enter Sandman" and "Master of Puppets."
Notable Tracks:
- "One"
- "Creeping Death"
- "Seek & Destroy"
4. Guitar Hero: Van Halen
Guitar Hero: Van Halen, released in 2009, is another band-centric installment, featuring 48 Van Halen songs. The game includes hits like "Jump," "Panama," and "Runnin' with the Devil."
Notable Tracks:
- "Hot for Teacher"
- "And the Cradle Will Rock..."
- "I'm the One"
3. Guitar Hero II
Released in 2006, Guitar Hero II built upon the success of the first game, featuring a massive soundtrack with 64 songs. The game introduced the "practice" mode, allowing players to hone their skills before diving into the main game.
Notable Tracks:
- "Barracuda" (Heart)
- "Crazy Train" (Ozzy Osbourne)
- "Sweet Child O' Mine" (Guns N' Roses)
2. Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock
Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, released in 2010, is the final game in the franchise's "core" series. The game features 93 songs, including hits by Queen, Muse, and Black Sabbath.
Notable Tracks:
- "Bohemian Rhapsody" (Queen)
- "Crazy Train" (Ozzy Osbourne)
- "Tornado of Souls" (Megadeth)
1. Guitar Hero
The original Guitar Hero game, released in 2005, revolutionized the music gaming genre. The game features 47 songs, including hits by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Audioslave, and Foo Fighters.
Notable Tracks:
- "Crossroads" (Cream)
- "La Grange" (ZZ Top)
- "Spanish Castle Magic" (Jimi Hendrix)
There you have it, folks! The top 10 Guitar Hero PS2 games of all time. Each game has its unique features, soundtracks, and gameplay mechanics that made the franchise a beloved part of gaming culture. Whether you're a seasoned rocker or a casual gamer, there's a Guitar Hero game out there for you.
We hope you enjoyed this list, and we'd love to hear from you! Share your favorite Guitar Hero memories, songs, and experiences in the comments below. Don't forget to like and share this article with your friends and fellow gamers.
What is the best Guitar Hero game for beginners?
+Guitar Hero II is an excellent starting point for beginners. It features a wide range of songs, and the gameplay mechanics are easy to learn.
Can I play Guitar Hero with a drum kit?
+Yes, you can play Guitar Hero with a drum kit. Guitar Hero: World Tour and later games introduced drumming as a playable instrument.
Are Guitar Hero games compatible with other console versions?
+No, Guitar Hero games are not compatible with other console versions. Each game is designed specifically for the PS2, and you'll need to purchase the game separately for other consoles.