Summary
- Release Year: 2009
- Genres: Music
- Platforms: Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360
- Developers: Budcat Creations, Neversoft Entertainment, Vicarious Visions
- Publishers: Activision
Band Hero: A Pop Rock Party
Released in 2009, Band Hero is a spinoff of the popular Guitar Hero series of music rhythm games, developed by Neversoft and published by Activision. The game features a focus on pop rock music, with a setlist of 65 songs from artists such as Taylor Swift, Adam Levine, and No Doubt. Band Hero supports full band play (lead and bass guitar, drums, and vocals), and includes a variety of multiplayer modes.
Gameplay
Band Hero’s gameplay is very similar to that of Guitar Hero 5, which was released earlier in the same year. Players use instrument-shaped controllers to match notes that scroll across the screen, simulating the playing of real instruments. The game can be played with a variety of different difficulty settings, making it accessible to players of all skill levels.
One of the unique features of Band Hero is its “Party Play” mode. This mode allows players to drop in and out of a band at any time, making it perfect for casual play with friends. Players can also change instruments and difficulty settings on the fly, making it easy to accommodate players of different skill levels.
Setlist
Band Hero’s setlist is full of catchy pop rock hits, including:
- “Love Story” – Taylor Swift
- “Sweet Escape” – Gwen Stefani
- “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson
- “Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi
- “Rock and Roll All Nite” – Kiss
- “We Are the Champions” – Queen
- “Hotel California” – Eagles
- “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” – Pat Benatar
- “I Want to Rock” – Twisted Sister
- “Carry On Wayward Son” – Kansas
Reception
Band Hero received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s fun and accessible gameplay, while others criticized its limited setlist and high price. The game was also met with some controversy, as the band No Doubt sued Activision over the use of their avatars in the game.
Despite the mixed reviews, Band Hero was a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide. The game’s success helped to solidify the Guitar Hero franchise as one of the most popular music game franchises of all time.
Legacy
Band Hero is a solid addition to the Guitar Hero franchise, and it remains a popular choice for fans of pop rock music. The game’s focus on accessibility and party play makes it a great choice for casual gamers and groups of friends. While the setlist may be limited compared to other Guitar Hero games, it still features a wide variety of catchy and popular songs.
Overall, Band Hero is a fun and enjoyable music game that is perfect for fans of pop rock music. Whether you’re a seasoned Guitar Hero veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Band Hero is a great choice.
Additional Information
- Band Hero was the first Guitar Hero game to feature vocals as a playable instrument.
- The game includes a variety of bonus content, such as music videos, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage.
- Band Hero was followed by a sequel, Band Hero II, which was released in 2010.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
