The PS3 and 360 versions may be more complete, but this one's got all you really need to be the life of the party.
This version, while "feature deprived" when compared to it's older brothers, does the trick just fine if you're only goal is to imbibe, laugh and rock out with a few of your buddies. I had one friend gush "This actually makes karaoke obsolete!" after bringin' on home a rousing rendition of Dead or Alive... Finally... After our third try. But the failures aren't what matter and when you finally nail Won't Get Fooled Again or Enter Sandman, it's high-fives all around. No, this version doesn't have "world tour" and it is the stripped down version, what with no character customization (who cares?) and absolutely no online play (who has time?), but if you love it for what it is - a kick ass party game - it'll love you back in spades. You may also gain a new respect for songs you've heard a million times or bands and artists who's body of work you've never really liked. This stuff ain't easy, folks, and the thought of doing it for real, in front of a crowd blows my mind. How many games give you that kind of perspective?
In spite of what might sound like a suck-fest, I do have some minor complaints, so here they are: The guitar, while much less toy-like, isn't as intuitive as it's Guitar Hero brethren and it's "string lever" feels vague. I guess I just like that "clicky" feel of the GH unit. The little square bars scrolling toward you don't come close to the round "pinball bumpers" of GH, as well. I know it's 99% me when I miss, but if memory serves I seemed to miss fewer notes in my time with Guitar Hero. I dunno. Maybe it's a mental thing... I just like the round ones. Vocals are fun, but totally B.S. and I routinely nailed the mid-nineties, from the word go, on "hard" difficulty while making up words. Yeah, I can carry a tune, but I ain't no Eddie Vedder. Playing drums is FREAKIN' HARD!!
Well, there ya go. Grab a few friends, treat it like the party game that it is, don't take the whole thing too seriously and you'll have the most adult fun you can have without breaking the bank or contracting an STD. Buy any version if you love fun. Buy this version if you're not into online or are a cheap skate (or you are both) and love fun. What more can I say? It's fun when it's fun! Recommended.