This game is, like PaRappa, a remade rhythm game. but, UNLIKE PaRappa, Gitaroo man is brilliantly ported to the PSP...

User Rating: 8.5 | Gitaroo-Man Live! PSP
By LsTr_Of_SmG | Review Date:
Gitaroo Man was originally released on the PS2 a few years ago and was critically acclaimed on its release. unfortunately nto many copies of the game were shipped out to the West and as such the game achieved cult status akin to that of the original PS1 PaRappa the rapper. It is therefore brilliant that the game has been ported to the PSP - or at least it should be. Fans of PaRappa were initially extremely pleased that PaRappa was going to be orted but then what did they get? A straight port with the original games cutscenes (not even beefed up to a decent resolution or remastered). they also got very iffy button registering and occasionally off beat controls - not ideal on a rhythm game. It is with great pleasure that I can now report that Gitaroo man does not suffer from any of these problems. The game - for lack of a better phrase is near perfect on the PSP. My only niggle is a design fault of the PSP itself in that the game requires you to use the PSPs analog stick - mind you this isn't half as bad on the new slim and lite.

The game does not use licensed music and as such runs the risk of falling flat on its arse but thankfully in true J-rhythm form features some utterly brilliant original music - every variation of rock possible. There really is something for everyone (I've even downloaded a number of the tracks onto my MP3 player they're so catchy. The graphics are crisp and enjoyable throughout and even the story will give youa chuckle.

A number of extra songs have also been packed into the PSP version which are playable during the multiplayer 'duet' mode (which unfortunately I haven't been able to try yet - but am assured is great).

the controls for Gitaroo Man are perhaps its best strength in their versatility and wide scope, each 'battle' consists of the phases CHARGE, ATTACK and DEFEND. Charging and Attacking consist of moving the analog stick to the music while pressing the O button to strum. Defending is more dance mat style only using the circle, cross, square and triangle buttons.

Frankly put if you haven't yet tried Gitaroo Man on the PS2 then you should be shot repeatedly if you don't get it for the PSP. And if you have played Gitaroo Man on the PS2 (Ya lucky bugger) surely it's worth shelling out the £15 (in most shops now) to play it on the go?

Pros:
- Excellent variety of music with even the games worst songs outclassing those of most rhythm games on the market now.
- Nice graphics translated well to the PSP.
- Multiplayer now included.
- Collectibles give a minor incentive to replay (which trust me you'll be doing regardless).
- Difficulty levels are exactly as they say (Master mode = godly...)
- Somehow it isn't frustrating to lose a battle 4 times in a row.

Cons:
- As with most brilliant games it's over too quickly (but then again I said that Skies of Arcadia was over too quickly and that was over 40 hours long...)
- No downloadable songs like in PSP PaRappa
- If you're using an original PSP you left thumb will drop off.

Verdict: By FAR the best rhythm game on the PSP with only a couple of minor niggles.
Graphics: Functional and backgrounds don't get in the way. Nice colourful characters that use the 2D faces I've always loved since Skies of Arcadia (Second time I've brought that game up in this review... Must go play it again...) 8.0/10

Score Breakdown

Music: Just listen to it! 9.8/10

Controls: Fun and varied, though possibly painful on and old PSP if you play for too long. 8.3/10

Longevity: You WILL replay this game, you'd be mad not to. 8.7/10

Overall score: 8.8
(Rounded down to 8.5 as I don't think it QUITE deserves 9 on gamespot's iditotic rating system).

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