Same Great Taste
Specifically though Guitar Hero 2 (GH2) is a whole lot like its predecessor. This is by far not a bad thing. With an improved Hammer-on and Pull-off function you can have an easier time of those difficult solos, and difficult solos is something that GH2 does real well. This game, at times, feels like it is meant for those who mastered the original game. Some of the songs are just insane with difficult solos and combinations of notes; you've really got to be awake for those. Developers do a good job, though of helping new players by keeping the difficulty levels adjustable and give a new practice mode. Multiplayer is, as I said above, active and fun adding a new co-op feature. One player plays as the guitar and the other the bass/rhythm section. In essence it is two different games to play in one. The multiplayer is worth investing the money in a second guitar... whether through purchase of the game bundle or spending your cash on a separate one. Anyone who has a friend should convince them to play this with you, I found that you could take the most stubborn non-gamer and turn them into a GH freak.
Not all is grand in the rock n' roll stairway. The songs here aren't as memorable as in the original. I found myself struggling to get through some so I could get to a song I wanted to play. This is something I didn't do in the original. Still the memorable songs this one has are some of the best you could ever hope to play. I realize this is only a minor rant but what kind of a game review would this be if I didn't rant.
All things aside GH2 is worth your cash. With only minor issues in song choice and maybe a feeling of "haven't we drove this way before" from time to time, I would have to say this is one of the best games of 2006. Now we just wait for the next one.