If you bought the first On Tour and loved it, this is for you!!!
The On Tour series is still compatible with the DS Lite (and yes, the old chunky DS), but the Guitar Grip contraption requires the GBA slot, which, sadly, the DSi does not include. Those who bought the first On Tour game will be happy to know their fancy guitar grips will work with the "stand-alone game", which can be bought for a significantly lower price. Is it worth (-insert price here-)?
Well, uh… maybe. Decades plays exactly like its predecessor, Bass Hero: On Tour (I mean Guitar Hero!!!). Strum with the pick or stylus, and mash on the four (four?) frets like there's no tomorrow. The only real physical difference I noticed was the touch screen sensitivity. It has more issues picking up strums, and tapping the "Star Power" icon results in losing whatever streak you were maintaining. (Thumbs down here from those against blowing for Star Power.) All-in-all, it's the same basic feel from On Tour, cramped fingers and strained wrists.
Graphically, Decades runs a bit smoother, but it's the same engine running here. Menus are a bit more in-depth and colorful. Venues are bigger, and the characters running them are now represented in cartoon-form. Activision has added two more characters to its' list: Midori and Clive Winston.
As far as story goes, Decades is yet again, yep, more or less On Tour all over again. Head from location to location, complete four songs and then an encore. Earn money for playing well to buy guitars and clothes that you could play equally as well without (what else is money for?). There are no surprises here, literally, unless you consider unlocking songs major plot twists. Still, this is Guitar Hero, so who's complaining? Decades gives players two more chances to replay their favorite songs for "quick" cash with a Bass/Rhythm and Guitar Duels tour as well. Both of these options are nice enough, if you're that passionate about the setlist… yes, I'm getting to the setlist.
The first On Tour featured twenty-five songs and one unlock, this is the same for Decades with three unlocks now. I won't reveal their names, if you consider them spoilers, but I'll give you a hint: "We are The Champions", "Smooth Criminal", and "Satch Boogie". Oops. But seriously, the setlist is a pretty important part of the game, now that On Tour has established the capabilities of the genre on a handheld. It's hard to say Decades has improved from On Tour, because both have fairly decent setlists. It depends if you prefer older and more diverse songs over On Tour's more recent songs. The setlist here is really sweet, so you're getting your money's worth in the songs department.
Overall, Decades is a pretty decent sequel. I highly suggest this to anyone who bought the original, because, hey, you already have your guitar grip. Keep strumming and grab a copy if you just can't get enough. ***
*Sincere apologies for all sarcasm expressed in this review. Including the sarcasm I'm implying right now.