'Guitar Hero' comes alive
In the suddenly reignited war of the music games, "Guitar Hero Live" (Activision, PS4, Xbox One) is this year's wild card. A fundamental reimagining of control, presentation and progression adds up to an experience that feels novel. Sadly, much of the gameplay is gated behind a labyrinth of currencies and purchases that ultimately pulls me out of the music. Two modes offer distinct experiences. Live mode includes more than 40 songs, each acted out by one of 10 fictitious bands. These performances are over-the-top. TV mode is a much more complicated beast. This online-only experience offers two streaming channels of music videos in which your playing is measured against nine other live players of related skill. Alternatively, you can select tunes from a hefty catalog of 200 songs and accompanying music videos or live performances.
Matt Miller, Game Informer
