GENRE
	Music
	DEVELOPER
	Vicarious Visions
	PUBLISHER
	Activision
	NUMBER OF PLAYERS
	1-4
	WI-FI ENHANCED
	Yes
	DS COMPATIBLE
	Yes
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Even before accessing the main menu, Guitar Hero 5 will have fingers aching from musical pleasure. But this is just the start. Developer Vicarious Visions jam packs the Wii version of the title with remarkable content rarely seen on the white system, such as DS-to-Wii connectivity and streamlined online functionality. It is for these reasons and more -- like improved visuals and career mode refinements -- that the newest entry in the Guitar Hero franchise loudly claims the throne as best music game for Nintendo’s home console.

Once booted up, Guitar Hero 5 immediately kicks into Party Play, featuring every song unlocked from the start. This mode randomly sifts through the playlist, playing song after song, allowing up to four people to pick up and play any instrument -- on any difficulty -- at any time. Even better, the mode automatically includes no fail, so nobody will be booed off the stage. In addition, users may come and go as they wish, with no hindrance to other players. People can even leave the game on as a musical and visual showcase for visitors and party-goers if they wish. The accessibility of Party Play is unparalleled by any other music game, or almost any other multiplayer game.

As for participating, the basic premise of tapping notes on a guitar (or bass) peripheral as colored buttons scroll downward on a black highway remains practically unchanged. The same rings true for vocals and drums, except for the inclusion of band moments in songs. When players join cooperative jam sessions, new orange fire notes indicate a band moment, in which a multiplier may be obtained if all users nail the string of chords. It adds some cohesiveness to the band experience, but really seems like a makeshift star power mechanic and nothing too ground-breaking.

What entails people to strain their forearms, fingers and lungs while playing songs is easily the soundtrack. This title proffers a ton of variety, from popular modern acts like No Doubt and Blink-182 to classics like Johnny Cash and Elton John. The list also is robust, with 80-plus songs packed on the disc -- not even including an improved GHTunes 2.0, where people can create and download user-created content. Some songs do seem out of place, like Gorillaz’s “Feel Good Inc.” which has a bland and boring note make-up, but there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy. It also helps that the game contains only master recordings and crisply pulses out of stereo systems and TV speakers.

The main meat for users to enjoy with Guitar Hero 5, other than Party Play, is career mode, which also features further refinement. No longer are bands on some rise-to-fame tour similar to Guitar Hero World Tour or the Rock Band franchise. Instead, the title utilizes the more classic approach by moving up venue tiers by star counts, with a slight, yet intelligent twist. Each song now includes a challenge, such as obtaining a certain note streak for a guitarist or refilling star power so many times on drums. This enhancement adds depth to the mode, driving players to replay songs on certain instruments or with a full band to gain up to 3 additional stars. Overall, the mode streamlines the process from Guitar Hero World Tour and is downright addicting, but still lacks some of the depth of Rock Band’s main mode.

What elevates the Wii version corresponds to DS-to-Wii connectivity. Roadie Battle allows two DS users to act as roadies and sabotage two players battling on Wii guitars. DS players can start fires, amp explosions and even cause lefty flips, which guitarists have to play through until their individual roadie fixes the backstage troubles. This attack/defend strategy features a lot of depth and options and leads to amusing interactions between teammates and opponents. Even more impressive is the quick process of downloading the game to DS. On top of that, the DS visuals rival many packaged titles for the handheld system. Vicarious Visions pushes the boundaries and possibilities of DS-to-Wii connectivity, and at the same time, creates a Wii-specific killer multiplayer mode that will keep people coming back for more.

The connectivity does not stop there, though, as the DS may also be utilized during Mii Freestyle. This mode allows users to take their Miis to the stage and jam out as they see fit, improvising over top pre-recorded beats. Whoever controls the DS also acts as a stage manager, with the abilities to change camera perspectives and alter lighting. The mode definitely fails to be as addicting as Roadie Battle, but the function works really well, and it is awesome to be able to send these Freestyle videos to friends over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

Speaking of online, Vicarious Visions once again pushes the envelope for Wii. The game connects to Nintendo Wi-Fi upon starting the game with no input needed from the user. Players are notified of the connection via an on-screen display in the upper right corner, but other than that, any mode may be played online easily or a renovated and enhanced Music Store may be accessed with minimal fuss. Not only that, but the game imports Wii System codes instead of requiring game-specific codes, which adds another layer of icing to the cake.

Once connected to others, jam sessions erupt with barely any lag or noticeable disruptions, creating a charming experience that only lacks Wii Speak. But that’s forgiven when considering that SD cards may be used to download, store, and play downloadable content. Guitar Hero 5 even allows previous owners of Guitar Hero Smash Hits and World Tour to upload 21 and 35 songs, respectively, for minimal costs -- 200 Nintendo Points for Smash Hits' tracks, or 350 for World Tour's. The download/transfer process moves a bit slow, but the fact that track packs are now available for Wii and 32 GB SD cards are a go, it’s a minor complaint. There’s no doubt this is by far best online setup for any Wii game.

Amazingly, Vicarious Visions does not stop there. There is a slight uptick with visuals, with lighting playing a much strong role. Various colored lights will reflect on character models, which create some dynamic and impressive scenes. Models also appear improved, with smoother outlines instead of the jaggies that plagued World Tour. Last by not least, loading takes a considerable less time, allowing for more time to rock ‘n’ roll and less time staring at the screen like a zombie.

You will want all the time to rock out with Guitar Hero 5. Vicarious Visions not only pushes technical aspects of the Wii, but also utilizes DS-to-Wii connectivity and online functionality to further enhance an amazing game. Party Play showcases accessibility and brilliance, while the career mode successfully refines many elements and introduces a clever challenge element. The Guitar Hero franchise may be growing older, but it has never looked so good, especially on Nintendo’s console.

9.1/10