Guitar Hero II (video game)
Published by RedOctane, distributed by Activision, 2006

Game Summary:
This game is played using almost life sized guitar controllers with four different colored buttons and a bar to strum along with, so it looks like you are playing a real guitar. The game can be played with one or two players. When there are two players, they can play as a team or compete against each other. The object of the game is to hit all the notes at the correct time to finish a song without getting booed offstage before the song is over.

Players get to choose an avatar and dress him/her how they want. Then they get to pick where they want to tour, and what song they want to play. Songs on Guitar Hero II include "You Really Got Me" by the Kinks, "Carry on Wayward Son" by Kansas, "Heart-Shaped Box" by Nirvana, "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns n' Roses, and "Message in a Bottle" by the Police. Playing all of the songs well will let the player unlock even more songs. Finishing a song successfully earns cheers from the crowd and lets the tour continue.

Critical Evaluation:
Guitar Hero is a lot of fun to play, and in general, I do not enjoy playing video games. It's fun to feel like a rock star and have crowds cheering for you. It didn't take me very long at all to progress from the "Easy" to "Medium" level of play, where the notes come at you in more complicated combinations. It's especially fun to play with another person in either the cooperative or competitive mode. The commentary from the tour manager is pretty amusing as well. I can see why libraries often purchase this game for game nights.

Player’s Annotation:
You look like a rock star, but can you shred like one? Put your fingers to the test with Guitar Hero II.

Information about the Publisher:
RedOctane was founded in 1999 by Kai Huang and Charles Huang and is best known for its Guitar Hero games. They began operation as the world's first online video game rental service. They are now owned by Activision.

Genre: video games

Curriculum Ties: none

Gametalking Ideas:
I would explain how the game works, how to choose a character and song, etc. I'm sure most teens need no explanation from me though.

Interest Age:
This game is appropriate for almost all ages, perhaps 12-adult.

Challenge Issues:
This game looks a little scary from the cover, but is really very harmless. Some of the songs such as "War Pigs" or "Shout at the Devil" could be objectionable. I would explain the library's selection policy and let the challenger fill out a complaint form.

Why I chose this game:
I read that a lot of libraries use this game and others like it, for their game nights, and they always get a large turnout.