Notes on "Dead Rhythm Games: Guitar Hero" Episode

Introduction

• Thank audience for positive feedback on the series.
• Originally planned as the last episode but more might come.
• Focus on the history of the Guitar Hero franchise.

Background

• Guitar Hero Partnership: Created by Red Octane and Harmonix.
  • Harmonix had experience with rhythm games like Frequency, Amplitude.
  • Red Octane inspired by Konami's Guitar Freaks.
• Gameplay Basics: Scrolling highway representing guitar neck, five lanes for guitar controller buttons.
  • Hammer-ons and pull-offs (hopos).
  • Four difficulties: Easy, Medium, Hard, Expert.

The Original Guitar Hero

• Released November 7th, 2005 for PlayStation 2.
• Collaboration between Red Octane and Harmonix.
• Shipped with a Gibson SG guitar controller.
• Features covers of 30 licensed songs and 17 bonus songs due to licensing costs.
• Career mode follows a cover band.
• Popular artists included Motorhead, Ozzy Osbourne, Queen, ZZ Top, etc.
• High praise for innovative controller and soundtrack.

Guitar Hero 2

• Released November 7th, 2006 (PS2) and April 3rd, 2007 (Xbox 360).
• New Gibson SG and X-Floor controllers.
• 64 songs, notable artists included Avenged Sevenfold, My Chemical Romance.
• Added encore songs, multiple multiplayer modes, and a practice mode.
• Further solidified the franchise’s popularity.

Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s

• Released July 24th, 2007, only for PS2.
• Based on GH2 engine; 30 songs from the 80s.
• Criticized for being a cash-in at a high price.

Transition to Activision

• Acquisitions: Rad Octane by Activision in 2006, Harmonix by MTV Games.
• Neversoft takes over development of Guitar Hero.

Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock

• Released October 27th, 2007.
• 73 songs, fewer covers due to increased licensing.
• New features: boss battles, online multiplayer.
• Major success in sales and popularity.
• Iconic "Through the Fire and Flames" by Dragonforce.

Activision's Intense Release Schedule

• Guitar Hero Aerosmith: Released June 27th, 2008. Mixed reviews; considered a cash-in.
• Guitar Hero World Tour: Released October 26th, 2008.
  • Added drums and vocals, custom characters, and a music studio.
  • Mixed sales due to saturation.
• Guitar Hero on Tour (DS): Released June 22nd, 2008. Criticized for controller grip issues.

2009: Saturation and Struggles

• Guitar Hero Metallica: March 29th, 2009, well-received.
• Guitar Hero Smash Hits: June 16th, 2009, criticized as a cash-grab.
• Guitar Hero 5: September 1st, 2009, praised for new features but facing market saturation.
• Band Hero: November 3rd, 2009, mixed reviews, unclear target audience.
• Guitar Hero Van Halen: December 22nd, 2009, low sales, and missing features.

Decline in the Guitar Hero Franchise

• 2010 marked the end of Guitar Hero's era.
• Guitar Hero Warriors of Rock: September 24th, 2010, middling reviews, targeted series veterans.
• Oversaturation led to decline in sales and interest.

Attempted Reboot: Guitar Hero Live

• Released October 20th, 2015.
• New 6-fret gameplay style, live band video backdrop.
• GHTV mode featured 484 songs, later reduced due to server shutdown.
• Sold poorly, leading to the end of Guitar Hero releases.

Legacy and Community Revival

• Despite market decline, the Guitar Hero community thrived.
• Clone Hero: Modern successor with extensive custom song library.
• ScoreSpy CH: Online leaderboard client for Clone Hero.
• Continued fan engagement with custom patches, hardware mods.

Conclusion

• Guitar Hero oversaturation contributed to the fall of the genre.
• Community efforts keep the spirit alive through mods and custom content.
• Thank audience for support and mention of potential future episodes.