Guitar Hero 5 is the fifth main game in the Guitar Hero franchise in which you live your dreams of becoming a rock star as make your way to the top of becoming a legend. The song list this time around features 85 tracks from a variety of bands, both new and old, so there is bound to be something for everyone.

The gameplay remains the same as it has been. Players may choose the instrument of their liking; guitar, bass, drums, or microphone. Then they must match the sequence of notes on screen and rack up the most points possible. There are a total of four different notes, normal, star power, and then two that you only need to tap the corresponding note without strumming. Hit enough star power notes and you’ll be able to double the points gained during a set amount of time depending on how much star power you’ve earned.

Graphics for the series have been overhauled and they look amazing. No longer do characters look like pasty stick figures performing in front of a cardboard cutout crowd. There is much more depth to them and their mannerisms in rocking out. The stages have received an upgrade as well, having some flashy intros for some of the song choices. It’s actually kinda fun to watch instead of playing for once.

Guitar Hero 5 features more playing modes than I’ve seen before. Even the typical career mode has been updated to included challenges for each song. These range from hitting all up strums on your bass to creating the longest streak of notes. Players can earn Gold, Platinum, and Diamond rankings on these challenges depending on how well they do and if it’s good enough, unlock an extra bonus for the game. It adds a much needed variety to just matching the notes on screen. The challenges vary just as much as the songs do.

In addition to the career mode, there are plenty of multiplayer modes to challenge friends on. Party Play allows up to four players drop in or out of the game whenever they wish. It’s like a quick start version of the game without having to go through any menus and such. Competitive allows up to eight players to rock out against each other in seven different modes: Pro Face-Off, Momentum, Streakers, Do or Die, Elimination, Perfectionist, and RockFest. Each of the modes challenges the player to perform different tasks to their favorite songs. It’s an absolute blast to play…if you can find enough players that is.

The one flaw about multiplayer is trying to find someone to play against. Sure, searching for players is easy with the touch of a button, but actually finding them proves to be difficult. Then, if you do succeed in starting a game, be careful because if someone drops out, it’ll usually result in the game ending for everyone else as well. The modes are fun when you finally get everything going; it’s just the dull process that makes you want to jump into Party Play.

Guitar Hero 5 is a major step up from World Tour in almost every aspect. New songs, new modes, new characters; it’s all good stuff. If you have yet to play a rhythm game, there isn’t a better time than now.