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PS2 | Simulation | Guitar Hero II

Boxart for Guitar Hero II
Guitar Hero II 9 screen shots
  • GRAPHICS: 4.00
  • SOUND: 5.00
  • CONTROL: 4.75
  • FUN FACTOR 4.50
  • AVG USER SCORE 4.8
  • AVG CRITIC SCORE 4.6
Winner of the GamePro Editor's Choice Award

Feature: Guitar Hero II Controller Roundup

Feature by Chris Morell | 11/09/2006 | 13:34:25 PM PST

Guitar Hero II has landed, and GamePro has the lowdown on all the new Guitar Hero controllers!

Looking for our review of Guitar Hero II? You can find that right here!

And don't forget about our contest where we're giving away a full retail copy of the game!

With Guitar Hero II releasing today, demand for a second guitar is running high as gamers want to rock out with their friends. Whether it be in Guitar Hero II's new co-op, face-off or pro face-off modes, make sure you have the best gear possible to nail those furious solos. Mr. Marbles is here to tell you what controller is the best axe out there.

TAC Freedom V Wireless (Red)
TAC Freedom V Wireless

TAC Freedom V Wireless

TAC makes seveal different versions on the V controller, but the one we reviewed here is the red Freedom V Wireless. It is approximately the same length as the SG, but its V wings make it about 3 or 4 inches wider. It works out of the box with Guitar Hero II, so no extra adapter required here. The Freedom V is standard wireless and runs on a 2.4 GHz wireless frequency courtesy of a small black transmitter that plugs into a PS2 controller port.

TAC boasts 100 feet of wireless range, though we think it's a little silly to test it, or even play at anything further than 20 feet or so. But at about 20 feet, it seemed to work pretty well.

Unlike the Nyko Frontman, the V has an on/off switch on the side/bottom of the guitar body. If set in the 'off' position, the wireless transmitter flashes red, meaning the guitar is not connected. When turned to the 'on' position, the transmitter turns solid red, and the guitar is then connected. The controller offers 800 hours of play on one round of batteries, which isn't too shabby.

The guitar itself takes 4 AA batteries, and the battery compartment must be unscrewed to put them in. It seems like a slide and pop-open system would have been a more user-friendly way to go. There is also a blue light behind the strum bar that TAC claims as "rich blue", but it is much less impressive in person.

The design of the guitar is a bit shaky. When shaken, you can hear lots of things rattling around in there, which is never good for build quality.

The fret buttons on the V are a little less sticky than the Shredder, but they also rock back and forth unlike the sturdy ones on the SG. Plus they just pop out too far above the neck causing a cheap-o look. We found that fast, soloing finger-work caused us some problems on the V.

The strum bar is much better than the Shredder, and is quieter, to boot. It is sturdy and performs well for fast, alternate strumming. The whammy bar is pretty close in feel to the SG, but it still has some spring-back action when it is let go of.

The V offers two different strap locations for righties and lefties, though it comes with the worst strap of any of the tested guitars. The strap holes are so soft that they often times pop right off of the strap hooks, which is not good considering that you can't play the V sitting down without a strap on, as it slides right off your knee.

The V's red matte red finish and white pickguard make for an overall snazzy design, as the V certainly sports a great deal of cool factor. Wireless is great, but performance is more important in Guitar Hero, a game that depends solely on the quality of the guitar and its compatibility with the game. With a $54.99 tag, you make the call.

Grade: C

Worthy of: Metallica (post Napster debacle)
Guitar Hero SG Controller (Red)

Well, there's really not that much to say about the new SG that you probably don't already know. It's basically the same guitar with a matte red finish and a black pickguard, instead of white, and a black neck and head, instead of brown. But there are subtle improvements that should help in your journey through Guitar Hero II.

The whole package.

The whole package.

The fret buttons have been tightened up just a bit--it is barely noticeable--to offer smoother finger work. The whammy bar also gets a subtle tightening, but the best new addition is the thick rubber protection that now surrounds the cord where it enters the SG. Many players have reported loose connections and therefore a controller disconnect issue arises should the cord get consistently jammed into one's knee. RedOctane has admitted that the SG wasn't meant to be played sitting down, so there was no real thought that the cord would be subject to bending. So for round two, the problem has been solved.

And that's basically it. Aside from sleek new red design, there's not a whole lot more reason to reinvest in the red SG to replace your original. But if you are in need of a second guitar, the red SG is certainly the way to go, especially if you don't mind the cord dragged across your floor. And it will only cost you an extra $30, bundled with the game. The SG is still the standard in Guitar Hero control, and it doesn't look like anyone is going to outshine the creators in performance.

Grade: A

Worthy of: Cream


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