Following the recent popularity of
music-based games, Band Hero represents a genuinely bold effort to cover new
territory. While this is not the first time such games have been crafted for
portable platforms, the Nintendo DS certainly has a knack for incorporating
novel gameplay in an accessible format. Unfortunately, the DS Lite is the only
handheld that is fully compatible with Band Hero. Early adopters of the DSi may
be disappointed to learn that their highly-advanced toy will not allow them full
access to Band Hero’s range of peripherals; however, the core experience is not
devastated by this omission.
It would be rather easy to write off
Band Hero’s peripheral offerings as another music-game gimmick, but there are a
few points to consider. Due to the nature of the gameplay, Band Hero really is
best when played with the intended peripheral. Despite the somewhat awkward feel
of the “instruments,” there is an indisputable element of novelty that will
appeal to younger audiences. Taking the experience on the road was not
particularly viable with home consoles, particularly since the massive guitar
peripheral could easily fill a suitcase. While the add-ons for Band Hero
certainly add volume, they should be far more manageable when packing for an
extended vacation.
While Band Hero’s guitar peripheral
will certainly become a go-to instrument, its integration with the DS leaves
something to be desired. The strumming mechanic utilizes the touch screen, which
although accessible, makes the response somewhat unreliable. More irritating is
the guitar grip itself, which appears to emphasize portability over comfort. It
would not surprise me to see this add-on undergo a radical redesign in future
iterations, as it is easily the biggest obstacle to a genuinely fun play
session. This can also become problematic in multiplayer sessions, where four
people will each utilize a different instrument. Even with fewer than the
maximum number of players, Band Hero does get a lot better when played with
friends.
The drum grip offers a far more
reliable method of interaction. The enlarged pads are centered over the DS’s
primary buttons and D-Pad, so the capricious touch screen isn’t a big cause of
concern. The visceral nature of the drums also lends a somewhat more satisfying
flavor to the gameplay, and since they’re more comfortable than the guitar, they
can be utilized in longer gameplay sessions. Band Hero also features a
karaoke-style microphone feature. The often-maligned voice capabilities of the
DS are not entirely unavoidable, but the game does a surprisingly decent job of
recognizing voice pitch. Either that, or this reviewer is destined to become the
next American Idol.
For the musical tone of Band Hero,
players will be treated to contemporary playlist featuring everyone from Avril
Lavigne to The Rolling Stones. This ensures that a wider age range will find
something to suit them within the game, even if it does muddle Band Hero’s
identity to some degree. The visual design settles in pretty comfortable on the
DS, with the familiar caricatures and vivid colors almost crammed into the
screens. For all its flaws, Band Hero still offers a suitable musical experience
for fans of the genre. Just don’t get caught singing into your DS – unless you
enjoy scaring bystanders.
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Gameplay: 7.5
From strings to
drums, there’s a pretty nice selection of instruments here, especially for a
handheld title. The mini-games are nice, but the replayability isn’t quite
there.
Graphics: 7.9
Somewhat messy,
but the visual style helps to translate the franchise’s spirit to the DS.
Sound: 8.0
Great audio,
provided you like the song library. Bring headphones if you’re in public,
though.
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Some challenges
help mix things up, but the game still manages to be very approachable.
Concept: 7.0
Implementing new
peripherals could not have been an easy task. The drums are nice, but the guitar
needs some work.
Multiplayer: 8.0
If you can find
someone who is able to tolerate the guitar grip, make sure you treat them
nicely. Band Hero is a blast in multiplayer, and generates a wonderful cacophony
to disturb the neighbors.
Overall: 7.8
Band Hero takes
the musical genre one step further, and demonstrates its viability on handheld
platforms. It might be some time before it replaces the console versions,
however. A better guitar, and a more serious dedication to rewarding gameplay
would really draw the crowds.
