Rocksmith 2014 Review
Developer Ubisoft
Publisher Ubisoft
Platform Gen 4 & PC
Release Date Out Now
Rocksmith 2014 uses the impressive technology of the original Rocksmith, adds in some new features and game modes, tightens up the overall experience to be much more natural and adds some much needed options for self expression. New mini games will help you learn the basics of guitar to get you going, but the best new addition is the session mode which lets you play your own masterpieces with a live backing band giving you the freedom the original lacked.
It is hard to call 2014 a traditional sequel, nor is it only an upgrade. It falls somewhere in between, Ubi take the strong foundations of the original then strip away the pain points and clutter. The addition of brilliant new game modes and learning tools ensures the game has received the make over it needed to be the complete package.
A new layout and icons for the different types of notes helps to differentiate between normal one finger notes, chords, and finger taps. The best addition in terms of learning is the riff repeater being available mid song. If a part is getting the better of you use this to slow things down and let you build up to perfecting each section.
If you ever get to the point where you are mastering the game it switches to Master Mode and removes the on screen notes. This is your first time playing without the games help. It feels great but takes a lot of practice and is much harder than you think.
Boasting 50 songs on disk there is a lot to keep you interested and rocking into the long hours of the night. Songs vary in style and difficulty. Some are simple songs with only a few power cords, others are complex titles that only the best guitarists could master.
A new deal with the major amp manufactures allows Rocksmith to re-create their sounds. Emulation gives you the chance to experience the sound from a Marshall, ENGL or Orange amp without the cost.
Mini games teach you the basics and the tricks of the trade to get you on your way. Sometimes playing the same chord over and over is a chore so these games offer a break from that while teaching you valuable lessons.
Session mode mentioned earlier is the cream of the new features. Here you jam with a virtual band of backing musicians. The band listens to you and plays along with you matching your tempo and scale. This means that you are free to experiment and express yourself, a feature sorely missing from the original.
Overall: Rocksmith was a good leap from plastic instruments to a real learning tool. Rocksmith 2014 takes all that good work and builds on it to make the most complete package for any budding guitar fans.
SCORE 4.5/5
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