Guitar Hero II

 PlayStation 2
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 178 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 143 out of 178
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 178
  3. Negative: 9 out of 178
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  1. PR9Gaming
    Aug 12, 2023
    9
    The start of guitar hero really being a new hobby more than a video game. Basically improved on 1 in every way without taking anything out or messing with the formula too much.
  2. The_D4RknesS
    Apr 14, 2023
    9
    this game is much more beautiful and superior than guitar hero 3, my favorite!
  3. GabePhoenix
    Mar 13, 2022
    7
    Quite the improvement over it's previous entry; as well as packed with a much better selection of songs that would satisfy the most metal-hungry person.

    The campaign mode was fairly improved as well, featuring a better sense of progression, plenty of satisfying encore songs, and a proper, over-the-top finale featuring Free Bird, one of the greatest songs ever made. I wish, however,    Quite the improvement over it's previous entry; as well as packed with a much better selection of songs that would satisfy the most metal-hungry person.

    The campaign mode was fairly improved as well, featuring a better sense of progression, plenty of satisfying encore songs, and a proper, over-the-top finale featuring Free Bird, one of the greatest songs ever made.

    I wish, however, that the campaign shop had been improved with more useful items, and not so much cosmetics, as they don't really appeal to me. You can still buy extra songs, that are, overall, less popular than the main ones, and two behind-the-scenes videos, which is cool.

    Guitar Hero II is a step forward, but could've brought a little bit more changes to the table. It was released only an year after the first installment, though, so there's a very short period in-between them.

    Nevertheless, I appreciate this game, and it is a GOOD experience.    … Expand
  4. Ardho
    Aug 29, 2021
    9
    Guitar Hero II has the best songlist, a lot of songs that I really like listening to, the chart notes are also very fitting with the songs, really managed to make me feel like playing a real guitar, the concert atmosphere and characters are very good, many choices of unique guitars, I love playing with my old school friends, beautiful days
  5. Lucas_Eduardo
    Feb 15, 2021
    9
    Na minha opinião esse jogo é um dos melhores da franquia, e eu até o consideraria o melhor se não fosse a minha paixão pelo GH3.
    Tipo, sério a soundtrack dele é ótima, o tempo de resposta dos controles é incrível, os gráficos estão até melhores do que no seu anterior assim como a quantidade de músicas.
    Só não dou nota 10 porque acho que ainda pra melhorar muito(mesmo sabendo que foi feito    Na minha opinião esse jogo é um dos melhores da franquia, e eu até o consideraria o melhor se não fosse a minha paixão pelo GH3.
    Tipo, sério a soundtrack dele é ótima, o tempo de resposta dos controles é incrível, os gráficos estão até melhores do que no seu anterior assim como a quantidade de músicas.
    Só não dou nota 10 porque acho que ainda pra melhorar muito(mesmo sabendo que foi feito "as pressas")
    Então, é a minha opinião sobre o GH2.    … Expand
  6. fuyuyuki
    Sep 7, 2020
    8
    a HUGE improvement on the guitar hero formula. this game takes what the original does right and does it better, along with many improvements with the engine to make it less unfair to play
  7. Andremax
    Jul 15, 2018
    10
    The best Guitar Hero game of the series. One of the best soundtracks of all time in games, the best one in the franchise. It has been introduced the newest generation to the good music, specifically Rock. One of funniest games of all time, principally risking on a guitar controller.
    Quite funny and nostalgic. Tasteful playing this game until nowadays.
  8. Andjelico95
    May 30, 2015
    10
    Ahh, so many good memories i made with this game. I loved those animations, the setlist and the career mode. This was a revolutionary game (and Guitar Hero 1 of course), and i am still addicted to the Guitar Hero franchise, especially this game. One thing i don't like about this game, and that is the HOPO-system. You must be Very accurate to hit every note, but you will learn that one day.Ahh, so many good memories i made with this game. I loved those animations, the setlist and the career mode. This was a revolutionary game (and Guitar Hero 1 of course), and i am still addicted to the Guitar Hero franchise, especially this game. One thing i don't like about this game, and that is the HOPO-system. You must be Very accurate to hit every note, but you will learn that one day.

    This is a game i never will forget.    … Expand
  9. AOTfan123
    Jan 10, 2015
    9
    An awesome sequel to the first Guitar Hero game. The setlist is really good and filled with songs which most of them covers which some are not really good like the Laid to Rest and the Killing in the Name covers, in my opinion they should've just gotten the masters and censored them instead of covering it. The graphics are good but really didn't change from the first game and theAn awesome sequel to the first Guitar Hero game. The setlist is really good and filled with songs which most of them covers which some are not really good like the Laid to Rest and the Killing in the Name covers, in my opinion they should've just gotten the masters and censored them instead of covering it. The graphics are good but really didn't change from the first game and the difficulty is just right for Hard and Expert so if you want a challenge try those two difficulties, for a 8 year old game it does feel outdated but still a lot of fun to play.… Expand
  10. Andjelico
    Nov 22, 2014
    9
    I love everything about this game, except the hammer-on and pull-off system.

    I am pretty sure that i suddenly miss a note for no reason. I hit the notes at the right timing, but still losing my multiplier and destroys my accuracy stats! It's almost impossible to hit every note on this game when you are strumming very fast, because the game wont register everytime you strum. Overall,    I love everything about this game, except the hammer-on and pull-off system.

    I am pretty sure that i suddenly miss a note for no reason. I hit the notes at the right timing, but still losing my multiplier and destroys my accuracy stats! It's almost impossible to hit every note on this game when you are strumming very fast, because the game wont register everytime you strum.

    Overall, this is one of my favourite Guitar Hero games ever made. It makes so many good memories.    … Expand
  11. jeffharrison
    Jul 30, 2012
    8
    This game is amazingly addictive. My ps3 fried and i got a ps2 and played this game. This game is almost ps3 worthy...i hope they remake it in ps4. the notes are a little off and the song selection (being almost all of them are covers) is a little off...then again my music liking may be a little different then Red Octane. The graphics are 8/10 for a ps2...the cartoon artwork was a veryThis game is amazingly addictive. My ps3 fried and i got a ps2 and played this game. This game is almost ps3 worthy...i hope they remake it in ps4. the notes are a little off and the song selection (being almost all of them are covers) is a little off...then again my music liking may be a little different then Red Octane. The graphics are 8/10 for a ps2...the cartoon artwork was a very good move they didn't really keep in GH 3 :(… Expand
  12. Fragasnap
    Nov 21, 2011
    7
    Guitar Hero II is bounds better than Guitar Hero. Though the addition of encores is a superfluous addition that only wastes time in the long run, a larger set list, an improved practice mode, two-player simultaneous modes, a vastly improved hammer on system, and superior charting leave little to argue against the upgrade for fans of the original excepting preference of songs. Today, thisGuitar Hero II is bounds better than Guitar Hero. Though the addition of encores is a superfluous addition that only wastes time in the long run, a larger set list, an improved practice mode, two-player simultaneous modes, a vastly improved hammer on system, and superior charting leave little to argue against the upgrade for fans of the original excepting preference of songs. Today, this game is outmoded by other rhythm games except for the guitarist who wishes to test his mettle against Jordan.… Expand
  13. Watermelon789
    Jul 23, 2011
    10
    GH 1 proved that the Music genre had a niche and that it could expand in the horizon of games. GH2 was even better than the predecessor and made what it made it good, into a juggernaut in the last couple years. The musics start getting nicer and more taste for more varied ways. Guitar Hero 2 is addicting and fun, but also the best in the GH big list.
  14. bills
    Dec 6, 2008
    10
    I have to give this a 10 best game ever, all other games are drink coasters! no but seriously harmonix & crew did the best they could with what they had. it costs real money for actual vocalists to rerecord for the games... and thats for the artists that responded... most bands didnt return the call because they still didnt know what the heck guitar hero even was, let alone know what itI have to give this a 10 best game ever, all other games are drink coasters! no but seriously harmonix & crew did the best they could with what they had. it costs real money for actual vocalists to rerecord for the games... and thats for the artists that responded... most bands didnt return the call because they still didnt know what the heck guitar hero even was, let alone know what it would do to their music/reputation so relax dont overthink this unless youve really read into it!… Expand
  15. AlexHeim
    Jun 29, 2008
    7
    Although very fun casually, this game lacks any sort of gameplay worth committing to. I am a big fan of classic rock and still this game disappoints me. I'm afraid hype has given this title too much credit. If you are a casual gamer this is a perfect game for you. It has simplistic, easy to learn gameplay that can entertain you for hours. If you aren't a casual gamer you mayAlthough very fun casually, this game lacks any sort of gameplay worth committing to. I am a big fan of classic rock and still this game disappoints me. I'm afraid hype has given this title too much credit. If you are a casual gamer this is a perfect game for you. It has simplistic, easy to learn gameplay that can entertain you for hours. If you aren't a casual gamer you may want to pass this title up for something that will be more worth the price… Expand
  16. BryanMcCann
    Nov 27, 2007
    9
    it is pritty much the same as the 360 version with the less graphics. it has may more better songs then the 1st and they did not change much so it still is great. I think this is the only Guitar Hero game I still own. I traded in number 1 and 3 because 3 was just horable and one I got sick of.
  17. ErikaJ.
    Oct 1, 2007
    10
    This game is absolutely amazing. Guitar Hero II is harder than the first and offers new exciting songs that are even more fun to play than the ones in Guitar Hero. The new characters are awesome; they even updated them to have two different looks! To me the tracks in the second game are more fun to play, but they are not as modern as the ones in the first, like Take Me Out and No One This game is absolutely amazing. Guitar Hero II is harder than the first and offers new exciting songs that are even more fun to play than the ones in Guitar Hero. The new characters are awesome; they even updated them to have two different looks! To me the tracks in the second game are more fun to play, but they are not as modern as the ones in the first, like Take Me Out and No One Knows as opposed to Ziggy Stardust or War Pigs. Which songs are better is a personal preference. I prefer the songs on GH II, my favorite being Miserlou. The songs are also more challenging so that experienced players will enjoy the step up; however, it… Expand
  18. CaioK.
    Sep 28, 2007
    8
    Good game, but not as good as the first. The track list is not as good, there are a lot of songs that most of the people never heard about, and some of the covers are in a lower level compared to the previous game. But still a very fun game, and some of that bands that I missed on the first one are there, like Guns and Roses and Aerosmith.
  19. TonyG.
    Jul 20, 2007
    10
    Sooooo much fun, while there maybe many songs u dont know you get used 2 them as u play them over and over again. Soon the unfamiliar songs become familiar.
  20. ZackH.
    Jul 4, 2007
    10
    This game is great. a lot of the people complain about the track list but even for the bad songs there is a good fun guitar track. and there are some good tracks like war pigs, beast and the harlot, laid to rest and many other rock classics, the graphics are ok but i always said graphics are the least thing to worry about in games. muliplayer is grea for freinds.
  21. VinceC>
    Jul 3, 2007
    10
    This game is absolutely amazing and anyone that says otherwise has no idea what they are talking about. The multiplayer was improved sooo much from the first one and personally i think that the songs are better in the second one. I knew 2 or 3 songs from every group and the first 4 groups i knew every single one which made it so much more fun. And after playing for a while you begin to This game is absolutely amazing and anyone that says otherwise has no idea what they are talking about. The multiplayer was improved sooo much from the first one and personally i think that the songs are better in the second one. I knew 2 or 3 songs from every group and the first 4 groups i knew every single one which made it so much more fun. And after playing for a while you begin to like every song, aside from institutionalized and freya(i hate those songs). Even the bonus tracks have a few greats like thunderhorse, gemini, six, and jordan which are all challenging and a lot of fun. Their could be some improvements for the third installment like a pro-faceoff where u dont have to do the same difficulty, and an easier transition from medium to hard would be better. overall i would give this game a 9.8 and it is in my top 5 favorite games of all time.… Expand
  22. DaveB.
    Jun 17, 2007
    10
    The absolute greatest rythm game ever made.
  23. DanW.
    May 29, 2007
    9
    This game has an awsome song selection, it needs more modern songs. This game is very fun with friends seeing who can get a better score. I give it a thumbs up
  24. KolC.
    Mar 3, 2007
    7
    Guitar Hero II's is a step forward and a step back. On the up side, the mutli-player is much improved. Guitar Hero is perfect for playing with friends, so the original's lack of co-op was a big downer during GH parties. Yet, while the new co-op and improved competitive modes are certainly great, GH II's songs are simply not as good, and the quality of the covers is also Guitar Hero II's is a step forward and a step back. On the up side, the mutli-player is much improved. Guitar Hero is perfect for playing with friends, so the original's lack of co-op was a big downer during GH parties. Yet, while the new co-op and improved competitive modes are certainly great, GH II's songs are simply not as good, and the quality of the covers is also down (Mother and War Pigs are espically awful). Of particular note are the songs above teir five, which, with a few exceptions, range from very bad to terrible. The songs are horrible choices, because very few people know them, they're to genre specific (The Beast and the Harlot may be loved by metal fans, but it's nothing compared to Crossroads, which everyone seems to love), and they're to long and repetitive. Yes, they're very difficult, but the point of this game is fun - instead, it seems the developers were only concerned with challenging those few who conquered the first game. I find myself wishing that GH's songs could be combined with GH II's multi-player - that would be a perfect game.… Expand
  25. KyleF.
    Dec 30, 2006
    10
    The single player is not as enjoyable as in the first game and both the regular and extra song lists could be better, BUT the multiplayer is incredible. Also, kudos for improving the hammer-ons and pull-offs. It makes the fast sections SO much easier! And, to J.L...although they didn't write the song, a cover of Van Halen's "You Really Got Me" is on the game. And, a song worse The single player is not as enjoyable as in the first game and both the regular and extra song lists could be better, BUT the multiplayer is incredible. Also, kudos for improving the hammer-ons and pull-offs. It makes the fast sections SO much easier! And, to J.L...although they didn't write the song, a cover of Van Halen's "You Really Got Me" is on the game. And, a song worse than Cherry Pie? Well, "Institutionalized" by Suicidal Tendencies definitely trumps anything else on both games.… Expand
  26. ThomasP.
    Dec 29, 2006
    10
    If you like music, play the guitar, or just want to pretend this game is for you.
  27. MichaelO.
    Dec 29, 2006
    9
    I was a newbie with Guitar Hero II and loved it, but when I bough Guitar Hero I, it was so much easier to learn.
  28. KyleC.
    Dec 29, 2006
    9
    I definitely have a lot more interest in the 2nd one. There is a larger variety in songs and metal bands that are more up to date..im also more satisfied with the hammer-ons and pull-offs change.
  29. MikeM.
    Dec 28, 2006
    7
    Compared to the first one, GHII has truly enjoyable multiplayer and a useful practice mode. But in a game based on music, the songs will be the make-or-break factor, even moreso here where it's centered around a specific instrument and (one would think) genre. That's where GHII really drops the ball. Much of it seems to be an homage to the 80's, and I don't mean good Compared to the first one, GHII has truly enjoyable multiplayer and a useful practice mode. But in a game based on music, the songs will be the make-or-break factor, even moreso here where it's centered around a specific instrument and (one would think) genre. That's where GHII really drops the ball. Much of it seems to be an homage to the 80's, and I don't mean good 80's. There are many songs that fit with the design intention of the series, but this time around there are too many others that are just not very fun to play. And that's the crux of it. There are hundreds of songs from dozens of bands I've liked from over the decades, but a sizeable percentage just aren't the type that should go in a game which purports to make the player feel like a guitar hero. To be fair, by the same token there are songs I've either never heard or never much cared for that have turned out to be really enjoyable to play, both in this one and the original. Along with a weaker overall selection, there are some truly bad "sound-alikes" doing vocals. A few would even be laugh-worthy, assuming you got the game for half price. I figure the additions to gameplay are worth at least 2 points, so a straight comparison leaving out those additions would net this one a 5, or about half what I'd rate the original.… Expand
  30. MartyM.
    Dec 24, 2006
    9
    The songs aren't the greatest, but the game play if unbeatable, I haven't tried it multi player yet and I've already had tons of fun. Definitely recommended.
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best PS2 Game of 2006
10
#10 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2006
74
#74 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 69 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 68 out of 69
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 69
  3. Negative: 0 out of 69
  1. GamingTrend
    93
    Exceeds the previous title in every way..."Guitar Hero" was a staple of the parties I throw at my house, but it looks like Guitar Hero II has stolen the crown!
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  2. Yahoo!
    100
    The original's head to head multiplayer wasn't vital enough to make the expense worthwhile, but this time the co-op play is so integral to the game's appeal that most will find it irresistible...This is an absolutely stellar release, with too much variety, originality, rewards, and pure fun to even think about missing out on.
    Read full review
  3. Gamenikki
    90
    You can play any given song at any of four speeds (Normal, Slow, Slower and Slowest), and you have the ability to select what portion(s) of the song you'd like to play. That has proven ridiculously useful as I continue in my Quixotic quest to complete "Free Bird" on Expert.
    Read full review
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