Gitaroo Man Lives!

 PSP
  • Publisher: Koei
  • Release Date: Nov 14, 2006
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
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  1. AceGamez
    100
    I'm so in love with Gitaroo Man LIVES - it's a fantastically addictive game, repayable as long as you enjoy the music and the challenge, and with lots of difficulty levels and multiplayer modes in the form of Vs and Duet, people with a PSP wielding friend will be able to get even more out of the game.
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  2. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    94
    Gitaroo Man Lives! is a work of art. It’s Koei’s atonement for "Dynasty Warriors." It’s a masterpiece, one of the greatest achievements in video game history.
  3. Pocket Gamer UK
    90
    The natty storyline will make you grin, while the perfectly pitched gameplay and glorious multiplayer mode will make you sing: a near-perfect light-hearted and innovative music title for the PSP.
  5. Game Informer
    90
    I couldn’t get enough of playing Gitaroo Man Lives, with its infectious tunes and gameplay, and I think that if you have any soul at all you’ll rock out to this game.
  6. GameSpy
    90
    The awesome character designs by Japanese artist Mitsuru Nakamura (who is primarily known as simply "326") certainly add to the game's appeal.
  7. GamePro
    90
    Though it has its glitches, Gitaroo Man Lives is a great gaming experience that will keep you rocking from sunrise to sunset.
  8. Deeko
    90
    One of the best music games on the PSP. Even along side some of it's more fancier competitors it easily stands alone, as a fun and enjoyable adventure with some of the craziest visuals and tunes to ever land on the PSP.
  9. GameBrink
    88
    Best of all, the game is portable and gives gamers the chance to sit down and re-experience (or experience for the first time) one of the greatest titles known to man.
  10. Play.tm
    87
    As is sadly the case most of the time, avid fans of the series will be disappointed and if you have already played the original then you will not want to buy this PSP version, as it offers you nothing apart from going through the experience again and an unnecessary hole in your wallet.
  11. GameZone
    86
    No other game combines rhythm and action so seamlessly, and the jamming soundtrack only helps you lose yourself in the battles. But with so few levels to play, and limited unlocks, there isn't much of a reason to replay the game other than to experience your favorite songs again.
  12. Play Magazine
    85
    One gameplay aspect has changed, however: timing for button presses is noticeably easier now, especially when it comes to defending. [Dec. 2006, p.90]
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  13. Gaming Nexus
    85
    Despite it being a short and low on extra modes, Gitaroo Man Lives proves to be one of the most entertaining music games on the PSP. It's full of wacky characters, memorable songs and enough fun game play to make you want to come back long after you've memorized the music.
  14. IGN
    84
    Sure, it’s still a short game, even with the addition of new tracks and multiplayer modes, but it’s nevertheless unique and still very rewarding.
  15. Cheat Code Central
    84
    Gitaroo Man Lives is definitely a must-play game but I would recommend a rental since it’s relatively short and the replay value is limited.
  16. IC-Games
    83
    Anyone with even a passing interest in rhythm action titles who missed out on PS2 original simply owes it to themselves to pick up one of the finest games the genre has ever produced.
  17. Worth Playing
    82
    An excellent title that is somewhat undermined by its lack of content. True, it may have twice the stages of offerings like Parappa the Rapper, but gamers expect a bit more for their investment these days.
  18. NTSC-uk
    80
    For those who were put off by the difficulty of the original PS2 release, this could be the version for you. [JPN Import]
  19. games(TM)
    80
    Heartily recommended to anyone yet to spend time in Puma's company. [Sept 2006, p.114]
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  20. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    80
    A glorious soundtrack and a fresh approach to the rhythm action genre makes this a winner - it's bloody hard, mind you. [Sept 2006, p.83]
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  21. PALGN
    80
    In an age where true originality is so hard to come by, Gitaroo Man is a breath of fresh air, providing pure, highly addictive fun from start to finish.
  22. Times Online
    80
    The fun to be had derives from the game’s simplicity of play, its wildly colourful backgrounds, and the dexterity required to get it right.
  23. GameDaily
    80
    The game is similar to the original, but has a couple of extra features and an engaging multiplayer mode in addition to the unforgettable music, visuals and gameplay. Newcomers and fans alike, prepare to rock on.
  24. Yahoo!
    80
    Gitaroo Man Lives delivers an awesome performance on PSP. However, its short length leaves it feeling more like an opening act than a headliner. Despite this flaw, music fans are urged to not miss the game a second time.
  25. G4 TV
    80
    Maybe material that still feels as fresh, fun and challenging as Gitaroo Man Lives! still deserves an encore.
  26. TotalPlayStation
    80
    More songs, great music, gameplay that's still as challenging as ever, and minimal losses on the way to the PSP.
  27. Play UK
    79
    A near flawless conversion whose flaws show themselves only to those in the upper skill echelons. [Issue 144, p.78]
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  28. PSM3 Magazine UK
    78
    Challenging, weird and wonderful, Gitaroo Man is unlike anything else on the PSP. Finally, a worthwhile PS2 port. [Sept 2006, p.78]
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  29. Games Master UK
    78
    Some of the best fun that you'll have on PSP, but not quite a 'must have' title. [Oct 2006, p.70]
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  30. GameSpot
    77
    It's a straightforward remake of Koei's cult-favorite rhythm game, but Gitaroo Man still knows how to rock.
  31. Armchair Empire
    75
    The cruel irony is that the game is going head-to-head with another iNiS developed title, Nintendo’s "Elite Beat Agents" – which not only has deeper game mechanics, but is plenty longer and a lot more fun too.
  32. Game Revolution
    75
    A remarkable music game, one that captures the two-handed feel of playing a guitar, pairs it with some fascinating and challenging original music, and, at one shimmering moment at least, successfully fuses music with plot.
  33. Eurogamer
    70
    Despite the questionable long term appeal, Gitaroo Man Lives! is one of those games that you'll cherish while it lasts, but only truly get the most out of if you're lucky enough to be able to engage in multiplayer. [JPN Import]
  34. VideoGamer
    70
    Hugely addictive, it works really well on the PSP (apart from the lengthy load times), and is great fun. There's not a whole lot to it though, so if you're expecting hours upon hours of gameplay, you're likely to be disappointed.
  35. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    70
    Still, it has enough charm to keep some people coming back for more even after completing it, but most will probably put Gitaroo man down after that, wishing for more. [Dec. 2006, p.130]
    All this publication's reviews
  36. Modojo
    60
    A great game, a rhythm/music game that bends the genre in new directions with its creative design, heartily original soundtrack, and unique gameplay system. Not too much of it is new, but there is a little to explore here that's worth at least a few tries, even if you have to put up with some hiccups just to get past it. [JPN Import]
  37. GamesRadar+
    60
    A fun - if entirely too short - music game with loads of personality and great tunes. It's just overpriced.
  38. The Sydney Morning Herald
    60
    A quirky, colourful and catchy music game that is great fun while it lasts.

Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best PSP Game of 2006
38
#38 Most Discussed PSP Game of 2006
75
#75 Most Shared PSP Game of 2006

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. Rammsoldat
    Sep 30, 2011
    10
    Gitaroo man and the Lives version on PSP are must have games, this is the only game ive ever gone out and bought the soundtrack to because theGitaroo man and the Lives version on PSP are must have games, this is the only game ive ever gone out and bought the soundtrack to because the songs just get stuk in your brain. I especially like the "metal header" song in the lives version on PSP.

    If you have not played this game yet then what the hell are you waiting for, go do it now.    … Full Review »
  2. ChrisP.
    Jan 9, 2007
    9
    Another extremely good PSP game (hard to find, given how poor most of PSP's repertoire is) and one of the best rhythm action games Another extremely good PSP game (hard to find, given how poor most of PSP's repertoire is) and one of the best rhythm action games I've ever played. This is a conversion of a well-respected but little-known PS2 game and I think in many ways it has found its happiest home on PSP. The analogue slider suits the control system really well and for once it actually enhances the game (though long riffs will make your thumb cry out for a rest). Actually, that comment about thumbs is very appropriate. This game makes your thumbs bleed like they used to in olden days. It is a proper skill-based game and properly hard like games used to be. I no longer have the skills to excel at games like this (and probably never did if I'm honest). Also, my piano teacher would attest to the fact that my rhythm is not the best. But if you miss the old days when games were a challenge and you had to actually learn the levels in order to survive then I think you'll like this game. In this case you're learning songs and beats rather than enemy patterns but practice is essential and it really took me back to the good old days of gaming. As required in a music game, the music is excellent and varied. It all involves you playing the guitar part but goes through most genres on its way through its ten levels. The game also has that madcap appeal that only crazy Japanese games can have. The story is suitably bizarre and the characters are uniquely styled. Inspired by PaRappa, this game has come from people with equal amounts of imagination and vision. Unfortunately the game is cursed by that regular PSP affliction - loading times. The loads between levels seem to go on for ages and serve only to break the flow of the game. I'm sure this aspect at least would have been better on PS2. If it wasn't for that problem I would have thought seriously about giving this game a perfect score. It's quite fantastic in an old-fashioned, pure-gameplay sense. If you think you are up to the challenge and your thumbs know how to dance then this comes very highly recommended.… Full Review »
  3. EdwinD.
    Dec 16, 2006
    10
    Awesome game, i really liked and is better and they add it more new thing like the multiplay u could duet start u could play with a freind or Awesome game, i really liked and is better and they add it more new thing like the multiplay u could duet start u could play with a freind or with out a friend that the same thing for the vs start help ..i hope they made a new one because im getting my hand on the new one is coming out if they do made a new one..… Full Review »
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