Guitar Hero II (Xbox 360)

[HaHaUK]

Been playing it a bit today and absolutely loving it. Can't wait for the Downloadable songs to arrive!

A few niggles I didn't used to have with the PS2 version, just wanna know if anyone else is experiencing them:

1) Activating starpower by lifting the guitar up. The PS2 one was much easier as it just required a quick flick and it was done, but this one, for some reason needs to go nearly vertical and sometimes it doesn't even work

2) The whammy bar isn't as responsive - if I have the whammy bar pressed slightly after a whammying session, the next time I try to do it, it doesn't work and requires the bar to be fully released which then allows it to work properly. I read reports of other people having trouble with the whammy bar as well, so it might be that.

Other than that, rock and roll baby!

[Nisa]

Glad it's not just me that's having bother with activating star power with the controller, sometimes it activates without even tilting the contoller and other times it doesn't respond at all. To be honest I had similar trouble with the two PS2 contollers I used to have but not really to this extent, I think Red Octane have just been cheap with regards to the build quality of the GH controllers, they certainly aren't a patch on Konami's official Guitar Freaks controllers. Have to say I haven't had much bother with the whammy bar though and I prefer the Explorer design to the SG, if you play standing up like you should be then the shape isn't awkward at all.

Other than a few niggles with the controller I'm still really enjoying it, the visuals are definitely a step up from the PS2 version (not that they matter when actually playing)and with the extra tracks and upcoming downloadable stuff it's pretty clear that this will be the superior version.

[Myth]

I always used to have problems with the PS2 ones too so I just activated it as if I was palm muting using the back button (or select) was much easier to do.

Not tried the 360 one yet as I'm poor after getting my PS3.

[HaHaUK]

I always used to have problems with the PS2 ones too so I just activated it as if I was palm muting using the back button (or select) was much easier to do.

The 360 back button is so tiny and is placed inside a groove with the guide, dpad and start buttons. Nearly impossible to reach it like with the PS2 guitar. Even pausing the game will mess up your sequence

Anyone tried a PS2>USB connector with the PS2 guitar yet, out of interest?

[EvilBoris]

My GH guitar on PS2 barely recognises tipping the controller at all, I somtimes think the switches are ****e

[yesteryeargames]

does the 360 version have all the all gh 1 and 2 tracks on it? or just the 2 tracks?

[nonny]

Just the GH2 tracks for now... but more tracks to follow as downloadable content.

They've stated more tracks will follow as early as a week after release but havent stated which tracks. Its a given some will be classics from GH1 though... given the fanbase.

My guitar has no trouble with either the tilt or whammy bar. Its really responsive so I guess I am lucky? The tilt does require about 1/2 second tilt to activate though but its accurate to pull off. I never used that feature on the PS2 given I only demo'ed the game so cant compare.

Also if you want more life out of the controller there is a great PC clone called Frets on Fire. Just google/youtube it... the 360 controller works fine on the PC through USB and the game has a wealth of song packs available to try out.

They've converted the GH1 songs lock stock with the same patterns from what I can tell and then allowed you to import/customise your own songs as well. Nice!

[Nisa]

The dodgy whammy bar seems to be a common problem, after playing for a while mines stopped responding at times so I guess I wasn't so lucky after all. It turns out there's actually 2 different models of Exlorers, one with the FX Pedal slot at the bottom of the guitar and on with the FX slot on the back next to the headset slot with the former being the dodgy one. Theres a pic of the two here http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/03/ru...uitar-hero-ii/

[Psyduck]

Just got mine through from choices. Mine's the one with issues and after a quick play I reckon the whammy bar is definitely dodgy. Damn

[Skull Commander]

I was tempted by this, but the controller problems and the price point are puting me off, since I already have 2 guitars and the first and second game for my PS2. I think I'l hold off till more downloadable tunes info is released.

[Yoshimax]

No problems with activating star power but the whammy bar is definately different - Few times where it didn't function for me last night !

[PeteJ]

The PS2 version of the guitar had the same fault with the wammy bar. Sometimes it just doesn't respond.

[Skull Commander]

I must have got lucky. Between my friend and myself at one point we had 5 guitars on the PS2 (don't ask), and they all worked perfect.

[Yoshimax]

Yep never had a problem with the whammy on either of my PS2 guitars !

[PeteJ]

Well I know I wasn't alone because there are guides on how to mod\fix it

Does the online scoreboards on the 360 version work well? In my 360 games the friends list doesn't work properly but the Friends leaderboard is one of the main reasons for me getting this version.