Guitar Hero vs Guitar Hero: Metallica
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Guitar Hero lets players wield a plastic guitar controller to hit notes in time with popular rock songs, delivering an immersive concert experience. The game features a diverse tracklist spanning classic hits to modern hits, challenging players to master solos and rhythm sections.
Guitar Hero: Metallica brings the iconic metal band to life on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 2. Featuring 28 master recordings and 21 curated tracks, players can shred on lead or bass guitar, pound drums, or sing vocals. The game builds on Guitar Hero World Tour's engine with expert+ drum mode, online competition, and a robust career mode, plus behind‑the‑scenes videos and pop‑up facts that celebrate Metallica's legacy.
- Engaging rhythm gameplay
- Strong multiplayer support
- Iconic rock soundtrack
- High replay value
- Extensive Metallica song catalog with master recordings
- Expert+ drum mode adds authentic challenge
- Robust multiplayer and online features
- Rich extra content like motion‑capture videos and pop‑up facts
- Limited to PS2 hardware
- Requires separate guitar controller
- Tracklist may feel dated to newer players
- No additional downloadable content beyond pre‑existing tracks
- Career mode storyline is cartoonish and simplistic
- Limited platform availability compared to newer consoles
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Alternatives to Guitar Hero
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Rock out with epic tracks and battle mode in Guitar Hero III.
Alternatives to Guitar Hero: Metallica
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Rock out as Aerosmith from garage to stardom in this guitar‑hero adventure.
Play the full band experience with guitar, bass, drums, and vocals in one game
Rock out with epic tracks and battle mode in Guitar Hero III.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth games cost the same, but Guitar Hero: Metallica offers a focused Metallica catalog and expert drum mode, while the original Guitar Hero provides a broader rock setlist and supports up to four players.
Key differences
- •Song library: Metallica game has 28 master Metallica tracks + 21 extras; original GH has an unspecified generic rock soundtrack.
- •Multiplayer capacity: Original GH supports up to four simultaneous players; Metallica game only mentions split‑screen/co‑op (implying fewer players).
- •Drum difficulty: Metallica includes Expert+ mode with a second bass pedal; original GH does not mention this feature.
- •Release date and generation: Metallica (2009) is newer than original GH (2005), potentially affecting graphics and controller compatibility.
- •Extra content: Metallica adds behind‑the‑scenes videos and pop‑up facts; original GH lists no comparable extra media.
Gameplay & fun factor
Metallica adds Expert+ drum mode and band‑wide instrument support, giving a deeper full‑band experience.
Platform availability
Both listings lack specific platform details; no factual basis to claim one is more available.
Price & value
Both are priced at $59.99 with one‑time purchase, offering comparable monetary cost.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Original GH supports up to four players simultaneously, whereas Metallica only mentions split‑screen/co‑op.
Content & replayability
Metallica provides 49 tracks plus exclusive videos and pop‑up facts; original GH’s track count is unspecified but likely fewer focused songs.
Difficulty & accessibility
Original GH offers a full range from Easy to Expert, making it more approachable for beginners.
Graphics & performance
Metallica released in 2009, four years later than GH, suggesting newer engine and potentially better visuals.
Choose Guitar Hero if…
Groups wanting a wider rock playlist and larger party play (up to four players).
Choose Guitar Hero: Metallica if…
Metallica fans or players seeking authentic drum challenges and extra band content.
Common questions
Do I need a special controller for either game?
Both require the standard Guitar Hero guitar controller; Metallica adds a second bass pedal for Expert+ drum mode.
Which game offers more songs?
Metallica lists 28 master Metallica tracks plus 21 additional songs (49 total); the original GH’s exact count isn’t specified.
Can I play with three friends at once?
Yes with the original Guitar Hero (up to four players); Metallica only confirms split‑screen/co‑op, implying fewer simultaneous players.