Vicarious Visions is tasked with bringing Guitar Hero to the Nintendo DS and largely succeeds.
As you know, Guitar Hero: On Tour includes the game (on a standard DS cartridge), as well as an additional device that goes into the GBA slot. The fret bar device sports four familiar looking buttons and acts like the buttons on the guitar peripherals bundled with the console versions of Guitar Hero. The actual guitars usually have five buttons but the decision to include four here is wise considering that you don't want to be moving your fingers around while holding the DS. The actual fret bar is fairly comfortable to use, although it is possible to get hand cramps after extended sessions.
As expected, the gameplay formula of On Tour is similar to previous Guitar Hero games. You'll see notes going down the screen, which you'll have to hit in order to get a bonus multiplayer to score more points. You hold the buttons on the included device and strum by using the touch screen on the Nintendo DS. You can strum up and down, without having to lift up the stylus, which is very useful for faster paced songs. Familiar bits like Star Power are found in the game. The end result is that Vicarious Visions managed to translate the Guitar Hero formula remarkably well to the handheld.
Alex S. from Link Cable Gaming writes: "So as the Sun sets on Vicarious Visions as an independent studio within Activision|Blizzard, let’s take a look at the top 10 best games they have ever put together."
Ryan Johnson | GoozerNation
GoozerNation author Ryan Johnson loves delving into the Value Bin and Available Now sections of Goozex to find a game that perhaps was wanted back in the day, but wasn't purchased because it was just too much of a risk. Last time in, he found Guitar Hero: On Tour Decades for a mere 100 Goozex points. While it was a bit pricey back in the day, this was an unpassable deal. Is the game worth searching out? Click in and learn!
Chris Buffa (Modojo): For the most part, the video game industry is fairly predictable and disinterested in taking risks. That explains the glut of sequels and copycat titles collecting dust in stores and warehouses.
That said, a handful of companies and designers occasionally do something different. Results have been mixed, but by and large, these games stand out for offering a unique experience you can't find anyplace else.
