Rock Band vs. Guitar Hero III

"Reptilia" by The Strokes

A great example of Guitar Hero tossing more notes around. This riff speeds by with nearly double the number of strums compared to Rock Band. Neversoft looks like it's purposely trying to one-up the competition. Harder indeed.

"Paranoid" by Black Sabbath

Another close one here - the notes differ but both are roughly in the same area of difficulty and are satisfying to play. The advantage here clearly belongs to Rock Band, solely because it offers drums and vocals on top of the two guitar performances.

"Mississippi Queen" by Mountain

Pretty damn close. Rock Band appears to offer an easier method of play (going left to right instead of moving around more) but again, the result is about the same.

Well, there you have it. After extensive playing and an expert consultation with our friends atOfficial Xbox Magazine, we've made the following conclusion:

Guitar Hero III hard = Guitar Hero II expert
Rock Band Expert = Guitar Hero II hard

Basically, Guitar Hero is a bitch. Not in a bad way mind you, just a lot more difficult to jump into. On the other hand, Rock Band tends to be a bit too easy for hardened vets.

We're not posting our Rock Band review until next week, but let's just say that getting four people in a room and jamming together is an experience that no other game of 2007 can replicate. Check theGuitar Hero III review here.

Brett Elston

A fomer Executive Editor at GamesRadar, Brett also contributed content to many other Future gaming publications including Nintendo Power, PC Gamer and Official Xbox Magazine. Brett has worked at Capcom in several senior roles, is an experienced podcaster, and now works as a Senior Manager of Content Communications at PlayStation SIE.