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  1. Games

Gitaroo-Man Lives! review

We who are about to rock, salute you!

Reviews
By Greg_Sewart published 24 October 2006

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

GamesRadar+ Verdict

Pros

  • +

    Fantastic soundtrack

  • +

    Two new songs

  • +

    Unique control interface

Cons

  • -

    Dodging is too difficult in later stages

  • -

    Game is too short

  • -

    MSRP should be $20

  • -

    not $40

Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

Back in the early days of the PlayStation 2, the popularity of rhythm games in the US was on the rise thanks to Konami's quick 'n dirty ports of their Dance Dance Revolution titles. This was before the likes of Karaoke Revolution or Guitar Hero; when everyone was dipping their toes in the musical waters. It was then that Koei released its charming and bizarre music game, Gitaroo-Man. Now those who missed this little gem a few years back (which is probably most of you) have another chance to experience the rock.

You are U-1, loveable loser and secretly the last of the Gitaroo Men, a race of musical Power Rangers (you got a better analogy?) charged with saving Planet Gitaroo using nothing but your guitar and the help of your dog. Over 10 stages you'll battle the forces of evil - such as UFOs, a man in a bee costume, a space-faring shark and so on - by performing songs and dodging musical attacks.

The game's soundtrack is superb. While the songs aren't anything you'll hear on the radio, they're charming and catchy, and they range from hard rockand jazz to classical. And as a bonus, Gitaroo-Man's PSP outing includes two completely new songs, though you have to play in one of the new multiplayer modes to access them.

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