The game “Guitar Hero,” featuring notable tracks like “Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top, gained widespread popularity with various skill levels available for players. The plastic guitar controllers became a common fixture in homes, and songs from various artists, both real and fictional, became popular hits. Prior to platforms like TikTok, being included in a “Guitar Hero” setlist had the potential to significantly impact an artist’s career.
The latest episode of “Version History” explores the full history of “Guitar Hero.” Its origins trace back to arcades in Japan and involve a collaboration between two American companies that faced challenges before achieving significant success. For a few years, the game was among the top in its category, though its prominence eventually declined. While “Guitar Hero” is no longer a leading title, its influence can still be observed in contemporary video games.
Hosts David Pierce, Ash Parrish, and Chris Grant, who have personal experiences related to the game, engage in a roundtable discussion about its origins and evolution. They cover various topics, including the influences preceding “Guitar Hero,” its breakout moment at the E3 conference, the emergence of “Rock Band,” and the factors that led to the franchise’s diminished appeal. They also revisit the gameplay to see how well they can perform.
This marks the fourth episode of “Version History,” which previously focused on hoverboards, Blackberry Messenger, and the Sony Watchman. The show welcomes feedback from its audience for future episodes and seeks input on the topics and questions to explore. For those interested in revisiting “Guitar Hero,” links are provided for further exploration.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/podcast/806168/guitar-hero-game-version-history