15-Apr-2002 This fret board frenzy shows up even the mighty Parappa This fret board frenzy shows up even the mighty Parappa
There was a time when us goons at CVG were moaning about the lack of mad Japanese games arriving on our fair shores. And now look: we've got a rapping dog in Parappa 2, dancing aliens in Space Channel 5.1 and a pervy paparazzo in Polaroid Pete. We may have helped create a monster.
Next in line in the PS2 Carnival of Crazy is Gitaroo Man. The game is rhythm action with a neat twist: as well as hammering buttons that appear, you also have to use the left analog stick to mimic the guitar twang by following the line that pops up on screen. The story may be nonsensical, but that doesn't matter as you'll be marvelling at the fantastic visuals and genuinely enjoyable tunes you jam to.
BON JOVI DOES LA BAMBA The battle is split into distinct parts. You start with the charge section where you rev up your guitar with pop power, then unleash it in the Battle section. Levels, which consist of encounters with another (usually hostile) character, often bounce back and forth between Charge and Battle and, happily, they last ages.
The ten levels are truly challenging and once busted you unlock an even tougher Master mode. But the real longevity lies in the awesome multiplayer game, where up to four players can jam off together in what is the ultimate musical battle royale. Music to our ears.
There are ten levels in Gitaroo Man and each offers a different enemy to battle and a different style of music to play your licks to. Your hero U-1 even gets a little romantic action on his quest to save the world. Check out the incredible musical journey ahead in our ten-step guide to sonic salvation!
Stage 1: An easy soft-rock intro to the game in a compartment in U-1's bedroom cupboard
Stage 2: Friendly techno J-pop accompanies this mad UFO invasion and subsequent rooftop chase
Stage 3: Strum along to slow funk and disco beats in the swamps and break this King's mojo
Stage 4: One of the toughest levels, this chase is to the sounds of mad drum 'n' bass
Stage 5: Reggae and ragga sound good when you're walking on the moon
Stage 6: Woo the beautiful Kirah with your acoustic folk guitar skills
Stage 7: Samba with the skeletons and rescue the imprisoned Puma
Stage 8: Gregorio III is a reject from Phantom Of The Opera
Stage 9: Join forces with Kirah for a stadium rock extravaganza
Stage 10: The last level out-thrashes even the best axe maniacs
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