Rocksmith Review

Rocksmith is a music video game which uses the same technology of Guitar Rising. Producer Ubisoft has installed a unique feature in this title. It teaches players how to play a guitar by allowing them to plug in almost any kind of guitar in it.

The Good News About Rocksmith

First, it is possible for any novice player to tread upon the guitarist’s path because of the easy-to-follow instructions from Rocksmith. Voice commands and clear visuals go hand in hand in teaching you the basics of playing a guitar. You will know how to strum and pluck, know what a fret looks like, and know about other guitar essentials. It doesn’t matter if you are left handed or right handed as well as what type of guitar you are using – Rocksmith will still guide you in getting you acquainted with the instrument. You can set the difficulty level at the lowest point and then gradually increase it as you become familiar with the necessary details.

Second, as you continue to improve your skills, the game will let you experience more plays that are challenging. But if it proves to be overwhelming, you can ease up a bit and the game will let you catch up. You are not pressured to get it right 100 percent if you are still unsure about it so it is more relaxing than frustrating.

Third, Rocksmith technology is quite impressive. A cord comes with the game, which you can use to plug your own guitar into the console. There are no difficult instructions to follow – you will just start playing instantly. If you want to tune up your guitar, there is also a simple guide. An amp mode is even available so you can use your own effects!

Screenshot from the Rocksmith trailer (Credit: Ubisoft)

The Not So Good News About Rocksmith

If you are going to play Rocksmith through your HD TV, you will be disappointed with the audio lag. For beginners, this can prove to be frustrating. Skilled guitarists use an external system as a solution to this. Or you can use the composite cable of your PS3, if you have it. But then again, it is quite hard to fix the onscreen delay.

Next, the same dynamic experience you have when the game gradually introduces more notes and chords as you improve your skills is the same obstacle that might irritate experienced players because it is impossible to make the challenge more difficult.

Then the progression from practice to the actual performance is not that obvious. Even when you are set to play in front of a big crowd, you cannot really feel the difference. The UI is quite boring while the loading is so frequent, that it just represents mediocrity at its best.

The Bottom Line

Rocksmith revolutionizes the providing of music education in a fun and easy tool. It gives guitar wannabes an enlightening way to be a genuine musician. It is so easy to turn simple game consoles into professional studios. Just plug in your guitar and get started to rock and roll. For master musicians, this might not be quite exciting because it is more of a teaching tool. But for those who are just starting out in playing the instrument, this actual music game would prove to be promising.