The Guitar Hero franchise has long been one of the most beloved and iconic music rhythm games, offering players the chance to rock out to some of the greatest songs in rock and roll history. Since its debut in 2005, Guitar Hero has become a staple of gaming culture, with its signature guitar-shaped controller and energetic gameplay. But with the release of the PlayStation 5 (PS5), many fans of the series are wondering: Can you play Guitar Hero on PS5? Will the popular music rhythm game make a comeback on the next-gen console?
In this article, we’ll explore the current state of Guitar Hero on the PS5, the possibility of future releases, and the best ways to enjoy music rhythm games on the PlayStation 5.
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Can You Play Guitar Hero on PS5?
As of now, there is no official version of Guitar Hero available for the PS5. The series has been largely dormant since the release of Guitar Hero Live in 2015, with no new games or significant updates released for the franchise in the years following. Unfortunately, this means that the classic Guitar Hero titles, such as Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock or Guitar Hero: World Tour, are not directly playable on the PS5.
However, there are a few key points to consider if you’re hoping to revisit the series or similar rhythm games on the PS5:
1. Backward Compatibility for PS4 Games
The PS5 is backward compatible with most PS4 games, so if you have an old Guitar Hero title for the PS4, you should be able to play it on your PS5. This includes Guitar Hero Live, which was the last major release in the series. While the game itself is playable on PS5, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Controllers: Guitar Hero Live was released with a new guitar controller that may not be directly compatible with the PS5. PS5 only officially supports PS5 and PS4 controllers, so if you want to use a guitar controller from Guitar Hero Live, you may need to test if it works with your PS5 console, or consider purchasing a used PS4 version of the guitar controller. Not all third-party or older controllers will work seamlessly with the PS5.
- Game Availability: Guitar Hero Live is no longer available for digital purchase on the PlayStation Store, but if you already own a physical copy of the game for PS4, it should work on the PS5 as long as you have the appropriate controller.
2. Music Rhythm Games on PS5
While Guitar Hero itself is not available on PS5, there are still several music-based rhythm games available on the platform that can scratch that same musical itch. Here are some noteworthy alternatives that are available or could be coming soon:
- Beat Saber: One of the most popular VR rhythm games, Beat Saber is available for PlayStation VR (PSVR) and can be played on the PS5 using PSVR hardware. While it doesn’t have a traditional guitar controller, it offers a similar rhythm-based experience with lightsabers and fast-paced music.
- Just Dance 2023 Edition: If you’re looking for something more interactive and family-friendly, Just Dance is another popular rhythm game available on PS5. Although it’s more focused on dancing than playing an instrument, it offers a fun, energetic experience with a variety of songs to groove to.
- Fuser: A game that lets players mix music tracks and create their own unique mixes, Fuser is available on PS5 and offers a different take on the music rhythm genre. It’s more about DJing than playing guitar, but it’s a great way to get into the rhythm of music without the need for a physical controller.
Why Did Guitar Hero Disappear?
The Guitar Hero series was once a massive success, but it eventually faded into obscurity. The franchise, along with other rhythm games like Rock Band, faced a sharp decline in popularity due to several key factors:
- Oversaturation: By the late 2000s, the market became flooded with music rhythm games. Activision, the publisher behind Guitar Hero, released numerous sequels and spin-offs in a short period, leading to franchise fatigue among consumers. After a while, players began to feel that there was little innovation in the genre, which contributed to a decline in sales.
- Hardware Fatigue: The peripheral-based gameplay (especially the guitar controllers) was a major selling point for Guitar Hero. However, as players moved away from needing special controllers for every game, the appeal of these hardware-dependent experiences waned. Additionally, many players found the controllers to be cumbersome or prone to breaking after extended use.
- Declining Sales: By 2011, the rhythm game genre had experienced a significant drop in sales, and Activision decided to halt development on the Guitar Hero series. This decision was part of a larger trend in the industry, where many music-based games saw a sharp decline in interest.
- Shift Toward Digital Music Services: The rise of digital music platforms like Spotify and Apple Music changed the way people consumed music. As a result, many music games that relied on popular music tracks found it difficult to compete with the growing digital music trend.
Could Guitar Hero Make a Comeback on PS5?
While Guitar Hero has been absent for several years, there are some signs that the music rhythm game genre could make a comeback. The success of rhythm games in virtual reality (such as Beat Saber) and the ongoing interest in music-based experiences could encourage developers to revisit the genre in new and innovative ways.
Could a New Guitar Hero Game Be in Development?
There’s been no official announcement from Activision or any major developer about a new Guitar Hero title coming to PS5, but there have been rumors circulating about the potential return of the franchise. Some fans hope that a new game could take advantage of the PS5’s enhanced graphics, faster load times, and improved controllers to bring a fresh take on the series.
Given the success of rhythm-based VR games, it’s possible that a future Guitar Hero title could include VR integration, bringing a more immersive and interactive experience. It would also be exciting to see the inclusion of new features, such as online multiplayer modes, larger music libraries, and new controllers designed for the next generation.
For now, though, the return of Guitar Hero remains a mystery. Fans of the series will have to wait and see if the iconic franchise makes its return in the future.
FAQs About Guitar Hero on PS5
1. Can I play Guitar Hero Live on PS5?
Yes, you can play Guitar Hero Live on PS5 if you own the PS4 version of the game. However, you may need to use a PS4-compatible guitar controller, as newer PS5 controllers are not compatible with Guitar Hero peripherals.
2. Will there be a new Guitar Hero game for PS5?
As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding a new Guitar Hero game for PS5. However, the possibility of a future game in the franchise has not been ruled out, especially with the success of other music-based games like Beat Saber.
3. Can I play older Guitar Hero titles on PS5?
No, older Guitar Hero games such as Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock or Guitar Hero: World Tour are not directly compatible with the PS5. However, you can play Guitar Hero Live on the PS5, assuming you have the appropriate PS4 hardware and controllers.
4. What are some music rhythm games I can play on PS5?
While Guitar Hero isn’t available on PS5, you can enjoy other music rhythm games like Beat Saber, Just Dance 2023, and Fuser. These games offer a variety of ways to enjoy music-based gameplay on your PS5.
5. Can I use my PS4 Guitar Hero guitar on PS5?
The compatibility of PS4 Guitar Hero guitars with the PS5 is not guaranteed. While some PS4 controllers may work with the PS5, many peripheral devices such as guitar controllers may require additional adapters or may not function at all on the new console.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, the iconic Guitar Hero series is not currently available on the PS5, and there’s no clear indication that a new installment is in development. However, fans of rhythm games can still find plenty of fun alternatives on the PS5, from Beat Saber in VR to Just Dance and Fuser. While Guitar Hero may be on a hiatus, the love for music rhythm games remains strong, and we may see the franchise return in a new form in the future. For now, you can enjoy the music, get your groove on, and hope for a comeback!
