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{{Short description|2006 video game}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Guitar Hero II
| image = Guitar Hero II.jpg
| caption = PlayStation 2 cover art
| developer = [[Harmonix]]
| publisher = [[RedOctane]] (PlayStation 2) <br/>[[Activision]] (Xbox 360)
| director = Daniel Sussman
| series = ''[[Guitar Hero]]''
| platforms = [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox 360]]
| released = '''PlayStation 2'''<br />{{Video game release|NA|November 7, 2006|AU|November 15, 2006|EU|November 24, 2006}}'''Xbox 360'''<br />{{Video game release|NA|April 3, 2007|AU|April 4, 2007|EU|April 6, 2007}}
|
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}
'''''Guitar Hero II''''' is a 2006 [[rhythm game]] developed by [[Harmonix]] and published by [[RedOctane]] for the [[PlayStation 2]] and [[Activision]] for the [[Xbox 360]]. It is the sequel to ''[[Guitar Hero (video game)|Guitar Hero]]'' (2005) and the second installment in the [[Guitar Hero|''Guitar Hero'' series]]. The game was first released for the PlayStation 2 in November 2006, and then for the Xbox 360 in April 2007, with additional content not originally in the PlayStation 2 version.
Like in the original ''Guitar Hero'', the player uses a peripheral in the shape of a solid-body [[electric guitar]] to simulate playing [[rock music]] as [[Musical note|note]]s scroll towards the player. Most of the gameplay from the original game remains intact, and provides new modes and note combinations. The game features more than 40 popular licensed songs, many of them [[cover version]]s recorded for the game, spanning five decades (from the 1960s to the 2000s). The PlayStation 2 version of ''Guitar Hero II'' can be purchased individually or in a bundle that packages the game with a cherry red [[Gibson SG]] guitar controller. The Xbox 360 version of the game is offered in a bundle that packages the game with a white [[Gibson Explorer]] guitar controller.
Since its release, ''Guitar Hero II'' has been met with both critical and commercial success, helping the ''Guitar Hero'' series become a cultural phenomenon.<ref name="nytimes">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/15/fashion/15guitar.html?ex=1343275200&en=80d6a7f2b164a837&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink|title=Virtual Frets, Actual Sweat: The New Karaoke|work=The New York Times|last=Zezima|first=K.|date=2007-07-14|access-date=2008-07-24|archive-date=2008-12-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206060049/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/15/fashion/15guitar.html?ex=1343275200&en=80d6a7f2b164a837&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink|url-status=live}}</ref> As of December 1, 2007, the game has sold 3.1 million copies. It has spawned the "expansion" title ''[[Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s]]'' for the PlayStation 2. A sequel, ''[[Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock]]'', was released in 2007.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/breaking-guitar-hero-development-goes-to-neversoft/69929/?biz=1 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090218201306/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/breaking-guitar-hero-development-goes-to-neversoft/69929/?biz=1 | archive-date = 2009-02-18|title=Gamedaily: Guitar Hero Development Goes to Neversoft|publisher=GameDaily|date=2007-01-16|access-date=2008-07-24|last=Brightman|first=James}}</ref>
== Development ==
[[Image:Guitar Hero II guitar controllers.jpg|left|thumb|225px|The guitar controllers bundled with ''Guitar Hero II'': cherry red [[Gibson SG]] (PS2) and [[Gibson X-Plorer]] (Xbox 360)]]
The surprise success of ''[[Guitar Hero (video game)|Guitar Hero]]'' readily led to the development of a sequel for the game.<ref name="ign interview tam">{{cite web | url = http://ps2.ign.com/articles/701/701726p1.html | title = Guitar Hero II Interview | publisher = IGN | date = 2006-04-17 | first = Chris | last = Roper | access-date = 2008-07-24 | archive-date = 2009-02-06 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090206223623/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/701/701726p1.html | url-status = dead }}</ref> According to developer John Tam, the team felt they "hit the sweet spot" of genres and decades within the set list and wanted to maintain that for the sequel.<ref name="ign interview tam"/> The costs of obtaining licensing rights for music from "big bands" such as [[AC/DC]], [[Led Zeppelin]], [[Van Halen]], and [[Metallica]], in addition to the lack of understanding of how the music would be used prevented these groups from being used in ''Guitar Hero''. However, Tam notes that with the success of ''Guitar Hero'', "They understand that we're not going to embarrass their music, we're going to actually pay homage to their music and get it to the point where people are going to fall in love with their music and understand their music in a totally different way than they've ever experienced it before."<ref name="ign interview tam"/> They also had requests by artists to include master tracks within the game.<ref name="ign interview tam"/>
In addition to working more directly with artists, RedOctane and Activision worked with various musical instrument and equipment companies to provide in-game [[product placement]]. Such vendors include BOSS Effectors, DW Drums, Eden Bass Amplification, EMG, [[Epiphone]], Ernie Ball Strings, [[Gibson Guitar Corporation]], [[Guitar Center]], [[Hofner]], Kramer, Krank, Line 6, Mesa Boogie, MusicMan Basses, [[Orange Amplifiers]], [[Randall Amplifiers]], Roland, Vans and the Vans Warped Tour, VHT, and Zildjian.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://games.ign.com/articles/743/743716p1.html | title = Guitar Hero II Partners with Music Companies | access-date = 2008-04-17 | publisher = IGN | date = 2006-11-02 | author = IGN Staff | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081206080027/http://games.ign.com/articles/743/743716p1.html | archive-date = 2008-12-06 }}</ref>
''Guitar Hero II'' was originally announced for the PlayStation 2 on April 17, 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/167725/guitar-hero-ii-officially-announced?tag=gamingbreaking|title=Guitar Hero II Officially Announced|last=Crecente|first=Brian|date=2006-04-17|website=Kotaku|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120726152238/http://kotaku.com/167725/guitar-hero-ii-officially-announced?tag=gamingbreaking|archive-date=2012-07-26|access-date=2008-07-24}}</ref> A demo version of the PlayStation 2 version of ''Guitar Hero II'' was released with issue #110 of ''[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine|Official PlayStation Magazine]]'' on October 5, 2006.<ref name="opm-demo">{{cite web|title = PlayStation.com - OPM - Issue 110|url = http://ps2.ign.com/objects/844/844491.html|work = Official PlayStation Magazine|date = 2006-11-06|access-date = 2008-07-24|archive-date = 2008-12-06|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081206094258/http://ps2.ign.com/objects/844/844491.html|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pinkgodzillagames.com/pink_godzilla_news/four_song_guitar_hero_ii_demo.php | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080530004327/http://www.pinkgodzillagames.com/pink_godzilla_news/four_song_guitar_hero_ii_demo.php | archive-date = 2008-05-30 | title = Four Song Guitar Hero II Demo Unleashed to the Public | publisher = Pink Godzilla Games | access-date=2008-07-24}}</ref> Features of the demo included four playable songs on four difficulty levels for single player and co-op modes. Demo releases do not feature the ability to flip the notes for left-handed players. Demo versions feature the songs "[[Shout at the Devil (song)|Shout at the Devil]]", "[[You Really Got Me]]", "[[Strutter]]" and "[[YYZ (song)|YYZ]]".<ref name="opm-demo"/> The retail game was released for the PlayStation 2 on November 7, 2006, in North America,<ref name="Overview GSpy">{{cite web|url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/guitar-hero-2-bundle/|title=Guitar Hero II (Game & Guitar Controller Bundle)|publisher=GameSpy|access-date=2016-04-11|archive-date=2017-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170117063929/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/guitar-hero-2-bundle/|url-status=live}}</ref> November 15, 2006 in Australia,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://palgn.com.au/article.php?title=Updated+Australian+release+list,+13/11/06&id=5860&sid=bb3a2c2d3c59977459790dbc88023beb|title=PALGN Updated Australian release list|date=2006-11-13|access-date=2008-07-24|website=PALGN|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202023119/http://palgn.com.au/article.php?title=Updated+Australian+release+list%2C+13%2F11%2F06&id=5860&sid=bb3a2c2d3c59977459790dbc88023beb|archive-date=2008-12-02}}</ref> and November 24, 2006, in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.spong.com/article/10904/Guitar+Hero+2%3A+Full+Song+List+Inside|title=Spong confirm release UK date|access-date=2008-07-24|date=2006-10-06|publisher=Spong|archive-date=2008-05-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528203612/http://news.spong.com/article/10904/Guitar+Hero+2%3A+Full+Song+List+Inside|url-status=live}}</ref> It was released as both a stand-alone game, and as a bundle containing the game with a cherry [[Gibson SG]] guitar controller.<ref name="Overview GSpy"/>
=== Xbox 360 version ===
When Activision purchased RedOctane in [[2006 in video gaming|2006]], the company expressed strong interest in bringing the ''Guitar Hero'' series to "every significant new format" in order to take advantage of the next generation of consoles.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/news/6157997.html | title = Guitar Hero going multiplatform | first = Brendan | last = Sinclair | publisher = [[GameSpot]] | date = 2006-09-20 | access-date = 2008-04-17 | archive-date = 2008-12-02 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081202000228/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6157997.html | url-status = live }}</ref> The Xbox 360 version was announced on September 27, 2006, at Microsoft's [[X (Xbox show)|X06]].<ref name="xbox_conf">{{cite web | title = X06: Guitar Hero 2 Announced for 360 | url = http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/735/735722p1.html | publisher = IGN | last = Clayman | first = David | date = 2006-09-27 | access-date = 2008-07-24 | archive-date = 2008-11-18 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081118021008/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/735/735722p1.html | url-status = live }}</ref> Dusty Welch of RedOctane stated that the Xbox 360 "provides an incredible platform for facilitating downloadable content" due to the integrated hard drive on the console.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/puzzle/guitarhero2/news.html?sid=6158861&mode=all | title = X06: Guitar Hero II rockin' 360s | publisher = [[GameSpot]] | first = Tim | last = Surrette | date = 2006-09-27 | access-date = 2008-04-17 | archive-date = 2008-12-06 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081206002844/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/puzzle/guitarhero2/news.html?sid=6158861&mode=all | url-status = live }}</ref> The Xbox 360 version of the game included 10 exclusive songs<!-- 8 are in the main setlist while the other 2 are bonus songs --> and additional content available for purchase through the [[Xbox Live Marketplace]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/12517/Guitar-Hero-II-for-Xbox-360-Box-Art-and-Bundle-Picture/|title=TeamXbox: Guitar Hero II for Xbox 360 Box Art and Bundle Picture|access-date=2008-07-24|date=2007-01-04|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922183629/http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/12517/Guitar-Hero-II-for-Xbox-360-Box-Art-and-Bundle-Picture/|archive-date=2008-09-22}}</ref>
The Xbox 360 version was released on April 3, 2007, in North America<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/777/777910p1.html|title=Guitar Hero Makes Heroic Return|date=2007-04-03|last=Hatfield|first=Damien|publisher=IGN|access-date=2008-07-24|archive-date=2008-12-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206122730/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/777/777910p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and Australia,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/778/778166p1.html|title=Guitar Hero II Thrashes Onto Shelves|date=2007-04-03|last=Kolan|first=Patrick|publisher=IGN|access-date=2008-07-24|archive-date=2008-12-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206122735/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/778/778166p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and then on April 6, 2007, in Europe (only as a bundle containing the game and a wired [[Gibson X-Plorer]] guitar controller<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.next-gen.biz/features/how-game-prices-are-shooting-higher | title = How Game Prices Are Shooting Higher | publisher = 2007-11-16 | date = 2007-07-13 | first = Matt | last = Matthews | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150724001039/http://www.next-gen.biz/features/how-game-prices-are-shooting-higher/ | archive-date = 2015-07-24 }}</ref>). It was released as a stand-alone game for the Xbox 360 in the UK on January 25, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/843/843402p1.html|title=Guitar Hero II 360 Stands Alone|date=2008-01-03|publisher=IGN|access-date=2008-07-24|archive-date=2008-12-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206110718/http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/843/843402p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The arrangement of the songs were also altered, and the graphics were slightly improved.
== Gameplay ==
{{See also|Guitar Hero#Gameplay|l1=Gameplay in the Guitar Hero series}}
Gameplay is based on the successful formula created for the first ''Guitar Hero'' game; the player may use the guitar peripheral to play scrolling notes by holding the corresponding fret button on the guitar neck and simultaneously pressing the strum bar. Alternatively, one can play with the [[DualShock 2]] or Xbox 360 controller by using four shoulder buttons and a face button, mapped to specific fret keys.<ref name="ps2-manual-controller">{{cite book | year=2006 | editor=RedOctane | title=PlayStation 2 Guitar Hero II Instruction Manual | publisher=RedOctane|id=Unknown ID: 95023-226-US <!--This is not an ISBN. It is probably a manufacturer's part number --> | page=3}}</ref><ref name="xbox-manual-controller">{{cite book | year=2007 | editor=RedOctane | title=Xbox 360 Guitar Hero II Instruction Manual | publisher=RedOctane|id=Unknown ID: 95023-226-US <!--This is not an ISBN. It is probably a manufacturer's part number --> | page=3}}</ref>
Several changes have been made to the gameplay mechanics for ''Guitar Hero II'': [[hammer-on]] and [[pull-off]] functionality has been improved, and three note chords have been introduced, scored as triple points if played correctly. There are additional statistics available for a song upon completion, and the scores achieved in either ''Quick Play'' or ''Career'' mode are saved to the same in-game high-score list.<ref name="gamezone review"/> The handedness of the guitar can now be toggled from the Pause menu when playing a song (previously, this was only available from the game's main menu). For the Xbox 360 version, scores can also be compared with other players through Xbox Live via the Leaderboard feature, and there are 50 [[Achievement points|Achievements]] that can be earned in the game.<ref name="xbox-manual-mpmodes">{{cite book | year=2007 | editor=RedOctane | title=Xbox 360 Guitar Hero II Instruction Manual | pages=8–9 | publisher=RedOctane|id=Unknown ID: 95023-226-US <!--This is not an ISBN. It is probably a manufacturer's part number --> }}</ref><ref name="GameSpot review Xbox 360"/>
=== Career mode ===
[[Image:Guitar-hero-2-xbox360-screen.jpg|thumb|Xbox 360 version of the game displaying the scoring meter (left), the guitar fretboard (middle), and the Rock and Star Power Meters (right)]]
In Career mode, players create a band name and select a guitarist from among the available characters. Eight characters, each representing a unique genre of rock music - are available from the start of the game: Eddie Knox (rockabilly), Axel Steel (heavy metal), Casey Lynch (hard rock), Lars Ümlaüt (extreme metal), Izzy Sparks (glam), Judy Nails (alternative), Johnny Napalm (punk), and Pandora (gothic). Additional characters can also be purchased, allowing them to be used in later sessions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guitarherogame.com/gh2/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624060114/http://www.guitarherogame.com/gh2/|archive-date=2011-06-24|title=Character List at Official Site|publisher=RedOctane|access-date=2008-07-24}}</ref>
Only the lead guitar is available to be played in the Career mode. Over the course of the Career mode the band plays at eight available venues. The venue system from the original game has been altered slightly and has the band traveling geographically from town to town in order to play at the next arena. The venues are [[Goblin|Nilbog]] High School, The [[Rathskeller|Rat Cellar]] Pub, The Blackout Bar, The RedOctane Club, the Rock City Theater, the [[Warped Tour|Vans Warped Tour]], Harmonix Arena and [[Stonehenge]].<ref>{{cite web| author = FS Staff| title = Guitar Hero II Review + Song List| work = Exposure Online Magazine| url = http://www.fullspectrumottawa.com/exposure/exposure_guitar_hero_ii_song_list.php| access-date = 2008-07-24| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080515195704/http://www.fullspectrumottawa.com/exposure/exposure_guitar_hero_ii_song_list.php| archive-date = 2008-05-15}}</ref> The venues feature [[Stage lighting|lighting]] and [[pyrotechnics]] that are synchronized with the music.<ref name="GamePro review PS2"/>
Not all songs in the main setlist are available from the start. Once a song is unlocked for play within Career Mode, it becomes available for play in all other modes. When working through Career Mode at a specific difficulty level, the next tier of songs is unlocked once the required number of songs on the current tier (3–5, depending on difficulty and console) are completed. Additionally, the encore song for a particular tier is only made available once its requirements are completed. On the Easy difficulty setting, there are no encores available, but the next tier will be unlocked immediately after completing the required songs in the previous tier.<ref name="gamezone review">{{cite web | url = http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r29286.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080615194342/http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r29286.htm | archive-date = 2008-06-15 | title = Guitar Hero II Review | last = Watkins | first = Rob | date = 2006-11-10 | access-date = 2008-07-24 | publisher = Game Zone }}</ref>
Successful completion of a song on Medium or higher difficulty during Career mode will earn the player in-game cash. Higher difficulty levels and better scoring performances are rewarded with more cash. In-game money can be used at ''The Store'' to buy various items. Some items are available only after completing all songs at higher difficulty levels or 5-star performances.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/puzzle/guitarhero2/hints.html | title = Guitar Hero II for Xbox 360 Cheats | work = [[GameSpot]] | access-date = 2008-07-24 | archive-date = 2008-12-11 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081211092922/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/puzzle/guitarhero2/hints.html | url-status = live }}</ref> Within ''The Store'', the player can purchase new [[Gibson Guitar Corporation|Gibson]] guitars, guitar finishes, three additional characters, alternate outfits for the eight characters available from the start, bonus songs, and videos.<ref name="xbox-manual-store">{{cite book | year=2007 | editor=RedOctane | title=Xbox 360 Guitar Hero II Instruction Manual | publisher=RedOctane|id=Unknown ID: 95023-226-US <!--This is not an ISBN. It is probably a manufacturer's part number --> | page=8}}</ref> For unknown reasons, the bonus videos are absent from the PAL version of the game. Within the Xbox 360 version, there is also an option to access the ''Guitar Hero II'' content on the [[Xbox Live Marketplace]].<ref name="xbox-manual-mpmodes"/>
==
[[Image:Guitar Hero II PS2 co-op screen.jpg|thumb|In cooperative multiplayer, the two players share their score, Rock Meter, and Star Power. Screenshot from the PlayStation 2 version.]]
There are three different multiplayer modes available:<ref name="xbox-manual-mpmodes"/><ref name="GameSpot review PS2"/>
* '''Cooperative'''
:One player plays lead guitar while another plays either [[bass guitar]] or [[rhythm guitar]], depending on the song. Both players share a score, rock meter, star power meter, and streak multiplier. Cooperative mode is the only multiplayer mode in which a song can be failed. Star power can only be activated by both players simultaneously.
* '''Face-Off'''
:This is the same multiplayer mode as featured in the original game, though in ''Guitar Hero II'' both players can select their own level of difficulty. In this mode, players alternate between playing sections of the selected song. The scores are weighted so that a player who hits fewer notes on Easy difficulty may not necessarily lose against an opponent on Expert difficulty who hits more notes.
* '''Pro Face-Off'''
:Players play the full lead guitar track on the same difficulty. For the PlayStation 2 mode, this is available upon completion of any career level,<ref name="ps2-manual-proface">{{cite book | year=2006 | editor=RedOctane | title=PlayStation 2 Guitar Hero II Instruction Manual | publisher=RedOctane|id=Unknown ID: 95023-226-US <!--This is not an ISBN. It is probably a manufacturer's part number --> | page=8}}</ref> while for the Xbox 360 version, the mode is unlocked after completing the career mode at Easy level or higher.<ref name="xbox-manual-practice">{{cite book | year=2007 | editor=RedOctane | title=Xbox 360 Guitar Hero II Instruction Manual | publisher=RedOctane|id=Unknown ID: 95023-226-US <!--This is not an ISBN. It is probably a manufacturer's part number --> | page=9}}</ref> The score system is identical as the song could be played alone, but songs cannot be failed in this mode.
Although, online multiplayer was not available at the release of ''Guitar Hero II'' for the Xbox 360, RedOctane has stated that they hope to be able provide this later once they are able to work out the technical issues.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/guitar-hero-2/754599p2.html|title=Gamespy - CES 2007 Preview for Guitar Hero II for the Xbox 360|date=2007-01-11|last=Accardo|first=Sal|access-date=2008-07-24|archive-date=2008-07-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724164547/http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/guitar-hero-2/754599p2.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Practice mode ===
Practice mode is a new addition to the game, allowing a player to practice certain sections of a song ("Verse 2," "Chorus," "Bridge 3," "Gtr Solo 4," etc.) on different difficulties and instruments.<ref name="1UP.com review Xbox 360"/> Practice mode gives the player the ability to toggle the speed of the notes (Full Speed, Slow, Slower and Slowest) and does not stop a song no matter how many mistakes are made. Players can play the [[bass guitar]] lines on most songs. On others, a [[rhythm guitar]] line is available instead.<ref name="xbox-manual-practice"/>
==
{{Main|List of songs in Guitar Hero II}}
{{See also|List_of_songs_in_Guitar_Hero_II#Downloadable_content|l1=List of Xbox 360 downloadable content for ''Guitar Hero II''}}
Both the PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 versions of ''Guitar Hero II'' feature the same core 64 playable songs (40 licensed, 24 bonus songs).<ref>{{cite web|author=Roper, Chris|date=2006-10-09|title=IGN: Guitar Hero II Final Tracklist Revealed|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/737/737921p1.html|work=IGN|access-date=2008-07-24|archive-date=2013-01-03|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103111912/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/10/09/guitar-hero-ii-final-tracklist-revealed|url-status=live}}</ref> Among the featured tracks are [[Van Halen]]'s version for [[The Kinks]]' "[[You Really Got Me]]", "[[Sweet Child O' Mine]]" by [[Guns N' Roses]], "[[Girlfriend (Matthew Sweet song)|Girlfriend]]" by [[Matthew Sweet]], "[[Woman (Wolfmother song)|Woman]]" by [[Wolfmother]], "[[War Pigs (song)|War Pigs]]" by [[Black Sabbath]], and "[[Free Bird]]" by [[Lynyrd Skynyrd]]. The Xbox 360 version of the game contains 10 exclusive tracks not included in the PlayStation 2 version, including "[[Billion Dollar Babies (song)|Billion Dollar Babies]]" by [[Alice Cooper (band)|Alice Cooper]], "[[Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo]]" by [[Rick Derringer]], and "[[The Trooper]]" by [[Iron Maiden]]. Additionally, the Xbox 360 version allows for downloadable songs to be purchased on the [[Xbox Live Marketplace]]. The Xbox 360 version also features a reorganized set list that provides a more balanced progression in difficulty.<ref name="GameSpot review Xbox 360"/>
Most of the songs featured in the main set list are [[cover version]]s, with the exception of "[[Stop! (Jane's Addiction song)|Stop!]]", "[[Possum Kingdom (song)|Possum Kingdom]]", "[[The Black Parade|Dead!]]", and "[[John the Fisherman]]"; these four are based on master recordings. The unlockable bonus songs are all master recordings, including some specifically arranged for use within ''Guitar Hero II''.<ref>{{cite web| title = Guitar Hero II Review | last = Sellers| first = Pete| publisher = Deeko Entertainment| date = 2006-11-07| url = http://www.deeko.com/ps2/reviewdetail.asp?id=752| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080725123543/http://deeko.com/ps2/reviewdetail.asp?id=752| archive-date = 2008-07-25| access-date = 2008-07-24 }}</ref> Cover songs are credited on screen with the phrase "as made famous by" (for example, ''"[[Heart-Shaped Box]], as made famous by [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]]"''), while the original songs are credited with "as performed by" (for example, ''"John the Fisherman, as performed by [[Primus (band)|Primus]]"'').
RedOctane stated that the Xbox 360 version of ''Guitar Hero II'' "planned to feature more downloadable content than any other 360 title" utilizing the [[Xbox Live Marketplace]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/764/764899p1.html|title=Guitar Hero II 360 Interview|last=Kolan|first=Patrick|publisher=IGN|date=2007-02-14|access-date=2008-07-24|archive-date=2008-12-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206122650/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/764/764899p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> including many of the songs from the original ''Guitar Hero'' a week after the release of the game.<ref name="Guitar Hero 2 Xbox 360 Hands-On Impressions">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3156280|title=Guitar Hero 2 New songs and new guitar on 360 -- in-depth impressions.|access-date=2008-07-24|date=2007-01-08|last=Pfister|first=Andrew|publisher=1up|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927213133/http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3156280|archive-date=2007-09-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2007/1/21/6693|title=Ars Technica: Guitar Hero 1 songs in Guitar Hero 2, and the best interview answer ever... twice!|access-date=2008-07-24|last=Kuchera|first=Ben|date=2007-01-21|publisher=Ars Technica|archive-date=2008-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918054601/http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2007/1/21/6693|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="IGN review Xbox 360"/> Four such packs have been released since April 11, 2007.<ref name="major nelson 3 song packs">{{cite web|url=http://majornelson.com/archive/2007/04/11/gh-ii-song-packs-3-of-em.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704111634/http://majornelson.com/archive/2007/04/11/gh-ii-song-packs-3-of-em.aspx|archive-date=2008-07-04|title=GH II: Song Packs (3 of 'em)|date=2007-04-11|access-date=2008-07-24|last=Hryb|first=Larry|publisher=Major Nelson's Blog}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://majornelson.com/archive/2007/07/11/guitar-hero-track-pack-4.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226202921/http://majornelson.com/archive/2007/07/11/guitar-hero-track-pack-4.aspx|archive-date=2009-02-26|title=Guitar Hero Track Pack 4|date=2007-07-11|access-date=2008-07-24|last=Hryb|first=Larry|publisher=Major Nelson's Blog}}</ref> Additionally, two packs featuring new content to the ''Guitar Hero'' series have also been released, including songs from [[My Chemical Romance]],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://majornelson.com/archive/2007/08/14/in-game-content-guitar-hero-ii.aspx | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080526000504/http://majornelson.com/archive/2007/08/14/in-game-content-guitar-hero-ii.aspx | archive-date = 2008-05-26 | title = In Game Content: Guitar Hero II | date = 2007-08-14 | last = Hryb | first = Larry | publisher = Major Nelson's Blog | access-date =2008-07-24}}</ref> [[Protest the Hero]], [[Trivium (band)|Trivium]], and [[Atreyu (band)|Atreyu]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://majornelson.com/archive/2007/09/28/marketplace-roundup-for-september-28-2007.aspx | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100131205737/http://majornelson.com/archive/2007/09/28/marketplace-roundup-for-september-28-2007.aspx | archive-date = 2010-01-31 | title = Marketplace Roundup for September 28, 2007 | publisher = Major Nelson's Blog | access-date = 2008-07-24 | date = 2007-09-28 | first = Larry | last = Hryb }}</ref> There have also been individual track downloads featuring songs from bands [[Los Rodríguez]], [[Pleymo]], and [[Soilwork]].<ref name="xbox360dlc20071015">{{cite web | url= http://majornelson.com/archive/2007/10/15/marketplace-roundup-for-october-15-2007.aspx | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100201152608/http://majornelson.com/archive/2007/10/15/marketplace-roundup-for-october-15-2007.aspx | archive-date= 2010-02-01 | work=majornelson.com | title= Marketplace Roundup for October 15, 2007 | last= Hryb | first= Larry | date= 2007-10-15 | access-date = 2008-07-24 }}</ref>
== Featured instruments ==
''Guitar Hero II'' features many popular real world [[Gibson Guitar Corporation|Gibson]], [[Epiphone]], and [[Kramer Guitars|Kramer]] guitars,<ref>{{cite web| title = Guitar Hero II Demos at E3 (Press Release)| publisher = Reverb Communications, Inc| date = 2006-05-05| url = http://www.modernguitars.com/archives/001852.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090111170508/http://www.modernguitars.com/archives/001852.html| archive-date = 2009-01-11| access-date = 2008-07-24 }}</ref> including the [[Gibson Les Paul]], [[Gibson SG]], [[Gibson Flying V]], (these three being the only ones available from the start) Gibson Sonex 180 and [[Gibson Explorer]]. Oddities such as the double necked [[Gibson EDS-1275]] and unusual looking [[Gibson Corvus]] also make an appearance. Several available finishes are also recognizable from popular guitarists, including [[Zakk Wylde]]'s bullseye Les Paul. As play progresses, several custom shaped guitars become available, although some are notable in the real world such as the US and Battle Axe (a similar looking bass is played by [[Gene Simmons]], and the guitar was played by [[John Christ]] of [[Samhain (band)|Samhain]]/[[Danzig (band)|Danzig]] fame). Basses, such as the [[Music Man StingRay]], [[Gibson Thunderbird]], and the [[Höfner]] bass (as made famous by [[Paul McCartney]], the bassist for [[the Beatles]]) are also available for co-op play.
The band itself plays with [[Orange Music Electronic Company|Orange]] amps and [[Drum Workshop|DW]] drum kits, along with more in-game endorsements. When the player passes each set of songs in career mode, his/her band is rewarded with money and equipment endorsements, including [[Ernie Ball]] strings, [[Boss Corporation|Boss]] effects, [[Line 6 (company)|Line 6]] guitar amplifiers, VHT amplifiers, [[Mesa Boogie]] amplifiers, and [[Roland Corporation|Roland]] keyboards. These products then appear on stage while the band plays the ensuing setlists.<ref name="A_Day_Spent_with_GHII">{{cite web|title=A Day Spent in the Presence of the Mighty Guitar Hero 2|url=http://ulo.tricho.us/?p=63|date=2006-08-05|access-date=2008-07-24|last=Neiburger|first=Eli|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080530004949/http://ulo.tricho.us/?p=63|archive-date=2008-05-30}}</ref>
== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
| PS2 = true
| X360 = true
| 1UP_PS2 = A<ref name="1UP.com review PS2">{{cite web | url = http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3155154 | title = Guitar Hero 2 (PS2) | date = 2006-11-10 | last = Donahoe | first = Michael | publisher = 1UP | access-date = 2008-08-03 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100106114846/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3155154 | archive-date = 2010-01-06 }}</ref>
| 1UP_X360 = A<ref name="1UP.com review Xbox 360">{{cite web | url = http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3158664 | title = Guitar Hero 2 (Xbox 360) | publisher = [[1UP.com]] | last = Lee | first = Garnett | date = 2007-04-11 | access-date = 2008-08-03 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927193502/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3158664 | archive-date = 2007-09-27 }}</ref>
| GI_PS2 = 9/10, 9.25/10<ref name="Game Informer review PS2">{{cite web | url = http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/CA07E7F7-DFB4-4244-95C8-AF75E0158A11.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080401082310/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/CA07E7F7-DFB4-4244-95C8-AF75E0158A11.htm | archive-date = 2008-04-01 | title = Guitar Hero II for PS2 review | publisher = Game Informer | last = Miller | first = Matt | url-status = dead | access-date = 2008-07-24}}</ref>
| GI_X360 = 9.5/10,9/10<ref name="Game Informer review Xbox 360">{{cite web | url = http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200704/R07.0403.1429.19210.htm?CS_pid=200268 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080529021948/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200704/R07.0403.1429.19210.htm?CS_pid=200268 | archive-date = 2008-05-29 | title = Guitar Hero II review (Xbox 360) | publisher = [[Game Informer]] | last = Helgeson | first = Matt | url-status = dead | access-date =2008-07-24}}</ref>
| GamePro_PS2 = 4.5/5<ref name="GamePro review PS2">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/85422.shtml | title = Guitar Hero II for PS2 | publisher = GamePro | last = Moses | first = Tenacious | date =2006-11-07 | access-date =2008-07-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061130031958/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/85422.shtml|archive-date=2006-11-30}}</ref>
| GamePro_X360 = 4.75/5<ref name="GamePro review Xbox 360">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox360/games/reviews/107871.shtml | title = Review:Guitar Hero II for Xbox 360 | publisher = [[GamePro]] | last = Moses | first = Tenacious | date = 2007-04-03 | access-date = 2008-07-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070409135143/http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox360/games/reviews/107871.shtml|archive-date=2007-04-09}}</ref>
| GSpot_PS2 = 8.7/10<ref name="GameSpot review PS2">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/puzzle/guitarhero2/review.html | title = Guitar Hero II for PlayStation 2 review | publisher = GameSpot | last = Navarro | first = Alex | date = 2006-11-07 | access-date = 2008-07-24 | archive-date = 2008-07-25 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080725080624/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/puzzle/guitarhero2/review.html | url-status = live }}</ref>
| GSpot_X360 = 8.9/10<ref name="GameSpot review Xbox 360">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/puzzle/guitarhero2/review.html | title = Guitar Hero II for Xbox 360 Review | publisher = [[GameSpot]] | date = 2007-04-03 | access-date = 2008-07-24 | last = Navarro | first = Alex | archive-date = 2008-12-19 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081219155400/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/puzzle/guitarhero2/review.html | url-status = live }}</ref>
| IGN_PS2 = 9.5/10<ref name="IGN review PS2">{{cite web | url = http://ps2.ign.com/articles/743/743905p1.html | title = Guitar Hero II Review (PS2) | publisher = IGN | last = Roper | first = Chris | date = 2006-11-03 | access-date = 2008-07-24 | archive-date = 2012-08-22 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120822045711/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/743/743905p1.html | url-status = dead }}</ref>
| IGN_X360 = 9.6/10<ref name="IGN review Xbox 360">{{cite web | url = http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/777/777444p1.html | title = Guitar Hero II (Game Controller and Game Bundle) review | publisher = IGN | last = Brudvig | first = Erik | date = 2007-03-30 | access-date = 2008-07-24 | archive-date = 2012-08-16 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120816202634/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/777/777444p1.html | url-status = live }}</ref>
| XPlay_PS2 = 5/5<ref name="Metacritic score PS2"/>
| OPM_PS2 = 10/10<ref name="Metacritic score PS2">{{cite web | url = http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps2/guitarhero2 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061016175722/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps2/guitarhero2 | url-status = dead | archive-date = October 16, 2006 | title = Guitar Hero II: (ps2: 2006) reviews | publisher = [[Metacritic]] | access-date = 2008-07-24 }}</ref>
| Play_PS2 = 9/10<ref name="Play Magazine review PS2">{{cite web | url = http://www.playmagazine.com/index.php?fuseaction=SiteMain.showGamePage&Game_ID=418 | title = PS2: Guitar Hero 2 | publisher = Fusion Publishing |work=play online | last = Campbell | first = Heather | access-date = 2008-07-24|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080421231156/http://www.playmagazine.com/index.php?fuseaction=SiteMain.showGamePage&Game_ID=418 |archive-date = April 21, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GR_PS2 = 93%<ref name="Game Rankings score PS2">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/932565.asp | title = Guitar Hero II Reviews | publisher = [[GameRankings]] | access-date = 2008-07-24 | archive-date = 2008-05-09 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080509183507/http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/932565.asp | url-status = live }}</ref>
| GR_X360 = 93%<ref name="Game Rankings score Xbox 360">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/935834.asp | title = Guitar Hero II | publisher = [[GameRankings]] | access-date = 2008-07-24 | archive-date = 2008-09-19 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080919135745/http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/935834.asp | url-status = live }}</ref>
| MC_PS2 = 92/100<ref name="Metacritic score PS2" />
| MC_X360 = 92/100<ref name="Metacritic score Xbox 360">{{cite web | url = http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/guitarhero2 | title = Guitar Hero II (Xbox360: 2007): Reviews | publisher = [[Metacritic]] | access-date = 2008-07-24 | archive-date = 2008-06-16 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080616090454/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/guitarhero2 | url-status = live }}</ref>
| award1Pub = [[E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo)|E3]] 2006
| award1 = [[Game Critics Awards|Game Critics Award]] for Best Puzzle/Trivia/Parlor Game<ref>{{cite web | title = 2006 Winners | url = http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2006winners.html | publisher = Game Critics Awards | date = 2007-05-26 | access-date = 2008-07-24 | archive-date = 2018-10-24 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181024054426/http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2006winners.html | url-status = live }}</ref>
| award2Pub = [[IGN]]'s 2006 Awards
| award2 = Best Music Game<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/overall/9.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070117015139/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/overall/9.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 17, 2007|title=Best Music Game|access-date=2008-07-24|publisher=IGN|date=2006-12-21}}</ref><br/>Best PlayStation 2 Music Game<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps2/9.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070109234652/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps2/9.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 9, 2007|title=Best PS2 Music Game|access-date=2008-07-24|publisher=IGN|date=2006-12-21}}</ref><br/>Best Licensed Soundtrack<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/overall/24.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070117015842/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/overall/24.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 17, 2007|title=Best Licensed Soundtrack|access-date=2008-07-24|publisher=IGN|date=2006-12-21}}</ref><br/>Best PlayStation 2 Licensed Soundtrack<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps2/24.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110083438/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps2/24.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 10, 2007|title=Best PS2 Licensed Soundtrack|access-date=2008-07-24|publisher=IGN|date=2006-12-21}}</ref><br/>Best PlayStation 2 Offline Multiplayer Game<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps2/27.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110000111/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps2/27.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 10, 2007|title=Best PS2 Offline Multiplayer Game|access-date=2008-07-24|publisher=IGN|date=2006-12-21}}</ref>
| award3Pub = 2007 IEAA Awards
| award3 = Post Logistics PlayStation Game of the Year<ref>{{cite web | title = 2007 Awards Winners | date = 2007-02-26 | url = http://www.ieaa.com.au/news/pdf/2007AwardsWinners.pdf | publisher = IEAA | access-date = 2008-07-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090319222642/http://www.ieaa.com.au/news/pdf/2007AwardsWinners.pdf|archive-date=March 19, 2009}}</ref>
| award4Pub = [[Next Generation Magazine|Next Generation]]'s Top 50
| award4 = 4th best game of 2006<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/features/next-gens-top-50-games-year|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904205130/http://www.next-gen.biz/features/next-gens-top-50-games-year|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-09-04|title=Next-Gen's Top 50 Games of the Year|last=Orlando|first=Greg|publisher=Next-Gen|date=2006-12-14|access-date=2008-07-24}}</ref>
| award5Pub = [[Spike TV Video Game Awards|2006 Spike TV Video Game Awards]]
| award5 = Best Soundtrack<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spike.com/articles/28ylcq/video-game-awards-video-game-awards-2006-winners|title=Video Game Awards 2006 Winners|publisher=[[Spike (TV network)|Spike]]|date=2011-10-27|access-date=2016-04-11|archive-date=2018-01-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104132825/http://www.spike.com/articles/28ylcq/video-game-awards-video-game-awards-2006-winners|url-status=live}}</ref>
| award6Pub = [[10th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]]
| award6 = [[D.I.C.E. Award for Family Game of the Year|Family Game of the Year]]<br/>[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition|Outstanding Achievement in Soundtrack]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2007&idGame=844 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Guitar Hero II |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |website=interactive.org |access-date=6 November 2023}}</ref>
}}
The PlayStation 2 version of ''Guitar Hero II'' was critically acclaimed. It received a 10/10 review in the December 2006 issue of ''[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]]'' and was awarded the Game of the Month award. The game received a rating of 9.5/10 from ''[[IGN]]'',<ref name="IGN review PS2"/> ranking higher than the original game in the series and amongst ''IGN''{{'}}s highest rated PlayStation 2 games ever. ''IGN'' would later include it on their 2007 list of "The Top 100 Games of All Time" at #49. ''[[GameSpot]]'' reviewed the PlayStation 2 version with a rating of 8.7/10,<ref name="GameSpot review PS2"/> and the Xbox 360 version 8.9,<ref name="GameSpot review Xbox 360"/> both slightly lower than its predecessor. ''[[Game Informer]]'' gave it a 9/10, while its "second opinion" rating was better, at 9.25/10. According to [[GameRankings]],<ref name="Game Rankings score PS2"/> the average critic score of ''Guitar Hero II'' is 93%, making it the 9th best reviewed game of 2006. The Australian video game talk show ''[[Good Game (TV program)|Good Game]]'''s two reviewers gave the game a 9/10 and 10/10.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/stories/s1794019.htm| title=Good Game Stories - Guitar Hero 2| publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation| date=2006-11-21| access-date=2010-06-11| archive-date=2010-06-24| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100624112841/http://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/stories/s1794019.htm| url-status=live}}</ref>
The Xbox 360 version has earned similarly positive reviews and slightly higher scores with a 9.5/10 in the March issue of ''[[Official Xbox Magazine]]'',<ref name="Metacritic score Xbox 360" /> a 4.75/5 from ''[[GamePro]]'', a 9.5/10 from ''[[Play (US magazine)|Play Magazine]]'' a 9.6/10 from ''[[IGN]]'', and a perfect score of 5/5 from ''Got-Next''.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.the-nextlevel.com/?id=603 | title = Guitar Hero II 360 Review | publisher = Got-Next | first = James | last = Cunningham | date = 2007-04-29 | access-date = 2008-07-24 | archive-date = 2008-12-02 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081202111438/http://www.the-nextlevel.com/?id=603 | url-status = live }}</ref> As of April 3, 2007, the Game Rankings score is 94%.<ref name="Game Rankings score Xbox 360"/> The popular [[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4]] television show ''[[X-Play]]'' gave both versions of the game a 5/5. Additionally, the Australian ''Xbox Magazine'' has also awarded the game, for the first time, an 11/10, in a reference to ''[[This Is Spinal Tap]]''. ''[[Hyper (magazine)|Hyper]]'''s Daniel Wilks commends the game for its "huge number of tracks" but criticises it for "some really average covers".<ref>{{cite journal|last=Wilks|first=Daniel|date=December 2006|title=Guitar Hero II|journal=[[Hyper (magazine)|Hyper]]|publisher=[[Next Media]]|issue=158|page=70|issn=1320-7458}}</ref>
Common praise for the game by critics is aimed at the new multiplayer and practice modes.<ref name="1UP.com review Xbox 360"/> Common critiques concern the song list, which includes more hard rock and metal than the previous game, deeming it less accessible to casual players.<ref name="1UP.com review Xbox 360"/> Other common critiques concern the quality of the covers.<ref name="GameSpot review Xbox 360"/>
The downloadable song packs for the Xbox 360 version have been criticized for being too pricey. The price was seen by many fans of the series as being far too expensive and was met with resistance and angst with a large number of people pledging to boycott the content.<ref name="major nelson 3 song packs"/> Microsoft's Xbox Live Director of Programming, [[Larry Hryb|Major Nelson]], defending the pricing and release scheme, and attributed the high cost of the content to "licensing issues" on the Xbox 360 platform, as all contracts drawn up for songs from the original game had to be rewritten, since they are playable on an additional console.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/major-nelson-talks-guitar-hero-downloads-halo-3/|title=Joystiq - Major Nelson Talks Guitar Hero Downloads, Halo 3|access-date=2008-07-24|last=Yoon|first=Andrew|date=2007-04-12|publisher=Joystiq|archive-date=2008-10-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011182202/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/major-nelson-talks-guitar-hero-downloads-halo-3/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In ''[[1UP.com]]''{{'}}s review for the Xbox 360 version of the game, the downloadable song packs are noted as a "mixed blessing"; praise is given for retooling the songs with better gameplay elements such as the inclusion of co-op modes, but the fact that the songs come in pricey packs of three "defeats much of the appeal".<ref name="1UP.com review Xbox 360"/> In an interview with [[RedOctane]] president Kai Huang,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://wii.ign.com/articles/780/780829p2.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070528212415/http://wii.ign.com/articles/780/780829p2.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = May 28, 2007 | title = Rocking on with Guitar Hero|publisher=IGN|last=Burman|first=Rob|date=2007-04-16|access-date=2008-07-24}}</ref> Huang stated that the decision to pack the songs in three was made to keep the cost of the tracks down. Though Huang felt the pricing was fair, he noted afterward "we do listen to the fans and take any feedback we receive seriously."
=== Sales ===
In December 2006, ''Guitar Hero II'' for PlayStation 2 was the second best-selling video game of the month,<ref name="1UP NPD 2006">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3156365|title=NPD Releases December Numbers, Fanboys Riot|date=2007-01-11|access-date=2008-07-24|publisher=1up|last=Klepek|first=Patrick|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927212604/http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3156365|archive-date=2007-09-27}}</ref> selling 805,200 units. It was outsold only by ''[[Gears of War (video game)|Gears of War]]'' for Xbox 360, which sold 815,700 units.<ref name="1UP NPD 2006"/> It was the fifth best-selling video game of the fiscal year of 2006, with 1.3 million copies sold. It was also the third best-selling game for the PlayStation 2, behind ''[[Madden NFL 07]]'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''.<ref name="1UP NPD 2006"/> Total sales of the game during [[2006 in video gaming|2006]] were [[USD|$]]200 million.<ref name="pd huangs">{{cite news | url = http://blog.cleveland.com/pdextra/2008/03/guitar_hero_cofounders_turned.html | title = "Guitar Hero" co-founders turned a bright idea into $100 million | newspaper = [[The Plain Dealer]] | first = John | last = Petkovic | date = 2008-03-28 | access-date = 2008-03-28 | archive-date = 2008-05-28 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080528171242/http://blog.cleveland.com/pdextra/2008/03/guitar_hero_cofounders_turned.html | url-status = live }}</ref>
On July 12, 2007, Dusty Welch of RedOctane stated that there have been over 300,000 downloads of the music packs until that point and that the prices were "very attractive and desirable for consumers."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://uk.reuters.com/article/tech-gamesexpo-activision-dc-idUKN1227928220070712?feedType=RSS | title = Activision to stick to "Guitar Hero" song price | date = 2007-07-12 | access-date = 2008-07-24 | publisher = Reuters }}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> On September 11, 2007, Activision reported that with over 650,000 downloads, the music packs qualified as "multi-platinum" under [[RIAA certification|RIAA's definitions]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://kotaku.com/gaming/downloadable-content/guitar-hero-ii-dlc-goes-multi+platinum-298583.php | title = Guitar Hero II DLC Goes Multi-Platinum | date = 2007-09-11 | access-date = 2008-07-24 | publisher = Kotaku | first = Mike | last = Fahey | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080516223312/http://kotaku.com/gaming/downloadable-content/guitar-hero-ii-dlc-goes-multi+platinum-298583.php | archive-date = 2008-05-16 }}</ref>
== Technical issues ==
No official statement from [[RedOctane]] or [[Activision]] were made about the discs or the game itself having any issues, but players have reported songs freezing or skipping, causing the audio to be unsynchronized; unusually long loading screens; and menus that freeze or lock up entirely causing the game to crash. The RedOctane Support Center Answer Guide states, "We’re already in the process of looking into this and testing to replicate the experience. We’ll notify everyone with our results shortly, and will have a positive resolution if need be."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.redoctane.us/support-center/index.php?x=&mod_id=2&id=120|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080602050814/http://www.redoctane.us/support-center/index.php?x=&mod_id=2&id=120|archive-date=2008-06-02|title=RedOctane Support Center|access-date=2008-07-24}}</ref>
Two models of the X-Plorer controller were released for the Xbox 360 version of the game: model numbers 95055 and 95065. Of the two versions, the 95055 has an [[RJ-11]] jack for effect pedals near the controller cord and is subject to having an unresponsive [[Tremolo arm|whammy bar]]. RedOctane later responded, saying that they "isolated this issue to two model numbers that can be found on the guitar's packaging". Customers are able to exchange these models for new models.<ref>{{cite web | last = Sliwinski | first = Alexander | title = Red Octane Says Two Xbox Guitar Models Defective | publisher = Joystiq | date = 2007-04-07 | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/07/red-octane-says-two-xbox-guitar-models-defective/ | access-date = 2008-07-24 | archive-date = 2008-07-06 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080706014636/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/07/red-octane-says-two-xbox-guitar-models-defective/ | url-status = live }}</ref>
On April 13, 2007, Activision revealed that the issue was not a problem with the hardware, and that the guitars were ''not'' defective. The cause of the problem was anti-cheat protection software, and Activision released a patch on Xbox Live on April 14, 2007, to remedy it.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://forum.guitarherogame.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=18566|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080419162709/http://forum.guitarherogame.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=18566|archive-date= 2008-04-19 |title= RedOctane post information Guitar Hero II patch|date=2007-04-13|access-date=2008-07-24|publisher=Guitar Hero Forums}}</ref> However, this patch may have caused some unintended side effects. Starting on April 16, 2007, numerous users began reporting lockups and failures of their system after downloading and installing this patch. RedOctane stated, "We're aware of the problem and we're looking into it."<ref>{{cite web | title = RedOctane admits to Guitar Hero II patch problem | publisher = Eurogamer | date = 2007-04-16 | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/redoctane-admits-to-guitar-hero-ii-patch-problem | access-date = 2008-07-24 | last = Bramwell | first = Tom | archive-date = 2009-02-03 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090203114030/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/redoctane-admits-to-guitar-hero-ii-patch-problem | url-status = live }}</ref>
Numerous game players have also reported problems with static shocks to the X-Plorer guitars causing various fret buttons (usually the green one) to permanently malfunction. Multiple exchanges of guitars have not solved the problem, as exchanged guitars also exhibit the problem. To date, RedOctane has not solved the problem, and has refused to extend warranties to replacement guitars, time limiting the warranty back to the original date of purchase.<ref>[http://www.monstersandcritics.com/gaming/xbox360/news/article_1287041.php/Guitar_Hero_II_controllor_problems_potential_recall Fret Button Problems ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202103721/http://www.monstersandcritics.com/gaming/xbox360/news/article_1287041.php/Guitar_Hero_II_controllor_problems_potential_recall |date=December 2, 2008 }}</ref>
==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
== External links ==
* [http://www.guitarhero.com Official website]
{{Guitar Hero series}}
{{Harmonix games}}
{{Portal bar|Music|Video games}}
{{Authority control}}
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[[Category:2006 video games]]
[[Category:Activision games]]
[[Category:Cooperative video games]]
[[Category:Video game sequels]]
[[Category:Guitar Hero| 02]]
[[Category:Guitar video games]]
[[Category:Music video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games]]
[[Category:Xbox 360 games]]
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[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
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