Rocksmith 2014 Edition
- October 22, 2013
A fun way to learn the guitar which compliments existing methods with a comprehensive set of tutorials and a superb feedback system that challenges you to improve.
Rocksmith 2014 Edition is the fastest way to learn guitar. Plug in any real guitar or bass and join over 1 million people who have learned with the award-winning Rocksmith method. This official sequel is bigger, better, and faster than ever.
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- Rocksmith provides a fun and engaging way to learn guitar, with a wide variety of songs and interactive tutorials that adapt to the player's skill level.
- The software includes features like the Riff Repeater and Guitarcade, which allow users to practice specific techniques and improve their skills in an enjoyable manner.
- Many users report significant progress in their guitar playing abilities after using Rocksmith, making it a valuable tool for both beginners and those looking to refine their skills.
- A common issue is the lack of activation codes included with the product, leading to frustration and delays in accessing the software.
- Some users experience latency issues with the Real Tone Cable, which can hinder the learning experience and make it difficult to play in sync with the game.
- The user interface and note prompting system can be confusing, especially for beginners, making it challenging to learn effectively without prior knowledge of guitar tabs or music theory.
- music73 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The music aspect of the game is highly praised for its extensive library, including the ability to add custom songs through Customforge, which enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the progressive difficulty and the game's effective song detection, although some find the notation system counterintuitive and the inability to isolate instrument tracks a drawback. Overall, it serves as a fun and engaging tool for learning guitar, particularly for those with some prior knowledge of music theory and tablature.
“The ability to add Customforge DLC was a huge step up, and I was surprised at the quality (and recency!) of the songs there.”
“Learn a song is fantastic - a good-sized set is included, and you can buy around 1,000 more songs or song packs, including some surprisingly current offerings.”
“It's like a video game that teaches you to play real songs using real instruments.”
“As an amateur musician trying to relearn the guitar, I hate this program.”
“If you are interested in playing music outside of the Rocksmith library and are an absolute beginner looking to skip the lesson fees, go somewhere else (there are online solutions that are light years better).”
“I also don't like the fact that every new song you want to add costs money, sometimes a lot.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Overall, the graphics received positive feedback, particularly on larger monitors, with users noting that the visuals for song selection and gameplay are appealing. However, there were some concerns regarding compatibility with certain hardware configurations and the clarity of installation instructions.
“The song selection is good and the graphics for playing songs are impressive.”
“The graphics are very nice on my 32" monitor, enhancing the overall experience.”
“The graphics are underwhelming and fail to impress, especially considering the capabilities of modern hardware.”
“The visual quality feels outdated, lacking the detail and polish expected from a game released in this era.”
“Character models and environments look bland and uninspired, making it hard to stay engaged with the game.”
- gameplay3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The gameplay emphasizes understanding the underlying mechanics of guitar playing rather than merely executing timed actions, making it a valuable tool for developing musical skills. Players appreciate the focus on auditory feedback, which enhances the learning experience and differentiates it from traditional quick-time events. Overall, it is seen as an effective way to build a solid foundation in guitar mechanics.
“I think it's really important to understand the mechanics behind the things you'll learn in this software so you'll build a foundation of understanding rather than just training your fingers what to do without really knowing why.”
“I think this is a great way to learn the mechanical skill of playing a guitar.”
“It's far better to actually hear yourself play rather than the game requiring you to algorithmically and mechanically hit notes at explicit times, which makes this game an extremely complicated quick time event.”
“I think it's really important to understand the mechanics behind the things you'll learn in this software so you'll build a foundation of understanding rather than just training your fingers to do things without really knowing why.”
“It's far better to actually hear yourself play rather than have the game require you to algorithmically and mechanically hit notes at explicit times, which makes this game an extremely complicated quick time event.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is perceived as quirky and somewhat frustrating, with players noting amusing interactions, such as the game's persistent prompts to sign up for Uplay, which can lead to humorous situations.
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Overall, users report that the game is generally stable, with only a few minor glitches noted, which do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment.
“Aside from a few glitches, it has been fun.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it hard to enjoy.”
“I experienced constant lag and stability issues during gameplay.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the grinding aspect for its engaging approach, featuring a diverse selection of songs and enjoyable arcade minigames that transform routine practice into a fun experience, making it worthwhile for those with a positive mindset.
Critic Reviews
Rocksmith 2014 Edition Review
Those with zero existing understanding will find that Rocksmith 2014 Edition will cause their guitar to gently weep, but when used as an accompaniment to real lessons, the software really sings. With a wealth of songs to learn and excellent arcade minigames that make typically tedious practice exercises actually entertaining, anyone with the right attitude will find real value here.
70%Rocksmith 2014 review - It's all part of my rock and roll fantasy
We had a lot of praise for Rocksmith 2014 on previous gen, and it’s transition to new platforms has only improved on that. At least in my household it remains a fantastic family event that yields a real skill. Who said videogames never taught you anything?
90%Does Rocksmith 2014 Really Work? PS3 Review
ConclusionRocksmith 2014 is a very impressive guitar learning experience. Its comprehensive suite of lessons and practice formats, fun mini-games and hugely entertaining Session Mode make it suitable for anyone, from novices who've never picked up a guitar to competent players looking to improve their technique.
90%
