Rocksmith 2014 Edition

Rocksmith 2014 Edition - Remastered Game Cover

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Rocksmith 2014 Edition - Remastered is a guitar-learning game that uses real guitars and basses to teach players. It features improved menus, a new "Riff Repeater" model for practicing, and a wide range of songs to learn from. The game offers a fun and interactive way to improve your guitar skills.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Local Multi-Player Play with friends in the same physical space using split-screen or multiple screens
2-Players Play with one other player, either online or locally, in a cooperative or competitive game mode
Multi-Player Compete or cooperate with other players online
Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo
Split Screen Play with multiple players on the same screen, often with divided or shared screen real estate

Reviews

88%

Audience ScoreBased on 9,570 reviews

music971 positive mentions

stability93 negative mentions

Rocksmith 2014 is an excellent tool for learning guitar and bass, providing a fun and engaging way to practice with real songs.
The game features a vast library of songs and allows for custom DLC, enhancing the overall experience and song selection.
The dynamic difficulty and riff repeater features help players gradually improve their skills and master songs at their own pace.

The game has significant technical issues, including problems with audio detection and compatibility with modern systems, making it frustrating to set up and use.
Ubisoft's recent updates have intentionally broken the game for many users, pushing them towards the subscription-based Rocksmith+ and removing access to previously available content.
The requirement for a specific Real Tone cable can be a barrier for many players, and using alternative audio interfaces often leads to additional complications.

music
5,030 mentions
19 % positive mentions
78 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music aspect of Rocksmith 2014 is widely praised for its extensive library of songs, including both official DLC and a vibrant community of custom songs (CDLC) that significantly enhance the learning experience. Players appreciate the dynamic difficulty adjustment, which allows them to start with simple notes and gradually progress to full songs, making it engaging and fun. However, many users express frustration over the high cost of DLC songs and the limited selection in the base game, suggesting that while it is an excellent tool for learning songs, it lacks depth in music theory education.
- “This is one of the most entertaining ways to learn new songs on guitar.”
- “You can actually learn songs with this software.”
- “This game honestly was what made me understand music when I first started playing and it's incredibly useful to learn complicated parts like solos.”
- “The song library is a real cash grab, for sure.”
- “Sadly since the online, subscription version of the game came out this one isn't really supported and I'm not seeing any of the songs go on sale anymore.”
- “The basic song pack that comes with the game is kind of limited, and the DLC is overpriced, but if you get a few choice songs that you love, from the almost 2000 pieces of DLC you're sure to find at least 3-4 songs that fit the criteria.”
gameplay
116 mentions
22 % positive mentions
73 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Rocksmith is generally praised for its engaging mechanics that effectively teach guitar and bass skills through a fun, Guitar Hero-like interface. However, many users express frustration with clunky menus, limited song selection, and technical issues that detract from the overall experience. While it serves as a solid practice tool for improving mechanical proficiency, it may not adequately cover music theory or provide a seamless learning experience for beginners.
- “It tailors the gameplay to match your skill level, gradually introducing new techniques and challenging sections as you progress.”
- “Addictive and fun gameplay for guitarists and bassists alike.”
- “The gameplay modes are both varied and intuitive, and the song library is highly relevant and ever expanding.”
- “As for the gameplay, I feel that they started in the right direction, but they kept ruining it along the way.”
- “I could go on about the laborious and unskippable menus, weird menu selection mechanics, and the basic clunkiness of the actual game's design and how it represents strings and chords (all terrible in case you were wondering), but even those complaints would make for a lofty improvement to the list of complaints to be had about this failed exercise.”
- “The game will refuse access to many features since it is running in an offline state, rendering the game a trial version in usability, and all the time wasted trying to find something usable in the game counts as gameplay, so Steam robs you of your payment for the game (claiming that over 2 hours of gameplay occurred when there was no gameplay).”
stability
95 mentions
2 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
98 % negative mentions
The stability of the game is widely criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs, frequent crashes, and significant troubleshooting requirements that detract from the overall experience. Many players express frustration over audio recognition issues and unreliable performance, particularly with various hardware setups. While some acknowledge that the game can be enjoyable when functioning properly, the overwhelming sentiment is that it is plagued by technical problems that make it difficult to recommend.
- “After the initial pain of setup, this game runs great and I have no issues (besides Windows 11 resetting the realtone cable every time I reconnect it to 0 volume).”
- “The game runs great on both Windows 10 and macOS 10.14 (as of this review). However, it is concerning to see the game is still 32-bit on macOS.”
- “This game is shit, I got the realtone cable and did so much troubleshooting, it won't work with the original cable, with microphone need a NASA employee to make this work.”
- “Overall an irritating buggy mess.”
- “Buggy, laggy, fucked up piece of shit that nobody should need to endure.”
optimization
58 mentions
17 % positive mentions
71 % neutral mentions
12 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some users reporting significant performance improvements and smoother gameplay compared to the original version, particularly on PC. However, many players have experienced issues such as sound stuttering, poor note recognition, and difficulties with certain audio setups, leading to frustration and a perception of subpar optimization overall. While the game offers adaptive difficulty and responsive feedback, the inconsistent performance can hinder the learning experience for some users.
- “I limited the game to 7 performance cores, and the game finally runs on Windows 11.”
- “The song lessons seem easy at first just having you play key notes, but it ramps up according to your level and gives you feedback on your performance, the goal being to eventually play every note perfectly and master the song.”
- “It is well optimized in comparison to the first one and runs very smooth.”
- “Pretty much unplayable now, optimization is so poor.”
- “Whereas it is a fun time for the most part, it's horrifically optimized and doesn't work with some audio setups.”
- “The performance is very bad, even if I have a system above the recommended specifications.”
story
52 mentions
6 % positive mentions
88 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its lack of a traditional narrative, with many users noting that it features no cohesive story mode like its predecessor. Instead, players engage with a mission system that provides direction and progression, though some find it confusing and lacking in depth. Overall, while the missions offer variety and motivation, the absence of a structured story detracts from the experience for those seeking a more immersive gameplay narrative.
- “The original had a 'story' kind of feel to it; I felt like I did when playing the cheap console games.”
- “I liked the way there was a story element where you'd arrange a set list, and then you had to practice those songs until you'd mastered them to then rock them in a performance.”
- “It's got less of a 'story mode' than the first one, but it sure got awesome new features and mini-games.”
- “There's no career mode in the remastered edition, but I think that the mission system is a bit better, although slightly confusing.”
- “It just needs some sort of 'story' mode; I don't know why they took that away, but it made the first one so much more fun to see a score bar and when you did get inlays and larger venues it felt like it meant something.”
- “Apart from some missions it gives you, it's not going to tell you to do this and then that.”
graphics
51 mentions
14 % positive mentions
80 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising their functionality and visual appeal, while others criticize them as outdated and in need of a refresh. Many users appreciate the clean UI and effective visual cues that enhance gameplay, but note that the overall aesthetic could benefit from modernization. Additionally, performance issues related to graphics settings have been highlighted, particularly for users with varying hardware capabilities.
- “Thank you Ubisoft for this artwork!!!”
- “Graphics 10/10: they do their job flawlessly, they convey the information needed and make you feel awesome when you get a good combo going.”
- “The graphics are great and even the mini games are useful.”
- “However, it must be said that the overall visual aesthetic could use a bit of a facelift.”
- “System definitely is not designed for PC; the graphics are the worst.”
- “It's attractive graphics and visual cues are a distraction - musicians should be listening.”
grinding
31 mentions
3 % positive mentions
3 % neutral mentions
94 % negative mentions
Overall, users find that the game effectively transforms the often tedious process of learning guitar into an engaging experience, with many praising its gamified approach to practice. While some aspects, like song selection and certain mini-games, can feel grindy or frustrating, the adaptive difficulty and ability to practice favorite songs make the learning process more enjoyable and rewarding. Many players appreciate the balance between necessary repetition and fun, highlighting that the game helps build real-life skills without the usual monotony associated with traditional practice.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The technique mini-games are especially tedious and not fun, and I'd rather just practice scales on my own than play scale warriors or practice string skipping riffs than play string skip saloon.”
- “Calibration problems..choosing songs is tedious at best..the song choice sucks and you pay for it. Stick to the PS3 version; at least you know what you're getting. Steam version 2/10, PS3 version 8/10..Steam sucks.”
- “In order to run this game you must have a Steam account and a Uplay account, and Uplay is where everything comes to a grinding halt.”
monetization
27 mentions
11 % positive mentions
4 % neutral mentions
85 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with players expressing frustration over the reliance on microtransactions, intrusive ads, and the breaking of mod support. Many users feel that the song library and downloadable content are overpriced and that the game's updates prioritize profit over player experience, leading to a negative perception of the overall value. Overall, the monetization approach has detracted from the game's potential, leaving players feeling exploited rather than supported.
- “If Rocksmith+ ever gets the same monetization scheme as RS14, I would buy it, no doubt in my mind.”
- “There are a few varying songs from rock to jazz, but that's all, and some of the more popular songs are restricted and are part of microtransactions.”
- “I had never heard of it beforehand or saw no advertising, but I was lucky enough to stumble across it.”
- “The song library is a real cash grab, for sure.”
- “Good gameplay and concept turned into a pathetic cash grab.”
- “How petty can Ubisoft be to drop a new game that somehow has 5000 songs that are all worse picks than the 50ish in this game, then throw a stealth update to make the superior 2014 break custom songs and add ads for Rocksmith Plus.”
humor
17 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted through its amusing approach to learning guitar, with players enjoying funny songs and quirky minigames that enhance the experience. Users find the game's comedic elements, such as the absurdity of certain gameplay mechanics and the humorous situations that arise while playing, to be a delightful addition. However, some players also note that the game's pricing can be seen as a joke, adding a layer of irony to their overall enjoyment.
- “It is very funny to learn to play guitar and then it is even satisfying to play your favorite songs properly.”
- “The guitarcade games are hilarious.”
- “But alongside the songs, you also have funny little minigames that are educational and let you train your chords, bends, scales, etc.”
emotional
15 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional responses to the game highlight a deep connection and personal growth experienced by players, with many expressing frustration towards the developers while simultaneously acknowledging the game's positive impact on their musical journey. Users report feeling moved to tears and inspired to improve their guitar skills, leading to significant life changes such as joining bands and releasing music. Overall, the game is seen as a powerful tool for learning and self-expression, despite some technical criticisms.
- “As imitation is said to be the highest form of flattery, one could perceive their honest effort at a solid performance of the song of their choice as a sincere and heartfelt compliment to the artists or bands you enjoy.”
- “Holy shit, never before have I gotten so emotional just making a review; this game has moved me to tears.”
- “I started playing bass again because Rocksmith came out with the bass piece, and it encouraged me to practice enough after many years of not touching the bass, to join a band and now we have released several singles.”
replayability
12 mentions
33 % positive mentions
42 % neutral mentions
25 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its exceptional replayability, with users highlighting the endless possibilities for customization, co-op play, and the addition of community-created downloadable content (CDLC). Many reviewers note that the frequent updates and new arrangements keep the experience fresh, making it a top choice for those looking to learn guitar while enjoying varied gameplay. However, some express disappointment with the new subscription model in Rocksmith+, which limits the replay value compared to previous versions.
- “10/10, really has no limits in terms of tunings, timing signatures, techniques/alterations like capos, etc. and tons of replay value in co-op and bonus lead/rhythm/bass arrangements.”
- “Amazing game, high replay value, DLC every week added.”
- “Should the developers continue to support it with more arranged songs, Rocksmith should have infinite replay value, as you will always have something new to play and it is always fun to practice songs even after mastering them.”
- “Definitely recommend, if you've been craving to learn the guitar this is the game for you. Not only do you learn how to play, but with stuff like CDLCs, the replay value helps you continue to learn the guitar.”
- “You won't find many other games with this kind of replayability.”
atmosphere
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highlighted as enjoyable and engaging, particularly in a social setting, making it a fun experience for players, especially when played with friends.
- “The game creates an immersive atmosphere that draws you in and keeps you engaged.”
- “The stunning visuals and sound design combine to create a truly captivating atmosphere.”
- “Every level feels alive, with a rich atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.”