Rocksmith 2014 Edition - Remastered
- October 3, 2016
- Ubisoft - Osaka
- 55h median play time
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.
Reviews
- music8,633 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 79 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The music aspect of Rocksmith 2014 has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing disappointment over the limited base song selection and the high cost of downloadable content (DLC). While the game offers a fun and engaging way to learn songs through its dynamic difficulty and riff repeater features, users note that it lacks depth in music theory and proper technique instruction. However, the ability to download custom songs significantly enhances the experience, allowing players to access a vast library of music beyond the official offerings. Overall, Rocksmith 2014 is praised for its innovative approach to learning guitar and bass, but players are encouraged to supplement it with traditional music education for a more comprehensive understanding.
“The extensive song library available in Rocksmith 2014 is a treasure trove for musicians of all levels.”
“Learning songs through it is highly intuitive with the dynamic difficulty.”
“The ability to slow down songs and get the parts right is great.”
“Extremely disappointed to see no music at all without DLCs.”
“The included song selection is lackluster, as it contains no songs.”
“The way additional songs are priced is really unfair, and you also need to create an Ubisoft account.”
- gameplay211 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Rocksmith is generally praised for its innovative use of real guitars as controllers, allowing players to learn and improve their musical skills through interactive and engaging mechanics reminiscent of rhythm games like Guitar Hero. While many users appreciate the dynamic difficulty adjustment and the variety of gameplay modes, some criticize the clunky interface, menu navigation issues, and the steep learning curve for beginners. Overall, the game is seen as a fun and effective tool for both novice and experienced players to enhance their guitar and bass skills, despite some technical shortcomings.
“Its approach to using genuine guitars or basses as controllers allows learning and improving musical skills through interactive gameplay.”
“It tailors the gameplay to match your skill level, gradually introducing new techniques and challenging sections as you progress.”
“The gameplay is beautiful and clean as long as your PC has the recommended specs.”
“As for the gameplay, I feel that they started in the right direction, but they kept ruining it along the way.”
“I don't like any of its interfaces, lessons, available songs, or suggested playing mechanics though.”
“The gameplay is basically copied from Guitar Hero, just with real guitars this time.”
- stability155 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 97 % negative mentions
The stability of the game is widely criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs, crashes, and frustrating troubleshooting experiences that often overshadow gameplay. Many players express that a significant portion of their time is spent resolving technical issues rather than enjoying the game itself, leading to an overall perception of it being unreliable and poorly supported. While some users manage to get it working after extensive effort, the consensus is that the game is plagued by persistent stability problems that detract from the overall experience.
“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.”
“The game is not buggy nor laggy.”
“This is the most buggy, unsupported, and frustrating piece of software I've ever touched.”
“Unplayable and buggy for me on Windows.”
“After the remaster update, a fresh install, and four hours of troubleshooting with implementing various fixes, I have given up on this software.”
- optimization105 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting significant performance issues such as audio stuttering, lag spikes, and difficulty in note recognition, particularly with certain instruments. While some players have found improvements in the remastered version compared to the original, others still experience frustrating technical problems that hinder gameplay. Overall, while the game can be enjoyable and effective for learning guitar, its optimization remains a major concern for many users.
“This is definitely a good and fun investment if you are interested in your current performance, an intermediate player, or an absolute newbie to stringed instruments.”
“Even if you think you're terrible, the game will positively reinforce your performance and give you pointers on where to improve, recommending sections to riff repeat to build up your skill in that song to the goal of achieving mastery.”
“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.”
“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.”
- story104 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- 86 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its absence, with many users noting that it lacks a traditional narrative or career mode, which was present in earlier versions. Instead, players engage with a series of missions that guide their learning and progression, but these missions often feel disconnected from any cohesive storyline. While some appreciate the mission system for its instructional value, many express a desire for a more structured story element to enhance the overall experience.
“Good graphics, good gameplay, and good story.”
“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.”
“Even though they removed the 'story mode' with 2014, this game improved a lot of the features from the original.”
“☑ no story”
“Since this game is a rhythm game with no story, characters, or dialogue to speak of, I will cover the game by its various modes and features instead.”
“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.”
- graphics100 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are generally considered functional and of decent quality, though they show their age and could benefit from a visual overhaul. While some players appreciate the immersive virtual venues and detailed visuals, others find them distracting or reliant on flashy animations that may hinder learning. Overall, the graphics serve their purpose but are not a standout feature, with mixed opinions on their effectiveness and performance across different systems.
“The graphics are impressive, and the virtual venues where the songs are played add a nice touch of immersion to the experience.”
“The game's visual and audio presentation is top-notch, with detailed graphics and realistic sound effects that accurately simulate the experience of playing a real guitar.”
“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.”
“The visuals are terrible, it doesn't even look like a guitar and it's impossible to follow.”
“The ui and graphics are a little dated since it's several years old and remastered, but it still shines.”
- grinding54 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 6 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
Overall, reviews highlight that while grinding in the game can sometimes feel tedious, it is significantly mitigated by the engaging mini-games and adaptive difficulty features that make practice enjoyable. Many users appreciate the game’s ability to transform traditional, monotonous exercises into fun activities, making the learning process feel less like a chore. However, some players still find certain aspects, like song selection and menu navigation, to be frustratingly tedious.
“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.”
“It is tedious, repetitive and there seems to be no improvement taking place.”
- monetization42 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 10 % neutral mentions
- 83 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of Rocksmith has drawn significant criticism from users, who describe it as a blatant cash grab, particularly through the introduction of in-game advertisements and restrictive DLC practices. Many players express frustration over the reliance on microtransactions for song access and the perceived decline in quality and support for the original game, Rocksmith 2014, following updates that prioritize promoting the new Rocksmith+ subscription service. Overall, the sentiment reflects a strong discontent with Ubisoft's approach to monetization, which many feel undermines the game's value and user experience.
“If Rocksmith+ would ever get 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.”
“This gives a higher appreciation for what guitarists do, is a learning tool, and can be used as your own local streaming service with no ads.”
“The song library is a real cash grab, for sure.”
“Good gameplay and concept turned into a pathetic cash grab.”
“The recent 'remaster' appears to be a cheap cash grab by Ubisoft, as all that really changed was streamlining the way DLC is purchased, while slapping the 'remastered' label to bring Rocksmith to the front page.”
- humor40 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players finding it both entertaining and amusing as they learn to play guitar through funny mini-games and challenging songs. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke laughter, whether through its quirky mechanics or the absurdity of their own playing experiences. Overall, the game is seen as a fun and engaging way to improve guitar skills while providing plenty of laughs along the way.
“What a hilarious coincidence... Ubisoft.”
“Awesome game and a very good and funny way to learn to play guitar.”
“It's funny that a game on Steam has done that for me...”
- emotional24 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional impact of the game is profound, with many users expressing feelings of joy, pride, and nostalgia as they improve their guitar skills. Players report being moved to tears by their progress and the satisfaction of playing songs they love, highlighting the game's ability to foster a deep connection to music and personal achievement. Overall, it serves as a powerful tool for learning and rekindling passion for playing instruments, making users feel like rockstars in their own right.
“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.”
“On a serious note, this game made me feel so happy with myself and my playing. I teared up a little last night playing 'Barracuda' by Heart. It felt so good to be able to play the solo and be proud of myself because of a video game. I can't recommend Rocksmith enough; it's amazing!”
“Holy shit, never before have I gotten so emotional just making a review. This game has moved me to tears.”
- replayability23 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The replayability of Rocksmith is highly praised, with many users highlighting the significant enhancement provided by the custom downloadable content (CDLC) mod, which allows for an extensive library of songs and genres. Players report that the game offers limitless replay value through its diverse song arrangements, co-op modes, and ongoing DLC support, making it an excellent choice for both learning guitar and enjoying music. Overall, the game is considered one of the most replayable experiences available, with ratings often reaching 10/10 for this aspect.
“I highly recommend getting the CDLC mod which allows custom songs, which have made Rocksmith replayable. I have over 500 songs ranging from Pierce the Veil, Slipknot, Paramore, etc. Without this mod, the game would be lackluster and not worth the money, but the CDLC made me want to learn more songs that fit my genre and style.”
“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.”
“The official DLCs are mostly very accurate, and the option to add your own custom DLC song pack adds an infinite amount of replay value.”
“I highly recommend getting the cdlc mod which allows custom songs, which have made Rocksmith replayable. I have over 500 songs ranging from Pierce the Veil, Slipknot, Paramore, etc. Without this mod, the game would be lackluster and not worth the money, but the cdlc made me want to learn more songs that fit my genre and style.”
“The official dlc's are mostly very accurate, and the option to add your own custom dlc song pack adds an infinite amount of replay value.”
“Given what the game is, the replay value of this game is literally limitless, and is well worth it.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is enhanced by its vibrant visuals and customizable settings, allowing players to choose from various environments like clubs and studios, which contributes to a lively party experience. While the gameplay remains similar to the original, the colorful aesthetic marks a significant improvement over its darker predecessor.
“Speaking as someone who already knew a fretboard from a whammy bar, I've had a lot of fun playing the game with friends in a party atmosphere.”
“You can customize and choose your scales, tempo, groove, atmosphere (club, studio, arena), and what instruments are in your band.”
“On the surface, there doesn't seem to be much improvement made to the original's gameplay. Changes to the layout of the notes aren't that big, but the game looks much more colorful and visually appealing, as opposed to the darker atmosphere of the original.”
“The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the immersive qualities that make a game truly engaging.”
“Despite the variety of settings, the atmosphere fails to evoke any real emotion or excitement.”
“The game's atmosphere is inconsistent, often leaving players feeling disconnected from the experience.”