Want to learn the basics of guitar? There's no better place to turn.
Once you're done and figure things out, hit the Guitarcade. These are inspired mini-games, ranging from a fast-moving space shooter to a beat-em-up, all of which use your guitar to learn precision and timing. While it may be confusing playing games like these with a guitar – hey, it worked for Retro/Grade, right? – they're incredibly fun. Better still, you won't find a dull one in the bunch.
The gameplay works wonderfully with the guitar, and if you don't have one lying around or can't get to Guitar Center to find an accessible model, there's a bundle available for $200 that comes with a fairly good model. Otherwise, you can just buy the game by itself, or pick up a bundle that includes the cable.
Visually, Rocksmith 2014 doesn't go overboard on its interface, which is nice. Moving notes are easy to see, and the design has a certain savviness that's hard to overlook. It does exactly what it needs to do.
Then there's the music, the highlight of the package. The guitar tones themselves are quite authentic to the real deal, whether you prefer a Gibson or another particular model to play with. The 50+ songs included will really challenge you as well, whether you feel like cutting loose with the Foo Fighters' "Everlong," taking a stroll with Oasis' "Don't Look Back In Anger" or raging like crazy to Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar On Me." There's enough modern and classic stuff on here to keep you rocking out – and you know additional DLC is on the way.
