Choose your axe: React Legacy PS2 Guitar is unique
Written: Jul 12 '08
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good size, comfortable grip, I love the pedals!
Cons: Only five fret buttons, whammy bar on the guitar isn't great.
The Bottom Line: I've had tons of fun with this guitar / pedal combo!
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| ltrain's Full Review: React Legacy Guitar for PS2 |
For those about to rock...I'd advise you! All joking aside, if you rock with Guitar Hero or Rock Band games on Playstation 2 and you haven't read this review yet you are cheating yourself. Moreover, if you are still considering your first Guitar Hero purchase you must read this! I'm going to give you a scoop that will help you have a ball for the least amount of cash possible.
Why buy a React guitar
Generally speaking you have two ways to get a guitar for your Guitar Hero game. You can purchase the game bundle for any of the games in the Guitar Hero series which comes with the guitar that was made by the folks who make the game. As an alternative, you can buy the game buy itself and then buy an aftermarket guitar.
I chose the second method for two reasons. First, I could buy a React Legacy on eBay and the Guitar Hero I / Guitar Hero II bundle separately from Target for much less than the Guitar Hero bundle with their guitar for any of the Guitar Hero games. I saved something like 30 dollars and got the extra game.
Secondly, I chose the React Legacy because it came with foot pedals and, to my knowledge, no other Playstation guitar offers this feature. I just had to try it!
Did I mention the adjustable, removable, strap that comes with the guitar? Just like all the others on the market so no points are lost here!
Cut the cord!
It goes without saying that being wired to your Playstation console is for the birds. When you use the React Legacy you'll find that it is wireless and the connectability is great. I can play from as far across the room as my eyes allow me to see the timing of the notes well which is around 50 feet.
Put the pedal to the metal, bro!
Why would you need pedals for a Guitar Hero game? Well, even though this guitar can go into star power by tilting in straight up just like other guitars, you also have the option of pressing a foot pedal to activate star power. No more distraction of tipping the guitar, just keep playing and tap your foot!
If you don't like using the whammy bar because it takes you away from the strum bar you'll love the other pedal. Simply press it up and down to exactly simulate the whammy bar. If you prefer not to use the foot pedals you aren't forced to as there is still a whammy bar on the body of the guitar.
Don't think it's defective...
If there is an issue here to be aware of it's in the setup.
The steps:
1) install the receiver in the PS2 where a controller normally goes
2) turn on guitar
3) turn on pedals
4) press the sync button on the guitar side (left side) of the receiver (you'll probably have to pull your memory card out)
5) press the sync button on back of the guitar
6) repeat steps four and five for the pedals
After the initial setup you should be able to skip numbers 4 through 6 but remember them in case you need them in the future.
Also, the whammy bar on the body of the guitar isn't so hot. It can stick in position and keep the pedal or bar from working next time you need them. To correct this simply tap it so it goes back to the position where you need it. Me, I just avoid it and use the pedal instead!
Guitar Hero vs. Rock Band
Be not confused young gamer, even though this looks like a guitar it works only for Guitar Hero. Rock Band requires a guitar connected to the USB port and this one doesn't provide that. For that reason you can't play Rock Band with this axe. I mention it because some controllers, like Target's Kingmaker, play both games and you should consider your playing preference before buying. I prefer the Strat that came with Rock Band so I'm OK with only using this for guitar hero.
Oh yeah, how's it play?
That's important to, right? Seems to me that the guitar is durable. I've logged dozens of hours and other than the whammy bar issue it seems great. Pedals seem to have no issues with them! Battery life in both units is good as I'm still operating on my first set of batteries and I've been playing three or four times a week for a couple of months.
There are only five fret buttons instead of the two sets that are on some guitars but it's really no problem for most players. These are nice and wide which makes them easy to press. They aren't so wide that they keep you from sliding down them though, and I really get good timing from them when I'm working a hard song.
Length on this one is VERY similar to the Rock Band Strat so it's smaller than a real adult guitar but not so small as to feel silly in your hands. It's nearly exactly the size of the official Guitar Hero Axe. If there is a flaw in the size and shape it's that the neck is a little thick which makes my hand start to get tired faster than it does on my other controller.
While I'm at it:
Considering Guitar Hero or Rock Band? Read these:
I am a Guitar Hero...so much for my Rock Band!
Rock stars get the chicks: Rock Band '08
It lives on at my house
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
ltrain
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 in Kids & Family |
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Location: Right place, right time!
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There's only football season and waiting for football season. I can't wait for football!
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