Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Guitar Hero: Metallica builds on the core rhythm mechanics of its predecessors while adding several band-focused innovations. Players can choose from guitar, bass, drums and vocals, then tackle 28 master recordings by Metallica and 21 guest tracks selected by the band. The familiar five-fret highway returns with note gems cascading toward the fret buttons, but Metallica’s signature riffs often demand rapid chord changes and aggressive strumming that feel both challenging and rewarding.

The standout feature is the Expert+ drum mode, which requires a second bass pedal to replicate Lars Ulrich’s double-kick patterns. This addition elevates the drumming experience for seasoned players, forcing them to coordinate all four drum pads plus two pedals. Whether you’re a casual player stepping up from World Tour or a veteran drummer seeking an extra layer of difficulty, Expert+ delivers an authentic taste of Metallica’s percussive assault.

Beyond individual tracks, the career mode unfolds as a cartoon-style storyline in single or multiplayer, where you guide a fledgling band through historic venues important to Metallica’s rise. Progression is tied to earning stars in sets of songs rather than standalone gigs, giving each level a clear goal before unlocking the next. The game also includes competitive online modes and local face-off battles updated with Metallica-themed power-ups like “Fade To Black” and “Ride The Lightning.”

Graphics

Visually, Guitar Hero: Metallica strikes a balance between stylized caricature and band likeness. The motion-captured avatars of James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Lars Ulrich and Robert Trujillo capture each member’s stage presence—from Lars’s energetic drum fills to James’s signature mic stand flourish. While the overall art direction leans toward bright, comic-book aesthetics, Metallica’s grittier vibe shines through in venue backdrops, animated crowd reactions and rock-themed UI skins.

The career cutscenes employ a fluid, cel-shaded look that keeps the narrative engaging without breaking the game’s fast pace. Venues span small club stages to massive festival arenas, each rendered with unique lighting effects and subtle environmental details—rusted amps, overhead scaffolding or animated fans holding banners. Although the game runs on the same engine as World Tour, the Metallica edition tweaks textures and stage props to fit the band’s iconic imagery.

Bonus videos and trivia unlocked throughout the sets add a multimedia layer, allowing players to watch archival footage and learn behind-the-scenes facts about each song. The inclusion of GHTunes custom song sharing doesn’t introduce new visual elements, but the track-creation interface is intuitive and shares the game’s established aesthetic. Overall, the graphical package feels polished and thematically coherent.

Story

At its heart, Guitar Hero: Metallica offers a simple but fun storyline: form a band, earn your stripes by playing classic Metallica tunes, and ascend to headline status. The narrative is illustrated in lighthearted, animated sequences, offering comedic interactions between bandmates, rival groups and fictional promoters. It’s not an epic tale, but it provides enough context to make each set of songs feel like a stepping stone on the path to stardom.

Each venue in the career mode ties into real-world Metallica lore, from dive bars where the band cut its teeth to arena stages that symbolize international success. As you unlock new sets, brief trivia pop-ups and video clips delve into the history behind songs like “Master of Puppets” or “The Unforgiven,” giving fans and newcomers alike reason to appreciate the band’s journey. This blend of gameplay and documentary elements keeps the campaign fresh across dozens of tracks.

Multiplayer career extends the story, allowing friends to join your garage band and tackle challenges cooperatively or competitively. Whether you’re trading leads with a buddy on Kirk Hammett’s solos or battling online in Metallica-themed face-offs, the story framework remains intact—just expanded to accommodate up to four players. The result is a narrative scaffolding that enhances player investment without bogging down the rocking action.

Overall Experience

Guitar Hero: Metallica is a must-have for fans of the band and rhythm-game enthusiasts seeking a heavier challenge. The master recordings feel punchy and authentic, while the Expert+ drum mode enables an unprecedented level of fidelity for drummers. Multiplayer options—both local and online—ensure that the party atmosphere thrives, and the Metallica-themed power-ups bring a fresh twist to the established battle modes.

The career mode’s cartoon presentation and progression through iconic venues strike the perfect balance between narrative flair and pick-up-and-play action. Unlockable videos and trivia deepen the appreciation for each track, making the game part interactive concert, part rock documentary. Moreover, the inclusion of GHTunes and Drum Mode invites creative players to craft and share new rhythms or entire songs, extending replay value well beyond the official set list.

While some regions missed out on the bundled guitar with Metallica faceplate, the standalone edition still offers the full suite of songs and modes. Pre-order extras like custom drumsticks and a second bass pedal sweeten the deal for hardcore players. In the end, Guitar Hero: Metallica delivers a polished, immersive tribute to one of metal’s most influential bands—and it does so with enough depth and challenge to keep players coming back for encores.

Retro Replay Score

8.3/10