Guitar Hero 5 vs Guitar Hero: Metallica
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Designed for both casual parties and competitive players, it offers a variety of challenges, Rockfest modes, and online multiplayer while letting players create avatars and customize instruments. The title received strong reviews for its accessibility and social features, despite a mixed reception to its broad setlist.
Guitar Hero: Metallica brings the iconic metal band to life on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 2. Featuring 28 master recordings and 21 curated tracks, players can shred on lead or bass guitar, pound drums, or sing vocals. The game builds on Guitar Hero World Tour's engine with expert+ drum mode, online competition, and a robust career mode, plus behind‑the‑scenes videos and pop‑up facts that celebrate Metallica's legacy.
- Easy drop‑in/out gameplay for spontaneous sessions
- Robust song library with 85 tracks
- Full compatibility with existing instrument controllers
- Strong online and local multiplayer options
- Extensive Metallica song catalog with master recordings
- Expert+ drum mode adds authentic challenge
- Robust multiplayer and online features
- Rich extra content like motion‑capture videos and pop‑up facts
- Setlist considered too broad by some fans
- Kurt Cobain avatar can be used on any song, causing controversy
- Sales were lower than previous installment
- No additional downloadable content beyond pre‑existing tracks
- Career mode storyline is cartoonish and simplistic
- Limited platform availability compared to newer consoles
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Guitar Hero 5
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Rock out with epic tracks and battle mode in Guitar Hero III.
Play the full band experience with guitar, bass, drums, and vocals in one game
Rock out to Metallica's greatest hits in a full-band rhythm experience.
Alternatives to Guitar Hero: Metallica
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Rock out as Aerosmith from garage to stardom in this guitar‑hero adventure.
Play the full band experience with guitar, bass, drums, and vocals in one game
Rock out with epic tracks and battle mode in Guitar Hero III.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataGuitar Hero: Metallica offers a focused, high‑quality Metallica catalog with expert drum mode, while Guitar Hero 5 provides a broader song library and flexible drop‑in/out multiplayer.
Key differences
- •Metallica features 28 master Metallica recordings + 21 extra tracks; GH5 has 85 songs from 83 artists.
- •Expert+ drum difficulty with second bass pedal is unique to Metallica.
- •GH5 allows any instrument combination and drop‑in/out play; Metallica is fixed to Metallica‑themed setlist.
- •Both have the same price, but GH5’s larger setlist may feel more value‑dense for casual players.
Gameplay & fun factor
Metallica’s Expert+ drum mode adds authentic challenge not present in GH5.
Platform availability
Both list identical multiplayer specs and no platform details; availability appears equal.
Price & value
Same $59.99 MSRP, but GH5’s 85‑song setlist offers broader content for the price.
Multiplayer / co‑op
GH5’s drop‑in/out system and flexible instrument combos support spontaneous multiplayer better.
Content & replayability
GH5’s 85 songs across many genres give more replay variety than Metallica’s 49‑track Metallica‑focused list.
Difficulty & accessibility
Metallica includes Expert+ drum difficulty for players seeking high challenge; GH5 is more casual.
Graphics & performance
No graphics or performance data provided for either title.
Choose Guitar Hero 5 if…
Casual groups wanting a large, mixed‑genre song pool and easy drop‑in multiplayer.
Choose Guitar Hero: Metallica if…
Metallica fans or players craving high‑skill drum challenges.
Common questions
Do both games cost the same?
Yes, each has an MSRP of $59.99.
Which game has more songs?
Guitar Hero 5 includes 85 songs; Guitar Hero: Metallica has 28 Metallica tracks plus 21 extras (49 total).
Is there a unique drum mode?
Metallica offers an Expert+ drum difficulty with a second bass pedal; GH5 does not.