Guitar Hero 5 vs Guitar Hero: Smash Hits
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: Smash Hits brings together the most memorable tracks from the early Guitar Hero titles, letting players strum, drum, and sing along with iconic songs from Nirvana to Queen. The game supports full‑band play on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 2, offering both single‑player and split‑screen multiplayer modes. Featuring a curated setlist from Guitar Hero, Guitar Hero II, Guitar Hero: Rock the 80's, and Guitar Hero III, the title delivers a party‑ready experience for music lovers and gamers alike, with an ESRB rating of T and a PEGI rating of 12.
- 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
- Huge selection of classic Guitar Hero tracks
- Full‑band support with guitar, drums, and vocals
- Split‑screen multiplayer for up to four players
- Available on three major consoles
- Setlist considered too broad by some fans
- Kurt Cobain avatar can be used on any song, causing controversy
- Sales were lower than previous installment
- Critic score is low (43/100) indicating mixed reviews
- Limited to songs from earlier titles, no new tracks
- Requires multiple peripherals for full band experience
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Guitar Hero 5
View all →
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: Smash Hits
View all →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 as Aerosmith from garage to stardom in this guitar‑hero adventure.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataGuitar Hero 5 offers a larger, more varied song list and online multiplayer with a solid critic score, while Guitar Hero : Smash Hits focuses on classic tracks but has a low critic rating.
Key differences
- •Song library: 85 tracks (GH5) vs curated classics from first four games (Smash Hits).
- •Multiplayer: GH5 supports online play for up to four; Smash Hits only split‑screen local play.
- •Controller compatibility: GH5 works with any existing Guitar Hero instruments; Smash Hits requires full band peripherals.
- •Critical reception: GH5 81/100 vs Smash Hits 43/100.
- •Platform support: GH5 listed for Xbox 360 only; Smash Hits works on PS3, Xbox 360, and PS2.
Gameplay & fun factor
GH5 adds drop‑in/out sessions, Rockfest challenges and online play, increasing variety and replayability.
Platform availability
Smash Hits runs on PS3, Xbox 360, and PS2; GH5 only listed for Xbox 360.
Pricing & value
Both priced at $59.99; value differs by content and features, but price identical.
Multiplayer / co‑op
GH5 offers online multiplayer and local co‑op; Smash Hits limited to local split‑screen.
Content & replayability
GH5’s 85‑song setlist plus user‑created tracks beats Smash Hits’ limited classic catalog.
Difficulty & accessibility
Smash Hits targets fans of classic rhythm games with familiar tracks, potentially easier entry for newcomers.
Graphics & performance
Not specified in the provided data for either title.
Choose Guitar Hero 5 if…
Players who want a bigger song pool, online play, and use existing Guitar Hero controllers.
Choose Guitar Hero: Smash Hits if…
Players who prefer classic Guitar Hero hits, need split‑screen party mode, and own a PS console.
Common questions
Do both games cost the same?
Yes, each has an MSRP of $59.99.
Which game has better reviews?
Guitar Hero 5 received a critic score of 81/100; Smash Hits received 43/100.
Can I use my existing Guitar Hero instrument set with both games?
GH5 is fully compatible with existing controllers; Smash Hits requires full band peripherals and does not specify compatibility.