Guitar Hero 5 vs Rock Band 3
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.
Rock Band 3 expands the franchise with 83 brand‑new songs, bringing fresh challenges for both seasoned players and newcomers. For the first time the game supports a keyboard/keytar peripheral, letting you play melodies alongside guitars and drums. The title runs on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, offering single‑player, co‑op, and split‑screen multiplayer modes that make it perfect for parties and family gatherings. With a PEGI 12 / ESRB T rating, it delivers a balanced mix of fun and challenge for teen and adult audiences.
- 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 new song library
- First game with keyboard support
- Robust local multiplayer
- High critic score
- 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 online multiplayer
- Limited to PS3 and Xbox 360
- Additional songs require extra purchase
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 Rock Band 3
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Play the full band experience with guitar, bass, drums, and vocals in one game
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataGuitar Hero 5 offers flexible drop‑in/out multiplayer and broad controller compatibility, while Rock Band 3 adds a keyboard and higher critic score but lacks online play.
Key differences
- •Guitar Hero 5 supports online multiplayer; Rock Band 3 does not.
- •Rock Band 3 introduces full keyboard/keytar support; Guitar Hero 5 does not.
- •Both cost $59.99, but Rock Band 3’s critic score is higher (88 vs 81).
- •Guitar Hero 5’s setlist has 85 songs; Rock Band 3 adds 83 new tracks to an existing library.
- •Both are limited to PS3/Xbox 360; no other platforms mentioned.
Gameplay & fun factor
Both provide party‑style rhythm gameplay with similar song counts and instrument support.
Platform availability
Each is available only on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360; no difference.
Price & value
Both priced at $59.99; value depends on preference for online play vs keyboard.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Guitar Hero 5 includes online multiplayer; Rock Band 3 is limited to local split‑screen.
Content & replayability
Rock Band 3 has a higher critic score (88) and adds a keyboard, expanding musical variety.
Difficulty & accessibility
Guitar Hero 5’s drop‑in/out system makes spontaneous play easier for casual groups.
Graphics & performance
No graphics or performance data provided for either title.
Choose Guitar Hero 5 if…
Players who want online multiplayer and easy drop‑in sessions.
Choose Rock Band 3 if…
Players who value keyboard gameplay and higher critical acclaim.
Common questions
Can I play with friends online?
Yes, Guitar Hero 5 supports online multiplayer; Rock Band 3 does not.
Does either game include keyboard support?
Only Rock Band 3 adds full keyboard and keytar support.
Are the games priced the same?
Both have a one‑time price of $59.99.