Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock vs Rock Band 3
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock lets players shred classic rock anthems like Heart’s “Barracuda” and Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage” across authentic venues. The game adds a new multiplayer battle mode, grueling boss battles, and a wealth of unlockable content for endless replayability. Available on PlayStation 3, PC, Mac, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 2, this title delivers a party‑ready experience with single‑player, co‑op, and split‑screen options, all rated T for teens.
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.
- Huge track list featuring classic rock hits
- Innovative battle and boss modes add depth
- Supports both solo and multiplayer experiences
- Authentic venue visuals enhance immersion
- Huge new song library
- First game with keyboard support
- Robust local multiplayer
- High critic score
- Requires a guitar controller for full experience
- Track selection may feel dated to newer players
- Split‑screen performance can suffer on older consoles
- No online multiplayer
- Limited to PS3 and Xbox 360
- Additional songs require extra purchase
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock
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Rock out as Aerosmith from garage to stardom in this guitar‑hero adventure.
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 dataRock Band 3 offers broader instrument support, higher critic score, and more robust local multiplayer, while Guitar Hero III focuses on classic rock tracks and battle mode.
Key differences
- •Instrument variety: Rock Band 3 adds keyboard/keytar, Guitar Hero III only guitar.
- •Song library: Guitar Hero III emphasizes classic rock hits; Rock Band 3 adds 83 new tracks.
- •Multiplayer depth: Rock Band 3 supports up to four players; Guitar Hero III limited to two.
- •Critic reception: Rock Band 3 scores 88/100 vs. Guitar Hero III 84/100.
Gameplay & fun factor
Rock Band 3 adds keyboard/keytar and four‑player band play, expanding gameplay beyond guitar‑only battle mode.
Platform availability
Guitar Hero III is listed as available across multiple platforms; Rock Band 3 limited to PS3 and Xbox 360.
Price & value
Both retail for $59.99; value depends on desired instrument set and extra song purchases.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Rock Band 3 supports up to four players split‑screen; Guitar Hero III supports only two.
Content & replayability
Rock Band 3 offers 83 new tracks plus downloadable packs; Guitar Hero III relies on its core classic list.
Difficulty & accessibility
Guitar Hero III’s battle mode and solo play may be simpler for single‑guitar players; Rock Band 3 requires more instruments.
Graphics & performance
Guitar Hero III notes authentic venue visuals; no specific graphics data for Rock Band 3.
Choose Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock if…
Fans of classic rock who want a guitar‑only experience and broader console compatibility.
Choose Rock Band 3 if…
Players seeking full band gameplay, keyboard support, and the highest critic rating.
Common questions
Do I need extra hardware for either game?
Guitar Hero III requires a guitar controller; Rock Band 3 adds optional keyboard/keytar in addition to standard instrument controllers.
Can I play online with friends?
Neither game lists online multiplayer; both are limited to local split‑screen play.
Which game offers more songs out of the box?
Rock Band 3 adds 83 new tracks to its library, while Guitar Hero III relies on its classic rock setlist.