Flashfire

I agree that it's about personal preference. I'm a bit of a bemani fanboy, owning many different DDR, IIDX and Pop'n Music games. I have played every Bemani game in the arcade with the exception of Pop'n. I strongly disliked In the Groove, because I believe it removed a lot of the simple fun factor for difficulty and an intense drive to score well. Of course, when Guitar Hero came out, I was very skeptical. I didn't expect much, and then I got a chance to see it.

I will say, it is a well done game and with all the songs people know, it's not a surprise it did well here. Most people in the US don't want to here the Japanese music that is typically in the Bemani games. I, on the other hand, do not want to hear the US music. I personally enjoy little to no American techno, and I REALLY dislike most American rock/metal/most of the other songs on GH. Sure, Bad Religion is one of my favorite bands, but one band won't get me to buy the game.

I have played a bunch of Guitar Freaks since for some reason my college had a machine, and I must say it was WAY harder. Even on early mixes, I could see the difference. I only mention this because I'm waiting to hear the commentary on it when it comes out from the same people who prefer ITG. I hear quite often "ITG is better because it's more challenging" but I'm sure I will also hear "Guitar Revolution is harder? So? That doesn't make it a better game."

I hate to admit it, but I just don't think it can win with the usual Bemani song list. I strongly prefer songs like Midnight Special and Dragon Blade, but I'm probably in the minority.