In Guitar Freaks (most recent being GF4th Mix and DrumMania 3rd), the position of the player or players is to take on the role of a lead guitarist, assist guitarist, or bass guitarist, and rock to the tunes of Konami's kick ass music staff. And with the latest in the series, you are actually acquiring two games in one, the aforementioned Guitar Freaks, and also DrumMania, thus creating Gitadora!(dont ask me how....it just does). After playing this, you'll be surprised by how much fun you'll have playing "instrumental musical Simon."

Using the guitar or drum controller from DrumMania (or combine the both of em for a kick-ass "session" mode) you play in accordance to the colored bar notes scrolling vertically on the screen. Using the drums, you simply bang/stomp where the notes tell you, however, with the guitar, while you hold the required cord "buttons," the player must "pick" at the strum once the notes reach the read point at the top of the screen, which isnt nearly as complicated as it sounds. Strangely, I've fallen quite victim to the multitude of songs available on this disc (still havent opened "DayDream," the toughest GF song thus far....but the mp3 speaks for itself). While this particular installment is a bit tougher than the others, it was designed to be played by those homegrown on the 1st through 3rd mixes, so it should be expected. However, with the determination to get better, as well as many plays/listens to "Na-Na-Na," even a novice can become a guitar-freaky individual.

As for the music itself, I personally feel that its selection is far better than those of previous mixes but it definitely wont keep veterans from missing the all-time classics like "Happy Man" or "Fire." The main key to not becoming distraught with the game is to progress accordingly based on note pattern types. The different ratings and song speeds give the player ample notice on what to expect.

My intial tips on picking? Keep your thumb above the pick and flick down as if you were tapping on a desk to a rhythm. As you play, you'll develop your own picking/fingering methods to carry you to success. My only complaints? Well, pretty fickle ones actually....there simply arent enough songs that are exclusive between Guitar Freaks and DrumMania. There should be more rewards for good gameplay, such as more hidden songs (sorry, but in this day and age, two songs just wont do). Small complaints in the end.

Bottom Line? Can you play PS2 imports? No? Well, I think its about time you found a way. You must purchase this title and believe me, if you like this game....there are plenty more games in its easy to interpret lineage to keep you playing for quite some time.