Rocksmith 2014 (2013)

Rocksmith may resemble Guitar Hero or Rock Band on its surface, but the title is a surprisingly thorough instructional tool that teaches you how to play a real guitar.

Rocksmith is worth checking out for intermediate guitarists, especially if you're of a generation that recognises a lot of the artists in the track-listing. It's also worth a shot if you're an accomplished player, but for complete new-comers to guitar who have never picked one up before, it might pay to get a few of the very basics down with a tutor (or knowledgeable friend) first.

If you are wanting to blow off some cobwebs and find an enjoyable, and reasonably deep, experience then again it is hard to not recommend this. If games like Guitar Hero were the equivalent of giving a man a fish and him eating for a day, then Rocksmith 2014 is very much teaching that man to fish.

Rocksmith 2014 Edition is definitely a more streamlined game on the PlayStation 4 that has been fine-tuned for this console. It's definitely faster and a more flawless experience than previous instalments and I love the fact that you can share your music experience with the world. It features a great tracklist and more importantly, you can access your previously owned DLC as you attempt to be the best damn guitar player possible. However patience is the key to success with Rocksmith!

While owners of the PS3 / Xbox 360 version won't have much reason to upgrade, newcomers to Rocksmith 2014 Edition will find a wealth of options within this musical training tool… provided they have an optical-out audio solution. Without it, the latency could ruin an experience that is otherwise well presented, highly customisable, and a great way to improve those shredding skills.