Guitar Hero Mobile: A Rocky Start for a Legendary Franchise
The rhythm game genre may not have exploded in the West, but Guitar Hero was a monumental exception. Its return, this time to mobile, should be cause for celebration. However, Activision's announcement stumbled badly, opting for an awkwardly AI-generated image on Instagram instead of a proper trailer or press release. This has understandably overshadowed the news, especially given recent controversies surrounding AI art usage in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
Details on Guitar Hero Mobile's look and feel are scarce. While the franchise had a previous mobile iteration nearly two decades ago (see below), expectations are understandably high for a modern, polished experience.
A Sour Note: The AI Art Controversy
The AI-generated promotional art has been widely criticized for its poor quality, raising questions about the development process. This negative reception threatens to derail the game's launch, particularly given the strong competition from titles like Space Ape's BeatStar.
Despite the initial misstep, the potential for a successful Guitar Hero mobile game remains significant. However, Activision's questionable announcement strategy casts a long shadow over what could have been a triumphant return.
For fans seeking other top-tier mobile franchises, exploring the top 9 Final Fantasy games on mobile offers a compelling alternative.