'Why mash buttons on a video game controller, when you could put Sgt. Pepper on your CD player, or learn to play a real guitar? If an alien scientist came to observe humanity, they'd find a lot of things puzzling, but few would be as puzzling as Guitar Hero.' What Makes People Want to Play Rock Band and Guitar Hero?

I guess I must be getting old, but I also can't see why someone would rather spend time on Guitar Hero than learning to play an actual guitar. Anyone love, or hate the game? Is the writer of that article on the right track, or way off beat?

putting in a CD and listening? just listening is a generally passive activity; those games are active. don't get me wrong; i absolutely adore most music (except gangsta rap & top40) & usually have something playing or listen on my iPhone while i'm riding public transportation or walking/shopping.

learning to play guitar (i do play, but don't perform; i mainly play for myself & friends who visit)? lack of talent/desire/time/patience to learn; those games aren't geared toward performance, they're geared toward competition...basically a snazzy, pop-culture version of Simon, based on what i've seen.

personally, i don't care for this type of game, but understand those who do. i prefer RPG's (Role Playing Games like the Legend of Zelda series), HOG's (Hidden Object Games)& point/click adventure games (Myst-type games).

i'm past the half-century mark, myself, but the only thing that seems to be getting older is my body. my mind keeps wanting I/O (input/output) & seems to get younger the more i use it.

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basically a snazzy, pop-culture version of Simon, based on what i've seen.

A perfect description! The only thing you left out is that it is far more expensive than Simon.

Yes - Simon is a neat comparison.

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...seems to get younger the more i use it.

Redefining Aging: Brain Research