Can't get Taylor Swift concert tickets? Well, there's a chance you might be able to rock out with her on stage in Band Hero instead. Released in 2010, this nostalgic game brings back memories of the late '00s, when plastic instruments and rhythm games were all the rage, and in-game performances were the ultimate way to enjoy the best songs.
Band Hero: Bringing Pop Stars to Your Living Room
Featuring in-game performances from Taylor Swift, Adam Levine, and Gwen Stefani, among others, Band Hero was marketed as a sanitized version of its older sibling, Guitar Hero. With a lower age rating and a focus on attracting a younger audience, this game offered a great selection of tracks, including Taylor Swift's hits like "Love Story," "You Belong With Me," and "Picture To Burn."
While it may not have featured sets to rival her real-life concerts, Taylor's Band Hero performances certainly look like they were a lot of fun. The gameplay is enjoyable too, even if some songs have been modified to fit the game's style. While some might prefer the rock 'n' roll attitude of Guitar Hero, Band Hero is still a decent rhythm game and a must-play for Taylor Swift fans.
Experience the Fun in the Band Hero Trailer
Band Hero's marketing strategy included a trailer starring Taylor Swift. Filmed in a similar manner to her "Teardrops On My Guitar" Music video, Taylor performs "Love Story" for the audience, interacts with other musicians, and even does a bit of crowd-surfing. It's a fun little trailer and a big part of why Band Hero remains the best Taylor Swift video game.
Enjoy Taylor Swift's Hits in Band Hero
Band Hero features a great selection of tracks, with Taylor Swift's early hits leading the pack. The singer's three most popular albums, her debut Taylor Swift and her sophomore record Fearless, are well-represented in the game. Taylor's performances in Band Hero were motion-captured, adding a touch of realism to her rocking out in the style of each song.
The gameplay is fun, even if some songs have been modified to fit the game's style. Guitar Hero games are famous for their unique takes on various genres, and Band Hero could have been the first game in the series to explore different genres, had things gone differently. In another world, Band Hero could have been the genre-shifting Guitar Hero 1.
Unfortunately, Band Hero's lack of success contributed to the decline in music game sales, and a lawsuit from No Doubt put a stop to the series for good. Band Hero wasn't just a rehash of Guitar Hero – it was sold with its own instruments, and there was even a unique DS version with a different tracklist. But if you're missing Taylor Swift's music and want to dust off an old console, Band Hero might just satisfy that craving.
