Guitar Hero: Keeping the Video Game Peace!

Our daughter has been debating whether or not to buy the hugely popular "Guitar Hero" game and accessories for her kids. Although I believe there are a lot better ways for kids to spend their time besides playing video games, electronic entertainment is an entrenched part of their culture now and isn't going to just go away. After spending some time watching my friend's twenty-something son, Duane, playing Guitar Hero with his much younger cousins, I have spotted some definite advantages to this game.

First of all, Guitar Hero is a non-violent game (unless you destroy your pseudo-guitar like the rock stars do, I guess). It doesn't glorify violence, unlike so many other popular video games. I'm not talking about silly cartoon slapstick, but depictions of realistic, murderous violence that is so prevalent in our modern media. Children who are overexposed to violence at a young age become hardened to it, and lose their compassion for the feelings and welfare of others. As parents, we must influence our children away from violent images and toward more gentle pursuits.

If your kids are like the ones in our family, the younger kids want to play the game, too, but often don't have the coordination to compete with the older kids. The older kids don't want to let the younger ones play, then the younger ones get upset. Guitar Hero takes care of that problem. Even though the game is rated for teens, younger children can still get in on the fun.

Guitar Hero can be played by one or two at the same time, and the players are not competing against one another but playing together. The more experienced player is not held back from advancing in the game by younger players without adequate skill. This gave Duane's little cousins a chance to enjoy the game with him without either player becoming frustrated and angry.

I noticed that the young cousins were challenged to improve their hand-eye coordination by trying to keep up with Uncle Duane. They were having a great time, even if they couldn't play well. There was absolutely no fighting between any of the players, like in my home when the grandkids are playing a competitive game. Our eight-year-old grandson in particular will get angry when he is beaten by another player. In Guitar Hero, there are no winners and no losers, so that takes care of that issue!

And I'd like to add another good reason why I think this game can be good for kids of all ages: great classic rock music! Sorry, kids, but most of the music I hear today is just generic noise with a beat. This game can introduce your kids to some of the fabulous hard rock tunes that are now played on the "Golden Oldies" stations! Typing that last line made me feel old.....those were the great songs I listened to riding the bus home from school everyday.

We'll probably end up with this game in our household, and not just for the reasons above. I expect my husband will be pushing for it, too, since there may be a version of Guitar Hero that is devoted exclusively to Beatles tunes!