July 20, 2007 - All the rest of the game elements work well, too -- this is basically Guitar Hero II with a new set of songs. That means you get all of its improvements, from practice mode to cooperative two-player jams with one person on lead and the other on bass or rhythm guitar.

July 23, 2007 - As an expansion, Encore performs adequately, with Harmonix delivering more Guitar Hero to the masses. With more effort, however, it could've been the ultimate 80s party game, a disappointing thought, given the average song list and the exorbitant $49.99 price tag.

July 23, 2007 - With such a decisive lack of content compared with other GH releases, not to mention the slightly insane price tag, Rocks the 80s feels like a quick-and-dirty cash-in. It's one you'll probably still have a good time with, but it's dirty all the same.

July 24, 2007 - I can imagine spending a lot of time trying to nail all the solos in songs like "Round & Round" or "Play With Me," and the return of co-op play will help make the game a solid party title. But the differences between Guitar Hero II and Rocks the 80s couldn't be more drastic.

July 25, 2007 - This remains one of the best games ever for anyone who has ever thought even for one second that it would be cool to be a rock star. Just be sure to check out the song list if you weren't around to hear this stuff the first time.

July 30, 2007 - Maybe it's the price, maybe it's the looming threat of Rock Band, but at the end of the day, Rocks the 80's fails to excite.

July 23, 2007 - Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the '80s is certainly a disappointing release in one of the most fun and refreshing franchises we've seen anytime lately. It's fun, but it doesn't hold a candle to the previous two releases.

August 20, 2007 - Accept that you're going to long for better tracks and wish there were a good deal more, and you'll get a good few weeks of solid play and a few tracks to come back to time and time again.

August 2, 2007 - For those of you who haven't yet been bitten by the Guitar Hero bug, the second game is still your best bet until GH3 and Rock Band arrive to shake things up at the end of the year.

August 7, 2007 - At full price, it's hard to recommend this game to even an enthusiast for purchase, but if you're really curious, a rent could be a worthwhile option.