Guitar Hero III on PS3 has Severe Playability Issues
As the latest in one of the most successful video game series today, Guitar Hero III offers the same rhythm-based game play as the previous releases. It is available for PS2, PS3, Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360. So far as I have read, the game runs very well on all platforms except the PS3. Playstation 3 users are plagued with issues including controller problems and strange game behavior. I was one of the unfortunate ones to have excitedly purchased this game for PS3 only to find out that it's very difficult if not impossible to have a positive gaming experience with it. I spent some time researching the problems and my conclusion is that the PS3 version was rushed and absolutely not ready for market.
The first thing I noticed after I opened up the box was a black pick-shaped USB dongle. I was hoping this was for some sort of lower-grade PS3 compatibility but after firing up the game and having no connectivity with the guitar controller, I reluctantly plugged it in and started pressing buttons. My system found the controller and worked right away. After reading other people's experiences, I feel fortunate for achieving such success. Many people reported problems of no syncing at all for the guitar, connection loss and other connection issues. Why Red Octane, the developing partners, couldn't get a regular bluetooth controller working is beyond me, but at this point I was already over it and ready to play.
Controller Lag?
Having played GH1 and GH2 through on "Expert" level, I felt that I should have no problems with this game. After all, it's the same interface and controller. As soon as I started the first song I knew something was wrong. Was I hitting the notes too early? Too late? Not at all? It occurred to me after failing that perhaps there was simply something wrong with the game. I played with the calibration settings but to no avail. I also found that the music sometimes would slow down and pitch down just like when you slow down a spinning record. It did this only occasionally, but it clearly wasn't supposed to be doing that. The game appeared to be broken.
I put my theory to the test and asked someone who had the 360 version of the game and had mastered it on expert to try it out on my PS3. He immediately noticed the playability issue. He said something was clearly wrong but he couldn't put his finger on it. He was having problems playing medium songs when he was used to playing them on expert. I was sure now that it wasn't just me.
We also tested this out on a PS3 other than my own. The problems were actually worse! At least I don't have a defective console.
Start making uneducated guesses now.
This is the part people won't read before telling me how to "fix" this. I've seen enough of it on other blogs and forums. I have an HDTV (Panasonic 52" Rear Projection LCD) and I know it has minimal lag. How do I know this? I'm obsessed with rhythm games. I played 8 different versions of DDR, 2 GHs, Beatmania and 3 Karaoke Revolutions on it with not a single bit of sync issue. Below is a chart of things people are going to recommend. If I don't have it on the list, feel free to add it and I'll try it:
Fixes and poor justifications
1. Adjust the lag configuration in-game.
I already said that I tried that. My TV and receiver don't have noticable lag on ANY GAME. This means that when I adjust that, the problem only gets worse. I also tried autodetecting the lag by strumming and guess what number it gave me? 0ms. No lag.
2. Turn off digital processing on your TV.
My set has minimal processing. It doesn't use DNLe or any of that nonsense. See the list above for games that worked.
3. Turn off Dolby digital processing or anything else that may cause your receiver delays in audio processing.
Tried it. The video doesn't seem to be quite right either. In fact, it feels to me like they made a huge open window of timing on the notes simply to compensate for the system's lack of stability.
4. You have an HDTV. They all have delay.
That is simply untrue. I have played other rhythm games through my PS3 using the upconvert and it works perfectly. My TV runs games off my PS2 perfectly non-upconverted as well. IT ISN'T MY TV.
5. You're just bad at the game.
No, I'm not. I played through both GH1 and GH2 on expert levels. I know how to play the game.
6. All wireless controllers have delays.
The game runs perfectly on Wii and Xbox 360. Both are wireless. The Wii evens uses bluetooth, much like the PS3. That rules out wireless and bluetooth.
For PS3, It's just broken.
Activision has announced a new controller to be released in 2008. Hopefully just the controller is the problem but if it's the software as well, I would really appreciate an update soon. I've honestly tried everything and I don't believe there's anything else I can do to fix this. I believe the game is broken and it sounds like thousands of others do as well. I expect a little more out of a major game publisher on one of their hottest games and at $89 for the game with controller. If you have any choice at all, go for any platform BUT PS3. It simply doesn't work well on it.
Sources
http://treyhutcheson.wordpress.com/2007/10/29/review-guitar-hero-3-on-the-ps3/
http://blogs.pcworld.com/gameon/archives/005982.html
http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3164074
Stumble It!
BS!
I have the PS3 version and its just fine, never had any problems, never even had problems with the calibration and I'm playing on my HDTV. Only problem I've heard is in the new Les Paul itself, and a lot is caused by the detachable neck not inserted fully.
I have lag issues with the wii on my new hdtv....and i have tried the calibration to no avail....of course the sound is an issue, too, but that hardly affects gameplay
I just bought the PS3 version - and I have the same problems. i played GH3 on my Xbox360 with my GH2 Xplorer Guitar (wired), and had no problems.
But the GH3 on PS3 with the wireless Controller has a serious problem.
I will return the PS3 Version tomorrow...
I bought the GHIII on PS3 two days ago after renting GHIII with a wired Xplorer guitar from Blockbuster.
On easy my wife hit 80% of notes first time she played. With the PS3 version she couldn't hit 40% with wireless guitar. I thought maybe it was just her.
I played and was having problems with the tilt not being recognized, and long notes dropping in the middle of playing them. So I took it back and got GHII bundle with wired controller and bought the GHIII stand alone game for my 360 instead (glad I have both systems).
From what I have read, alot of people think it has something to do with the break apart guitar and the connection not being held correctly between the base and the neck. I have seen ways to fix it involving rubber bands and taking the neck apart.
Sorry when I spend 100$ I expect it to work out of the box, I am not gluing and rubber banding it together.
Same problem here on PS3...
Sometimes, I hit a note and it doesn't even work...
Despite that I managed to clear the game on expert but I am still disapointed...
And the stupid Star Power almost always activate when you get it right on the spot without even moving the guitar...
Yep, it's broken alright. The 1.01 patch offers a fix to the A/V sync issues with my LCD TV, but the game largely remains off.
I slaughtered expert modes for the last two guitar hero games, and I've been shredding on guitar for 16 years. f there's one thing I know its timing. So when the game tells me I can't play 16th notes evenly I want to scream. I'm at the point of laughter in trying to get a decent score at Iron Maiden's "Number of the Beast" because I can't keep a streak during the easy chord parts.
Need more proof? Scorehero.com. Look at top scores between platforms.
Through the Fire and the Flames (x360) ~850,000
Through the Fire and the Flames (PS3) ~600,000
It's the TV AND the GH.
We had GHII for PS2 played on a 20 year old analog TV with no problem. At all. With any game. A few months ago I bought a new HD LCD TV, hooked up the PS2 to it and son played GHII and immediately frustrated by lag. We disconnected it, took the game system up to his room with his probably 10 year old TV and it played FINE.
Just bought Wii system and GHIII, hooked up to the new LCD TV and same problem - major lag, unplayable. However, the included Wii sports game package works absolutely fine with no lag. Son took new Wii up to his old analog TV... played the new GHII with no problem.
My TV has no problems with any of the 12 different rhythm games I have. It also played GH3 on Xbox360 just fine. It's the PS3.
Sir i am with you 100% on the "impossible" playability of this game on PS3.
The Guitar DOES NOT STRUM when you need it to.
I have missed countless notes because the guitar DOES NOT REACT QUICKLY ENOUGH.
Call me a perfectionist, but it seems the designers released this game to the public with the idea that the player will either "pass" or "fail" the songs, but did not care to perfect the sync between the guitar and the game
To say the least, i am pretty pissed off.
It is not the TV or the PS3 it is either Guitar Hero III itself or the wireless controller included
I have the 360 version with both a wired and wireless and both controllers exhibit completely unplayable behavior. This TV is sometimes problematic, but even when I just listen to the music and not look at the screen, the strum doesn't happen. It's the game, and only the game ... which can include the hardware.
I agree with Brad Walker...
There is definetly aprobblem with the neck - but this is fixable.
I too have the same problems with the strum bar not reacting when it's pressed and it's driving me crazy.
I've tried calibrating but no luck.
A good song for testing is 'when you were young' by the killers - the bass on expert. It's quite simple to play. Here you can see that it isn't a timing problem. Try it and you'll see.
I played this for hours on my friends 360 but when I play it on my ps3, it simply isn't as fun anymore - I really hope they find a fix...
Happy Christmas !
I like your video games blog !
I will be also making a blog about the video game releases and would like to exchange links with you if you like the idea.
Thanks a lot ,
Have a great day.
Your friend,
Mike
Seems enough people have already proven this correct but I can join the line. I wasn't very good at GH3 when I bought it to my PS3 (had just made it the last tier on expert on a friends 360 when I got it for my ps3).
In the beginning I obviously didn't notice cause I just thought it was me who just sucked at the rythm etc. but after playing GH3 for quite a while now and mastered songs on expert on my friends 360 but still only get 3-4 stars at home... well that says it all.
I've been extremely pissed about this (right now I'm over it but I'm still a bit sad sometimes cause I really want to play it but as soon as I try it everything fails and I just want to throw the guitar into the wall), it's unbelievable really how they can release this.
I've heard it works for some people with PS3 but I don't know them so I haven't been able to see it for myself (and I have no idea of their skill level). But I've also heard that some people have the same issues with the 360 guitar so I really don't know what the problem is (like no one else seems to do either).
add me to the list of PS3 owner who is affected by this unplayable wireless guitar for GH3. This is my first GH game and at first I thought it was my fault. then I started noticing it after awhile. A friend of mine came over who is pretty good with GH2/3 and noticed it right the way. If you want to test it out, the Dragonforce song's insanity segment is perfect. Even for medium, I have never hit those correctly after all the practices. It is almost hopeless because you never now strum buttom will work or not.
I might as well complain too, bought this game before christmas, easy notes missed, chords not working, even at one point i didnt even have to strum i just held down the frets and watched them flicker because of the bad connection. i went through THREE different guitar hero 3 games on the ps3, thinking maybe i just got a defective one. well all of them are defected because RED OCTANE decided to rush the game with a weak "wireless" dongle instead of waiting for the bluetooth software. it honestly pisses me off, because i dont have a 360 and i really want this game to work. the ps3 is my only option and i cant even enjoy it. RED OCTANE, GET YOUR CRAP TOGETHER AND FIX THIS PROBLEM SO I CAN ENJOY MY $100 GAME.
hmmm...
I was aware of the general suck of guitar hero 3 previous to it's launch. A friend of mine was one of the artists who designed the interface graphics for the first three games (including the 80's remix). Most people involved with red octane knew of the short-comings of the new team that developed GH3. Even on PS2 the controls seem much harder, and after playing one song I knew that something had gone horribly wrong with this title.
Have you tried Rock Band yet? I hear it's superior in every way to GH3.
Same here. The controller I bought the last one in the store. It was returned because it malfunctioned, which the storekeeper denied. He said he tested it and it operated just fine. I was impatient and bought it with a discount. At first it worked just fine, but when I progressed in the game it became clear the strumbar seemed sticky ( I only noticed this when the difficulty increased and notes became faster).
I could have returned it, but instead tried to repair it (and consequently blowing the warranty). It took me four operations before I gave up. It's now sitting in a corner, and I'm waiting for the new one.
I agree whole heartedly. This game REALLY frustrates me. I have played other rhythm games on my current TV / Reciever setup and have had no problems.
They include
Guitar Hero I - Completed (Expert)
Guitar Hero II PS2 - Completed (Expert)
Guitar Hero III PS2 - Completed (Expert)
Guitar Hero III XBOX - Completed (Expert)
In case you're wondering why I have 3 versions if Guitar Hero III...although it's irrelevant...I bought GHIII when I didn't have a PS3. I quickly shredded the game and wanted to play downloadable songs. Well, luckily my roommate let me borrow his 360, so I bought the game for that console and ripped it. Got a PS3 in January and figured I would get GH3 for it as well as the XBOX wasn't mine and I was sick and tired of moving it back and forth....what a mistake that was.
I am not your average player, I have FC'd a NUMBER of songs on Expert on GHIII for PS2 (FC=%100 notes hit), I can BARELY get through Barracuda on Expert on PS3 because I can't hit the triplets AT ALL due to the lag issues, I hope they release something that fixes this problem
I have the same problem. I first purchased the game about 4 months ago and noticed there was a little lag but it was playable. I played it for about 2 weeks and it progressively got worse. I put it away for a couple months and had the itch to play it tonight. Now it is absolutely UNPLAYABLE. I can't even hit one note anymore. I've tried calibrating a dozen times to no avail. What the f*&#%!
i disbeleive in most of what your saying, except i must admit that the les paul controllers that come standard with the game have a tendancy to have a defective strum bar, itll begin to stick and delay your gameplay...usual way to solve this is to strum up instead of down, and that doesnt fix the problem 100%, its still slightly slower then a regular, problemless GH controller...as for the PS3 having a "lag' in gameplay...i see no such thing, i do perfectly fine on it and 360...they work the same, and as for your friend who played medium songs on ps3...well, duh...most people that play higher levels then downgrade to a slower fretboard, have problems...it happens to me, and to the best of us...your mind simply isnt used to the slow down and you have a tendancy to hit notes too early...because your used to having to move your fingers faster, you move them too fast for the lower difficulty...resulting in bad scores and you in confusion, and blaming the system..
I've done some more research, seems to be an issue with the usb dongle and its susceptibility to interference on the 2.4ghz channel, this might explain why its so sporadic. let me ask this, those who are playing and having no issue, are you hard wired or using wi-fi ?
That's an interesting observation. I'm using WiFi for mine and I'd suspect that many others are as well.
I just got it today on ps3 and the strumbar is sticky but when it doesn't stick i can play very fine. I'm going to change it tomorrow or get something else. I'm playing on medium but even the fast solos are easy to do when it don't stick, I also played the first part at hard on the 360 and i don't see any differences in timing.
If i can help: Some electronics emitting waves can affect your wireless connection. The best way to fix it is to use different wave strengh for all your electronics, I'm not sure how it work, but wireless phones, wireless computers, wireless games and i heard even microwaves can effect each other. I had to change my phone some time ago because it affected my internet connection.
I also play very close to my ps3, have you tried playing closer? The thing attached to my ps3 is also facing me verticaly, have you tried this?
And.. even if other games are playing well on your tv it doesn't mean there won't be a problem with this one.. it can be different can it?
It's starting to sound to me like the issue with the game has been resolved in newer copies. Can anyone comment on that?
No, the issue has not been resolved. I just picked it up for PS3 today (been playing on the PS2 and have 13 expert FC's) because I wanted access to online play and DLC. I could tell immediately something was wrong. I do not think it's the programming in the game at all, I think it's faulty hardware. The PS3 was designed to use BlueTooth for wireless so why the hell couldn't they just make a BlueTooth guitar.
It seems to work fine as long as you don't have a bunch of notes close together. When notes are flying at you quickly the downstrum just can't keep up. It does it with upstrumming too but not as often. Also, there are occasions where you'll strum and nothing happens.
At this moment I'm attempting to get my SG guitar that came with GH2 to work on the PS3 via USB Adapter. I doubt it will happen since I couldn't make it work with the PS2 version of GH3 but we'll see how it goes.
I just spent $100 on this and can't even play it right. Rediculous.
Finally, it's DEFINITELY the guitar. I searched online and picked up a Supra S1 guitar (not %100 sure if thats what its called). Anyways, that seems to be the ONLY wired PS3 guitar available on the market, and guess what, while its not perfect, the game is now playable, I am getting close to normal scores !! Pick up the guitar this WILL solve your problems.
You all are absolutely right, there is nothing that the controller lag option in the game can fix, because the issue is not with the audio/video, it's with the controller itself, the strum bar only works some of the time, and when it does work, the amount of time that elapses between when you strum and when it registers with the game is ridiculous, I compared it with my best friend's XBOX 360, and the response time is instant. When you play really fast songs like Raining Blood or Through The Fire And Flames with notes really close together, the strum bar can't keep up, I can play every song 100% on the XBOX, but the PS3 I have yet to play Raining Blood or Through The Fire And Flames 100%. Just out of curiousity I connected my sixaxis to see how much delay there would be using it, like the XBOX 360, it's instant using the sixaxis, I can only hope that Guitar Hero Aerosmith does not have the same issues that Guitar Hero III has, has anyone heard if Red Octane and Sony are going to rectify this situaion?
Foolishly, I bought TWO copies today, one for me and one as a present.
I can 100% most songs in the first 3 tiers on expert in GH3, well, i can on an Xbox 360 with a wired guitar, and i have no issues with the 360 wireless guitar (except i keep setting off star power with my elbow)
The very first song i played on the PS3 (Poison) had an issue straight away, i was missing chords, but i thought, maybe i lost that magic touch.
That was until i got to my favourite song. Now i can play Miss Murder in performance mode (where the notes don't even appear) on expert, and i instantly noticed a problem when playing a row of same chords. The timing is off by so much that if i played the note today it might not register until mid 2009. I have calibrated at 23ms, 37ms, 42ms, 60ms and the problem doesn't change one bit.
I also heard that Neversoft have removed all of the Sync threads from their server because SO MANY PEOPLE complained, so now their heads are in the sand, and they're pretending the issue isn't there.
So if you are reading this thread, because you have an issue, YOU ARE NOT MAD, YOU DO HAVE RHYTHM, IT IS 110% THE FAULT OF THE GAME.
I am returning the games tomorrow because all the the pleasure has been sucked from the game.
I have completed ALL guitar hero games, on Expert across the PS2 and the XBOX 360.
If you have played any version other than the PS3 one you will relise instantly that it is RUBBISH. There is NO FIX, the game is just defective, anyone with problems i suggest you return it to the store, or contact the manufacturer and get a full refund!!!!!
Sorry for the essay!!!!!!!
I have to agree that it seems like no matter what I do to compensate the lag for GH3, nothing works with this game/guitar. I might try that wired PS3 guitar that was mentioned earlier..
I also have Rock Band for PS3 and I haven't had any lag issues with that game/guitar.
Has anybody tried the GH:Aerosmith game/guitar for PS3 to confirm if Neversoft improved the lag issues?
I just picked up Guitar hero Aerosmith bundle and i have to say...Nope it still lags however i did notice it is a little better, however it still is there and still frustrating. Come on already there has been plenty of time now to prepare or work on a bluetooth guitar or some sort of fix because it has been about 8 months now and really...they still can't fix it. Looks like I am going back to my PS2