The Rhythm Game That Defined My Teenage Years Is Coming Back, And This One Needs to be Next

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Growing up as a gamer, I remember a time right before playing online with friends became the standard. I did get to play Halo 2 online, but I also experienced the fun of in-person LAN parties in high school. A lot of my best gaming memories involve getting together with friends and playing on consoles in the same room. Whether it was taking turns playing as Sora in Kingdom Hearts or enjoying multiplayer games like Super Smash Bros., gaming with friends in person was a big part of how I connected with people as a teenager.

I have a lot of fond memories of playing Guitar Hero with friends – it was a go-to game for parties and casual hangouts. So, when I heard RedOctane Games is releasing a new Guitar Hero game, Stage Tour, in 2026, it instantly brought back those good times! I’m really excited to play with the plastic guitar controller again. And actually, there’s another rhythm game I’d love to revisit, too.

Guitar Hero Was Once The Go-To Social Activity, And I Can’t Wait to Bring That Back

I recently played Rock Band with friends, and it reminded me how much fun these music games are when you play them together in person, using instrument-shaped controllers. Holding a plastic guitar controller always brings back memories of being a teenager – I spent countless hours playing games like Guitar Hero, and those games will always be special to me.

I wasn’t very good at those games, honestly. I could never get past the medium difficulty level, even on easy songs. I always joke that it’s because I broke my hand when I was younger, but I think I just don’t have a good sense of rhythm. Still, I really enjoy the feeling of playing with a guitar controller. Luckily, my friend still has Rock Band down in his basement. I’m really looking forward to Stage Tour because it seems like it will bring back that same fun, nostalgic feeling.

Okay, so I just saw the trailer for Stage Tour, and honestly, it immediately gave me major Guitar Hero vibes – like, straight back to being a teenager! It looks awesome, and it’s cool they’re letting you play other instruments like in Rock Band. I’m not thrilled about potentially buying a ton of controllers, but I’d totally be up for bringing back some in-person game nights when this game comes out. Though, if I’m being real, there’s another rhythm game from my youth that I’m really hoping gets a comeback too.

Dance Dance Revolution Needs To Make a Console Comeback Next

Looking back, even though I liked Guitar Hero as a teenager, I was completely obsessed with Dance Dance Revolution. I only played Guitar Hero when I was at friends’ houses, but I owned two DDR dance pads and several games for the console. Despite having no natural rhythm, I was actually pretty good at DDR. I still enjoy playing whenever I find an arcade with the game, and I’ve even gotten a few compliments from the dedicated players who always seem to be there!

I love playing Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) at arcades, and it’s awesome that arcades still offer it. If you have the original games and a dance pad, you can still enjoy them at home too. Now that Guitar Hero is returning with Stage Tour, I’m hoping DDR will be next! After so many years, new songs and challenges would really revitalize the game.

Today’s motion-controlled games, like Just Dance and Fitness Boxing, use the Joy-Cons, but they don’t offer the same experience. It’s similar to how playing a rhythm game with a regular controller isn’t the same as using a plastic guitar – moving the Joy-Cons just doesn’t compare to the feeling of stepping on a Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) mat.

Online multiplayer games are fantastic, but I really miss the days when simple, group-based games were more common. It would be great to see things like dance mats make a comeback – they were always a fun way to get friends together. Lots of us could use more opportunities to socialize and be active, and a friendly dance competition is a perfect way to do that!

Now that Stage Tour is coming this fall, I’m hoping fans will start asking for a dance mat to be brought back – it would be a great throwback for rhythm game lovers! Until then, we can at least get ready to dust off our instrument controllers and play again soon.

Looking forward to Stage Tour? Share your thoughts in the ComicBook Forum discussion below!

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2026-03-04 21:41