The song may remain the same in “Guitar Hero: Smash Hits,” but they're a bit more fun to play this time around.

The play list consists of tracks from the series' first three installments, as well as “Encore: Rocks the 80s” and the Aerosmith-exclusive edition. But in the wake of “World Tour's” introduction of drums, vocals and new guitar features to the mix of plastic musicianship, each song can now be performed by the full “band.” The strengthening of the franchise's presence in the video game - and music - industry also means every song is a master track (all made immediately available in a wise move initiated on “Guitar Hero: Metallica”).

For players who didn't catch on to the “Guitar Hero” faux-rocking craze until recently, “Smash Hits” provides a well-crafted catch-up mix tape. And for players who pined to drum or sing early “Guitar Hero” songs like Queens of the Stone Age's “No One Knows” or Heart's “Barracuda”, “Smash Hits” delivers a satisfying dose of musical pantomime. “Smash Hits” even scales down the finger-cramping difficulty on some of “Guitar Hero III's” maddeningly difficult selections - namely Dragonforce's “Through the Fire and Flames.”

But for all its tweaks and upgrades to the “Guitar Hero” formula, “Smash Hits” ultimately fails to escape the looming suspicion that grows with each new game in the franchise: Activision is cashing in on its prized cow.

The idea of rereleasing music from prior games to accompany admittedly drastic upgrades to the “Guitar Hero” playing experience is not without merit. But does it require another $60 disc, rather than downloadable delivery? I guess that question will be answered if players continue prying open their wallets while “Guitar Hero” drops its fourth (“Guitar Hero: Van Halen”), fifth (“Guitar Hero 5”) and sixth (“Band Hero”) installments of the franchise in 2009 alone (behind “Metallica,” “On Tour: Modern Hits” and “Smash Hits”).

David Wilcox

253-5311 ext. 245

david.wilcox@lee.net

Game: “Guitar Hero: Smash Hits”

Score: B

Parental rating: Teen for lyrics and mild suggestive themes

Publisher: Activision

Platform: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360

Price: $59.99 ($49.99 for PS2 and Wii versions)

Features: Single, multiplayer, online

The final boss: “Smash Hits” brings several of “Guitar Hero's” best past selections up-to-date with the series' newest game play innovations, but the only thing sure to be smashed in the end is the player's piggy bank.