In 2011 IGN gave the original Rocksmith an 8/10 , praising the game's impressive technology. Unlike other rhythm games, playing Rocksmith genuinely helped you learn to play guitar. Any electric guitar could be used as your controller. You learn to tune it, play basic notes, and eventually entire songs.

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First Rumblings

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Three years later, and a sequel (dubbed a 'replacement' by creators Ubisoft) is finally here in the form of Rocksmith 2014 . Here's everything you need to know about the unique rhythm game, releasing today for Windows, Mac, PS3 and Xbox 360:The sequel was first teased in June 2013. Ubisoft also revealed at that time that the original Rocksmith sold a respectable 1.4 million copies.“We’re thrilled with the results,” Ubisoft senior VP of sales and marketing Tony Key said at that time. “These studies confirm our view that Rocksmith is a huge success at teaching players real guitar skills that are highly effective, enjoyable, and will last them a lifetime.”As expected, Rocksmith 2014 was officially announced just a few days later at E3. At the time details were scarce, although the E3 reveal did confirm Kinect functionality.In July, Key opened up to IGN about Rocksmith 2014's development, and how the company views the title & its branding.“We didn’t want people to see Rocksmith 2 and think that they had to try Rocksmith 1 first,” Key explained to IGN. “At the end of the day, Rocksmith is a learning tool, so there’s a different strategic approach around learning software as opposed to a video game like Assassin’s Creed. Rocksmith 2014 is to show that this is the new edition. This is not the second step in guitar learning. Some people might interpret it that way."Finally, in August, solid track list details emerged (Bob Dylan!) and we were given a chance to go hands-on with the game. IGN's Tal Blevins especially appreciated the game's new guided mission mode and new finger position guide.Rocksmith 2014 is out today, and IGN's review has gone live to accompany the launch. We awarded the game a score of 9/10 "Amazing." Reviewer Tristan Ogilvie especially appreciated the game's improved presentation, more flexible approach to player progress, and the revamped "Riff Repeater" tool that lets players isolate and slow down key musical moments.Will you be improving your guitar skills with Rocksmith 2014? Let us know in the comments below.