Rock is built on revolutions. That's why each new generation of head-slammers tries to break the models they're slavishly following—and why the Guitar Hero franchise, by rocking ever harder while sticking to a formula, risks turning into a self-parody. Guitar Hero II charted a rock star's zero-to-hero rise with authentic touches and real heart. But in retelling the story, Guitar Hero III settles for more of the same but dumber: This time, the thrill of exciting ever-larger crowds is captured in a series of cartoonish scenarios, from a gig at a prison to a contract with the devil. Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello shows up for a loser gig at a no-name club—okay, maybe that isn't so hard to believe—and the rock tips on the loading screen make weak jokes in place of the last game's remarkably practical advice. Guitar Hero II was already a cartoon, but Guitar Hero III makes the devil's music seem even safer. Instead of Slash, they should have stunt-cast The Monkees.