But it instead illuminates more of the reasons why the “Guitar Hero” franchise has fallen off of a proverbial cliff.

The game chooses to focus on its story mode, of all things, over the actual track list. In the musically-inspired narrative traditional “Guitar Hero” characters must rock out to release their true warrior powers.

Those powers combine to release the Demigod of Rock for an eventual battle with the Beast.

It’s all pretty needless. The story is emphasized, but it does nothing to actually revitalize the game. It features some short cutscenes with Gene Simmons and a fun section in the middle with Rush’s entire “2112” album, but it’s largely forgettable.

The only significant gameplay addition comes from the warrior powers. They have a range of effectiveness, from completely filling the star power meter to protecting your note streaks. After beating the game, players can combine all eight powers and earn up to 40 stars on a song.

But it’s confusing to switch the scoring format in the sixth game, and it makes playing traditionally less fulfilling.

Credit has to be given to the song selection, however. Along with all the Rush songs, there’s a great mix of classic rock bands like Queen and Jethro Tull and newer songs by bands like Muse and Them Crooked Vultures. There are some obscure songs, but that’s par for the course for this sort of game.

The core gameplay is exactly the same as entries past — play the notes and the music plays. At this point, it’d be pretty hard to mess that portion up.

Developer Neversoft didn’t tamper much with the gameplay and for good reason, but it’s a little underwhelming compared to the changes to come in its competitor “Rock Band 3.”

There’s nothing wrong with the game itself. The changes don’t add much to the product, but they don’t subtract much either. This is the 10th “Hero” game to appear on the Xbox 360 since 2007, so the genre is a bit worn out.

“Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock” took another shot at relevance and the attempt is mediocre overall.

Just expect the franchise to emulate the Rolling Stones and have another similar comeback tour next year.

He hit 87 percent of the notes on expert mode of the “Guitar Hero: World Tour” track.

Not bad for a guy who cannot practice at home — he had to sell his Xbox 360 two years ago to get a biology textbook.

“It’s for a good cause,” said the Detroit sophomore, who transferred from Norfolk State University in Virginia.

He spent several hours jamming at the Xbox 360 Domination Extreme event Thursday in Finch Fieldhouse hosted by Program Board.

Redmond said his current favorite is “Guitar Hero,” which he usually plays at parties or friends’ houses.

“If there’s any kind of game, I’ll play it, I don’t care how silly,” Redmond said.

No distractions

Between sessions, Redmond watched other players take the stage Thursday, his empty hands reflexively working the invisible frets and strum bar.

Blake is not too distraught about parting ways with his Xbox.

“If I get one, I’ll get distracted. I know because, one semester, I was playing it all the time, and I started slipping in class,” he said.

Redmond is busy working toward a degree in chiropracty. He was excited to see a game day line up with his day off of classes.

“Guitar Hero” is a natural fit for Redmond, who has diverse musical tastes.

“I like classical, rock, hip-hop, death metal — everything,” he said.

He is even getting a six-string bass guitar for Christmas. It is his first foray into music since playing tuba and trombone in his high school’s symphonic band.

He picked out a six-string in particular because it gives a wide range of sound, he said.

Redmond said he thinks his experience riffing on the plastic controller will help him when he picks up the real thing.

“You learn so many skills, like hammer-ons and stuff,” he said.

Extreme rocking

Around 3 p.m., Williamston freshman and Central Michigan University Marching Band bass drummer Jacob Maran joined Blake, and they commenced to rock ‘n’ roll for several tracks. Maran played the drums for a bit, then played both lead guitar and bass guitar.

“I thought I was doing a really good job, but he did even better,” Blake said as he drummed then strummed along with Redmond to “Hot For Teacher,” “American Woman” and, finally, “Mr. Crowley.”

“Guitar Hero” is Maran’s favorite game as well, and he has been playing for three years.

When Osbourne’s distinct vocals faded from the air and the duo parted, Jacob hoped that they might rock again another day.

“That was insane, really good,” Maran said about Redmond’s playing. “That was a good jam session.”