Decades, as you might suspect, separates the songs into their respective eras, starting with the Modern age on down. The mix of tracks included isn't going to appeal to everyone, of course, but I found the selection to be a lot better than what we got in the original On Tour. There are still tracks in here that we've heard from other music rhythm games in the past, but the note charts are definitely all new, considering that you're working with one less button on the handheld. The game is obviously still restricted by the audio output on the DS though, so it's not going to give you the most idea sound, but at least the tracks are all from their original versions, and not just covers of the popular songs included.

You can opt to buy this one with or without the handheld control addition, and if you already have the first one there's no reason to try this one out. It's identical in size and style, and if you had issues with hand cramping or just being uncomfortable with the set-up before, then you're not going to have those problems fixed here. Personally, I've not had any issues with keeping the DS steady, assuming I can prop my hand up against something, and I've never had any type of pain in my hand from extended play, so I can't say I have any real issues with set-up myself.

Like in all the other Guitar Hero titles, there's a career mode to go thru and unlock the majority of the songs on the track list, but this time out you can opt to do a career mode for lead, rhythm or bass. Then there's a single play mode and a multiplayer mode to round out the options. The multiplayer has seen the most changes out of the entire game, including a mode that allows you to link with another DS owner that owns the original On Tour, and share the track list for both games between each other. It's a neat feature if you're looking to pad out the track list, and while you can only play in a 1 on 1 set-up, and not some type of hybrid career mode, it still works really well and there's no sign of lag or pausing on the connection end of things.

Visually the style is identical to the original title, with the same set of pre-created rockers that have popped up in all the Guitar Hero games so far, including a lot of random guitar related stuff you can buy to alter their appearance a bit as you progress. The top screen contains your notes and a small meter to let you know how the crowd is reacting, and the bottom screen is filled with the virtual strum bar, whammy bar, star power, and score details. The star power can still be performed via the mic, or by tapping the button on the bottom screen. Not a whole lot, if anything really, has changed from the previous title, and while I'd probably prefer to have the score show up on the top screen, the set up works well enough.

Still, the game feels like a watered down experience next to the console versions, and I can't say that I understand the need to have this title on the go. While the mechanics behind it work well enough, I never feel that into it, and it doesn't deliver that rock star feel that you get from playing the regular titles. It's also not the most ideal game to play when you're on the bus or around other people, even with the volume down the constant strumming and tapping with the stylus is bound to get on the nerves of those around you. It still feels like a game I should be playing at home, and if I'm going to do that then I might as well boot up World Tour instead.

If you really feel the need to have your Guitar Hero fix anytime you want it though, then you can't really go wrong with On Tour Decades. It's not a big improvement or change over the first title, and really feels like a track pack update more than anything, but if you've been growing tired with the 20 or so songs from the original, then this one will do the trick. However, if the first game didn't appeal to you in the slightest, then this one isn't going to change your mind about On Tour either. It's a strictly for fans release, and one that I think fans will pick up regardless.