First volume in the combined GuitarFreaks V and DrumMania V series. The game engine is updated and tracks are more recent. A good entry into the V series for fans wanting to explore Konami's modernised catalogue in a guitar-drum format.
Your verdict
Category
Rhythm2 players3+
Description
A Japanese Konami edition released in 2006, an arcade port of GuitarFreaks V and DrumMania V. Konami emphasizes Bemani-original tracks and introduces more modern and technical chart designs. Full controller support, in a formula reaching full maturity.
GuitarFreaks V & DrumMania V review
3/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Polished"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
An ancestor of band games, the Konami series has you play guitar and drums to a nervy, rousing rock repertoire. The tracks, calibrated for striking and strumming, turn every session into an improvised concert of infectious energy. This musical generosity, a pioneer, paved the way for a whole genre.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first minutes"
Addictiveness
"Obsessive"
Pinning down the right frets or hitting the drums to the thousandth of a second turns every song into a thrilling performance where you constantly aim for a better hit rate. Unlocking titles and levels feeds a tangible progression. The dedicated controller and the elitist difficulty limit access, but this sensation of actually playing the instrument keeps a formidable hold.
Difficulty
"Balanced"
Lifespan
"Massive"
A reboot of the series, this V entry pairs a renewed setlist with heightened demands on both guitar and drums. Mastering each chart, polishing your combos and climbing the difficulties restarts the session without pause. That high technical ceiling, inherent to the rhythm game, guarantees a longevity enthusiasts cultivate for a long time.
Technical info
💾1,7 GB📅17/11/2005
Published by Konami
GuitarFreaks V & DrumMania V (PS2) price, value & rarity
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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Is GuitarFreaks V & DrumMania V still worth playing in 2026?
An entry in Konami's instrumental rhythm series, GuitarFreaks V & DrumMania V adapts the arcade cabinets' V generation to PS2, with guitar and drums on dedicated controllers and a tracklist blending Japanese pop, rock and covers. The precision of instrumental play, the faithful arcade mood and the pleasure of the duo win over rhythm fans. The dependency on specific peripherals and the Japan exclusivity strongly limit access. A title for fans of instrumental rhythm games and the GuitarFreaks and DrumMania cabinets.
