Guitar Hero rocks on Wii, maybe DS too

by James Ransom-Wiley { Feb 8th 2007 at 10:45AM }

During yesterday's financial results conference call Activision president and CEO Mike Griffith made more specific confirmation of Guitar Hero on Wii. "[Activision] will aggressively target the Nintendo platforms consistent with our multi-platform strategy and Nintendo's expected growth. In fiscal 2008, we will double our offerings on the DS and the Wii, including Spider-Man, Shrek, Transformers, and Guitar Hero," Griffith told listeners. While this almost certainly indicates that Guitar Hero will arrive on Wii before March 2008, Griffith's somewhat vague statement still leaves open the possibility of a portable version on DS.

You may recall that another Activision CEO, Robert Kotic, suggested as much last September when he stated that Guitar Hero would appear "on every significant new format." We assume that if Guitar Hero were to transition to DS, it would be a simple game of tap-the-dots, but on Wii there are some fresh possibilities for a guitar peripheral that might include attaching the Wii Remote for added motion and guitar position recognition.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Tags: Activision, DS, Guitar, Guitar Hero, GuitarHero, Music, Wii, Wii Remote, Wiimote, WiiRemote

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Jake @ Feb 8th 2007 10:55AM

Wii Fanboy, "Man, if you attached your wii-mote to the guitar it could track how you swing it really accurately. Or, you could just use the mote's pointing capability and not even need a guitar. It would be way funner to do it different. Man, this will revolutionize Guitar Hero."

chenry @ Feb 8th 2007 10:59AM

Sweet mother of Mario! So awesome!

AirIntake @ Feb 8th 2007 10:57AM

Motion sensing on the Wii for when you're playing behind your head or humping the guitar would be sweet.

Don't know how much fun it would be on the DS. Half of the fun of the game is holding a guitar and rocking out. Tough to do that with a DS. Maybe they'll figure something out.

Also, wouldn't it be hard to fit all of the music onto a DS cart?

Pepperspray @ Feb 8th 2007 10:59AM

a bit off topic, but you can pre-order an individual guitar for the xbox 360 version from redoctane.com now. who knows how easy these will be to find when the game is released.

32_Footsteps @ Feb 8th 2007 10:58AM

I personally go on the theory that the more systems have Guitar Hero, the more people can enjoy Guitar Hero. And that's a good thing.

As for a DS version - I could also see it working similar to Daigasso! Band Brothers, with an Option Pack to add new songs and to give tilt sensing in there.

AirIntake @ Feb 8th 2007 11:03AM

@Pepperspray

Won't the game come with the guitar?

AirIntake @ Feb 8th 2007 11:09AM

Jake's partially right though. Wiimote motion control on the guitar probably wouldn't be much more than a gimmick. It certainly wouldn't improve the game leaps and bounds, it just might be a little bonus Wii extra.

Myke @ Feb 8th 2007 11:09AM

As much as I love my DS, there's no way it would work on that, a touch-based game like Elite Beat Agents is by far the best music/rythm game you're going to pull of with the DS, bottom line. Now, the Wii version would be sweet though, a wireless, motion-sensing guitar (probably bump the price of the game/controller bundle to $100 or $110) and I think it would probably be one of my favorite games.

AirIntake @ Feb 8th 2007 11:16AM

Oh it'll be a blast, motion sensing or not, that's for sure. I love that game. Sure beats air guitar.

Ladieschoice @ Feb 8th 2007 11:16AM

It wouldnt need a wireless motion sensing guitar, just a place to attach the remote. Thats the beauty of the expansion port that is currently used for the nunchuck and classic controller.

Rubang B @ Feb 8th 2007 11:19AM

I just woke up to the best news ever! This is so much better than the ports of Scarface, Godfather, and Prince of Persia combined.

chenry @ Feb 8th 2007 11:43AM

The easiest way I can see this guitar working is to just have a port on the back of the guitar where you attach the Wiimote. Like it fits into the guitar, yeah? Sounds like a good idea to me, I should get a patent.

32_Footsteps @ Feb 8th 2007 11:21AM

I think you're off-base, Myke. Daigasso! was a pretty good rhythm game, although it relied on MIDIs exclusively. However, if you only have one or two tracks you actually play, you can probably pull off using mp3s for all the tracks. And Daigasso managed to have about 30 tracks on it, so if you keep the graphics simple, you can get a decent selection (and just use Option Packs for expansions).

Slaziman @ Feb 8th 2007 11:22AM

I'm guessing you will attach the Wiimote to the guitar, with the sole purpose of GUITAR SMASHING!!

In a year from now when it's released, you will be all like "Damn that Slaziman dude called it".

ZenGaijin @ Feb 8th 2007 11:30AM

I don't think the DS version would be anything to write home about but a Wii version could be good if they actually put effort into the port. Instead of just tacking on some cheap motion sensing.

AirIntake @ Feb 8th 2007 11:33AM

Yeah, how would you do chords on the DS?

Myke @ Feb 8th 2007 11:36AM

32 - Ok, perhaps I should've been more clear, my point wasn't that Elite Beat Agents is the best game that could ever be created using songs, my point was that a game called GUITAR HERO is pointless to port to a handheld system that relies on touch-screen for alot of it's control. Unless you can show me how you would fit the guitar layout, the 5-column scroll, the rock and score meters, and the player animations on two relatively small screens, AND explain to me how you'll be doing hammer-ons, pull-offs and the whammy bar EVEN if you used two stylus' or a combo of stylus and the DS button scheme....I don't see it being ported.

James @ Feb 8th 2007 11:38AM

The potential Wii version's biggest asset would be the ability to buy cheap extra guitars since all the batteries, wireless and motion sensing would be in the Wiimote you'd just plug into the guitar "shell".

Buying extra guitars would be way cheaper and they'd likely be able to sell the bundle for the same price as a regular game this way.

Darkness @ Feb 8th 2007 11:37AM

I'm holding off getting the PS2 version with the announcement of the Wii version. I could care less about motion sensing, just allow it to be played normally, and I'm all good. Should be fun either way.

Neil @ Feb 8th 2007 11:39AM

"Yeah, how would you do chords on the DS?"

Use the stylus to strum (with your left hand, I guess), and press the buttons for notes/chords. It seems like it could work.

Finn @ Feb 8th 2007 11:39AM

the ds game will be sweet

just check out Hiite Utaeru DS Guitar M-06

got my copy last week

J @ Feb 8th 2007 11:39AM

I'd like to see a wifi version for the DS and have a guitar hero contoller (the guitar) connect with either wii OR with the DS. I don't see why it would be impossible. It would be pretty neat to be able to turn on the DS and play using the guitar hero controller.It would almost be like a portable amp. BTW that would be an even better idea for the DS. Being able to hook up a device to the input jack of a real guitar and transmit the sound through the microphone port. It would be like a mini amp. Maybe add some effects and I would definitely buy that.

Erica @ Feb 8th 2007 11:42AM

That is so awesome...only one problem...

Should I get Guitar Hero for the 360 or wait until it comes out for the Wii?! (I don't have a PS2)

Finn @ Feb 8th 2007 11:41AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X4tWIwx0ns&mode=related&search=

watch that if you want to see the guitar sim game

Hiite Utaeru DS Guitar M-06

TyDobbs @ Feb 8th 2007 11:48AM

Myke, you are missing the point about a possible DS game, you are stuck on the abstraction that is the current guitar hero setup. While a great idea it is not the only way to simulate playing a guitar. If you pull back from the console solution they've come up with so far and think about simulating the guitar as a whole for a minute combined with the possibilities of a touch screen I think you'll find there are aspects of guitar playing that you can incorporate into a DS game to make it unique and fun. For instance I am thinking about "picking" various strings with the stylus. This is something completely ignored with the plastic guitar abstraction we are currently used to but one of the more difficult things to do on a real guitar. Think about it, lay 4-6 strings across the ds touch screen and you have to strum the correct strings in rhythm, or several in quick succession for a chord. This game could be just as challenging and fun as the one we have now and could not be done with the plastic controller but could be executed on the DS making for a unique experience that still represents guitar playing. Add on a giant plastic add on guitar "neck" and strap and you've got liscense for rediculour youtube videos. and imagine connecting the ds and the wiimote into a single plastic shell for the ultimate guitar game where you hold down buttons on the neck like now and strum different strings on the ds touch screen. Man I should go patent that before anyone reads this!

Crono @ Feb 8th 2007 11:48AM

Erica,

I'd wait until the wii version has been officially revealed with song list/features. Even though those guitars should be cheaper, they'll still sell them for 40 dollars. It has nothing to do with how much the parts cost, and everything to do with how much the consumer is willing to pay.

Grey Acumen @ Feb 8th 2007 11:52AM

Why are people acting like the Wii should be motion control to sense where your guitar is?

Hell, the way I see it is purely on a price basis. The wiimote already has the tilt sensing and bluetooth signal for wireless communication. So just have it so the guitar plugs into the wiimote as a peripheral. Now instead of paying $100+ for a wireless controller you can only use with 1 or 2 games, you're only paying $30 - $50. I call that a good deal.

Think about it. Just have the wiimote slide into the neck of the guitar. Have a small hook that you can attach the wrist strap to for an extra bit of security against having the Wiimote come loose. The guitar has a plug inside that fits same as the Nunchuck and merely runs a cord to the buttons along the neck and then the strum bar at the base of the guitar. Tada! Simple, cheap, and it incorporates the controller you already have instead of replacing it. The wiimote provides the battery power, the wireless signal and the motion sensing, and because it fits into the neck the way it does, that should leave the front of the Wiimote uncovered to allow you the ability to still point at the screens.

The pointing option could allow for all sorts of weird minigames, like Guitar Space Invasion Hero (or Guitar Hero Space Invasion, if you want) where you have to hit the proper notes in order to charge your attack, then point at the screen and strum without pressing any buttons to release a charged blast to stop the alien space ships from landing. Corny, I know, but if done right, it would be good type of corny.

Grey Acumen @ Feb 8th 2007 11:57AM

I will agree with Crono though. While I like thinking about the possibilities, I'm not about to buy the game until I at least see some of these possibilities capitalized on, and also have a song list that I would have even the slightest interest in playing.

Myke @ Feb 8th 2007 12:00PM

Ty - Ok, you just won my heart with that last idea, as I was reading your first part I was imagining the very same thing and then you wrote it, that would be amazing, but that would assume that everyone who wants to buy it owns the Wii, and the DS which I don't thing Nintendo would spring for, they'd have to make it functional on both separately and then combine the two for a "bonus" kind of a scheme. the only problem I see is when you play a real guitar, you can feel the strings in order to strum them, but if you're relying on the touch screen you almost HAVE to actually look at the stings while strumming them since the screen is so small and the stylus isn't exactly pixel-perfect, and that would make it hard to see the upcoming notes AND your strings at the same time.

Jake @ Feb 8th 2007 12:06PM

TheLAZER,

My post wasn't meant to be that serious. I just like to mess with oversensitive Weenies because it is funny when they lash back. Sorry if I got your panties in a bunch.

SuperStupid @ Feb 8th 2007 12:14PM

I'm sorry guys, but the anouncement I'm waiting for is DRUM HERO !

Imagine THAT with a couple of Wiimotes.

Jake @ Feb 8th 2007 12:18PM

I must agree with Grey that if they are smart and use the Wiimotes assets, they could produce a guitar for under $10 that is cordless. The question is, will they? I'm still kind of pissed at how they handled the 360 guitar, not that I would have gotten it anyways when I have the PS2 version to play.

Otter @ Feb 8th 2007 12:44PM

was gonna get GH2 for the 360, but if Nintendo is smart enough to make their guitar wireless then the 360 can suck it as far as I'm concerned.

cyberfrog @ Feb 8th 2007 1:09PM

Wii version only needs one thing, make your character on the screen mimic how you move the guitar... sweetness :)

Seroth @ Feb 8th 2007 1:08PM

A DS version of Guitar Hero doesn't have to keep the same gameplay as the console versions. I hope they instead change the name to "Band Heroes" and make a game like Daigasso! Band Brothers and release it in America. >=[

brotherscrim @ Feb 8th 2007 1:25PM

>cyberfrog

word! If they can make the on-screen guitar follow the movements of the player, that alone would add a lot to the gameplay experience.

Now, if they included a way to grade your gyrations for style, as way to boost your rock-out meter, that would be better still.

ramuji @ Feb 8th 2007 1:29PM

Sex, DRUGS, and Rock 'n Roll!!

Well, don't know about the sex part, but ...

The DS version could be a peripheral to use with the main Wii version. On the DS, you use the touch-pen to cut up and organize your "white lines" on the touch-screen, and the built-in microphone for "snorting". Gameplay is affected by the amount you snort, with a moderate amount giving you extra energy and inspiration, while too much will cause you to lose control, and possibly OD.

You get extra points if you can acurately snort a line in the middle of a song without missing a beat.

4orty2wo @ Feb 8th 2007 2:03PM

The Wii should have a motion sensing pick, not guitar!

And the DS could just use the microphone so you could chant songs Beavis and Butt-Head Style: "Dah dah DAH DAH DAH!"

Shawn @ Feb 8th 2007 3:03PM

It would be awesome if in guitar heroes you could play 2 players but have one person as the drummer. I really hope they do this.

AJ @ Feb 8th 2007 3:11PM

I think that the wiimote can't change the way you play that will make Guitar Hero better. However I think that they can add something small, like what they're doing with DDR. Maybe you could plug the wii mote into the top of the guitar and at special times you have to shoot things on screen. Thats not that good but you get the picture.

Tanster @ Feb 8th 2007 5:02PM

a wii drumming game would be awesome.

withoutasol @ Feb 9th 2007 2:36PM

wii taiko drummer!!!

Tanster @ Feb 8th 2007 5:03PM

wii taiko drummer!!!

Infil @ Feb 8th 2007 5:18PM

I'm glad for this announcement, but I'm also kind of annoyed at all the extra peripherals I'll have to keep buying for all these systems. I can really see Red Octane just make a guitar that plugs into USB. That way, it can work on all three next-gen systems and they're done with it. No more console-specific guitars.

Anyway, I'll wait to hear more on songlists and stuff, but I imagine this just means we'll see Guitar Hero 3 on Wii. It'll be good for people who don't have a PS2, but for people who've already bought guitars... why buy them again? And this is coming from the biggest Wii fan in the room.

DJ @ Feb 8th 2007 7:33PM

Well, obviously everybody has figured out in about 2 seconds, that the wii-mote just needs to go inside the guitar and allow you to change your guitar position for air-guitar... Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out. The people who are asking for a patent for their "brilliant" idea are cracking me up.

The DS version, definitely there are a lot of ways to go with this, and it's hard to know what's best. Putting the DS unit on a side strut off the neck of the guitar would probably be tough on readability... Actually using the DS itself and it's touch screen, as some sort of mini-guitar also takes away the whole point of the game (like DDR on a handheld... kinda sucks.