Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Guitar Hero III getting triple-pack of Muse on May 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/03/guitar-hero-iii-getting-triple-pack-of-muse-on-may-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/03/guitar-hero-iii-getting-triple-pack-of-muse-on-may-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/03/guitar-hero-iii-getting-triple-pack-of-muse-on-may-8/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It seems that Activision has stumbled across the correct formula for getting us to drop our drumsticks and don our trusty, dusty Les Paul peripherals -- a three-song DLC pack for Guitar Hero III featuring the music of the epic British prog-rock trio, Muse. As of May 8, "Supermassive Black Hole" and "Exo-Politics" from their 2006 album Black Holes and Revelations as well as the fan-favorite "Stockholm Syndrome" from 2003's Absolution will be available to download for a heretofore unannounced price (we're assuming it will match the $6.25 price of former GHIII packs). We've got videos for all three tunes after the jump -- go decide which ones are purchase-worthy! (Hint: All of them.)

Continue reading Guitar Hero III getting triple-pack of Muse on May 8

JoystiqGuitar Hero III getting triple-pack of Muse on May 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 May 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondlcexo-politicsguitar-hero-iiiguitarheroguitarheroiiimusemusicPS3red-octanestockholmsyndromesupermassiveblackholeXbox-360Sat, 03 May 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GHSkinz adds style to your fake instruments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/ghskinz-adds-style-to-your-fake-instruments/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/ghskinz-adds-style-to-your-fake-instruments/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/ghskinz-adds-style-to-your-fake-instruments/#commentsFiled under: ,

Folks looking to jazz up their plastic Les Pauls for Guitar Hero or instruments they'll be jamming with in Rock Band, take note. Website GHSkinz is looking to offer you skins and other accessories for your fake instruments.

The skins themselves look like they're high quality, but with that comes the problem of price. It won't be cheap to outfit your instruments. But, then again, when your guitar looks as badass as this, we're not sure you're going to care about how much you spent to make sure it looks this way.

See also: Give your Rock Band drums some extra lives

JoystiqGHSkinz adds style to your fake instruments originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioneaguitar-heroguitar-hero-iiiguitarheroguitarheroiiimusicrock-bandTue, 15 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Les Paul costs less money]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/les-paul-costs-less-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/les-paul-costs-less-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/les-paul-costs-less-money/#commentsFiled under:


Those of you in the market for another guitar for Guitar Hero III will be happy to know that RedOctane has dropped the cost of the wireless Les Paul guitar. Originally fetching a price of $69.99, it is now $10 cheaper.

Have you been holding off on picking up an extra guitar until the price dropped? Have you been waiting to get one but just can't find one? Want a free one? Or do you go from hotel to hotel enjoying the Guitar Hero III they have to offer?

[Thanks, Eric!]

JoystiqLes Paul costs less money originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heroguitar-hero-3guitarheroguitarhero3guitarheroiiiles-paulwireless-guitarFri, 04 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Friday Video: Guitar Hero world record-setter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/friday-video-guitar-hero-world-record-setter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/friday-video-guitar-hero-world-record-setter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/friday-video-guitar-hero-world-record-setter/#commentsFiled under:


It may not be the Wii version of the game, but anyone that can throw down in Guitar Hero as good as this kid can is certainly deserving of all the fame and fortune that comes from being featured on Wii Fanboy. The fame of being recognized by avatar-less commenters and the fortune of having 14 people see your video are just some of the small things Wii Fanboy can bring to the table.

All kidding aside, this guy is good. In fact, we wonder what would happen if him and that little kid got together in the same room. It'd like totally cause a rift in the space/time continuum or something.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqFriday Video: Guitar Hero world record-setter originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiongh3guinessguitarheroguitarhero3guitarheroiiiles-paulrecordFri, 21 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero III Guinness record holder wins tournament, beats previous record]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/gh-guinness-record-holder-wins-gh-iii-tournament-beats-previous/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/gh-guinness-record-holder-wins-gh-iii-tournament-beats-previous/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/gh-guinness-record-holder-wins-gh-iii-tournament-beats-previous/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chris Chike, currently the Guinness world record holder for points in Guitar Hero III, won the Play N Trade GHIII tournament last weekend and bested his record-setting score. Chike's Guinness score was 870,647 (seen in video above) before he won the tournament, along with $2000 of in-store credit, with 889,256 points.

The best part of this story is that Chike actually drove two hours to compete at the Play N Trade store in Bloomington, Minnesota. Guess when you're the world record holder the trip seems worth it, considering you've probably got the win in the bag. Chike says he still hasn't done as well at any tournament event than he's done at home. The good thing about tournaments and competition is you only have to be better than second place.

JoystiqGuitar Hero III Guinness record holder wins tournament, beats previous record originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chikechris-chikeghgh3ghiiiguitar heroguitarheroguitarheroiiiplay-n-tradePS3WiiXbox-360Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero III gets Modern Metal, free Dropkick Murphys tunes coming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/guitar-hero-iii-gets-modern-metal-free-dropkick-murphys-tunes-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/guitar-hero-iii-gets-modern-metal-free-dropkick-murphys-tunes-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/guitar-hero-iii-gets-modern-metal-free-dropkick-murphys-tunes-c/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Well now, this is a trend we'd like to see continue: Just a week after it's last update (a batch of No Doubt tunes) Guitar Hero III is getting another song pack. This time, it's the "Modern Metal Track Pack," featuring master tracks of Deftones' "Hole in the Earth," Avenged Sevenfold's "Almost Easy" and Thrice's "The Arsonist." As you've come to expect, the three songs will cost you 500 points ($6.25).

If you don't find yourself in a metal mood, you'll be excited to hear that the next pack is already in the works. It's three from Dropkick Murphys, master tracks of "Famous for Nothing," "(F)lannigan's Ball" and "Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya." It's due in mid-March in time for St. Patrick's Day. And the best part? Totally free. We didn't think it was possible for us to be more excited about drinking ourselves into oblivion on a Monday, but we guess wonders never cease.

[Thanks, Matt]

JoystiqGuitar Hero III gets Modern Metal, free Dropkick Murphys tunes coming originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionBreakingNewsdlcguitar-hero-iiiguitarheroiiiPS3Xbox-360Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision offering refunds for Wii version of Guitar Hero III]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/24/activision-offering-refunds-for-wii-version-of-guitar-hero-iii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/24/activision-offering-refunds-for-wii-version-of-guitar-hero-iii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/24/activision-offering-refunds-for-wii-version-of-guitar-hero-iii/#commentsFiled under: ,


As our bat-eared readers discovered when the game was first released, the Wii edition of Guitar Hero III, though advertised as possessing Dolby Surround Sound capabilities, could only duplicate one channel of audio through multiple speakers (a.k.a. mono sound). Incensed, Nintendo's virtual troubadours demanded action -- Activision responded with a somewhat less-than-timely disc replacement program. Now, four months after the game was released, Activision has announced another method of atonement for their single-channel sins.

Instead of replacing your half-mute disc with a standard one (though this option is still available), you can now replace said disc with cold, hard cash (or warm, soft cash, depending on your local climate and the weariness of the bills you receive). While we're sure this policy will be exploited by those who tire of faux rocking and simply want the cash, it's refreshing to see Actie-V face their shortcomings so directly -- if not a tad unpunctually.

[Via Evil Avatar]

JoystiqActivision offering refunds for Wii version of Guitar Hero III originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-iiiguitarheroguitarheroiiineversoftnintendorefundreplacementwiiSun, 24 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Are you ready for your replacement?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/wii-warm-up-are-you-ready-for-your-replacement/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/wii-warm-up-are-you-ready-for-your-replacement/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/wii-warm-up-are-you-ready-for-your-replacement/#commentsFiled under:


Reader Joe wrote in to us to inform that he had gotten his mailer for his replacement copy of Guitar Hero III. It's something we talk about quite a bit around the offices here and you all no doubt have a somewhat bad taste in your mouth after finally getting the Guitar Hero franchise on a Nintendo console. We're hip to it, we understand.

But, were you one of the folks who are in need of a replacement disc? Have you received your mailer too? Or, are you waiting for this all to blow over before jumping into Guitar Hero III? Perhaps you're waiting on the competition first?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Are you ready for your replacement? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiongh3ghiiiguitar-hero-3guitarheroguitarhero3guitarheroiiireplacementsTue, 12 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Q4 sales up 80% to $1.48 billion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/activision-q4-sales-up-80-to-1-48-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/activision-q4-sales-up-80-to-1-48-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/activision-q4-sales-up-80-to-1-48-billion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


One of the nice things about being the top US publisher in a booming game industry is that it affords you the privilege of announcing record holiday sales. Activision's third fiscal quarter, stretching from October to December 2007, saw the publisher's sales increase by 80% over the year prior to $1.48 billion, with profits amounting to $272.2 million. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare are the key titles to praise if you're Activision and blame if you're a consumer wondering where all your hard-earned money went.

Activision anticipates a further $350 million in sales to originate from its fourth fiscal quarter (ending in March), ultimately contributing to a projected $2.65 billion for the entire fiscal year 2008. As long as shootin' and shreddin' remain popular and the upcoming Vivendi merger stays on track, we don't expect to put "bankrupt" and "Activision" in the same sentence for a very long time. Well, not unless one those words is preceded by "creatively."


JoystiqActivision Q4 sales up 80% to $1.48 billion originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBreakingNewsCall-of-Duty-4CallofDuty4COD4DSFinancial-ResultsGuitar-HeroGuitarHeroGuitarHeroIIIPS3WiiXbox-360Fri, 08 Feb 2008 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[About the dumbest way to play Guitar Hero 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/about-the-dumbest-way-to-play-guitar-hero-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/about-the-dumbest-way-to-play-guitar-hero-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/about-the-dumbest-way-to-play-guitar-hero-3/#commentsFiled under:


That is, if you can call it playing. You see, using your feet to play a plastic mock-up of a real instrument is just what you'd expect it to be: pointless and unnecessarily difficult. We wonder why someone would even go through the bother of filming themselves while they do this. On top of that, wouldn't the person want to get a little better at playing monkey-style before they uploaded their video onto the internet for the whole 10 people that read Wii Fanboy every day to see?

JoystiqAbout the dumbest way to play Guitar Hero 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>feetgh3ghiiguitarguitarheroguitarhero3guitarheroiiiTue, 05 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Toys R Us slashes price on Guitar Hero III bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/toys-r-us-slashes-price-on-guitar-hero-iii-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/toys-r-us-slashes-price-on-guitar-hero-iii-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/toys-r-us-slashes-price-on-guitar-hero-iii-bundle/#commentsFiled under:


For those of you who might have steered clear of Guitar Hero III because the price was just too high for you, take note: Toys R Us is now offering up the bundle for $69.99, which is $20 less than its normal price. With that extra coin, you could pick up a classic controller or just pocket the cash. Getting the wireless Les Paul that comes bundled in for $20 less than everyone else would make us feel so special, if you ask us.

Head on past the break for a look at the ad for the price drop.

Continue reading Toys R Us slashes price on Guitar Hero III bundle

JoystiqToys R Us slashes price on Guitar Hero III bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gh3ghiiiguitar-hero-3guitarhero3guitarheroiiiscanstoysrusTue, 05 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero III Wii replacement discs shipping next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/guitar-hero-iii-wii-replacement-discs-shipping-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/guitar-hero-iii-wii-replacement-discs-shipping-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/guitar-hero-iii-wii-replacement-discs-shipping-next-month/#commentsFiled under: ,

Just four short months after a faulty version of Guitar Hero III was released on Wii, Activision will be ready to start shipping out replacement copies in February. Though Wii owners will have been toiling with mono sound until that point, they'll finally be able to experience the bone-crunching intensity of two separate channels of audio slamming into them at whatever volume level their moms have deemed acceptable.

The happy news was apparently related to customers in an email Activision recently sent out to affected customers, in which it said it "expected" to have new discs ready next month. If you still haven't readied yourself for the stereo onslaught, you can still register for your own replacement copy of the game right here.

JoystiqGuitar Hero III Wii replacement discs shipping next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-iiiguitarheroiiiWiiTue, 22 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 3 gets Journey, Foreigner, Boston DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/guitar-hero-3-gets-journey-foreigner-boston-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/guitar-hero-3-gets-journey-foreigner-boston-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/guitar-hero-3-gets-journey-foreigner-boston-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's been nearly a month since the last infusion of DLC came to Guitar Hero III, and if we weren't getting regular, reasonably priced updates to a game that also lets you sing and play drums, we would be totally curious about what was up. Today though, Shacknews reported what they believe to be three new songs coming to the game: Foreigner's "Juke Box Hero," Journey's "Any Way You Want It" and Boston's "Peace of Mind." All three of the songs were spotted in the game's online leaderboards (though there don't seem to be any sign of them now).

As long-time fans of Guitar Hero, we'd love to see Activision do something big to put their title back on even footing with Rock Band. But three songs, one of which ("Juke Box Hero") is already in Rock Band does not a comeback make. Let's hope these tracks, rocking though they may be, are part of a large offering.

JoystiqGuitar Hero 3 gets Journey, Foreigner, Boston DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondlcguitar-hero-iiiguitarheroiiiPS3rock-bandXbox-360Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turntable hero]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/turntable-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/turntable-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/turntable-hero/#commentsFiled under: , ,


With the Guitar Hero franchise finally hitting a Nintendo platform, we're so excited to see all of the things people are doing. Heck, even our own Mike Sylvester has had some fun with the Wii's Guitar Hero III controller. Now, we see one individual take the PS2 peripheral and reshape it into a turntable.

While not entirely compatible with the game (we can't imagine trying to effectively complete songs on a difficulty higher than medium), we still find the mod to be pretty darn cool. What's next? A Xylophone?

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqTurntable hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiongh3guitar-hero-3guitar-hero-iiiguitarhero3guitarheroiiiturntableTue, 08 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision opens pre-registration for Guitar Hero Wii replacement discs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/activision-opens-pre-registration-for-gh-wii-replacement-discs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/activision-opens-pre-registration-for-gh-wii-replacement-discs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/activision-opens-pre-registration-for-gh-wii-replacement-discs/#commentsFiled under: ,


For those of you who own the Wii version of Guitar Hero III and figured out you couldn't hear what the other speaker was saying, Activision is slowly beginning to remedy Guiter Hero Wii's mono sound. There is now a page up on the Activision's support site with information to pre-register for a replacement disc.

The pre-registration is available for North American customers only, and the site claims new discs will be available in "early 2008." If you don't feel like pre-registering at this time, there is also a notification by email option for receiving updates on the situation. Guitar Hero Wii's mono sound should find a nice place in "How'd the heck that happen?" History, right next to Dead Rising's teenie tiny text.

JoystiqActivision opens pre-registration for Guitar Hero Wii replacement discs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionBreakingNewsguitarheroIIImonoRed-OctaneredoctanereplacementWiiFri, 04 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Getting some block-rockin' beats out of the GHIII guitar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/getting-some-block-rockin-beats-out-of-the-ghiii-guitar/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/getting-some-block-rockin-beats-out-of-the-ghiii-guitar/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/getting-some-block-rockin-beats-out-of-the-ghiii-guitar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Do you remember that whole Wiijing thing? Well, it's been taken a step further with the new Les Paul wireless guitar that comes with Guitar Hero III. As you can see, it lends itself a little more to the whole musical theme a bit better than having a guy twirl a Wiimote around. Plus, it looks like it takes more skill to rock with the guitar than just Nintendo's newest controller.

It isn't our kind of music, to be honest, but the folks in the video sure seem to get a kick out of it.

JoystiqGetting some block-rockin' beats out of the GHIII guitar originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondjguitarguitarheroiiiles-paulmusicwiijwiimoteThu, 03 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq's significant others name Guitar Hero III game of the year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/joystiqs-significant-others-name-guitar-hero-iii-game-of-the-ye/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/joystiqs-significant-others-name-guitar-hero-iii-game-of-the-ye/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/joystiqs-significant-others-name-guitar-hero-iii-game-of-the-ye/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Our exhaustively debated, occasionally pretentious list of the year's top games will be on the way soon, but we wanted to try something a little different to whet your appetite. We polled our wives, girlfriends and boyfriends (all of whom fall somewhere between casual and medium on the hardcore gaming spectrum) and asked them to choose their favorite games of the year.

We opted to be more casual with this list, allowing games that may not have been released in 2007 as long as the significant other in question spent most of their time with them this year. So, it's without further ado that we present the top five:
  • 1. Guitar Hero III
  • 2. Peggle
  • 3. Rock Band
  • 4. Super Mario Galaxy
  • 5. BioShock
Way to go, everyone! What was interesting as we collected this list was the wide variety of games that were represented, many of which wouldn't even get a mention in most GOTY debates. Now, is that because they haven't played as many games or the more frightening option: Because they've lived a 2007 unpolluted by hype and are unafraid of picking the games that really brought them the most joy? Honestly, we're still not sure.

Check out all the also-rans after the jump.

Continue reading Joystiq's significant others name Guitar Hero III game of the year

JoystiqJoystiq's significant others name Guitar Hero III game of the year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionDSgame-of-the-yearGOTYGuitar-Hero-IIIguitarheroiiiPCPS2PS3WiiXbox-360Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero III gets sleighful of fresh tracks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/guitar-hero-iii-gets-sleighful-of-fresh-tracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/guitar-hero-iii-gets-sleighful-of-fresh-tracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/guitar-hero-iii-gets-sleighful-of-fresh-tracks/#commentsFiled under: , ,


You may remember drooling over/staring quizzically at a load of new tracks we first reported on earlier this month. We just wanted to drop a line and let you know they'd become available, with "The Warner/Reprise Track Pack" (catchy title, guys) going for 500 points or $6.25 and the "popular European bands" going for 200 points/$2.50 a piece. Though we checked the Xbox Live Marketplace, since this is Thursday, we're assuming they're dropping on PS3 today, too. In case you need a reminder, they are:

The Warner/Reprise Track Pack (master recordings) Single song downloads (courtesy of "popular European bands")
 "Free, exclusive rock rendition" of a holiday classic
  • "We Three Kings" by Steve Ouimette
We took the cover of "We Three Kings" for a spin this morning, and liked it, even though the acoustic intro was kind a tease, leaving us still wishing for more variety in the lineup. That said, we're happy to report that its worth far exceeds the asking price.

JoystiqGuitar Hero III gets sleighful of fresh tracks originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondlcguitar-hero-iiiguitarheroiiiPS3psnXbox-360xbox-liveThu, 20 Dec 2007 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero III gets rock 'n' roll patch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/15/guitar-hero-iii-gets-rock-n-roll-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/15/guitar-hero-iii-gets-rock-n-roll-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/15/guitar-hero-iii-gets-rock-n-roll-patch/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Woo! Good evening, internet! Welcome to the stage the new patch for Guitar Hero III on PS3 and Xbox 360, now, are you ready to rock? They're going to kick it off with "Improved Online Quick Match Results" and "Calibration Screen Improvements, Helping Users With High Lag AV Systems" and then one just for you Playstation 3 users: "The Co-Op Quickplay Mode." Finally, they're going to be closing with their new single: "Various Stability Improvements and Fixes." ... Hey, why doesn't anyone have their lighter out?

... OK, so this patch isn't particularly rock 'n' roll. It doesn't wear a cool leather jacket or hassle nerds or boss around the rest of T-Birds. But it is practical, which is sort of cool too, isn't it? Maybe in a old-but-still-hip-English-professor sort of way? Guys? Where are you going?

JoystiqGuitar Hero III gets rock 'n' roll patch originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Dec 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-iiiguitarheroiiipatchesps3Xbox-360xbox360Sat, 15 Dec 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero III DLC: The Used Mastadon roams Linkin Park]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/guitar-hero-iii-dlc-the-used-mastadon-roams-linkin-park/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/guitar-hero-iii-dlc-the-used-mastadon-roams-linkin-park/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/guitar-hero-iii-dlc-the-used-mastadon-roams-linkin-park/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Well, perhaps the song selection will make more sense to you than the headline. Still not content with the initial track list in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, Activision has revealed the contents of the rock 'n rhythmer's next set of downloadable content (but not the price, so no accusing them of pitching a con-tent just yet). Right, on to the content:

The Warner/Reprise Track Pack (master recordings) Single song downloads (courtesy of "popular European bands")
 "Free, exclusive rock rendition" of a holiday classic
  • "We Three Kings" by Steve Ouimette
In fitting with tradition, you can expect the Warner/Reprise/Wrist Slasher Special track pack to cost $6.25 when it appears on the Xbox Live Marketplace and the PlayStation Network sometime in December. We'll let you know as soon we've confirmed the prices of the individual songs.

JoystiqGuitar Hero III DLC: The Used Mastadon roams Linkin Park originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardBreakingNewsDLCGH3Guitar-HeroGuitar-Hero-3GuitarHeroGuitarHero3GuitarHeroIIIMusicNeversoftPS3PSNXbox-360XboxLiveFri, 14 Dec 2007 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Activison: Actually, Harmonix to blame for PS3 guitar issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/activison-actually-harmonix-to-blame-for-ps3-guitar-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/activison-actually-harmonix-to-blame-for-ps3-guitar-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/activison-actually-harmonix-to-blame-for-ps3-guitar-issues/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Let us explain. ... No, there is too much. Let us sum up. Guitar Hero III controllers don't work with Rock Band on the PS3. Harmonix made a patch to fix the problem, which never appeared. Harmonix released a statement saying that Activision "objected to the release of the compatibility patch," effectively halting it's release from Sony. That brings us up to yesterday when Activision released their own statement that they were (shockingly) blameless, saying "In fact, Harmonix and its parent company MTV Games/Viacom recently declined Activision's offer to reach an agreement that would allow the use of Guitar Hero guitar controllers with Rock Band." So, now it's apparently Harmonix's fault. Great. That's much clearer.

Tell you what. While you multi-billion dollar organizations are arguing like toddlers over a couple of toy guitars, we'll be over here being disgusted. Just tell us when you're done. Seriously, drop the he said/she said crap, do like Tim Gunn and make it work already, please.

JoystiqActivison: Actually, Harmonix to blame for PS3 guitar issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-iiiguitarheroiiiguitarsHarmonixMTVPS3rock-bandrockbandFri, 14 Dec 2007 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock out with your block out: i am 8-bit guitar straps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/rock-out-with-your-block-out-i-am-8-bit-guitar-straps/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/rock-out-with-your-block-out-i-am-8-bit-guitar-straps/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/rock-out-with-your-block-out-i-am-8-bit-guitar-straps/#commentsFiled under:


You're a rebel. You don't listen intently for thoughtful gift ideas before hitting the mall months ahead of the holiday shopping season. No, you march to your own tune - a tune, which we should add, is more than likely generated by clicking brightly colored plastic buttons on a plastic guitar - and you wait until the last minute to get your gift ideas from a blog, a video game blog, of all places.

Relax, you're amongst peers. Which is why we just had to show you these vinyl guitar straps with that i am 8-bit aesthetic we know you're so crazy about. Yeah, it's really a Christmas present for yourself, but you've been good this year, right? We thought so.

[Thanks, Kevin]

JoystiqRock out with your block out: i am 8-bit guitar straps originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GH3Guitar-Hero-3Guitar-Hero-IIIGuitarHero3GuitarHeroIIIholidashi-am-8-bitRock-BandRockBandTue, 11 Dec 2007 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dad finds son smoking pot, attacks his weak point for massive damage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/dad-finds-son-smoking-pot-attacks-his-weak-point-for-massive-da/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/dad-finds-son-smoking-pot-attacks-his-weak-point-for-massive-da/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/dad-finds-son-smoking-pot-attacks-his-weak-point-for-massive-da/#commentsFiled under:



When eBay seller k_lid found his fifteen-year-old son Isaac smoking marijuana on the patio with two of his "delinquent friends," he did what any respectable parent would do: he calmly removed his son's copy of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock from beneath the Christmas tree, and put it up for sale on eBay, complete with a lengthy description about why it was being auctioned.

With the listing underway, all that was left to do was show the auction page to Isaac, who apparently "was not amused" by the sight of his number one Christmas present going on sale. Funny, that.

But kudos to k_lid, we say. That's a pretty calculating, imaginative punishment, and there's nothing wrong with a bit of tough love. Didn't do us any harm. Apart from the panic attacks. And the nightmares. And the endless twitching.

[Thanks, Chris!]

JoystiqDad finds son smoking pot, attacks his weak point for massive damage originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisiondrugseBaygh3Guitar-Hero-IIIguitarhero3GuitarHeroIIImusicRedOctanerhythmMon, 10 Dec 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Guitar Hero III getting DLC and replacement discs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/08/wii-guitar-hero-iii-getting-dlc-and-replacement-discs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/08/wii-guitar-hero-iii-getting-dlc-and-replacement-discs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/08/wii-guitar-hero-iii-getting-dlc-and-replacement-discs/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's pretty clear that the Wii version of Activision's rockstar simulator is the ugly stepsister of the Guitar Hero III family (aside from the PS2 version, but who plays those things anymore) -- it's got no downloadable content, requires friend codes for online play, is sans Grim Ripper, and to top it all off, it only transmits sound monaurally. However, Activision is not neglecting its rockers of the tiny white box, as it has announced that it will be offering remastered game discs early 2008, and will also enable DLC for the system sometime next year.

The new, stereo-enabled discs will be free of charge through Activision, though they haven't announced exactly when they'd be available, or how they would be shipped out. Also, we're not exactly certain how DLC will work on the system (our Wii's system memory is already bogged down by VC gems like Donkey Kong Jr. Math and Urban Champion), but RedOctane is reportedly working feverishly with Nintendo to figure out a method of getting new songs on the Wii. Apparently, trying to wish them onto the system hasn't been working out very well.

Read - Guitar Hero III Wii DLC Expected Next Year
Read - Fix Coming For Wii's Guitar Hero III Mono Problem

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqWii Guitar Hero III getting DLC and replacement discs originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionDLCGuitar-Hero-IIIGuitarHeroIIIRedOctaneWiiSat, 08 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero III modder plays it with drums]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/guitar-hero-iii-modder-plays-it-with-drums/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/guitar-hero-iii-modder-plays-it-with-drums/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/guitar-hero-iii-modder-plays-it-with-drums/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

We're actually kind of perplexed by this video of a Guitar Hero fan who created a set-up to play the game with a MIDI drum kit. It's not because we don't know if it's impressive or not (it is). It's also not because we don't know how he's doing it (we do). What we can't figure out is this: Is Guitar Hero actually more awesome if you play it with drums? We've watched tons of Egyokeo's videos and we still just ... don't ... know.

Think about it: Rock Band has guitar and drums, right? But this guy's version of GH III has drums that are a guitar. It's two rock 'n' roll features rolled up in one. Which has us thinking: By that criteria, is Peter Frampton secretly the best video game ever?

[Thanks, elle]

JoystiqGuitar Hero III modder plays it with drums originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heroguitar-hero-iiiguitarheroiiimoddersmodsPCPS2PS3rock-bandrockbandWiiXbox-360Fri, 30 Nov 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero III PC/Mac hybrid done, shipping out Dec. 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/guitar-hero-iii-pc-mac-hybrid-done-shipping-out-dec-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/guitar-hero-iii-pc-mac-hybrid-done-shipping-out-dec-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/guitar-hero-iii-pc-mac-hybrid-done-shipping-out-dec-10/#commentsFiled under: , ,


You Mac gamers out there (we know, we know, "both of you") will be pleased to learn that the briefly delayed Guitar Hero III will be shipping to retailers on December 10, so you should be able to snag a copy in time for [insert gift-giving holiday of choice here].

The $80 PC/Mac hybrid disc (that's called a twofer where we're from) is bundled with the USB-based X-plorer guitar and will even include cross-platform multiplayer between the two at times warring platforms. Now how about a showdown between John Hodgman and Justin Long?

JoystiqGuitar Hero III PC/Mac hybrid done, shipping out Dec. 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AspyrGH3GuitarHeroIIIMacPCWed, 28 Nov 2007 14:44:00 EST<![CDATA[New Wiimote hack for the air guitarist in all of us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/new-wiimote-hack-for-the-air-guitarist-in-all-of-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/new-wiimote-hack-for-the-air-guitarist-in-all-of-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/new-wiimote-hack-for-the-air-guitarist-in-all-of-us/#commentsFiled under: ,



The idea of using the humble Wiimote to create music seems to have really fired the imagination of the hacking community recently. DJing WiiJing and drumming are already both possible with the waffly versatile controller and a bit of know-how, and now those of you who lack the funds for Guitar Hero III can get your virtual shred on for free.

Hacker Evan, maker of the Wiimote drum sampler we linked to exactly one paragraph ago, has developed software that allows users to play air guitar, simply by "strumming" the Remote while holding down the d-pad to alternate between chords, or the B button to toggle between major and minor chords. As Evan points out, this has a similar feel to Jam Sessions on the Nintendo DS, which is far from a bad thing if you ask us.

[Thanks, Evan!]

JoystiqNew Wiimote hack for the air guitarist in all of us originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothdjdrumguitarguitar-hero-iiiguitarheroiiijam-sessionsjamsessionsmusicvideowii-remotewiimoteMon, 26 Nov 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero III's wireless Gibson available solo in early 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/guitar-hero-iiis-wireless-gibson-available-solo-in-early-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/guitar-hero-iiis-wireless-gibson-available-solo-in-early-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/guitar-hero-iiis-wireless-gibson-available-solo-in-early-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


If you've grown tired of your Guitar Hero rocking partner staring at you longingly while you wirelessly strum your way through Knights of Cydonia, you'll be happy to hear that at least one of your band's schisms will be repaired soon. Activision announced today that they'd be rolling out the wireless Gibsons sans Guitar Hero III for all platforms early next year.

Though we love the black model, we hope that we'll also see the guitar in different colors, if only to give our digital bands something new to argue about. See, much like a young Fleetwood Mac, the conflict feeds the music.

JoystiqGuitar Hero III's wireless Gibson available solo in early 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-iiiguitarheroiiiguitarsPS2PS3WiiXbox-360Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero III featured on Will It Blend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/24/guitar-hero-iii-featured-on-will-it-blend/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/24/guitar-hero-iii-featured-on-will-it-blend/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/24/guitar-hero-iii-featured-on-will-it-blend/#commentsFiled under: ,


Where will it stop, Tom? When will you and the other mad scientists at Blendtec draw the line between the advancement of science and the study of the dark appliance arts? Liquifying a bundle of glowsticks is one thing, but putting an X-plorer guitar (from one of the rip-off Wal-Mart Guitar Hero III bundles) on frappé is a horse of a twisted color (though we admit we were curious what guitar dust looked like, and whether or not we would be allowed to breathe it).

It's worth noting that even after being put through the Blendtec gauntlet, the X-plorer still worked better than the Rock Band Stratocaster. Zing!

SPOILER ALERT: It blends. It always blends.

JoystiqGuitar Hero III featured on Will It Blend originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Nov 2007 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Guitar-Hero-IIIGuitarHeroiiiWill-It-BlendwillitblendXbox-360Sat, 24 Nov 2007 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock the Halo theme free for Guitar Hero III tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/rock-the-halo-theme-free-for-guitar-hero-3-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/rock-the-halo-theme-free-for-guitar-hero-3-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/rock-the-halo-theme-free-for-guitar-hero-3-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: ,

Like the Pilgrims and Native Americans breaking bread together, Microsoft and Activision are giving Xbox 360 owners something to truly be thankful for tomorrow: the Halo theme (MJOLNIR Mix edition, featuring fretwork by none other than Steve Vai) is coming to Guitar Hero III. Though the track was rumored to be included in Guitar Hero II (it wasn't) and fans took the situation into their own hands, making custom tracks (as evidenced by the video above), we have to admit we were more than a little disappointed learning it wasn't in the GH3 retail package. But now, thanks to the miracle of downloadable content, that wrong will be most certainly righted.

How much will the privilege of playing one of gaming's most beloved (not to mention most rocking) scores in Guitar Hero III cost you? How does 0 Microsoft Points sound to you? Download the track here and brush up before tomorrow.

JoystiqRock the Halo theme free for Guitar Hero III tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBreakingNewsDLCGuitarHeroIIIHalo-3Halo3Xbox-360Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero III gets free Boss Battle Pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/guitar-hero-iii-gets-free-boss-battle-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/guitar-hero-iii-gets-free-boss-battle-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/guitar-hero-iii-gets-free-boss-battle-pack/#commentsFiled under: ,


To be honest, this new pack for Guitar Hero III is kind of a snooze-a-roo. It's the three Boss Battle songs (Tom Morello and Slash's tunes and "The Devil Went Down to Georgia"), now playable in the game outside of career mode. So, yes, boring. But it's free, so all is forgiven. On the downside, the pack is only for 360 so far, with no similar announcement on PS3 or Wii. We'll see what PSN Thursday brings.

What's more interesting is that it's been exactly one calendar week since we got the last chunk of DLC for the game. Does this mean that we can expect the same weekly schedule that Rock Band is sporting? If Activision hopes to keep their series competitive with the oncoming juggernaut, it wouldn't be the worst idea.

JoystiqGuitar Hero III gets free Boss Battle Pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcguitar-hero-iiiguitarheroiiirock-bandrockbandXbox-360Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero III PC/Mac hybrid 'later this year']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/guitar-hero-3-pc-mac-hybrid-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/guitar-hero-3-pc-mac-hybrid-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/guitar-hero-3-pc-mac-hybrid-later-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,


While it may seem like everyone and their roadie already picked up a copy of Guitar Hero III earlier this month - what with $115 million in sales in the first week alone - Red Octane and Activision aren't even through with their brutal march towards total platform saturation. Though the peripheral-laden DS version is still undated, the PC version was released on Tuesday; unfortunately, the Mac version - now revealed to be a magical PC/Mac hybrid disc - won't be available until "later this year" according to Aspyr, the developer porting the game.

When asked what will happen to the current PC-only SKU when the hybrid variant is unleashed, Aspyr told Joystiq "the hybrid PC/Mac version will eventually replace the PC-only SKU." Aspyr is aiming to have that version on shelves this year (we assume bundled with the PC version's wired X-plorer guitar and priced at the same $79.99) but we also worry the veteran Mac developers have their hands full with their just announced Xbox 360 port of Supreme Commander.

JoystiqGuitar Hero III PC/Mac hybrid 'later this year' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionAspyrGH3Guitar-Hero-IIIGuitarHeroIIIMacPCWed, 14 Nov 2007 21:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Guitar Hero III outputs only mono sound]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/11/wii-guitar-hero-iii-outputs-only-mono-sound/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/11/wii-guitar-hero-iii-outputs-only-mono-sound/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/11/wii-guitar-hero-iii-outputs-only-mono-sound/#commentsFiled under: ,

If it weren't bad enough that Activision shipped out Guitar Hero III with no offline co-op quickplay mode, a few careful listeners have noticed another thing they left out - a few channels of sound.

Audiophilic owners of Guitar Hero III for the Wii have noticed that not only does the game not support Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound systems (despite that feature being advertised), but it doesn't even output sound in stereo. As we all know, it's nearly impossible to pass "Cult of Personality" on Expert unless the manic shredding of Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid washes over you from six different angles.

Apparently, Activision is looking into the problem, though they said in regards to a fix, "the time frame is still unknown." For the time being, we're afraid you're going to have to learn to rock out monaurally.

JoystiqWii Guitar Hero III outputs only mono sound originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Nov 2007 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionGuitar Hero IIIGuitarHeroIiiSurround SoundSurroundSoundWiiSun, 11 Nov 2007 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Velvet Revolver, Foo Fighters Guitar Hero III track packs hit Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/velvet-revolver-foo-fighter-guitar-hero-iii-track-packs-hit-xbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/velvet-revolver-foo-fighter-guitar-hero-iii-track-packs-hit-xbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/velvet-revolver-foo-fighter-guitar-hero-iii-track-packs-hit-xbo/#commentsFiled under: ,


We think the signs are pretty clear now that Activision isn't taking the threat from Rock Band lying down. Just a bit more than a week after Guitar Hero III was released, we already have two meaty song packs to download through Xbox Live and enjoy.

For 500 points ($6.25) you can get either a Foo Fighters pack that includes "The Pretender" from the new album "Echoes Silence Patience & Grace", "All My Life" and "This Is A Call" or the Velvet Revolver pack, with "She Builds Quick Machines","Slither" and "Messages". Each of the packs are by the original artists. With a nice boost like this to the track listing before the old songs have even gone stale, it's clear Red Octane is playing for keeps. ... You may not want to count Guitar Hero out just yet.

Update: Activision has also announced that boss battle anthems and "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" will be downloadable (for free!) later this month for play outside the game's Career mode.

JoystiqVelvet Revolver, Foo Fighters Guitar Hero III track packs hit Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondlcfoo-fightersghiiiguitar-hero-iiiguitarheroiiiredoctanerock-bandrockbandvelvet-revolverXbox-360Thu, 08 Nov 2007 09:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero III tournament has big prizes, a bigger catch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/guitar-hero-iii-tournament-has-big-prizes-a-bigger-catch/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/guitar-hero-iii-tournament-has-big-prizes-a-bigger-catch/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/guitar-hero-iii-tournament-has-big-prizes-a-bigger-catch/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


OK, so there's good news and there's bad news. The good news is that the Guitar Hero III skills that you've worked so hard to cultivate could actually nab you a big prize: A 2008 Pontiac G5. The bad news: All of the stops in the Pontiac Garage Guitar Hero III tournament will be held ... inside Hot Topics.

Although GHIII is fine and you could probably survive being in Hot Topic, playing Guitar Hero III within the walls of a Hot Topic actual conscripts you into an emo band. It's true: A spectral version of Morrissey appears and eats all but .5 percent of your body fat, tears pre-caked in eyeliner spurt from your eyes and members of Jimmy Eat World chloroform you and force you to play bass. It's a nightmare.

If it's worth the risk to you you can see all the details here. But we think we'll stay at home and put our eyeliner on by ourselves, thank you very much.

JoystiqGuitar Hero III tournament has big prizes, a bigger catch originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heroguitarheroguitarhero3guitarheroiiihottopicneversoftPS2PS3WiiXbox-360Wed, 07 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You don't say: Guitar Hero III bringing in the big bucks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/you-dont-say-guitar-hero-iii-bringing-in-the-big-bucks/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/you-dont-say-guitar-hero-iii-bringing-in-the-big-bucks/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/you-dont-say-guitar-hero-iii-bringing-in-the-big-bucks/#commentsFiled under:

Earlier today, Activision announced Q2 revenues of $318 million, a 69% increase on the same period last year.

Now, those figures alone are worthy of applause, if that kind of thing floats your boat. However, the recent release of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock on the Wii (and, y'know, some other consoles you may have heard of) is tipped to boost Q3 earnings to unprecedented levels, with many expecting Activision to shatter the $1 billion mark in net revenue. And sure enough, despite the odd issue, the game has made a fine start in the US, with Activision crowing today about first week revenues of $115m.

Of course, it's not exclusively the Wii version of Guitar Hero III that will have contributed to that mind-boggling number, but you can bet your bottom dollar it will have played its part, thanks to the sheer ubiquity of the Wii, not to mention its popularity at social occasions. So "yay" for the Wii, "yay" for Guitar Hero, and "yay" for capitalism. A winning combination.

Incidentally, don't forget that Legends of Rock headbangs its way into Australasia tomorrow, while Europeans will be rocking out from November 23.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqYou don't say: Guitar Hero III bringing in the big bucks originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 23:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionGuitar-Hero-IIIGuitarHeroIIIMoneyMusicRed-OctaneRedOctaneRhythmSalesTue, 06 Nov 2007 23:49:00 EST<![CDATA[GHIII makes $115 million in first week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/ghiii-makes-115-million-in-first-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/ghiii-makes-115-million-in-first-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/ghiii-makes-115-million-in-first-week/#commentsFiled under:

If anyone, anywhere had doubts about the monstrous success of Guitar Hero III, said doubts can officially be put to rest. Activision has announced that Guitar Hero III has made over $115 million dollars in its first seven days of availability. This makes Guitar Hero III the biggest launch in Activision's history, and they are pleased to note that Guitar Hero is the number one selling franchise in North America through September (really? bigger than the Halo franchise?). The press release also notes that three more downloadable song packs should be available this month. To put it succinctly, we're betting the execs at Activision are congratulating themselves for acquiring Red Octane (and thus the Guitar Hero name) right about now.

As for Rock Band, well, it's got some mighty big shoes to fill.

[Via GameStooge]

JoystiqGHIII makes $115 million in first week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghiiiguitar-hero-iiiguitarheroiiiTue, 06 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero III could be in short supply]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/guitar-hero-iii-could-be-in-short-supply/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/guitar-hero-iii-could-be-in-short-supply/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/guitar-hero-iii-could-be-in-short-supply/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Following EA's news that they will only be manufacturing six total copies of Rock Band for the entire planet to share, Activision says that their VirtuaRocker Guitar Hero III could be in short supply, too. We already know that they made a few more than six copies, but that doesn't mean it's just going to be on every street corner, mister!

During Activision's quarterly earnings call, company CEO Robert Kotick said "there's a probability that this holiday we won't be able to supply all the demand for every platform." While "a probability" isn't quite on par with EA's assertion that you'd have better luck catching a yeti this holiday season, we doubt Activison's losing too much sleep over it on their bed made of money.

JoystiqGuitar Hero III could be in short supply originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioneaElectronic-ArtsguitarheroiiiPS2PS3rockbandWiiXbox-360Tue, 06 Nov 2007 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F Achievements 101: All Hallow's Achieve]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/x3f-achievements-101-all-hallows-achieve/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/x3f-achievements-101-all-hallows-achieve/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/x3f-achievements-101-all-hallows-achieve/#commentsFiled under:


Welcome to another wonderful edition of X3F Achievements 101. Today's topics of discussion include Major Nelson's warning about gamesaving, sludging through the online multiplayer Achievements of Fuzion Frenzy 2, my experience thus far with Project Gotham Racing 4, and the rather annoying list of Achievements found in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. Anyway, all the goodness that you've come to expect is included after the break.

Continue reading X3F Achievements 101: All Hallow's Achieve

JoystiqX3F Achievements 101: All Hallow's Achieve originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievements101FuzionFrenzy2GHIIIGuitarHeroIIIHalo3PGR4ProjectGothamRacing4Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero III gets offline mode with patch on 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/guitar-hero-iii-gets-offline-mode-with-patch-on-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/guitar-hero-iii-gets-offline-mode-with-patch-on-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/guitar-hero-iii-gets-offline-mode-with-patch-on-360/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Those who fired up their new copies of Guitar Hero III yesterday might have been disheartened to find that the game lacked the offline co-op quickplay mode. Luckily (for a portion of you, at least) that's going to be addressed with a quickness, thanks to a patch that 1UP says is coming this Tuesday to Xbox Live.

The bad news is that there's no word of similar treatment on the Wii or PS3 versions so far, but hopefully it's not too far off. We're not sure what's so difficult about offline co-op quickplay that it had to be addressed with a patch, but we're happy that Activision seems concerned enough about it to act on it so quickly. Of course, that's not much comfort to those without internet or (we're looking at you new Arcade owners) a hard drive to save the patch on.

JoystiqGuitar Hero III gets offline mode with patch on 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcguitarheroiiiPS2PS3WiiXbox-360Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:58:00 EST