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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[GH: World Tour priced for 360 at $190]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/gh-world-tour-priced-for-360-at-190/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/gh-world-tour-priced-for-360-at-190/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/gh-world-tour-priced-for-360-at-190/#commentsFiled under: ,


After spotting a rather pricey ($240) Guitar Hero: World Tour bundle on the Red Octanes website, Activision has clarified to Joystiq what the normal price of the World Tour bundle will actually be. For those looking for the standard package on the Xbox 360 (game, drums, guitar, and microphone), Guitar Hero: World Tour will cost $190, which seems fairly standard in the recently birthed full band rhythm genre. Should you desire to pick up the game with only the guitar, it will set you back $100.

So, what's up with the $240 bundle? This special bundle -- along with the game and all the instruments -- comes with a T-shirt, battery charger, key chain, and (cloth) guitar case. For an extra $50. Make of that what you will.

JoystiqGH: World Tour priced for 360 at $190 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-world-tourneversoftTue, 07 Oct 2008 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero World Tour's mystery instrument: a MIDI sequencer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/guitar-hero-world-tours-mystery-instrument-a-midi-sequencer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/guitar-hero-world-tours-mystery-instrument-a-midi-sequencer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/guitar-hero-world-tours-mystery-instrument-a-midi-sequencer/#commentsFiled under: , ,


That's right, a MIDI sequencer. While a far cry from our keytar-brandishing dreams, the addition will allow those savvy enough to wrap their heads around the process to compose music on the PC and then import their creations into Guitar Hero World Tour. The feature, however, doesn't sound like it's suited for the faint of heart, as Neversoft's Brian Bright tells Shacknews that "it's going to take an FAQ on the Guitar Hero site--it's not something that your average user is gonna do."

However, MIDI aficionados planning to compose their digital masterpieces on the Xbox 360 will likely find the experience lacking. While the PS3 sequencer will reportedly support a variety of instruments, including rhythm and lead guitars, bass, keyboards and drum tracks, the Xbox 360 alternative will be limited to drums alone due to "hardware issues." Then again, for those planning on channeling their inner John Bonham, what more do you need?

JoystiqGuitar Hero World Tour's mystery instrument: a MIDI sequencer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondrumsguitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-world-tourguitarheroinstrumentmidineversoftPS3sequencerXbox-360Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner Music wants more money for licensed songs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/warner-music-wants-more-money-for-licensed-songs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/warner-music-wants-more-money-for-licensed-songs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/warner-music-wants-more-money-for-licensed-songs/#commentsFiled under: ,


Developers vying for a slice of the rhythm game pie may soon find the cost to dig in to be increasing -- at least if they want players to nod along with music they know. According to Reuters, Warner Music's top exec Edgar Bronfman has come forward, stating that game companies should pay more to the music industry in order to include licensed tunes in their music-based games.

Says Bronfman, who compared the relationship to the likes of MTV or Apple's iPod, "The amount being paid to the music industry, even though their games are entirely dependent on the content we own and control, is far too small." Given Warner's interest in music currently flowing through both Guitar Hero III and Rock Band, not to mention the war that is about to unfold on living room stages later this year, it will be interesting to see who will 5-star this game of financial tug-of-war.

JoystiqWarner Music wants more money for licensed songs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghwtguitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitarheromusicprofitrock-bandrock-band-2rockbandwarnerwarner-musicThu, 07 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stuff Magazine reveals new Guitar Hero World Tour tracks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/stuff-magazine-reveals-new-guitar-hero-world-tour-tracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/stuff-magazine-reveals-new-guitar-hero-world-tour-tracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/stuff-magazine-reveals-new-guitar-hero-world-tour-tracks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ready to "beat it" with fire-lit butterfly wings? (Note to self: That came out wrong.) The latest issue of Stuff Magazine (via Guitar Hero Community) has a Guitar Hero World Tour preview, which lists nine confirmed tracks and five more confirmed artists. Although we already knew a few of those songs, five of them are new, including The Doors' "Light My Fire," Smashing Pumpkins' "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" and -- yes, really -- Michael Jackson's "Beat It."

Additionally, two of the listed artists with "unknown" track contributions already have confirmed songs (Foo Fighters' "Everlong" and Van Halen's "Hot for Teacher"). Newcomers include Muse, Beastie Boys and Nirvana. We've compiled a list of confirmed GHWT tracks after the break.

Continue reading Stuff Magazine reveals new Guitar Hero World Tour tracks

JoystiqStuff Magazine reveals new Guitar Hero World Tour tracks originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionDSgh4ghwtguitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-world-tourPS2PS3stuffstuff-magazineWiiXbox-360Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumored GH World Tour set list is fake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/rumored-gh-world-tour-set-list-is-fake/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/rumored-gh-world-tour-set-list-is-fake/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/rumored-gh-world-tour-set-list-is-fake/#commentsFiled under: ,


We hope you weren't excited by the supposed Guitar Hero World Tour set list that was 'leaked' yesterday. Activision and Red Octane have made it known that the list, which included artists like Tool and The Doors, is a fake. A representative informed Game Informer (see what we did there?) that while some of the songs on the list will make it into the game, namely Van Halen's "Hot for Teacher," the majority of the list is "wishful thinking and pure speculation."

But hey, we know it will have "Hot for Teacher," right? That counts for something. Now all we have to do is get Activision to confirm the rest of the set list ... one song at a time.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqRumored GH World Tour set list is fake originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiongh-world-tourgh4ghivguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-world-tourneversoftred-octaneFri, 25 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumorong: Activision, Red Octane call shenanigans on World Tour set list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/rumorong-activision-red-octane-call-shenanigans-on-world-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/rumorong-activision-red-octane-call-shenanigans-on-world-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/rumorong-activision-red-octane-call-shenanigans-on-world-tour/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We hope you didn't get your hopes up regarding Guitar Hero World Tour's hypothetical set list, which included songs from such bands as REO Speedwagon, Rob Zombie, and whole lot of Tool. Game Informer reports that both Activision and Red Octane have come forward, denouncing the list as a fraud.

While some of the tracks listed will make it into the game, such as Van Halen's Hot for Teacher, the report calls the lion's share of the list "wishful thinking and pure speculation." We're sorry Tool fans, but you'll have to get your progressive rock fix somewhere else.

JoystiqRumorong: Activision, Red Octane call shenanigans on World Tour set list originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionAspyr-MediaBudcat-CreationsDSGH-World-TourGHWTGuitar-HeroGuitar-Hero-4Guitar-Hero-World-TourMicrosoftMusicNeversoftNintendoPS2PS3rumorrumorongVicarious-VisionsWiiXbox-360Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Intellisponse Survey Rumor Roundup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/intellisponse-survey-rumor-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/intellisponse-survey-rumor-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/intellisponse-survey-rumor-roundup/#commentsFiled under: ,

'OMG Megaton' is a phrase often uttered by fanboys everywhere. Rarely, however, is it done with any sort of sincerity. After yesterday's massive leak of Intellisponse Survey info, we think it's safe to use the phrase with complete and utter confidence: OMG MEGATON!!!!111LOLZ1! Seriously, there is so much information being disseminated that people are actually starting to mock up fake survey pages in an attempt to grab the spotlight. Here we have gathered up all the rumors -- they are just that, by the way: rumors -- that we've posted so far as well as some that Joystiq posted while we foolishly slept.

Of particular interest, note the video above, which reportedly comes from an as yet unreleased Silicon Knights game entitled Crucible: The Evil Within. Looks like Too Human set in a more traditional fantasy realm, which is an idea we fully support.

JoystiqIntellisponse Survey Rumor Roundup originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarscod5cruciblecrucible-the-evil-withinforza-3ghivguitar-hero-4intellisponseintellisponse-surveylipsrumorssbgsbgsspider-man-vs-marvel-zombiestony-hawkultimate-bandMon, 16 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Survey: Guitar Hero 4 priced, new touch-sensitive guitar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/survey-guitar-hero-4-priced-new-touch-sensitive-guitar/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/survey-guitar-hero-4-priced-new-touch-sensitive-guitar/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/survey-guitar-hero-4-priced-new-touch-sensitive-guitar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


That Xbox marketing survey just keeps on giving: a slide on Guitar Hero 4 presents a $180 pricetag for now-gen consoles, $170 for PS2 including all instruments. Just the software? They're asking $60 for 360 and PS3 versions, and $50 for their lower-def cousins. A handful of artists are also name-dropped - Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, Korn, System of a Down, Ozzy Osbourne, Interpol, Muse ... "and dozens more" - but what we're really interested in is this bit about an "all new wireless guitar controller with the first-ever touch-sensitive neck slide." We snuck a peek at the brandless guitar in the game's trailer and, though touch-sensiitive reads to us like "no buttons" - a claim that's as worrisome as it is intriguing - it certainly appears to have buttons in the pic above. So maybe just something below the buttons then, y'know, for solos and whatnot?

Of course, pricing information is always subject to change (read: let's wait to see what Rock Band 2 costs) and this survey doesn't include the game's "World Tour" subtitle so we're not entirely sold on the veracity of this information. Again, all eyes towards E3 where all will be revealed (we assume).

Gallery: Guitar Hero: World Tour

JoystiqSurvey: Guitar Hero 4 priced, new touch-sensitive guitar originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBreakingNewsGH4Guitar-Hero-4Guitar-Hero-IVPS2PS3WiiXbox-360Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: GH4 costs $179.99 w/upgraded instruments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/rumor-gh4-costs-179-99-w-upgraded-instruments/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/rumor-gh4-costs-179-99-w-upgraded-instruments/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/rumor-gh4-costs-179-99-w-upgraded-instruments/#commentsFiled under: ,

Continuing the flow of rumors from the aforementioned survey site, there's now the rumor that Guitar Hero 4 is still searching for a final subtitle and that it's going to try to make you buy even more fake plastic instruments, with the full version (including instruments) running for $179.99. The guitar is going to be wireless and have a touch sensitive neck slide, the drums are also wireless and have raised cymbals, plus the mic is also rumored to be wireless.

As for the music itself the site lists a whole host of different artists, including Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, Korn, System of a Down, Ozzy Osbourne, Interpol, Muse and more. Additionally, the game has tons of customizable stuff, with custom tracks, album art, characters and logos.

How about it readers? Can GH4 truly take on Rock Band now?

JoystiqRumor: GH4 costs $179.99 w/upgraded instruments originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisonguitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivneversoftSun, 15 Jun 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: World Tour on stage debut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/guitar-hero-world-tour-on-stage-debut/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/guitar-hero-world-tour-on-stage-debut/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/guitar-hero-world-tour-on-stage-debut/#commentsFiled under: ,


At Wall Street Journal's D6 All Things Digital event yesterday, Activision CEO Robert Kotick took the opprotunity to showoff Guitar Hero: World Tour. In the midst of introducing the upcoming game Kotick started to describe World Tour as, "the first time you'll have multiple instruments," before D6 co-host Kara Swisher quickly shot back "it's called Rock Band I think," which sent the crowd into a frenzy of laughter.

Whether Kotick meant it was the first time Guitar Hero would have the peripherals or if he was trying to pull a fast one on an audience he expected to have limited gaming knowledge is unknown. What we do know is the people playing the game for the demo, including skateboarder Tony Hawk, could not look more bored.

Come on people. You're rocking out! A little passion please.

JoystiqGuitar Hero: World Tour on stage debut originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionall-things-digitalguitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-world-tourrobert-koticktony-hawkwall-street-journalThu, 29 May 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: The drums of Guitar Hero World Tour [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/video-the-drums-of-guitar-hero-world-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/video-the-drums-of-guitar-hero-world-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/video-the-drums-of-guitar-hero-world-tour/#commentsFiled under: ,

Update: Thanks to X3F reader Josh, we embedded the drum'tacular World Tour video after the break. You're welcome ...

The not at all English website InsiderGamer posted a new Guitar Hero World Tour video that gives us a better look at the game's drum set, the design process behind it and a first look at Blink 182's Travis Barker in a mo-cap suit. For realz! You can view the video after the jump and take in all the World Tour drumming that it has to offer including velocity sensitive drum pads, which we admit are so very next gen. And would it be wrong for us to think that these drums may possibly be better then what Rock Band has to offer? If it is, forget we ever posed such question.

[Thanks, L1B3RATION]

Continue reading Video: The drums of Guitar Hero World Tour [update]

JoystiqVideo: The drums of Guitar Hero World Tour [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 May 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionghivguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-world-tourneversoftFri, 23 May 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[First Guitar Hero: World Tour shots rock faces off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/first-guitar-hero-world-tour-shots-rock-faces-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/first-guitar-hero-world-tour-shots-rock-faces-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/first-guitar-hero-world-tour-shots-rock-faces-off/#commentsFiled under:


Our sinister taskmasters over at Joystiq managed to nab the very first screens of Guitar Hero: World Tour, and now, dear fanboys and fangirls, we bring them to you. Glancing through the images, we get the first look at the game's create-a-track mode (which honestly looks a little intimidating) as well as the character creation mode and some in-game performance shots. As Joystiq notes, it appears that World Tour will abandon the over-the-top cartoon style of previous iterations (as well as the upcoming Aerosmith version) in favor of a more realistic, though still stylized look. Check out all the shots in the gallery below.

Will Guitar Hero: World Tour find a home in your collection, or are you waiting to see what Harmonix cooks up for the next Rock Band?

Gallery: Guitar Hero: World Tour

JoystiqFirst Guitar Hero: World Tour shots rock faces off originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 May 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiongh-world-tourgh4ghivguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-world-tourneversoftThu, 22 May 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero World Tour is officially official]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/guitar-hero-world-tour-is-officially-official/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/guitar-hero-world-tour-is-officially-official/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/guitar-hero-world-tour-is-officially-official/#commentsFiled under:


Finally, after what seems like months of magazine scans confirming its existence, Activision just officially announced the next true installment in the Guitar Hero franchise (you don't count Aerosmith), originally dubbed Guitar Hero IV, will now officially be known as Guitar Hero World Tour.

As expected, World Tour will add singing and drum playing to the mix, featuring what they call the best drum set peripheral EVAR, a reworked guitar peripheral and Acti promising that all peripherals will be wireless as well. With features like a Band Career Mode, online integration and the ability to record and share music, Activision is also touting World Tour's track list which they admit will be the largest list of any GH game featuring bands like Van Halen, Linkin Park, The Eagles and Sublime.

So, now that it's official and we have some concrete deets, do you think World Tour will give Rock Band some competition and will you be checking out World Tour later this year?

JoystiqGuitar Hero World Tour is officially official originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 May 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionghivguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-world-tourneversoftWed, 21 May 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First look at Guitar Hero IV drum set]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/first-look-at-guitar-hero-iv-drum-set/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/first-look-at-guitar-hero-iv-drum-set/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/first-look-at-guitar-hero-iv-drum-set/#commentsFiled under: ,

Thanks to the Game Informer article that broke all the Guitar Hero IV news recently, comes the first photograph of the game's drum set. And after a quick look over, the biggest difference between it and the Rock Band drum set is the addition of the yellow and orange pie wedged "symbols" and use of three other drum pads. Interesting, different and ... well, interesting. We're also informed that the set's durability is top notch as they point out that "this thing is not going to crack". We'll see how durable their drum creation really is after it feels the abusive drumming madness that SuperDunners brings everytime he takes stage. As plastic peripherals shake in fear, we warn you GHIV drums ... be afraid.

JoystiqFirst look at Guitar Hero IV drum set originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 May 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionghivguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivneversoftWed, 14 May 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Informer reveals Guitar Hero IV drum kit [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/game-informer-reveals-guitar-hero-iv-drum-kit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/game-informer-reveals-guitar-hero-iv-drum-kit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/game-informer-reveals-guitar-hero-iv-drum-kit/#commentsFiled under: ,

Well now, it looks like the June 2008 issue of Game Informer has a little surprise up its sleeve. You got it, this is none other than the drum kit that will be utilized in Guitar Hero IV. Looks kind of weird, if you ask us. But, hey, maybe the thing looks goofy, yet has a great feel to it? We'll have to wait and see.

As you can tell, it's different from the Rock Band drum kit in several ways. For one, it would appear the kit only has 3 face drums, with two weird high hat-looking things above the main drums, along with the requisite bass pedal. Will this be an easier drum kit to manage than the one bundled with Rock Band?

Update: Whoops, fixed some oversight on our part. Sorry for the mistake.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqGame Informer reveals Guitar Hero IV drum kit [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivmusicrhythmWed, 14 May 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: May 12, 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/today-in-joystiq-may-12-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/today-in-joystiq-may-12-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/today-in-joystiq-may-12-2008/#commentsFiled under: ,

We'd like to extend a thanks to reader John M, who heeded our call for a new Guitar Hero IV image. Who better to replace Skeletor with than The Most Powerful Man in the Universe himself. Check out our highlights for today:

Joystiquery
Joystiq interview: GameTrailers EIC sets record straight on GRID controversy

News
Viva Piñata, Scene It? sequels revealed by Microsoft
Banjo-Kazooie 3 screens flood the net
'Lips' and 'Ninja Blade' also revealed, speculate away!
New games this week: We Ski edition?
WiiWare live, no Virtual Console update this week
Rockstar's Houser talks EA takeover
OMGS4: Guns of the Patriots gets its first 10
This Wednesday: Assault Heroes 2 shoots everything on XBLA
Pitfall Wii-vived for 'The Big Adventure'
GTA IV has 40% attach rate with new Xbox 360s, says Microsoft
GameTrailers compares PS3 GRID to 'PS3' GRID
Burnout 'Bogart' update barrels back to Live
Metal Gear Solid 4's Kojima explains PS3 comments
GameStop GTA IV data: 360 easily outsells PS3, not per console though
LucasArts planning demo for The Force Unleashed
See first screens of Skate It on Wii and DS
Agetec shows kid-friendly PS2 love in Falling Stars

Rumors & Speculation
Strong Bad could eventually check mail on Xbox Live, PSN
Pachter predicts PS3 beat Xbox 360 in April
Rumor: Microsoft's 'Lips' is an Xbox accessory
Rumor: Game Informer talks Guitar Hero IV's drums, create-a-track mode
Rumor: Sega publishing Platinum Games ... games

Culture & Community
Miyamoto: 'America has always been better at creating unique products'
For the Horde! BlizzCon 2008 invades Anaheim Oct. 10-11
NYC game development community slowly growing

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: May 12, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 May 2008 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dailyrecapgh4ghivguitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivhe-manskeletorMon, 12 May 2008 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 4 adds new instruments, turns features up to eleven]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/guitar-hero-4-adds-new-instruments-turns-features-up-to-eleven/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/guitar-hero-4-adds-new-instruments-turns-features-up-to-eleven/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/guitar-hero-4-adds-new-instruments-turns-features-up-to-eleven/#commentsFiled under:



The June edition of Game Informer features a lengthy preview of Guitar Hero 4, and one thing is immediately clear: Activision is desperate to out-Rock Band Rock Band. This is most obvious in Guitar Hero 4's adoption of other instruments; as recent rumors suggested, the next installment of Activision's faux-guitar extravaganza will include drums, bass, and vocals.

As well as this expanded line-up, you'll be able to create your own tracks (though this doesn't extend to vocals, reportedly due to storage and copyright issues) and design album art. The game will let you upload five of your tracks to 'GH Tunes' (and ten when you achieve certain grades), and it will be possible to share songs in the Wii version. If you're horribly uncreative like us, you'll be able to strum your axe to one of the game's licensed songs, all of which are master tracks, and include the likes of Van Halen, The Eagles, Sublime and angst-mongers Linkin Park.

Some big changes, then, but there is a hint dropped by Game Informer that sharing songs in the Wii version of Guitar Hero 4 is "unlikely to be as robust as the PS3 and 360 versions." The magazine doesn't expand on this comment, but it's enough to set alarm bells off in our heads, especially after the gimped Rock Band fiasco.

JoystiqGuitar Hero 4 adds new instruments, turns features up to eleven originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 May 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivmusicMon, 12 May 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Game Informer talks Guitar Hero IV's drums, create-a-track mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/rumor-game-informer-talks-guitar-hero-ivs-drums-create-a-trac/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/rumor-game-informer-talks-guitar-hero-ivs-drums-create-a-trac/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/rumor-game-informer-talks-guitar-hero-ivs-drums-create-a-trac/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Here we go again. Every month, someone gets an early copy of a gaming magazine, posts the highlights in a forum post, and we run it as a rumor until we can confirm its veracity. And again, we can't confirm this information, but a Neo GAF poster has claimed to already receive a copy of the latest Game Informer, the cover story being Guitar Hero IV.

Here's the alleged information. Guitar Hero IV features the requisite Rock Band features: drums, vocals, bass, guitar and create-a-rocker. Additionally (and most interestingly), there will be the option to create your own song tracks. Although vocals are excluded, all other tracks can be made and uploaded to GH Tunes for sharing and rating. We're not sure how this will apply to songs not in the game, given copyright concerns, but color us intrigued.

All songs will reportedly be master tracks, and four bands have been confirmed: Van Halen, Eagles, Linking Park and Van Halen. Is this the "significant leap" mentioned by Activision last week? Until we can obtain a copy to verify, consider this a rumor.

JoystiqRumor: Game Informer talks Guitar Hero IV's drums, create-a-track mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 May 2008 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiongh4ghivguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivPS2PS3WiiXbox-360Mon, 12 May 2008 19:22:00 EST<![CDATA[A 'significant leap' for Guitar Hero due this holiday for consoles and DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/a-significant-leap-for-guitar-hero-due-this-holiday-for-consol/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/a-significant-leap-for-guitar-hero-due-this-holiday-for-consol/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/a-significant-leap-for-guitar-hero-due-this-holiday-for-consol/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Activision is planning to innovate the Guitar Hero franchise. In a conference call yesterday, Publishing CEO Mike Griffith said, "For the holiday, we will provide a significant leap forward in innovation for Guitar Hero worldwide, on all platforms." That includes PlayStation 3, PS2, Xbox 360, Wii and DS. Griffith also said that more information will be provided "in the coming weeks."

We wonder if this has anything to do with those recent rumors about Guitar Hero IV going multi-instrumental. Guess we'll find out soon.

Continue reading A 'significant leap' for Guitar Hero due this holiday for consoles and DS

JoystiqA 'significant leap' for Guitar Hero due this holiday for consoles and DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 May 2008 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbreakingnewsdrumsDSgh4ghivguitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivPS2PS3rock-bandvocalvocalsWiiXbox-360Fri, 09 May 2008 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero rumored to add peripherals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/guitar-hero-rumored-to-add-peripherals/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/guitar-hero-rumored-to-add-peripherals/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/guitar-hero-rumored-to-add-peripherals/#commentsFiled under: ,

There are rumors abound that Activision will be adding new instrument peripherals and a microphone to Guitar Hero IV, because of statements made by Activision's CEO Bobby Kotick in a recent interview with Conde Nast Portfolio. Should these bode true, though, we think this is a questionable move by the company. Although Rock Band is widely hailed as the better game, it seems lazy for Activision to turn its franchise into exactly (or at least, almost exactly) the same thing.

Let's think of the other negatives. Since Guitar Hero and Rock Band guitars are incompatible with the competing game (thanks to Activision), we can assume that if drums become a part of the GHIV experience, they will be, too. This means that people who want to own both will not only have to deal with a mountain of guitars (supposing they enjoy a good bout of local multiplayer), but also two drum sets cluttering up their homes. Moreover, this blogger has come to think of Guitar Hero as "the poor man's Rock Band," meaning that you don't have to pay an arm and a leg (just an arm) to get it. It's not cheap, but it's cheaper. Should the series turn into Rock Band, however, that will take away its economic edge.

Now, there could be good things about this rumored change. If Activision added some unique instruments (maybe a keyboard?), the game could offer something that Rock Band can't. Should it turn into nothing but a clone, though, we can't say we support that.

Kotick also mentioned that the game will include a feature that utilizes local bands, but what the CEO meant by this has yet to be clarified.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqGuitar Hero rumored to add peripherals originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivrock-bandWed, 23 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GHIV recipe will add a pinch of Rock Band]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/ghiv-recipe-will-add-a-pinch-of-rock-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/ghiv-recipe-will-add-a-pinch-of-rock-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/ghiv-recipe-will-add-a-pinch-of-rock-band/#commentsFiled under:

Guitar Hero: Aerosmith is set for release in June, but as most of you know it isn't the next true installment, it's an expansion upon GHIII so to speak. But that's where Guitar Hero IV comes in, the next true stand alone sequel and word from Activision is that it'll be a lot more like Rock Band. Oh joy!

Talking to Conde Nast Portfolio magazine, Activision CEO Bobby Kotick mentioned that Guitar Hero IV will "include a lot of other instruments" including a microphone for vocals. Hence the Rock Band comparison. Kotick also mentioned that GHIV will be the "first game we've had in which we can use local content and local bands", possibly allowing them to release local band DLC to select markets.

So, there you have it. Guitar Hero IV (not the Aerosmith edition, that's something entirely separate) will feature additional instruments and local content while still retaining the Guitar Hero name. Maybe, to clear up any confusion, they'll drop the "IV" and simply go with Guitar Hero: Rock Band Edition ... eh?

[Via Game Stooge]

JoystiqGHIV recipe will add a pinch of Rock Band originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionghivguitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivneversoftTue, 22 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero IV will feature other instruments and vocals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/guitar-hero-iv-will-feature-other-instruments-and-vocals/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/guitar-hero-iv-will-feature-other-instruments-and-vocals/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/guitar-hero-iv-will-feature-other-instruments-and-vocals/#commentsFiled under:

If what Activision's Bobby Kotick has stated in the latest issue of Conde Nast Portfolio magazine is true, then "Guitar Hero" could soon become a misnomer for the series. Guitar Hero IV could be branching out to "include a lot of other instruments, [and] vocals". Not a bad idea, except it's been done before.

Judging from Guitar Hero III's low quality controller build and its lackluster downloadable content, we don't really expect Guitar Hero IV to be much of a Rock Band beater. Especially when you consider Harmonix' superior ability to create note charts. Who knows though, maybe Neversoft will feature an instrument not currently available in Rock Band - that's the only real way we can see the franchise becoming relevant again.

JoystiqGuitar Hero IV will feature other instruments and vocals originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiongh4guitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivneversoftMon, 21 Apr 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Def Leppard in Guitar Hero IV confirmed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/def-leppard-in-guitar-hero-iv-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/def-leppard-in-guitar-hero-iv-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/def-leppard-in-guitar-hero-iv-confirmed/#commentsFiled under:

We're sorry to doubt the messengers of Rock Gods, but we finally got our own confirmation that Def Leppard has indeed contributed three songs to Guitar Hero IV. While not replaying the full interview, Rockline Radio's website did provide a stream of the bandmates talking specifically about the game.

"We're gonna have like three songs on Guitar Hero IV," said guitarist Phil Collen, before specifying "Photograph," "Animal" and "Rock of Ages." We've gone ahead and embedded the music videos after the break for those who want to rock out in this post.

Continue reading Def Leppard in Guitar Hero IV confirmed

JoystiqDef Leppard in Guitar Hero IV confirmed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondef-leppardgh4ghivguitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivThu, 03 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Def Leppard confirmed for the Guitar Hero after next]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/def-leppard-confirmed-for-the-guitar-hero-after-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/def-leppard-confirmed-for-the-guitar-hero-after-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/def-leppard-confirmed-for-the-guitar-hero-after-next/#commentsFiled under:

It seems entirely bizarre to us that we're talking about not only the next Guitar Hero but the Guitar Hero after that - both of which are due out this year. Especially when you consider that the tracklists for the two games probably won't come close to the content available on the Rock Band platform by the time they're both out. Regardless, it seems that after we're done with Guitar Hero: Aerosmith (otherwise known as DLC-on-a-disc) we can look forward to rocking out the legends that are Def Leppard on Guitar Hero IV.

This news was leaked out by the band members during a radio interview and has yet to be confirmed by either Activision or Neversoft. The tracks that will be included are said to be "Photograph", "Animal" and "Rock of Ages". We're excited to see this awesome band's music finally hit rhythm games, but we'd have preferred to see them in Rock Band. If only so we could practice drumming one handed.

JoystiqDef Leppard confirmed for the Guitar Hero after next originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>def-leppardgh4guitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivThu, 03 Apr 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Def Leppard to pour some sugar on Guitar Hero IV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/rumor-def-leppard-to-pour-some-sugar-on-guitar-hero-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/rumor-def-leppard-to-pour-some-sugar-on-guitar-hero-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/rumor-def-leppard-to-pour-some-sugar-on-guitar-hero-iv/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

def leppard
Not to take away from the status of British rockers The Answer, but we'd say the newest band to attach its name to Guitar Hero IV has just a tiny bit more street cred (we're talking, like, 5-6 inches more combined hair). While being interviewed on Rockline Radio, Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen apparently confirmed that at least three of the band's top singles will be included in the next Guitar Hero installment not subtitled 'Aerosmith,' reports Guitar Hero News. Collen named:
  • "Photograph"
  • "Rock of Ages"
  • "Animal"
Unfortunately, Rockline will delay the replay of the interview until after Def Leppard's new album releases on April 29th. "We strongly recommend that you listen to the show live," reads a posting on the Rockline website. (Aw, thanks -- we'll be sure to add your show to our presets...) So, anyone catch the live broadcast?

JoystiqRumor: Def Leppard to pour some sugar on Guitar Hero IV originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbreakingnewsdef-leppardguitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivPS2PS3WiiXbox-360Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero IV coming this year, no one surprised]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/guitar-hero-iv-coming-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/guitar-hero-iv-coming-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/guitar-hero-iv-coming-this-year/#commentsFiled under:

We really need some sort of "Shocker!" category for posts like this. A British band called "The Answer" have revealed that their music will be included in the next edition of the Guitar Hero franchise, which will be out before the end of the year. Watch as we remain unsurprised and, to be honest, completely indifferent to the news. Guitar Hero has largely been made irrelevant by Rock Band and we only expect things to get better for the game with the inclusion of over 200 songs coming in the next year.

No doubt Guitar Hero IV will still sell well when it's released at the end of the year, but in the meantime Rock Band will have sold many more million downloadable songs (judging from how quickly it reached the 2.5 million download mark). Activision is keeping tight-lipped about the whole thing, with no official game announcement having come yet. No doubt we'll hear about it during GDC or E3 later this year.

JoystiqGuitar Hero IV coming this year, no one surprised originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gh4guitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivWed, 06 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First official song from Guitar Hero IV uncovered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/first-official-song-from-guitar-hero-iv-uncovered/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/first-official-song-from-guitar-hero-iv-uncovered/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/first-official-song-from-guitar-hero-iv-uncovered/#commentsFiled under:


Wouldn't you know that not only can we safely say that Guitar Hero IV will be releasing by the end of the year, but that The Answer's "Never Too Late" will be a part of the game's setlist. How do we know? Well, from a rather unlikely source. UK band The Answers and their record label just put out a press release confirming their inclusion in Activision's upcoming GHIV which also confirmed the game's 2008 release date and the first official track on the setlist, their song, "Never Too Late". Interesting stuff indeed. We'd also be lying if we didn't say that we're a bit worried by the fact that the Guitar Hero franchise can churn out a sequel this quickly all while holding back a very strong competitor.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqFirst official song from Guitar Hero IV uncovered originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionghivguitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitar-hero-ivneversoftWed, 06 Feb 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[First Guitar Hero 4 song revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/first-guitar-hero-4-song-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/first-guitar-hero-4-song-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/first-guitar-hero-4-song-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


It's amazing where you find video game news these days. Case in point, Eurogamer has picked up on a press release from British rock band The Answer, touting the inclusion of their single "Never Too Late" (video above) in the next Guitar Hero game (which, incidentally and unsurprisingly, is coming out by the end of 2008).

The band was one of 20 picked by Activision at a Guitar Hero listening session put on by Activision at France's MIDEM conference, where over 200 artists vied for a coveted spot in the new game. Answer fan debbywebby has also posted a list of 30 other tracks that are "unconfirmed as of yet" for the game. There's no indication where she got her information, but when has that mattered? Let the rampant speculation begin!

JoystiqFirst Guitar Hero 4 song revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionGH4Guitar-Heroguitar-hero-4GuitarHeroMIDEMPS2PS3The AnswerTheAnswerWiiXbox-360Wed, 06 Feb 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Big surprise: Guitar Hero 4, Call of Duty 5, and Tony Hawk 11 confirmed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/guitar-hero-4-call-of-duty-5-and-tony-hawk-11-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/guitar-hero-4-call-of-duty-5-and-tony-hawk-11-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/guitar-hero-4-call-of-duty-5-and-tony-hawk-11-confirmed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Activision's biggest pre-merger franchises are all (GASP!) getting sequel treatment. In a fact sheet concerning the Activision Blizzard deal (PDF file), the publisher lists Guitar Hero 4, Call of Duty 5, a new Tony Hawk title (which would be its 11th iteration), a James Bond game and a racing title with the recently-acquired Bizarre Creations, as well as licensed titles with Dreamworks and Marvel.

None of these sequels come as a surprise, as they are all critical and commercial successes, but this is the first official confirmation of their existence. According to Activision Blizzard's earlier conference call, 50% of Activision's revenues are derived from franchises it owns outright, including Guitar Hero and Call of Duty. It should be noted that as well that all three franchises also have competition from rival Electronic Arts in the form of Rock Band, Medal of Honor and Skate. No word on project release dates for any of the sequels.

Read - Fact sheet [Warning: PDF file]

JoystiqBig surprise: Guitar Hero 4, Call of Duty 5, and Tony Hawk 11 confirmed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbizarrebizarre-creationsblizzardcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-5cod5eaelectronic-artsguitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitarherojames-bondmarveltony-hawkMon, 03 Dec 2007 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[CoD5, GHIV and Bizarre racing game confirmed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/cod5-ghiv-and-bizarre-racing-game-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/cod5-ghiv-and-bizarre-racing-game-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/cod5-ghiv-and-bizarre-racing-game-confirmed/#commentsFiled under:

In news that won't totally shock or awe you, we have semi-confirmation of a few games Activision is working on and are headed down the development pipeline. Activision games that include Call of Duty 5, Guitar Hero IV, new James Bond, new Tony Hawk, new Dreamworks titles, new Marvel titles and a Bizarre racing game. All these sequels are mentioned in a fact sheet posted over on Activision Blizzard's newly live website under Activision's "pipeline includes" section. No dates, no time frames or other specifics are mentioned in the fact sheet other than the confirmation that the games exist and are being worked on. Again, nothing earth-shattering here, but it's still exciting game announcement stuff.

[Via GamesIndustry.biz]

JoystiqCoD5, GHIV and Bizarre racing game confirmed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbizarrecod5ghivguitar-hero-4Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:45:00 EST