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[Peripheral price-drop madness: Guitar Hero, DJ Hero, and Tony Hawk bundles for 10 bucks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/peripheral-price-drop-madness-guitar-hero-dj-hero-and-tony-ha/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/peripheral-price-drop-madness-guitar-hero-dj-hero-and-tony-ha/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/peripheral-price-drop-madness-guitar-hero-dj-hero-and-tony-ha/#comments Toys R Us has decided that all peripherals must go, and in order to clear the shelves as quickly as possible, a ridiculous number of DJ Hero, Tony Hawk, and Guitar Hero bundles for all systems have been marked down to $9.99. If you've just got too darn much free space in your living room, make the jump for the full list of store-only mega-deals. We recommend getting a swift move on, however; even with these franchises functionally dead, we don't expect this stuff to hang around for long.

[Thanks, Teeftwo!]

Continue reading Peripheral price-drop madness: Guitar Hero, DJ Hero, and Tony Hawk bundles for 10 bucks

JoystiqPeripheral price-drop madness: Guitar Hero, DJ Hero, and Tony Hawk bundles for 10 bucks originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dj-herodj-hero-2dj-hero-renegade-editionGuitar-Heroguitar-hero-3Guitar-Hero-3-Legends-Of-Rockguitar-hero-5guitar-hero-warriors-of-rockguitar-hero-world-tourmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3tony-hawk-ridetony-hawk-shredtoys-r-ustoysruswiixboxSat, 20 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DJ Hero and other Activision peripheral bundles discounted at Kmart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/dj-hero-and-other-activision-peripheral-bundles-discounted-at-km/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/dj-hero-and-other-activision-peripheral-bundles-discounted-at-km/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/dj-hero-and-other-activision-peripheral-bundles-discounted-at-km/#commentsKmart continues to prove how serious it is about awesome game deals, with temporary price drops on some of Activision's big-box games. If you've been waiting for the right time to buy DJ Hero, we can now confidently tell you exactly when that right time is: August 8 through 14, when Kmart will be selling it for $40 on PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii.

In addition, you'll be able to get the Guitar Hero 5 guitar bundle on the same three systems for $50, the full Band Hero bundle for $80, and, for whatever reason, Tony Hawk Ride for $40. These deals will be available both in-store and online, so you don't have to live anywhere near a Kmart to take advantage.

JoystiqDJ Hero and other Activision peripheral bundles discounted at Kmart originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBand-HeroDJ-HeroGuitar-Hero-5KmartmicrosoftMusicnintendoplaystationps3SkateboardingTony-Hawk-RidewiixboxTue, 03 Aug 2010 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero Monthly: August DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/guitar-hero-monthly-august-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/guitar-hero-monthly-august-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/guitar-hero-monthly-august-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With Activision planning to launch Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock in September, this month allows you to build up your collection of forwards-compatible DLC, or simply bolster last year's Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero. Expect 15 DLC tracks throughout August from bands The Used, Sum 41, Weezer, Megadeth and P.O.D.

As always, make your way past the jump to see the full list of songs, release dates and prices.

Continue reading Guitar Hero Monthly: August DLC

JoystiqGuitar Hero Monthly: August DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>band-herodlcGuitar-Heroguitar-hero-5guitar-hero-monthlyguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmegadethmicrosoftnintendoplaystationpodps3sum-41the-usedweezerwiixboxMon, 02 Aug 2010 11:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: July DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-july-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-july-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-july-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This month, the Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero DLC party starts off with a high-pitched bang, with three solid Queen tracks hitting the storefront later today. That bang becomes a guttural scream the week after, when Avenged Sevenfold drops a few songs. That scream becomes an "eww-ah-ah-ah-ah" one more week later, when Disturbed throws its hat in the ring. Finally, Shinedown will have some songs added to the service. (We don't know enough about their musical offerings to continue the metaphor.)

Click past the jump to see the full list of songs, release dates and prices.

Continue reading Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: July DLC

JoystiqGuitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: July DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionavenged-sevenfoldband-herodisturbeddlcGH5Guitar-Hero-5guitar-hero-monthlyguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftneversoftnintendoplaystationps3queenshinedownwiixboxTue, 06 Jul 2010 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA['LIVE-a-palooza' discounting hundreds of music tracks on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/04/live-a-palooza-discounting-hundreds-of-music-tracks-on-xbox-li/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/04/live-a-palooza-discounting-hundreds-of-music-tracks-on-xbox-li/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/04/live-a-palooza-discounting-hundreds-of-music-tracks-on-xbox-li/#comments Planning on honoring the grand American tradition of taking off Fourth of July week and playing rhythm/music games every day? You'll be glad to hear, then, that Microsoft is honoring the grand American tradition of offering up sales you just can't pass up -- more specifically, sales on gobs of DLC tracks for said rhythm/music games.

200-plus tracks are seeing price drops for as much as 50 percent, with content being discounted for Rock Band/Rock Band 2, Guitar Hero 5/Guitar Hero: World Tour, and every Lips title from July 6 - 12. We've got the entire list of tracks and track packs just after the break, you big independence celebrator, you.

Continue reading 'LIVE-a-palooza' discounting hundreds of music tracks on Xbox Live

Joystiq'LIVE-a-palooza' discounting hundreds of music tracks on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Jul 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guitar-hero-5guitar-hero-world-tourlipsmicrosoftrock-bandrock-band-2salexboxSun, 04 Jul 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero Pop Pack, DJ Hero Party Mix DLC available today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/guitar-hero-pop-pack-dj-hero-party-mix-dlc-available-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/guitar-hero-pop-pack-dj-hero-party-mix-dlc-available-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/guitar-hero-pop-pack-dj-hero-party-mix-dlc-available-today/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lady Gaga! Wait -- it's a trap dude! Can't you see? Today's Guitar Hero "Pop 1 Track Pack" is actually the Beast in disguise, casting a Top 40 enchantment. Never forget: the Demigod of Rock still awaits, imprisoned in stone, his most awesome axe lost in the void. We must unite, man -- transform! Become Warriors of Rock.

And we must appeal to our DJ Hero kinsmen -- we need their street cred in tact. They, too, are scratching and clawing to keep it real, as the urge to go Gaga grows ever stronger today. Are you with us? Resist the bestial cry to "Just Dance."

No, don't do it -- don't you dare click past the break for this week's Guitar Hero and DJ Hero DLC details.

Continue reading Guitar Hero Pop Pack, DJ Hero Party Mix DLC available today

JoystiqGuitar Hero Pop Pack, DJ Hero Party Mix DLC available today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionDance-Party-Mix-PackDJ-HeroDLCGH5Guitar-HeroGuitar-Hero-5Lady-GagamicrosoftnintendoplaystationPop-1-Track-Packps3wiixboxTue, 29 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: June DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-june-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-june-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-june-dlc/#comments
[flickr]
June's shaping up to be quite a packed month for Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero DLC aficionados. On top of a free pack of national anthems for Xbox 360 and PS3 users -- you haven't lived until you've rocked out to Germany's national anthem, "Lied der Deutschen," by the way -- three separate band track packs will be available. These will feature Stone Temple Pilots, Alice Cooper and All Time Low.

Head past the break to check out the full list of DLC. We have a feeling that Spanish foreign exchange student staying with your family this summer is going to be pumped to play some "Marcha Real."

Continue reading Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: June DLC

JoystiqGuitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: June DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionalice-cooperall-time-lowBand Heroband-heroBandHerodlcDSGuitar-Heroguitar-hero-5guitar-hero-monthlyMicrosoftmusicneversoftNintendoRed-Octanerhythmstone-temple-pilotsWiiXbox-360Wed, 26 May 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: May DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-may-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-may-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-may-dlc/#comments It's the beginning of the month, which means it's time to run down the list of Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero DLC. In May, we're getting three separate track packs -- the last week of the month seems to be void of anything new, for some reason.

Like alternative pop ensembles like Snow Patrol and Alpha Rev? How about classic rock troupes such as Steve Miller Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd? How about Love in an Elevator? No, we mean the Aerosmith song, not that time you were trapped and -- forget we said anything.

Head past the break for the full list of DLC for May.

Continue reading Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: May DLC

JoystiqGuitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: May DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionaerosmithalpha-revalternative-popBand Heroband-heroBandHerocapraclassic-rockdlcDSforeignerGuitar-Heroguitar-hero-5guitar-hero-monthlylynyrd-skynyrdMicrosoftNeversoftNintendoRed-Octanesnow-patrolsteve-miller-bandWiiXbox-360Tue, 04 May 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 5 'Guitar Kit' and game on sale at Amazon today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/guitar-hero-5-guitar-kit-and-game-on-sale-at-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/guitar-hero-5-guitar-kit-and-game-on-sale-at-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/guitar-hero-5-guitar-kit-and-game-on-sale-at-amazon-today/#comments Whether you're in the market for a new music-rhythm game or want to get into this whole Guitar Hero thing on the late-late, Amazon has a pretty sweet deal going on today. In the "Guitar Kit" bundle, you can snag a guitar controller and a copy of Guitar Hero 5 for $38, while a new copy of the game itself will only set you back $20.

Becoming a faux-rocker has never been so cheap and just think about all of the DLC you'll be able to enjoy with that extra cash. Just saying!

[Via Cheap College Gamers]

JoystiqGuitar Hero 5 'Guitar Kit' and game on sale at Amazon today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 18:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionamazondealdealsGuitar-Heroguitar-hero-5musicneversoftrhythmsaleMon, 26 Apr 2010 18:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: April DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-april-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-april-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-april-dlc/#comments Next month's musical lineup for Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero is as wide and varied as a kiddie pool full of Sweet 'n Salty Chex Mix, bringing in tracks from Fall Out Boy, The All-American Rejects, Phoenix, Blur, Saving Abel, and Black Sabbath. However, there's one track in particular that stands proudly above the rest -- one which will surely soon skyrocket to the top of the "Most Played" charts. You know, that song that everyone requests at every concert. What? Dolly Parton's "9 to 5?" What kind of concerts have you been going to?

No sir -- we're talking about "Free Bird," which will be available tomorrow, barring some horrific April Fools' Day shenanigans. Check out the full list of tracks, along with their release dates, past the jump.

Continue reading Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: April DLC

JoystiqGuitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: April DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionapril-2010Band Heroband-heroBandHerodlcDSguitar-heroguitar-hero-5guitar-hero-monthlyMicrosoftNeversoftNintendoRed-OctaneWiiXbox-360Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA['80s Track Pack available now for Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/80s-track-pack-available-now-for-guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/80s-track-pack-available-now-for-guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/80s-track-pack-available-now-for-guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero/#comments As expected, the '80s Track Pack for Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero is now available for download on all the various consoles, featuring three respectable songs from the decade of New Wave and hair bands. Well, two or three, depending on how you like The Go-Gos. The entire thing is available for 440 on Xbox Live, $5.49 on PSN, or 550 Wii Points, and the individual songs are as follows:
Say what you want about "We Got the Beat," but we won't tolerate hating on the Crue or Night Ranger and, from the looks of those hairstyles above, they won't either. These songs are available now for both games, so get yourself mo-tor-in' on over to the store if you want 'em.

Joystiq'80s Track Pack available now for Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 04:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBand Heroband-heroBandHeroconsolesdlcdownloaddownloadabledownloadable-contentDSguitar-heroguitar-hero-5hair-bandsMicrosoftmotley-crueNeversoftnew-wavenight-rangerNintendopointspsnRed-Octanesongsthe-go-gostrack-packWiiwii-pointsxblxblaXbox-360Fri, 26 Mar 2010 04:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Pick up Guitar Hero 5 at a Guitar Hero 3 price today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/pick-up-guitar-hero-5-at-a-guitar-hero-3-price-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/pick-up-guitar-hero-5-at-a-guitar-hero-3-price-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/pick-up-guitar-hero-5-at-a-guitar-hero-3-price-today/#commentsLooking to add 85 new songs to your Guitar Hero library? Want a game that's made for "Party Play?" Oh, sure. Admit it -- you just want to make the ghostly Cobain avatar do your musical bidding. Well, whatever the motivation, you can pick up Guitar Hero 5 (the game only) for a pretty reasonable $28.99 today, thanks to Amazon's Deal of the Day.

While supplies last (or through the end of the day), the discount is applied to the Wii, PS3, Xbox 360, and PS2 versions of the game. Guitar Hero 5 is worth investing in especially if you're loaded down with PS2 instruments and don't want to buy new ones for another console -- there won't be any more Guitar Heroes for PS2, after all. So, if you want more music, this is pretty much your last chance, all you PS2 holdouts!

[Thanks, Jared]

JoystiqPick up Guitar Hero 5 at a Guitar Hero 3 price today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionamazondeal-of-the-daydealsguitar-heroguitar-hero-5MicrosoftmusicNintendosaleWiiXbox-360Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: March DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-march-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-march-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-march-dlc/#comments
 Next month's Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero DLC should satisfy would-be rockers of all types, offering an eclectic mix of -- oh, there's totally some Flogging Molly! Sorry, we just had to get that out of our system, because St. Patrick's Day is next month and because, man, Flogging Molly is totally awesome.

There are four distinct track packs coming next month, featuring OK Go, Blink-182, the aforementioned Molly Floggers and an '80s track pack -- because nothing says March like a dusty old denim jacket with the sleeves cut off and some Night Ranger.

Continue reading Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: March DLC

JoystiqGuitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: March DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionBand Heroband-heroBandHeroblink-182dlcDSflogging-mollyGuitar-Heroguitar-hero-5guitar-hero-monthlyMicrosoftmotley-crueNeversoftnight-rangerNintendook-goRed-Octanethe-go-gostrack-packtrack-packsWiiXbox-360Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Guitar Hero 5 with Breaking Benjamin tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/play-guitar-hero-5-with-breaking-benjamin-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/play-guitar-hero-5-with-breaking-benjamin-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/play-guitar-hero-5-with-breaking-benjamin-tomorrow/#comments Activision has announced an Xbox Live Game with Fame event almost guaranteed to be less awkward than watching a movie with Rob Zombie. Starting tomorrow, February 20 at 1:00pm ET, Xbox Live Gold members will get the opportunity to play Guitar Hero 5 with Breaking Benjamin. Anyone wanting to participate should send a friend request to BBGWF or BBAaronGWF thirty minutes prior to the event. Also, it's worth mentioning that the Breaking Benjamin tracks on Guitar Hero 5 are only available as DLC, so it's possible you could play with the band without owning any of their music. Talk about embarrassment!

JoystiqPlay Guitar Hero 5 with Breaking Benjamin tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbreaking-benjaminguitar-hero-5neversoftxbox-liveFri, 19 Feb 2010 18:14:00 EST<![CDATA[It's a dim Friday for Guitar Hero Black Sabbath DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/its-a-dim-friday-for-guitar-hero-black-sabbath-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/its-a-dim-friday-for-guitar-hero-black-sabbath-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/its-a-dim-friday-for-guitar-hero-black-sabbath-dlc/#commentsWere you looking forward to playing some Black Sabbath songs in Guitar Hero 5 this weekend? Of course you were -- that sounds awesome. Anyway, it's not going to happen. (And, it's certainly not happening for you either, Band Heroes -- whoever you are.)

Before the scheduled Thursday release of three tracks from Black Sabbath's Master of Reality album, Activision announced on its Guitar Hero Facebook page that the DLC wouldn't make its appointed release date, and added, "We hope to have the content available for download at a later date, so stay tuned!"

We were going to say, maybe the DLC was turned into steel in a great magnetic field, but, unfortunately, Iron Man isn't one of the songs in the pack. (Although, it would appear we just said it anyway.) We're checking in with Activision to find out what happened.

JoystiqIt's a dim Friday for Guitar Hero Black Sabbath DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionband-heroblack-sabbathdlcguitar-heroguitar-hero-5MicrosoftNintendoWiiXbox-360Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: February DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-february-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-february-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-february-dlc/#comments Things took a step towards the alternative in last month's Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero DLC offerings, but it seems February will see the games' downloadable music get back on the path of straight-up rock. We'll be seeing new (old) jams from 30 Seconds to Mars, Breaking Benjamin, Third-Eye Blind and Black Sabbath. We personally can't wait to see Taylor Swift cover Ozzy's part on "Sweet Leaf."

All track packs will be available for $5.49 on PS3, 550 Wii Points or 440 on Xbox 360. In addition, all songs will be available seperately for $1.99, 200 Wii Points or 160. Head past the break for the complete list of February's downloadable songs.

Continue reading Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: February DLC

JoystiqGuitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: February DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>30-seconds-to-marsactivisionBand Heroband-heroBandHeroblack-sabbathbreaking-benjamindlcDSguitar-heroguitar-hero-5guitar-hero-monthlyMicrosoftmusicneversoftNintendoRed-Octanethird-eye-blindWiiXbox-360Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:29:00 EST<![CDATA[European PSN releases for January 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/european-psn-releases-for-january-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/european-psn-releases-for-january-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/european-psn-releases-for-january-28/#comments After two relatively dry weeks, the PSN update has finally delivered a few savory morsels. There's Thexder Neo (joined by a free trial version of the game), a demo for Uncharted 2, some new DLC for the PSP version of LittleBigPlanet, and a Creedence Clearwater Revival track pack on Guitar Hero 5. We know! Finally.

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:
(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Continue reading European PSN releases for January 28

JoystiqEuropean PSN releases for January 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guitar-hero-5littlebigplanetpolar-panicpsnpsn-thursdaythexder-neoThu, 28 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: January DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-january-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-january-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-january-dlc/#commentsIf you've been jonesing to play along to a song performed by a fictional, cartoon heavy metal band, then look no further: Activision has announced a downloadable Dethklok song coming this month to the Guitar Hero line, as part of a metal track pack.

On the opposite extreme, January will see a Vampire Weekend collection released for Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero to coincide with the band's new album, as well as a three-track Creedence Clearwater Revival set and a collection of songs from "up-and-coming blues masters." (We assume that these so-called masters are real people and not cartoon characters.)

All tracks packs will be available for $5.49 on PS3, 550 Wii Points, or 440 on Xbox 360. In addition, all songs will be available a la carte for $1.99, 200 Wii Points, or 160. Head past the break for the complete January DLC lineup.

Continue reading Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: January DLC

JoystiqGuitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: January DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionamon-amarthBand Heroband-heroBandHerocreedence-clearwater-revivaldethklokdlcDSguitar-heroguitar-hero-5guitar-hero-monthlyMicrosoftNeversoftNintendoRed-Octaneshadows-fallvampire-weekendWiiXbox-360Thu, 07 Jan 2010 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Deal: Guitar Hero 5 plus two guitars for $100]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/deal-guitar-hero-5-plus-two-guitars-for-100/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/deal-guitar-hero-5-plus-two-guitars-for-100/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/deal-guitar-hero-5-plus-two-guitars-for-100/#comments Just in time for the holiday season, RedOctane has kicked off yet another Guitar Hero deal. In exchange for $99.99, patrons of the Guitar Hero Store can snag a copy of Guitar Hero 5, plus two wireless guitar controllers, on either Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. And if you're thinking about this as a gift for someone special this holiday season, be sure to check out of our gift guides, which are chock full of ideas for gaming gifts.

JoystiqDeal: Guitar Hero 5 plus two guitars for $100 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondealsguitar-heroguitar-hero-5MicrosoftneversoftXbox-360Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: December DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-december-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-december-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-december-dlc/#comments Activision is pulling out a majority of the stops for the last month of 2009, adding a highly varied assortment of tracks to Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero throughout the next 31 days. Included are track packs from OneRepublic and The Fall of Troy, an "Indie Rock" pack which includes songs from Spoon, Pavement and Nada Surf, a "New Years Rock" pack which features music from Taylor Swift, Maroon 5 and No Doubt, and finally, a totally free song which will arrive shortly before the holidays: Steve Ouimette's version of "Hark The Herald Angels Sing."

These songs follow the franchise's usual DLC pricing structure: Each single track will cost 160 ($2, 200 Wii Points), while each track pack will cost 440 ($5.50, 550 Wii Points). For a full list of song titles and release dates, just click past the break.

Continue reading Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: December DLC

JoystiqGuitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: December DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionband-herodlcguitar-heroguitar-hero-5guitar-hero-monthlyMicrosoftnadasurfneversoftNintendoonerepublicpavementspoonthe-fall-of-troyWiiXbox-360Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero, Call of Duty franchises lead Activision's 'better-than-expected' Q3 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/guitar-hero-call-of-duty-franchises-lead-activisions-better-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/guitar-hero-call-of-duty-franchises-lead-activisions-better-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/guitar-hero-call-of-duty-franchises-lead-activisions-better-t/#comments Look, just feign surprise, it makes these financial posts so much more exciting: Activision today reported net revenues of $755 million (on a non-GAAP basis) in the quarter ending September 30, 2009 -- that's $55 million more than the suits hoped to stack, according to previous projections. While the blockbuster adaptation of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen might have played a part in this outpouring of our money, we're gonna go with Kotick's explanation: "Our performance was driven by positive audience response to Activision Publishing's Guitar Hero 5, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, and the Guitar Hero and Call of Duty franchises, as well as Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft."

In fact, the CEO called Guitar Hero the year's "#1 best-selling third-party franchise in North America and Europe" through September, claiming that U.S. sales of music games increased 72 percent year over year in September. Last year's big-band-box edition, World Tour, and Call of Duty: World at War combined for total, world domination, becoming this year's "#1 and #2 best-selling third-party titles" in North America and Europe through September, according to Activision. Additionally, World at War DLC map pack sales continued to climb last quarter and have now surpassed 7.5 million purchases.

Needless to say, the publisher is not backing off of its prior financial outlook. Activision anticipates annual net revenues of $4.5 billion (on a non-GAAP basis) at the close of the year. Did you remember to feign surprise?

JoystiqGuitar Hero, Call of Duty franchises lead Activision's 'better-than-expected' Q3 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acitivision-blizzardactivisionblizzardbobby-kotickcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-world-at-wardlcearningsfinancial-reportguitar-heroguitar-hero-5guitr-hero-world-tourkotickmarvel-ultimate-alliance-2q3-2009robert-kotickworld-at-warworld-of-warcraftThu, 05 Nov 2009 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 5: November DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/guitar-hero-5-november-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/guitar-hero-5-november-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/guitar-hero-5-november-dlc/#comments Sure, November may lack the phonetic building blocks which allow the word "Rock" to be tucked in there somehow, but that doesn't mean it won't bring any hard-rockin' jams to Guitar Hero 5. We've got the full list of DLC that's coming to the game next month posted after the jump, including selections from Lenny Kravitz, Metallica, KISS and others. One bundle, the "Neversoft Thanks the Fans Track Pack," will be absolutely free. The other packs, will follow the 160 ($2, 200 Wii Points) per song, 440 ($5.50, 550 Wii Points) per three-song pack pricing structure of last month's releases.

In addition, on Nov. 5, players will be able to import 61 of Band Hero's tracks into Guitar Hero 5 for 400 ($5, 500 Wii Points), or 69 of Guitar Hero 5's tracks into Band Hero for 480 ($6, 600 Wii Points). Hooray for sharing!

Continue reading Guitar Hero 5: November DLC

JoystiqGuitar Hero 5: November DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>band-herodlcguitar-heroguitar-hero-5guitar-hero-monthlykisslenny-kravitzmetallicaMicrosoftNintendoWiiXbox-360Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Survey says, yes, teens and tweens still want video games this holiday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/survey-says-yes-teens-and-tweens-still-want-video-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/survey-says-yes-teens-and-tweens-still-want-video-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/survey-says-yes-teens-and-tweens-still-want-video-games/#comments
Image credit: alliet

What we want to know: If 86 percent of surveyed youngsters are asking for at least one video game this holiday gift-getting season, what miserable manner of childhood have the other 14 percent been living? No doubt leading a crusade to bring joy to teens and tweens everywhere (and, uh, recoup some losses), retailer Game Crazy has put together a handy buyer's guide for concerned parents.

Don't know which video games to get your kids because they haven't clearly indicated them in large, bold, triple-underlined letters on their wish lists? Just follow these simple guidelines:
  • For the "Girly Girl" whose fashion obsession is getting way too costly: Wii Sports Resort
  • For the "Music Addict" who's not worth spending real guitar lessons on: Guitar Hero 5
  • For the "All Things Sports" lover who's just a tad bit uncoordinated to enjoy "outside" sports: Wii Sports Resort
  • For "The Adventurer" who needs to learn that "real life" is largely confined to the indoors: New Super Mario Brothers Wii
Oh, and parents, whatever you do, don't buy the oft-requested "Call of Duty" for your kids. It's rated M -- for Mature! -- for a reason. Might we suggest Ubisoft's wonderful line of imagination-expanding titles in its place? Don't worry, their initial weeps are totally normal. Trust us. They'll thank you later, once they've grown up to become animal doctors, champion riders, master chefs, movie stars, and ... babyz.

JoystiqSurvey says, yes, teens and tweens still want video games this holiday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-crazyguitar-hero-5holiday-2009new-super-mario-bros-wiisurveyteenstweenswii-sports-resortTue, 27 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Beatles: Rock Band bests Guitar Hero 5 in U.S. Sept. sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/beatles-rock-band-bests-guitar-hero-5-in-u-s-sept-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/beatles-rock-band-bests-guitar-hero-5-in-u-s-sept-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/beatles-rock-band-bests-guitar-hero-5-in-u-s-sept-sales/#comments
The Beatles: Rock Band's initial U.S. tour at retail has proven boast-worthy for its promoters. Following two promising platform appearances in NPD's top 10 software sales chart for September, MTV Games and Harmonix have declared B:RB "the top selling music video game in the U.S. for September." The Beatles-only game (released September 9) outsold Guitar Hero 5 (released September 1) with 595,000 units to 499,000 units in total U.S. sales for the month, according to a statement released by the NPD*. Additionally, charity-driven purchases of the "All You Need Is Love" DLC track exceeded 100,000 downloads on Xbox 360 in September.

The makers of B:RB have also rubbed in a few seemingly noteworthy facts; namely, (1) U.S. purchases of GH5 in September were eligible for a free mail-away copy of Guitar Hero: Van Halen, and (2) GH5 is available on one additional platform, PS2. Of course, Van Halen isn't exactly the American equivalent of The Beatles, and the PS2 is no longer the dominant platform to stage one's acts upon. Still, despite the staggering odds stacked against its success, B:RB managed to capture the mindshare of U.S. gamers. (And we all know that Americans like to speak their minds with their monies.)

The sales de-feat must feel good for MTV Games and Harmonix -- what with B:RB being burned in the sales competition with GH5 by the kingdom that birthed the band (see: Chart-Track UK September sales rankings posted after the break). What was it? Right: Guitar Hero 5 supposedly outsold The Beatles: Rock Band "2-to-1 in the UK."

So, score a victory for B:RB in the battle of the bands fought in U.S. retail last month. But let's not forget there's a bigger, "World War of Rock" being waged, as well. And our wallets are the oft-unreported collateral damage.

Continue reading Beatles: Rock Band bests Guitar Hero 5 in U.S. Sept. sales

JoystiqBeatles: Rock Band bests Guitar Hero 5 in U.S. Sept. sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionall-you-need-is-lovebattle-of-the-bandschart-trackdenmarkeaElectronic-Artsguitar-heroguitar-hero-5harmonixMicrosoftmtv-gamesneversoftNintendonpdrock-bandsalesseptember-2009the-beatles-rock-bandukWiiXbox-360Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Runnin' Late with the Devil: Guitar Hero Van Halen delayed on PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/runnin-late-with-the-devil-guitar-hero-van-halen-delayed-on-ps/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/runnin-late-with-the-devil-guitar-hero-van-halen-delayed-on-ps/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/runnin-late-with-the-devil-guitar-hero-van-halen-delayed-on-ps/#commentsIf you have a PS3 and Guitar Hero 5, you might have noticed that, well, you don't have your free copy of Guitar Hero: Van Halen. While copies of the freebie are shipping out for the other systems, all PS3 owners are getting right now is an apologetic email.

"Unfortunately, we made a printing error on the package of Guitar Hero Van Halen," the email explains. "Fortunately, we caught and remedied the error prior to sending your disc. Our effort to ensure a completely positive customer experience has resulted in a slight delay in shipping your copy of the game."

Activision promises to begin mailing the game out this week. The good news, we suppose, is that everyone affected by this delay has Guitar Hero 5 to play in the meantime. If you're an insider and can tell us what the printing error was, we have to know. Did the title say "Guitar Hero: Van Helen?" Was it rated "E" for "Eddie"?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqRunnin' Late with the Devil: Guitar Hero Van Halen delayed on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondelaysguitar-heroguitar-hero-5guitar-hero-van-halenmusicrhythmThu, 15 Oct 2009 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision: Guitar Hero 5 launch 'probably' franchise's best, DLC sales getting 'interesting' [update 2]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/activision-guitar-hero-5-launch-probably-franchises-best/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/activision-guitar-hero-5-launch-probably-franchises-best/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/activision-guitar-hero-5-launch-probably-franchises-best/#comments If you want to know anything about Guitar Hero, you talk to Dan Rosensweig, CEO of Activision's Guitar Hero division. (Yeah, it has its own division.) Speaking to GI.biz, Rosensweig offered -- rather candidly, we might add -- some insight into the performance of Activision's latest, Guitar Hero 5, and its DLC.

While one might assume that a series' strength starts to wane once it gets around to having the number "5" in its title, that's apparently not the case for Guitar Hero. Rosensweig claims that "the public report suggests that we've outsold 2/2.5/3-to-1 over Rock Band ... and we've probably sold more copies of Guitar Hero 5 than any other Guitar Hero game at launch." Sure, that's a pretty big probably, but Guitar Hero 5 is "fun as hell," after all -- and advertising the game with Playboy Bunnies probably didn't hurt sales either.

As for DLC, Rosensweig suggests that it's generating a ton of revenue for the franchise -- funny how that happens when you start to stick to a regular release schedule -- as users appear eager to expand their playable music libraries. While Activision doesn't release actual figures, Rosensweig touts that "each month [in DLC sales] is a record versus the previous month, and it's getting to the point of being interesting." Heck, what'll be really interesting is seeing how much of this financial success makes its way into Kotick's bonus for 2009 ...

Update 2: Activision has clarified Rosenweig's statements, saying he was, "Speaking only about Europe. The specific public report he is referring to is the September Charttrack data. For the month of September, GH5 outsold The Beatles: Rock Band by nearly 2-to-1 in the U.K."

Update: Dan Rosensweig's "2/2.5/3-to-1" sales comparison between Guitar Hero and Rock Band was a bit ambiguous (Europe? North America? Worldwide?), so we've contacted Activision for clarification.

JoystiqActivision: Guitar Hero 5 launch 'probably' franchise's best, DLC sales getting 'interesting' [update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondan-rosensweigguitar-heroguitar-hero-5MicrosoftmusicneversoftrhythmXbox-360Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 5 demo rocks XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/guitar-hero-5-demo-rocks-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/guitar-hero-5-demo-rocks-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/guitar-hero-5-demo-rocks-xblm/#comments Major Nelson has dropped knowledge, and we must heed: A Guitar Hero 5 demo is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. The demo offers three songs that can be played in the game's Party Mode, which allows players to jump in and out of a song at any time. The songs available are: If you've yet to try out the latest in the series grab the demo and give it a go.

Add the Guitar Hero 5 demo to your 360 download queue

JoystiqGuitar Hero 5 demo rocks XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondemoguitar-heroguitar-hero-5neversoftxblmFri, 09 Oct 2009 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EEDAR: Game sales slowdown turned around in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/eedar-game-sales-slowdown-turned-around-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/eedar-game-sales-slowdown-turned-around-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/eedar-game-sales-slowdown-turned-around-in-september/#comments
2009 hasn't been the best year for the games industry. Month after month, we hear reports of reduced sales figures, company closures, and layoffs. Things may be turning around, though, as EEDAR analyst Jesse Divnich believes software sales during September 2009 have actually gone up from 2008, the first time in seven months thanks to strong sales of Halo 3: ODST, Wii Sports Resort, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2, Madden NFL 10 and Batman: Arkham Asylum. All in all, software sales should come in at $715 million, a 16% increase over last year.

The music genre may be slowing down, but Divnich notes that "both Guitar Hero 5 and The Beatles: Rock Band have performed at levels ahead of retail expectations," with sales predicted at 800k and 1 million units respectively. The same analyst at EEDAR previously predicted that Guitar Hero 5 would outsell The Beatles 2:1. With NPD sales results dropping next week, we'll soon see how accurate Divnich's latest analysis is.

JoystiqEEDAR: Game sales slowdown turned around in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystbatman-arkham-asylumeedarguitar-hero-5halo-3-odstjesse-divnichmadden-10music-gamespredictionssalesthe-beatles-rock-bandwii-sports-resortFri, 09 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision: Guitar Hero beat Beatles because it's 'fun as hell']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/activision-guitar-hero-beat-beatles-because-its-fun-as-hell/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/activision-guitar-hero-beat-beatles-because-its-fun-as-hell/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/activision-guitar-hero-beat-beatles-because-its-fun-as-hell/#comments We were just as perplexed as anyone when Guitar Hero 5 trounced The Beatles: Rock Band in the UK -- where we hear the Fab Four is fairly popular still. Thankfully, Activision's Guitar Hero business CEO, Rock 'n' Roll Dan Rosensweig, is there to explain it all. "The number one thing about Guitar Hero is that it's fun as hell -- it's focused on the guitar, and the variety and value proposition -- and the reviews are spectacular. So I guess we're the only ones not surprised."

Rosensweig went on to tell GamesIndustry.biz that "internally we always talked about the Fab Five - Guitar Hero 5 - was going to beat the Fab Four." So, we've also discovered Activision's real secret weapon that keeps it ahead of the competition: Hilarious wordplay.

JoystiqActivision: Guitar Hero beat Beatles because it's 'fun as hell' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionDan-RosensweigeaElectronic-Artsguitar-heroguitar-hero-5MicrosoftNintendorock-bandthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandWiiXbox-360Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Swag Saturday: Guitar Hero 5 with Logitech Wireless Drums (PS3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/03/swag-saturday-guitar-hero-5-with-logitech-wireless-drums-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/03/swag-saturday-guitar-hero-5-with-logitech-wireless-drums-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/03/swag-saturday-guitar-hero-5-with-logitech-wireless-drums-ps3/#comments
Ever dreamed of owning your very own ridiculously high-priced fake drum set? No no, silly goose, not that ridiculously high-priced fake drum set! The Logitech Wireless set, of course!

For Swag Saturday this week, we're giving you (and consequently ridding ourselves of) a mammoth wireless drum set care of Logitech (only for the PS3/PS2, folks!) and a complimentary copy of Guitar Hero 5. All you have to do is leave a comment below telling us how you're going to celebrate your Rocktober. When the contest runs out tomorrow, we'll pick one lucky winner to receive the whole schebang.
  • Leave a comment telling us how you're going to celebrate your Rocktober.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec, mostly because of the accent)
  • Limit 1 entry per person per day
  • This entry period ends at 8:31PM ET on Sunday, October 4
  • At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive Guitar Hero 5 ($60 ARV) and a Logitech Wireless Drum Kit ($230 ARV)
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

JoystiqSwag Saturday: Guitar Hero 5 with Logitech Wireless Drums (PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondrumsguitar-heroguitar-hero-5joyswaglogitechswag-saturdaySat, 03 Oct 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 5: October DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/guitar-hero-5-october-2009-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/guitar-hero-5-october-2009-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/guitar-hero-5-october-2009-dlc/#comments Activision has announced all of the forthcoming Guitar Hero 5 DLC tracks for ... Rocktober! Queens of the Stone Age, Billy Squier and Wolfmother are the featured track packs next month, along with some themed collections later in the month. Each pack will cost 440 on Xbox 360, $5.50 on PS3 and 550 Wii Points on Nintendo's console -- each track will also be sold separately for the respective console's $2 equivalent.

Check out the full list of artists, tracks and release dates after the break.

Continue reading Guitar Hero 5: October DLC

JoystiqGuitar Hero 5: October DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzarddlcguitar-heroguitar-hero-5guitar-hero-monthlyMicrosoftNintendorocktoberWiiXbox-360Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Swag Saturday: Guitar Hero triple pack and bass pedal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/26/swag-saturday-guitar-hero-triple-pack-and-bass-pedal/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/26/swag-saturday-guitar-hero-triple-pack-and-bass-pedal/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/26/swag-saturday-guitar-hero-triple-pack-and-bass-pedal/#comments It's time for Swag Saturday once again, and this week's prize is a doozy. Up for grabs we have not one, not two, but three Guitar Hero games. We've got Xbox 360 copies of Guitar Hero: Metallica, Guitar Hero: Smash Hits and Guitar Hero 5, all for the low, low price of nothing (and all released this year, if you can believe it). And, as if that weren't enough, we're throwing in an extra bass pedal (with splitter cable) too. For your chance to rock with the best of them, follow these simple directions:
  • Leave a comment telling us about your favorite rock and roll moment.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec, due to a domestic dispute)
  • Limit 1 entry per person per day
  • This entry period ends at 8:31PM ET on Monday, September 28
  • At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive Guitar Hero: Metallica ($60 ARV), Guitar Hero: Smash Hits ($60 ARV), Guitar Hero 5 ($60 ARV), and a bass pedal game peripheral ($35 ARV)
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

JoystiqSwag Saturday: Guitar Hero triple pack and bass pedal originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guitar-heroguitar-hero-5guitar-hero-metallicaguitar-hero-smash-hitsMicrosoftswag-saturdayXbox-360Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bon Jovi turned down inclusion in Guitar Hero 5, supports Love]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/bon-jovi-turned-down-inclusion-in-guitar-hero-5-supports-love/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/bon-jovi-turned-down-inclusion-in-guitar-hero-5-supports-love/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/bon-jovi-turned-down-inclusion-in-guitar-hero-5-supports-love/#comments Even though his songs have landed in music games far and wide, Jon Bon Jovi said in a recent interview that he turned down Activision's offer to be included as a playable character in Guitar Hero 5. "They [Activision] wanted me to be on that game and I just passed," Bon Jovi told the BBC. "To hear someone else's voice coming out of a cartoon version of me? I don't know," he added, siding with Kurt Cobain's widow Courtney Love, and others tied to the Nirvana estate, against the use of Cobain's likeness in GH5.

Bon Jovi explained that no one at Activision "even broached the subject with me that I would be singing other people's stuff ... I don't know how I would have reacted to that." In the meantime, Activision has retorted that Love did evidently sign a contract -- but according to Bon Jovi's statements, it appears as though she may have not reacted to the fine print.

JoystiqBon Jovi turned down inclusion in Guitar Hero 5, supports Love originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbbcbon-jovibusinesscourtney-loveguitar-heroguitar-hero-5jon-bon-jovikurt-cobainMicrosoftmusicNintendorhythmWiiXbox-360Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LGJ: Come As Your Avatar, Smells Like Lawsuit? Nevermind]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/lgj-come-as-your-avatar-smells-like-lawsuit-nevermind/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/lgj-come-as-your-avatar-smells-like-lawsuit-nevermind/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/lgj-come-as-your-avatar-smells-like-lawsuit-nevermind/#commentsEach week Mark Methenitis contributes Law of the Game on Joystiq ("LGJ"), a column on legal issues as they relate to video games:


The well publicized dispute over the use of an avatar of Kurt Cobain in Guitar Hero 5 has provided a good backdrop to discuss the 'right of publicity.' For anyone who doesn't want to take time to read the stories, here's a summary. Guitar Hero 5 includes Kurt Cobain as an unlockable playable avatar, much like previous titles in the series have done with other rock stars. Shortly after release, Courtney Love expressed her distaste at the use of Kurt, and Activision has stated Love signed an agreement allowing the use. Since then, other former Nirvana members have stated they think the avatar should be limited to performances of Nirvana songs.

Kurt's in-game likeness is governed by the part of the law called the 'right of publicity,' also called the 'right of personality' or 'personality rights.' In the US, that is unfortunately a complicated subject. Unlike other intellectual property rights, the right of publicity is governed by the states, not federal laws. So, unlike copyright or trademark, the exact rules of the right of publicity game change in every state. This, of course, makes the topic difficult to discuss and analyze, but there are some general theories about the right that can be discussed on a universal level.

Continue reading LGJ: Come As Your Avatar, Smells Like Lawsuit? Nevermind

JoystiqLGJ: Come As Your Avatar, Smells Like Lawsuit? Nevermind originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colimnsguitar-hero-5lawlaw-of-the-gamelawsuitlgjright-of-publicityTue, 15 Sep 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Italian gamers set new Guinness world record with Guitar Hero 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/italian-gamers-set-new-guinness-world-record-with-guitar-hero-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/italian-gamers-set-new-guinness-world-record-with-guitar-hero-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/italian-gamers-set-new-guinness-world-record-with-guitar-hero-5/#comments
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, Italy set a Guinness world record for "largest number of participants to play in a single Guitar Hero session over a 24-hour period." At the FNAC store, 594 people participated in a single, massive Guitar Hero 5 play session coordinated to celebrate the European release of Activision's latest music title.

The record was set using Guitar Hero 5's Party Play mode, which supports drop-in and drop-out gameplay. There's no word on whether any Montagues or Capulets were harmed during the event, but as soon as we hear something, we'll let you know.

JoystiqItalian gamers set new Guinness world record with Guitar Hero 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioneuropeguinnessguinness-world-recordsguitar-heroguitar-hero-5italuitalyMicrosoftneversoftNintendoWiiXbox-360Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 5 goes straight to the top of the UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/guitar-hero-5-goes-straight-to-the-top-of-the-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/guitar-hero-5-goes-straight-to-the-top-of-the-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/guitar-hero-5-goes-straight-to-the-top-of-the-uk-charts/#comments Guitar Hero 5, which is like the tenth (give or take a couple) installment in the series, has resonated with UK consumers and hit a high note atop the Chart Track all-formats chart. The Dark Knight of Arkham Asylum -- who was perched above the charts for two weeks -- slipped off the top to the number three spot, with Colin McRae: Dirt 2 taking the silver.

The Beatles: Rock Band premiered at the number four spot, which some are sure to find disappointing. Both Guitar Hero and Rock Band have previously debuted at the fourth and sixth spot, respectively, with previous iterations. Music games may be on a sales decline, but they apparently still know how to make an entrance.

Source -- Guitar Hero 5 hits the right notes (Chart Track)
Source -- All formats chart (Chart Track)

Gallery: Guitar Hero 5

JoystiqGuitar Hero 5 goes straight to the top of the UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbatman-arkham-asylumchart-trackcodemastersdirt-2eaeidosElectronic-Artsguitar-heroguitar-hero-5harmonixMicrosoftneversoftNintendorock-bandrocksteadythe-beatles-rock-banduk-chartsWiiXbox-360Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Music game sales down 46%, still third best-selling genre]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/12/music-game-sales-down-46-still-third-best-selling-genre/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/12/music-game-sales-down-46-still-third-best-selling-genre/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/12/music-game-sales-down-46-still-third-best-selling-genre/#comments According to NPD, and as reported by Edge Online, the music game genre has taken quite a tumble in 2009. Thus far, year-to-date sales have declined by a whopping 46%. And yet, despite the sales slump, the music genre remains the third best-selling genre overall. The discrepancy, according to NPD's Anita Frazier, is the result of lower prices on music titles. Thus, individual unit sales remain high even though overall sales (i.e. money earned) are down.

Of course, it's worth noting that -- apart from Guitar Hero: Metallica and Smash Hits -- the first half of 2009 was somewhat devoid of major music genre releases. With both Guitar Hero 5 and The Beatles: Rock Band both just released, the music genre is likely due for a significant boost. Still, it's hard to imagine sales climbing as high as they once were. With so many homes filled with plastic instruments as it is, we're sure it's getting harder to sell those full band kits -- and their higher prices.

Then again, we're sure everyone still has room for a turntable.



JoystiqMusic game sales down 46%, still third best-selling genre originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessguitar-heroguitar-hero-5npdrock-bandthe-beatles-rock-bandSat, 12 Sep 2009 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nirvana disapproves of GH5 Cobain avatar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/nirvana-disapproves-of-gh5-cobain-avatar/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/nirvana-disapproves-of-gh5-cobain-avatar/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/nirvana-disapproves-of-gh5-cobain-avatar/#commentsTwo out of three Nirvana members agree: Kurt Cobain's Guitar Hero 5 avatar is not cool. As for the third: the fact that he can't offer an opinion is kind of the whole problem. Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl, former bassist and drummer for Nirvana, issued a joint statement to register their disdain with the free use of Cobain's likeness.

The pair, who have no legal say in the matter but are probably worth listening to anyway, said that they were "dismayed and very disappointed" in the use of the avatar. "While we were aware of Kurt's image being used with two Nirvana songs, we didn't know players have the ability to unlock the character."

Novoselic and Grohl then entreat Activision to "re-lock" the avatar so that it can only be used to play Nirvana songs. Which is a surprisingly even-handed request.

JoystiqNirvana disapproves of GH5 Cobain avatar originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guitar-hero-5kurt-cobainMicrosoftNintendonirvanaWiiXbox-360Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision: Courtney Love agreed to Cobain avatar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/activision-courtney-love-agreed-to-cobain-avatar/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/activision-courtney-love-agreed-to-cobain-avatar/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/activision-courtney-love-agreed-to-cobain-avatar/#commentsThis morning, we reported on Courtney Love's tweeted allegations that the ghastly Kurt Cobain avatar was included in Guitar Hero 5 without her consent. Though the company didn't mention whether or not the lawsuit has actually been filed against them, Activision just sent us a statement refuting Love's claims:

"Guitar Hero secured the necessary licensing rights from the Cobain estate in a written agreement signed by Courtney Love to use Kurt Cobain's likeness as a fully playable character in Guitar Hero(r) 5."

Maybe Love did sign off on it, but just doesn't remember. There, we said it. We were all thinking it anyway.

JoystiqActivision: Courtney Love agreed to Cobain avatar originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncourtney-loveguitar-heroguitar-hero-5kurt-cobainlawsuitMicrosoftNintendoWiiXbox-360Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Courtney Love intends to sue Activision over Guitar Hero 5's reanimated Cobain [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/courtney-love-to-sue-activision-over-guitar-hero-5s-reanimated/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/courtney-love-to-sue-activision-over-guitar-hero-5s-reanimated/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/courtney-love-to-sue-activision-over-guitar-hero-5s-reanimated/#commentsIf you were disgusted by the inclusion of a playable Kurt Cobain in Guitar Hero 5, you weren't the only one: Cobain's widow, Courtney Love, has gone on record (well, on Twitter, anyway, in what looks a lot like Courtney Love's real Twitter account) to register her disapproval, saying, "For the record this Guitar Hero (expletive) is breach of contract on a Bullys part and there will be a proper addressing of this and retraction." Love plans to "sue the (expletive) out of Activision," speaking for herself, Cobain's estate, and "the various LLCs Cobain Enterprises."

She claims to have never given approval for a Kurt Cobain avatar. "We have NOTHING to do with this," she said across two tweets (presented here as originally typed, with the exception of connecting the two messages). "it was presented to me and oi said 'show me a better avataR' TO DRAG MY HEELS., never did i intend on allowing GUITARHERO for me or for Kurt i am NOT yoko (expletive) Ono no ofense to her, but i am a different person entirely and this is insane."

The Cobain avatar was upsetting enough when we thought Love had signed off on it. But now that we hear she hasn't, we're worried for our own sakes. We could all end up playable in a Guitar Hero game at any time.

[Via Perez Hilton, thanks, Andrew M.!]

Update: Activision responds to these tweets here, claiming that Love did indeed okay the use of the avatar.

JoystiqCourtney Love intends to sue Activision over Guitar Hero 5's reanimated Cobain [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncourtney-loveguitar-hero-5kurt-cobainMicrosoftNintendoWiiXbox-360Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST