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[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[Sex Pistols, MC5, Motorhead re-record classics for Guitar Hero World Tour]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/sex-pistols-mc5-motorhead-re-record-classics-for-guitar-hero-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/sex-pistols-mc5-motorhead-re-record-classics-for-guitar-hero-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/sex-pistols-mc5-motorhead-re-record-classics-for-guitar-hero-w/#commentsFiled under: ,

Activision has announced that several bands will re-record their classic recordings for Guitar Hero World Tour. First up is MC5's lead guitarist Wayne Kramer who will re-record and "modernize" the track "Kick Out the Jams" with the help of Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains and Gilby Clarke who spent three years with Guns N' Roses (the recording will retain the vocals originally recorded by lead Rob Tyner). The Sex Pistols will contribute another track, "Pretty Vacant," which was re-recorded at the same time as "Anarchy in the UK," which was featured in Guitar Hero III. Finally, Motörhead will re-record the title track from its album Overkill.

Guitar Hero World Tour releases later this year.

Update: Added Rob Tyner details.

JoystiqSex Pistols, MC5, Motorhead re-record classics for Guitar Hero World Tour originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardguitar-heroguitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-world-tourneversoftWed, 03 Sep 2008 14:30:00 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[Nyko FrontMan guitar compatibility chart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/nyko-frontman-guitar-compatibility-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/nyko-frontman-guitar-compatibility-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/nyko-frontman-guitar-compatibility-chart/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click to embiggen

During E3 we spoke with third-party peripheral manufacturer Nyko about its line of FrontMan guitars and which games the different versions were compatible with. We did a quick and dirty post on what we were told during the E3 madness, but Nyko just sent over the chart above, which, admittedly, is much easier to understand.

For first-party guitar compatibility, check out our Guitar Hero / Rock Band guitar compatibility matrix v2. We're sure to have v3 available as soon as we confirm Rock Band 2, Guitar Hero: World Tour and Rock Revolution guitar compatibility.

JoystiqNyko FrontMan guitar compatibility chart originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compatibilitycompatibleguitar-compatibilityguitar-heroguitar-hero-aerosmithguitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-on-tournykoPS2rock-bandWiiXbox-360Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Worship the full range of World Tour instruments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/worship-the-full-range-of-world-tour-instruments/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/worship-the-full-range-of-world-tour-instruments/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/worship-the-full-range-of-world-tour-instruments/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Within hours of Rock Band hitting the Wii, Red Octane has begun the ultimate rock battle by releasing full images of instruments for the Wii version of Guitar Hero: World Tour. We've seen a few sneak peeks around the place, but now they are in their full gallery glory for you to enjoy.

Rock Band one-upped the Guitar Hero franchise by adding drums and a microphone, so what's next? Add a burger and beer to the package to simulate the roadie experience? Stuff a few groupies in the box to cheer you on as you rock out in front of the TV? If you consider yourself a rock star with the new World Tour instruments, we don't blame you -- they look pretty hot.


[Via press release]

JoystiqWorship the full range of World Tour instruments originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heroguitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-world-tourinstrumentmusicred-octanerhythmrock-bandvicarious-visionsMon, 23 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq rocks out with Guitar Hero: World Tour]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/joystiq-rocks-out-with-guitar-hero-world-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/joystiq-rocks-out-with-guitar-hero-world-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/joystiq-rocks-out-with-guitar-hero-world-tour/#commentsFiled under:


Joystiq recently got to check out everyone's new favorite Wii game, Guitar Hero: World Tour. While they didn't actually get to play the game (they were forced to watch RedOctane jam, for some reason), they did get some juicy details for those of you looking for more on the game. So, head on over and check out their write-up.

JoystiqJoystiq rocks out with Guitar Hero: World Tour originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heroguitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-world-tourmusicredoctanerhythmworld-tourFri, 20 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: World Tour information blowout!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/guitar-hero-world-tour-information-blowout/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/guitar-hero-world-tour-information-blowout/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/guitar-hero-world-tour-information-blowout/#commentsFiled under:

Holy Guitar Hero: World Tour information blowout! Those lucky monkeys over at IGN somehow convinced Activision to show them everything World Tour and boy oh boy is there a lot of information.

Seeing that we can't talk about all the World Tour details (if we did, this blog could be considered a feature article) we'll touch on the highlights. First and foremost IGN posted pictures and details about every instrument including confirmation that the World Tour guitar will feature the rumored touch pad. We also learn that World Tour takes customization to the next level, adding the ability to create your own band member AND customize your instruments as you see fit. We also learn about specifics regarding the game's recording functionality (sorry, no vocal recordings) and the fact that the career mode will modeled after Rock Band's progression. There's just too much info ... go read ... get learned and be surprised. Surprised that Activision may have actually come through with World Tour, pushing the genre to a whole new level.

JoystiqGuitar Hero: World Tour information blowout! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heroguitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-world-tourneversoftFri, 20 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: World Tour might be the game you always wanted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/guitar-hero-world-tour-might-be-the-game-you-always-wanted/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/guitar-hero-world-tour-might-be-the-game-you-always-wanted/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/guitar-hero-world-tour-might-be-the-game-you-always-wanted/#commentsFiled under:



IGN has an incredibly detailed and lengthy first look at upcoming Guitar Hero: World Tour. First of all, the rumor of touch-sensitive guitars turned out to be true. The new Guitar Hero axe looks really sweet.

Outside of the guitar, there is also a close-up look at the drum kit. As previously noted, it looks more like the real deal, is wireless, makes a lot less noise when playing, and should feel more natural to those real drummers out there who want to get their play on. As nice as it is, though, it comes nowhere near the ambitious gameplay features that will be included in every version of Guitar Hero: World Tour, even the Wii installment.

Continue reading Guitar Hero: World Tour might be the game you always wanted

JoystiqGuitar Hero: World Tour might be the game you always wanted originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-world-tourmusicrhythmThu, 19 Jun 2008 17:00:00 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[Activision CEO introduces Guitar Hero World Tour]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/activision-ceo-introduces-guitar-hero-world-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/activision-ceo-introduces-guitar-hero-world-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/activision-ceo-introduces-guitar-hero-world-tour/#commentsFiled under: , ,

At the All Things Digital 6 conference, Activision CEO Bobby Kotick took the stage for an interview with Kara Swisher. During the session, Kotick introduced and showed off to the audience Guitar Hero World Tour. "I tried to get [Yahoo and Microsoft execs] Jerry Yang, Steve Ballmer, Sue Decker and Bill Gates to play Guitar Hero, but they weren't interested."

Instead, Kotick had Paula Abdul pull four people from the audience -- one of them just happened to be legendary skateboarder (and Activision franchiser) Tony Hawk -- to play an unnamed Lenny Kravitz song (we're guessing "Are You Gonna Go My Way," since it was used in the trailer). We've embedded the video, which features some in-game footage, after the break.

Continue reading Activision CEO introduces Guitar Hero World Tour

JoystiqActivision CEO introduces Guitar Hero World Tour originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 May 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbobby-kotickbreakingnewsguitar-heroguitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-world-tourkotickPS3WiiXbox-360Wed, 28 May 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Here come the drums in this Guitar Hero World Tour trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/here-come-the-drums-in-this-guitar-hero-world-tour-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/here-come-the-drums-in-this-guitar-hero-world-tour-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/here-come-the-drums-in-this-guitar-hero-world-tour-trailer/#commentsFiled under:

"What's the best way to demonstrate how awesome the Guitar Hero World Tour drums are?" ponders the Activision Marketing department. Somehow the subsequent meeting resulted in some bright spark suggesting that they call in a few professional drummers to act completely up themselves and unrealistically compare GHIV's drums to a real set. Nice.

We're not prejudice towards Guitar Rock Hero Band World Tour. We're holding out until we can try all the aspects of the game first hand -- particularly the content creation stuff. In the meantime, however, videos like this don't really help. Did you hear the drums are wireless? We thought we'd mention it in case the video didn't push that point enough for you. That's sarcasm, by the way.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqHere come the drums in this Guitar Hero World Tour trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 May 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondrumsguitar-heroguitar-hero-ivneversoftSat, 24 May 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockers show off Guitar Hero's velocity-sensitive drum kits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/rockers-show-off-guitar-heros-velocity-sensitive-drum-kits/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/rockers-show-off-guitar-heros-velocity-sensitive-drum-kits/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/rockers-show-off-guitar-heros-velocity-sensitive-drum-kits/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The above Guitar Hero World Tour (the official GHIV title) video shows off the new drum set through testimonial from a few rockers - namely, Red Hot Chili Pepper's Chad Smith, Blink 182's Travis Barker and The Police's Stewart Copeland, all of whom are featured prominently (especially Copeland) on Rock Band and a pretty good sign they'll be on World Tour, too.

One interesting detail gleaned from the video is that the drum kit is sensitive to velocity, meaning it can register how hard or soft you hit the pads. We're not shown any gameplay footage so we're not 100% sure how that'll translate to the virtual drumming. All we know is that we can't tell our friends this detail. It's taken us months to teach them not to bang on the set loud enough to wake neighbors six miles away.

[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

JoystiqRockers show off Guitar Hero's velocity-sensitive drum kits originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 May 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drumdrum-kitdrum-setdrumsguitar-heroguitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-world-tourPS2PS3WiiXbox-360Sat, 24 May 2008 12:30:00 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 has DLC, or it doesn't]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/guitar-hero-world-tour-has-dlc-or-it-doesnt/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/guitar-hero-world-tour-has-dlc-or-it-doesnt/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/guitar-hero-world-tour-has-dlc-or-it-doesnt/#commentsFiled under: ,


Even an official press release can't convince us that the Wii version of Guitar Hero World Tour will support downloadable content -- mostly because the press releases can't keep their stories straight. We've seen two versions of the press release: the first, on Activision's own site, claims that World Tour is the "First Game Ever in the Guitar Hero Franchise to Allow In-Game Downloadable Content on Wii," while the second, found on GamesIndustry.biz, is exactly the same minus the mention of DLC. Was the line excised mid-release? Did it get added later? Will it be in the game? We have no idea. What we do know is that the only reason Activision can tout World Tour's "first-ever Wii Guitar Hero DLC" is because they never followed through on their promise to put it in Guitar Hero III.

We've got new screens in our gallery which obviously aren't from the Wii version of the game, but which show off new features like character creation, guitar customization, and the awesome music-recording function that we have no idea if we'll get. Maybe the Wii drum kit will make extra noise when you hit it.

JoystiqGuitar Hero World Tour has DLC, or it doesn't originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 May 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heroguitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-world-tourredoctanevicarious-visionsThu, 22 May 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sublime joins Guitar Hero: World Tour, Activision confirms previous acts, details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/sublime-joins-guitar-hero-world-tour-activision-confirms-previ/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/sublime-joins-guitar-hero-world-tour-activision-confirms-previ/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/sublime-joins-guitar-hero-world-tour-activision-confirms-previ/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Activision made Guitar Hero: Rock Band Edition World Tour official today, confirming the details leaked from the current issue of Game Informer. World Tour will feature an all-master track cast, filled with previously named acts like Van Halen, Linkin Park, and The Eagles, plus today's confirmation of Sublime and "many more." The announcement also highlights the "Music Studio" mode (create-a-song), which allows players to "compose, record, edit and share music," and the 8-player "Battle of the Bands" mode.

World Tour will also feature so-called "new state of the art wireless instruments" (as sorta seen yesterday), meaning mom won't trip over the coil of wires when she walks in front of the TV and totally destroys the rock mojo; and the still curious, but ambitious sounding promise to add "significantly more localized downloadable music than ever before on all of the next-generation consoles." Yep, that includes the Wii version (developed by Vicarious Visions). Activision confirms that World Tour will be the "first game ever in the Guitar Hero franchise to allow in-game downloadable content on Wii" -- just make sure your SD card is inserted.

Gallery: Guitar Hero: World Tour

JoystiqSublime joins Guitar Hero: World Tour, Activision confirms previous acts, details originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 May 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbreakingnewsbudcatgh-ivgh4ghwtguitar-heroguitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-world-tourneversoftPS2PS3vicarious-visionsWiiXbox-360Thu, 22 May 2008 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[See first screens from Guitar Hero: World Tour]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/see-first-screens-from-guitar-hero-world-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/see-first-screens-from-guitar-hero-world-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/see-first-screens-from-guitar-hero-world-tour/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


We don't have a lot to go on at the moment, but from what we can tell, these new screens from Guitar Hero: World Tour represent a slightly more grown-up look for the series, straying from the silly rock clichés of Guitar Hero III. It's still not quite at a Rock Band level of realism, but we imagine fans of the series probably aren't ready for that.

In fact, though we've wished Guitar Hero's look would grow up for a while now, the stylized characters and settings are one of the main things that are setting it apart from its competition, a distinction that, with the addition of drums and vocals to World Tour, is becoming increasingly difficult to make.

Gallery: Guitar Hero: World Tour

JoystiqSee first screens from Guitar Hero: World Tour originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 May 2008 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbreakingnewsghwtguitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-world-tourneversoftPS2PS3WiiXbox-360Thu, 22 May 2008 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: World Tour trailer touts impressive features which are probably not in the Wii version]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/guitar-hero-world-tour-trailer-touts-impressive-features-whic/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/guitar-hero-world-tour-trailer-touts-impressive-features-whic/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/guitar-hero-world-tour-trailer-touts-impressive-features-whic/#commentsFiled under:


Look, we'll give credit where it's due, and Activision definitely deserves a "wuddup" for including Wi-Fi-compatibility in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. But, with all of the things Rock Band is leaving out of the Wii version, we're fearing a rather bad precedent will be set and a lot of the new features presented in this teaser trailer will be absent from the Wii port of the game. Until then, we'll just have to wait and see, we suppose.

JoystiqGuitar Hero: World Tour trailer touts impressive features which are probably not in the Wii version originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 May 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heroguitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-world-tourmusicWed, 21 May 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero World Tour officially unveiled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/guitar-hero-world-tour-officially-unveiled/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/guitar-hero-world-tour-officially-unveiled/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/guitar-hero-world-tour-officially-unveiled/#commentsFiled under:

Guitar Hero World Tour was just officially unveiled with this new promotional video. It looks like the guys at RedOctane are really going to war with Rock Band reinventing the series by adding in"the most realistic drums" and microphone support. The drum set for Guitar Hero (does something sound funny with this sentence?) will include two extra cymbals on top of the regular drum pads and bass pedal found in the Rock Band one.

World Tour also has apparently taken hold of the idea to "record and release your own single" and will integrate user-created content into the game. At least this is one innovation to be found in World Tour that Rock Band hasn't already covered. Forgive us if we're being cynical, but the idea that Guitar Hero wants to further divide the market along with Konami makes us wonder if any of these new titles will be successful. World Tour and Konami's band game will both hit retailers sometime in Fall 2008. It'll be most fun to watch these two clones cannibalize each other.

JoystiqGuitar Hero World Tour officially unveiled originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 May 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guitar-heroguitar-hero-ivguitar-hero-world-tourWed, 21 May 2008 15:15:00 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[Guitar Hero: World Tour trailer promises 'most realistic drums,' other stuff]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/guitar-hero-world-tour-trailer-promises-most-realistic-drums-other-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/guitar-hero-world-tour-trailer-promises-most-realistic-drums-other-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/guitar-hero-world-tour-trailer-promises-most-realistic-drums-other-st/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Well, not as realistic as, you know, actual drums, but apparently the next Guitar Hero will be setting some sort of benchmark in the battle of the fake bands. Judging by the above debut trailer for "Guitar Hero World Tour," the new peripherals are convincing enough to lure hundreds of people into a poorly lit grotto and subject them to a cacophony of plastic instrument flailing. It's out this Fall.

JoystiqGuitar Hero: World Tour trailer promises 'most realistic drums,' other stuff originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 May 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionGHIVGuitar-HeroGuitar-Hero-IVGuitar-Hero-World-TourMusicNeversoftPS2PS3RedOctaneWiiXbox-360Wed, 21 May 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ted Nugent has a role in Guitar Hero IV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/18/ted-nugent-has-a-role-in-guitar-hero-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/18/ted-nugent-has-a-role-in-guitar-hero-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/18/ted-nugent-has-a-role-in-guitar-hero-iv/#commentsFiled under:

Ted Nugent had something of interest to say regarding fans of the Guitar Hero franchise. During a recent radio interview, The Nuge dropped the bomb that he has been working with the folks behind Guitar Hero IV (he doesn't exactly say it's the fourth installment, but we're pretty sure he isn't talking about Guitar Hero Aerosmith) and will be featured in the game. You can hear it all right here (around 12:30 is when he starts talking about it).

He had a lot of things to say about the whole mo-cap process, as well as his inability to actually play the game, despite his ability to set real frets on fire. Our favorite part of the interview? He said he had to do "a variation of Stranglehold." Man, we love that song.

In fact, let's go ahead and embed it past the post break. Rock out with us, won't you?

Continue reading Ted Nugent has a role in Guitar Hero IV

JoystiqTed Nugent has a role in Guitar Hero IV originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 May 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For a game subtitled "Legends of Rock", Guitar Hero III didn't feature that many real-life six-string virtuosos. Sure, you had Rage's Tom Morello, GnR's Slash and a brief cameo by VH1's latest lothario, Poison frontman Bret Michaels -- but many classic rock aficionados who tried their hand at Activision's shredding simulator were left unsatisfied in terms of quantity (and in the minds of those belonging to the churches of Hendrix and Clapton, quality).

Until now, we've yet to hear anything about the roster for the next legit entry in Activision's golden goose franchise (no, we're not nor will we ever count Guitar Hero: Aerosmith), however, that silence was recently broken by the whistle of a flaming arrow through the night air, fired from the heavenly compound bow of the Motor City Madman himself, Ted Nugent. Listen to his radio interview on Detroit's WRIF (about 12:30 in), where he uses all manner of colorful language to describe the mocap process. Now, if they could only get the rest of the Damn Yankees involved, it would definitely ensure a purchase on our end. How 'bout it, Blades?

[Thanks, Tyler.]

JoystiqTed Nugent confirms his appearance in Guitar Hero IV on talk radio show originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 May 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar heroguitar-hero-ivGuitarHeroguitarheroivnugetedtednugentSun, 18 May 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami's Rock Revolution drums revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/konamis-rock-revolution-drums-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/konamis-rock-revolution-drums-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/konamis-rock-revolution-drums-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Harmonix must be beside itself with this last week finding not one but two companies hopping on the developer's coat tails and revealing a pair of drum kits that bear more than a passing resemblance to those used in Rock Band. However, while Guitar Hero IV's kit still carries some basis in reality, the kit revealed by Konami for the company's newly announced Rock Revolution looks to be designed for players with extra appendages or other rhythm enthusiasts who are not quite human.

With six face pads of three different sizes, as well as a kick pedal, Konami's kit is certainly the most complex of the three. However, according to MTV Multiplayer blogger Patrick Klepek, the drums carry what sounds like a much more forgiving difficulty curve than those in Rock Band, which while great are almost unapproachable by rhythm game newcomers even on the easiest setting. By contrast, and according to his admittedly brief time with Konami's offering, the game doesn't penalize players for improvising during a song, and also features five difficulty settings with the lower two removing the foot pedal entirely. Still, the question remains as to if there is room enough for another peripheral-heavy rhythm game, not so much in the genre but in our own living rooms.

JoystiqKonami's Rock Revolution drums revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 May 2008 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drumsguitar-hero-ivguitarfreakskonamiPS3rhythmrock-bandrock-revolutionWiiXbox-360zoe-modeFri, 16 May 2008 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: Aerosmith achievement preview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/guitar-hero-aerosmith-achievement-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/guitar-hero-aerosmith-achievement-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/guitar-hero-aerosmith-achievement-preview/#commentsFiled under:

Last night, our homies over at 360sync exclusively posted a preview of Guitar Hero: Aerosmith's achievement in all their achievement glory sans any achievement artwork though ... bummer. So far, they posted 42 of the 49 game achievements with the majority of them being pretty plain Jane, though a whopping 16 of them are secret, so there may be some originality with those. The other seven "mystery" achievements are a mystery for good reason, because they're part of 360sync's giveaway shenanigans. You see, 360sync is giving away a GH:Aero bundle and if you can guess one of the 7 mystery achievements, you'll get an extra entry into their random drawing giveaway. So, make the jump, look over the achievements, make a guess and win us yourself some Aero!

JoystiqGuitar Hero: Aerosmith achievement preview originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 May 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsactivisionghivguitar-hero-ivThu, 15 May 2008 13:00:00 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[Game Informer snags first pic of Guitar Hero IV drums]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/game-informer-snags-first-pic-of-guitar-hero-iv-drums/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/game-informer-snags-first-pic-of-guitar-hero-iv-drums/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/game-informer-snags-first-pic-of-guitar-hero-iv-drums/#commentsFiled under:


Some of you may have already received the June 2008 issue of Game Informer in the mail, but, for those who haven't, we thought you might enjoy seeing the first image of the new Guitar Hero IV drum kit one subscriber scanned. As you can see, the main difference from the Rock Band kit is that the yellow and orange drums have been turned into two wedge-shaped pieces elevated above the others.

Cool as it looks, we still don't have the most important piece of information about the kit: If it will be compatible with Rock Band, or if RB's kit will work with Guitar Hero IV. We like fake instruments as much as the next nerd, but two fake drum kits may just be more than our dens, living rooms and dignity can withstand.

[Update: Just so there's no question, you have to click the picture to see the full image. There is totally a foot pedal. Update 7/2/08: Gamestop, owner of Game Informer, has demanded that we remove the small thumbnail showing a piece of the drumkit. Considering the official press shot came out over a month ago (seen above) we've gone ahead and removed the thumbnail. Of course, if you still wanted to read the whole magazine, it's still out there.]

JoystiqGame Informer snags first pic of Guitar Hero IV drums originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 May 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondrumsguitar-hero-ivrock-bandWed, 14 May 2008 10:15:00 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[Guitar Hero 4 will allow for track creation & more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/guitar-hero-4-will-allow-for-track-creation-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/guitar-hero-4-will-allow-for-track-creation-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/guitar-hero-4-will-allow-for-track-creation-and-more/#commentsFiled under:


According to the latest issue of Game Informer, the supposed innovation of Guitar Hero 4 is going to be the creation of custom tracks, among many other things. Coming to us courtesy NeoGAF is the news that the game will include three instruments (but no lyrics), drums, bass, and vocals guitar. Not only that, but GH4 is also going to include a form of file sharing allowing you to share up to 5 different songs (more if you're rated higher) to "GH Tunes" for anyone to download. Included in the download would also be the custom title, creator name, and custom album art. And allowing for even more personalization, the game will also have customizable rockers and instruments.

And that's not all either, Neversoft has also confirmed that Van Halen, The Eagles, Linkin Park and Sublime will be making appearances, and that the GH4 controller sports some sort of new input device. With so much change coming to the franchise, and so much emphasis on custom content, is it possible that Guitar Hero can survive in the world of Rock Band?

JoystiqGuitar Hero 4 will allow for track creation & more originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 May 2008 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guitar-heroguitar-hero-ivneversoftrock-bandMon, 12 May 2008 19:45:00 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[Rumor: Guitar Hero IV adding vocals, drums, regular DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/rumor-guitar-hero-iv-adding-vocals-drums-regular-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/rumor-guitar-hero-iv-adding-vocals-drums-regular-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/rumor-guitar-hero-iv-adding-vocals-drums-regular-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,


IGN reports that the May issue of Conde Nast Portfolio magazine sees Activision CEO Bobby Kotick revealing a future direction that would put his company's Guitar Hero franchise on equal footing to last year's newcomer, Rock Band. Upgrades include additional instruments (including vocals and, we hear separately, drums), as well as "local content" from "local bands."

This corresponds with information Joystiq has received from a source close to the company, who tells us that multiple instruments - including a microphone and drumkit - will be a part of the next Guitar Hero game, likely to be called Guitar Hero IV despite its focus on multiple instruments (other potential names: Band Hero and Rockstar Hero). Also, our source reports that Activision insiders are proud enough of their drum peripheral to say that it will be "superior" to Rock Band's (we know, shocking).

Perhaps just as importantly, Activision's weakness in downloadable content could be resolved as early as the release of Guitar Hero: Aerosmith this June, when content is expected to be released regularly, perhaps "even weekly." Also contributing to the company's positive outlook on DLC is the pending merger with Vivendi, potentially giving it unparalleled access to that company's Universal Music Group, the largest family of record labels in the music industry.

We've asked Activision to comment on this story. If anyone close to the story has any additional information to share, you know where to find us.

JoystiqRumor: Guitar Hero IV adding vocals, drums, regular DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionbreakingnewsGuitar-Hero-IVRed-OctaneRumorMon, 21 Apr 2008 17:46:00 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