Joystiq

Swag Saturday: Guitar Hero triple pack and bass pedal

Richard Mitchell — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST

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

Swag 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.

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Report: Only 35 songs from Guitar Hero World Tour work with GH5 [update]

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:30:00 EST

Update: It appears as though Activision itself has answered the question of what songs specifically are importable into Guitar Hero 5 from World Tour (35 songs) as well as Smash Hits (21 songs), via the Activision Customer Support Center. The full list of songs available from each game has been dropped after the break -- thanks to everyone for sending this in!

We can't lie to you, friends -- when Activision claimed songs from last year's Guitar Hero World Tour would be playable in this year's Guitar Hero 5, we were skeptical. It seems that skepticism proved right, as USA Today reveals that a hair over one third of GHWT's tracks can be downloaded into the new game. Specifically, just 35 of World Tour's 86 tracks are playable in GH5, with an unspecified amount of Guitar Hero Smash Hits tracks available "later this Fall." The licensing fee for those 35 tracks is 280/$3.50 for Xbox 360 and PS3, though it remains unclear whether or not that fee would include Smash Hits' tracks when those are released.

We've asked Activision for clarification of which tracks specifically are available in GH5 and when Smash Hits will be ready for download, but unfortunately were told that we'd get a release tomorrow with "tons of details." So this is where we crowdsource things -- Guitar Hero 5 owners in the Joystiq Biomass[TM], please let us know which 35 of Guitar Hero World Tour's 86 tracks are playable! Our inbox is always open!

Continue reading Report: Only 35 songs from Guitar Hero World Tour work with GH5 [update]

Report: Only 35 songs from Guitar Hero World Tour work with GH5 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joyswag: Guitar Hero: Smash Hits [update]

David Hinkle — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:15:00 EST

Update: Contest has come to a close, folks! Keep an eye on your inbox to see if you won!

Guitar Hero: Smash Hits supposedly has all of the best Guitar Hero tracks, all rolled into one game. While we could give it our all, go through each tune and determine their value, we figured it'd be much easier (and better for you guys!) if we left that task up to one of our readers. So, with that, we present Joyswag! Hit up the rules below for how to enter and we wish you the best of luck!

Leave a comment telling us which Guitar Hero game is your favorite
You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
Limit 1 entry per person
This entry period ends at 12:00PM ET on Wednesday, August 19

At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive Guitar Hero: Smash Hits on Wii ($50 ARV)
For a list of complete rules, click here

Joyswag: Guitar Hero: Smash Hits [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Guitar Hero 5 allows song imports from previous games, features playable Johnny Cash

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST

We've been blown away by the effort Activision and Neversoft have put into making Guitar Hero 5 actually worth playing -- but their most recent move may be their wisest yet. A recent IGN preview of the title revealed the game will allow players to import "some" of the tracks from World Tour and Smash Hits into GH5 (and Band Hero) for a small fee. In addition, 125 of World Tour's 128 DLC tracks will automatically work in the two upcoming rhythm titles. Of all the features to borrow from Rock Band 2, the removal of bothersome disc-swapping is one of the best.

For those who aren't particularly thrilled by this piece of news, try this one on for size: Johnny Cash will be a playable character in Guitar Hero 5. There's a video of the black-suited man performing "Ring of Fire" after the jump. We suggest checking it out -- but only if you like things that are completely badass.

Continue reading Guitar Hero 5 allows song imports from previous games, features playable Johnny Cash

Guitar Hero 5 allows song imports from previous games, features playable Johnny Cash originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Swag Saturday: Smash hitting you with free stuff (360/Wii) [update]

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST

Update: This giveaway is now closed. Winners are being selected and will be notified via email. So, check those inboxes!

Another week goes by and another pile of free stuff goes to those dearest to our hearts -- that's you, wonderful readers. Activision brings you Swag Saturday this week, replete with two different versions of the latest from the Guitar Hero franchise, Guitar Hero: Smash Hits.

And don't forget, game publishers of the world -- though we have a stockpile of swag to give away in the coming weeks, we're just an email away! Now, would you kindly follow the directions below for entry?

Leave a comment telling us what the best song of these three track lists from Guitar Hero: Smash Hits. (Unfortunately, the whole list isn't all in one place. Sorry!)

You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada, excluding Quebec. (In your face, Quebec residents! ... we're just kidding. We actually love you.)

Limit 1 entry per person.

This entry period ends at 7:00pm ET on Sunday, July 25. We'll randomly select two winners at that time to receive: one copy of Guitar Hero: Smash Hits for Xbox 360 or Nintendo Wii (ARV $50.00/Xbox 360, ARV $40.00/Wii).

For a list of complete rules, click here

Gallery: Guitar Hero: Smash Hits (360/PS3)

Swag Saturday: Smash hitting you with free stuff (360/Wii) [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pick up Metallica/Smash Hits Guitar Hero bundle for cheap

Justin McElroy — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:57:00 EST

Yet another crazy music game fire sale from RedOctane today: For $49.99 on PS2, $59.99 on Wii or $69.99 on PS3 or 360, you can pick up a two-pack of Guitar Hero: Metallica and Guitar Hero: Smash Hits.

As an added bonus, you'll also get a free Guitar Hero World Tour shirt. Now, you should by no means wear this in public, but if you need to work on your car or play the Super Sloppy Double Dare home game, it's a nice perk.

Pick up Metallica/Smash Hits Guitar Hero bundle for cheap originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trophies: Guitar Hero Smash Hits

Andrew Yoon — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:20:00 EST

	1 Platinum 2 Gold 10 Silver 38 Bronze	Difficulty: Very Difficult Online Trophies? Yes Time to Completion: 25 hours DLC Trophies? No
	View Trophy List	Read More About the Game

Continue reading Trophies: Guitar Hero Smash Hits

Trophies: Guitar Hero Smash Hits originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Today only: get Guitar Hero Smash Hits with drum, microphone for $99

JC Fletcher — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:15:00 EST

If you already have a Guitar Hero guitar sitting around (at this point, it's statistically likely), RedOctane is offering an opportunity to finish your band kit and get a new(ish) game for a great price. The company's website is selling a pack containing a copy of Guitar Hero: Smash Hits, along with a drum set and a microphone for $99.99, with free shipping. That's the exact same price the company is charging for just a drum set!

This package is, inexplicably, only available for Xbox 360 and Wii, and is only available today, so you don't have too much time to think about how weird it is to sell a Guitar Hero bundle with everything but the title instrument.

Today only: get Guitar Hero Smash Hits with drum, microphone for $99 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Now Playing: June 14-20, 2009

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST

Who you gonna call this week?

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: June 14-20, 2009

Now Playing: June 14-20, 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Target offers gift cards with MotionPlus games, Guitar Hero Smash Hits

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:45:00 EST

The Target flyer for the week of June 14 shows the retail chain will offer gift cards for two very particular game purchases. First off, customers who buy both Tiger Woods PGA 2010 (with Wii MotionPlus) and Grand Slam Tennis will receive a $20 Target gift card.

Meanwhile, those who purchase Guitar Hero Smash Hits (which isn't out until Tuesday) will receive a $5 gift card, no matter what platform they buy it for. However, we should also mention there are Smash Hits pre-order specials from several other retailers, so you should check to see if those are still available.

Target offers gift cards with MotionPlus games, Guitar Hero Smash Hits originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Guitar Hero Smash Hits demo rocks Xbox Live

David Hinkle — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:45:00 EST

Those of you looking to check out Guitar Hero Smash Hits, know that a demo for the title is available now on Xbox Live Marketplace. If your internets are particularly tired today, or your hard drive can't bear the massive 498 MB in space needed for the demo, you could always just play one of the other previously released Guitar Hero games. Just saying ...

[Thanks, Mike W!]

Guitar Hero Smash Hits demo rocks Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pick your poison with Guitar Hero: Smash Hits pre-order bonuses

David Hinkle — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:40:00 EST

Several big retailers are offering their own individual incentives to pre-order any console version of Activision's Guitar Hero: Smash Hits, which comes as no surprise to everyone on this big, blue spinning rock. The Guitar Hero franchise is big business, and when you cull the cream of the crop from each game and put that into a new game, well, then you have a recipe for success.

We've listed the pre-order incentives for GameStop, Best Buy, Amazon, and GameCrazy past the break, so click through to check them out.

Gallery: Guitar Hero: Smash Hits (360/PS3)

Continue reading Pick your poison with Guitar Hero: Smash Hits pre-order bonuses

Pick your poison with Guitar Hero: Smash Hits pre-order bonuses originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 May 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All of the smash hits in Guitar Hero: Smash Hits

JC Fletcher — Wed, 06 May 2009 12:45:00 EST

After a weird fan voting initiative through which fans chose the order in which Guitar Hero: Smash Hits tracks would be revealed, Activision has finally just given IGN the whole set list. Specifically, for those of you who have already been following along with the reveals, that means that the tracks from Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the '80s and Guitar Hero: Aerosmith have been added to the list. Hey, for the '80s tracks, it's a Guitar Hero Encore Encore!

The selection from the Aerosmith game suggests that it may not be Activision's favorite among the back catalog of Guitar Hero games. In fact, Aerosmith's going to be cryin' when they see that only one song from the band made the cut. Check the full track listing at IGN to see which song it is! (It's not "Cryin'.")

Gallery: Guitar Hero: Smash Hits (360/PS3)

All of the smash hits in Guitar Hero: Smash Hits originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 May 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Guitar Hero: Smash Hits (now with more Guitar Hero II)

David Hinkle — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:45:00 EST

Activision has been holding open voting to determine in what order Guitar Hero: Smash Hits' tracks will be revealed. First came tracks from the first Guitar Hero, now followed by the second winner: Guitar Hero II. We imagine the slow process of revealing the Smash Hits tracks is kind of like when Voltron forms, except there are no animals involved and it takes way longer. After giving the list a once-over ourselves, we're confident fans will be satisfied with what's here.

As per our thing, we've tucked the list past the break so all 3 of you that have never played Guitar Hero II can see what the fuss is about.

Gallery: Guitar Hero: Smash Hits (360/PS3)

Continue reading Guitar Hero: Smash Hits (now with more Guitar Hero II)

Guitar Hero: Smash Hits (now with more Guitar Hero II) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First round of Guitar Hero: Smash Hits tracks revealed

David Hinkle — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

And the Guitar Hero games keep on coming! The latest, Guitar Hero: Smash Hits, culls the cream that has risen to the top of each Guitar Hero game and injects them into one über Guitar Hero. Instead of throwing all of the tracks out there for one and all to see, Activision held open voting to see which of the previous games' included tracks would be revealed first (gee, thanks!). The winner was the original Guitar Hero.

Head past the break for the first list of tracks, along with some links to YouTube videos for your sampling pleasure.

Gallery: Guitar Hero: Smash Hits (360/PS3)

Continue reading First round of Guitar Hero: Smash Hits tracks revealed

First round of Guitar Hero: Smash Hits tracks revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Guitar Hero: Smash Hits trailer has that old familiar feeling

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:03:00 EST

The debut trailer for Activision's "greatest hits" collection of classic Guitar Hero tracks, aptly titled Guitar Hero: Smash Hits, is fairly straightforward in purpose. Yes, it explains you'll be playing through 48 formerly guitar-only songs with a full band. Yes, it reveals a number of the tracks appearing on the setlist -- namely, "I Love Rock N' Roll," "Carry On Wayward Son," "I Wanna Rock," "Message in a Bottle," "Bark at the Moon," "Through the Fire and Flames," and "Freebird."

However, does it reveal the inclusion of Spinal Tap's masterpiece, "Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight?" No, it does not -- and so we shall wait, arms folded, face frozen in a skeptical sneer until next Thursday, when the next batch of Hits will be revealed.

Guitar Hero: Smash Hits trailer has that old familiar feeling originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Guitar Hero: Greatest Hits' smashing new title

JC Fletcher — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:05:00 EST

Activision must have been under tremendous pressure to develop an empirical method of determining the greatest songs in the Guitar Hero series for Guitar Hero: Greatest Hits. It would be difficult to pick the determining factors: fan votes? Number of notes? Length? Sales as DLC? Sales of the original record? Some kind of measure of volunteers' brain activity while playing? It's a big question. And what if songs came out after the release of the collection that were even greater than the Greatest Hits? Then the title would be a lie!

Activision's solution: change the title to Guitar Hero: Smash Hits. That's safe from potential inaccuracy, because it doesn't really mean anything!

That "The best of Guitar Hero music" line at the bottom kind of ruins our theory about the name change. Ignore that part.

Gallery: Guitar Hero: Smash Hits (360/PS3)

[Via GoNintendo]

Guitar Hero: Greatest Hits' smashing new title originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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