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Slash looks back at working with Activision on Guitar Hero
Real-life guitar hero Slash was in Los Angeles last week promoting a new music game called BandFuse: Rock Legends. Speaking to Joystiq, he shared some insight on what it was like to work with Activision for the immensely popular Guitar Hero series. "A lot of kids tripped out," says the former Guns and Roses guitarist, "because they were under the impression that the character in Guitar Hero was just that character. So a lot of kids trip out that I was actually a real person."Once they found out that he was an actual person who was in an actual band, however, Slash says Guitar Hero was surprisingly effective at winning new fans. "It opened up the doors of a demographic that was way younger than me," he says. "I had no idea that would happen." He couldn't speak to the lawsuit that claims the game took advantage of his GnR connection, but he does say the game has inspired a much younger generation to check out classic rock.As for interest going the other way, Slash says he hasn't found the time for video games -- not even his own. "I couldn't play it," he says, "because I was actually in the game and it was too surreal."
Enter to win a copy of Fruit Ninja from TUAW and Halfbrick Studios
I wrote about Fruit Ninja last week, and since then it's been very popular on the App Store. Creators Halfbrick Studios tell us it's sold quite well so far. The game's simple, but well-polished and a lot of pick-up-and-play fun. It's only $1, so there's no reason not to go over and get it yourself. Just in case you haven't, though, Halfbrick has sent us a few promo codes for the game to give away to five lucky TUAW commenters. Want to win a copy of Fruit Ninja? Here are the rules: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 and older. To enter, leave a comment on this post telling us what kind of fruit you like slashing most. The comment must be left before midnight EST on Thursday, May 6th, 2010. You may enter only once. 5 winners will be selected in a random drawing. Prize: A promo code redeemable for a copy of Fruit Ninja (Value: US$0.99 ) Click Here for complete Official Rules. Good luck to everyone who enters!
Activision considering DLC subscription service for Guitar Hero
At Activision Blizzard's Analyst Day, CEO Mike Griffith spoke of plans to offer a subscription service option for the Guitar Hero games. "We're exploring new models, like an annual pass subscription where players can subscribe and get a certain number of songs downloadable each month." No prices or launch dates were discussed, but we are assuming those who regularly purchase DLC for the Guitar Hero games will be able to save a few bucks.In the realm of rumors, former lead guitarist of Guns N' Roses Slash said a Rolling Stone interview that Guitar Hero: Hendrix is coming. "Well, having the Aerosmith guys do it was very cool 'cause Aerosmith's one of the bands I was heavily influenced by. And Metallica's doing it, that's great. Those are two ones that I think gives it some credibility. And they're doing a Hendrix one, which is great." Activision won't comment on the rumor, but with the guitar virtuoso making an appearance in the upcoming Guitar Hero: World Tour, it wouldn't surprise us in the least if this came true.Source -- ShacknewsSource -- Rolling Stone via GameDaily
Rumor: Slash lets slip plans for for GH: Hendrix
As if Guitar Hero: Aerosmith and next year's Guitar Hero: Metallica wasn't enough frachise whoring exploration, Activision may have plans to release yet another GH spin-off ... Guitar Hero: Hendrix. In an interview with Rolling Stone, legendary guitarist Slash may have let slip that Activision is working on a Hendrix edition when commenting about his support for the Guitar Hero franchise. "Having the Aerosmith guys do it was very cool 'cause Aerosmith's one of the bands I was heavily influenced by. And Metallica's doing it, that's great. Those are two ones that I think gives it some credibility. And they're doing a Hendrix one, which is great." Sounds to us like we're in for a heaping helping of Guitar Hero in 2009. Please, pass the gravy.[Via GameDaily]
Rumor: Slash accidentally reveals Guitar Hero: Hendrix
Has frizzy-haired Guns N' Roses guitar legend Slash mistakenly leaked news of a Jimi Hendrix-themed Guitar Hero title? In an interview with Rolling Stone, the axe-shredder ended up discussing Activision's mega-franchise, and appeared to let news of a future release slip. "Well, having the Aerosmith guys do it was very cool 'cause Aerosmith's one of the bands I was heavily influenced by," he enthused. "And Metallica's doing it, that's great. Those are two ones that I think gives it some credibility. And they're doing a Hendrix one, which is great."While aging rock guitarists aren't our usual source for games industry gossip, this is totally believable; after all, it's likely Activision will produce a Guitar Hero: Hendrix sooner or later, given the company's love of money. But somebody at Activision needs to have a quiet word with Slash, because the man is plainly off the chain. First he changes his name to a violent-sounding verb, and now he's giving away Activision's trade secrets like they're candy. Could he be any more rock 'n' roll?[Via 1UP]
Exemplary conduct: WoW expansion adds over 80 new emotes
There have been some leaks from the "friends & family" alpha test for World of Warcraft's second expansion, Wrath of the Lich King. Our sister site WoW Insider has kept up with some of the finer details from the leak, but one recent bit of info got us thinking.The info: WotLK will add over 80 new emotes to WoW players' social repertoire. That's awesome, but it leads us to ask a question: why don't social emotes get more attention in the MMO genre? In general, things like that are sporadically tacked on as small bonuses, if they get added at all. Developers don't make them a big priority. We understand the reasons; gameplay always comes first, right?Well, maybe not always. MMOs are unique in gaming because of their social and community aspects. Emote animations play a part in social interactions. Maybe developers should think about more than just raid mechanics. Maybe they should consider devoting resources to expanding social interaction features. You don't have to be a Bartle Socializer to appreciate emotes, do you?[Via WoW Insider]
Ozzy-signed GHIII package up for auction
This is a pretty interesting auction, if we may say so. For one, we can understand if, say, Slash or Tom Morello, signed this Guitar Hero III package, but why would anyone get Ozzy to sign this? He's not in the game!Still, it's pretty impressive to have Ozzy sign your toy guitar. The auction ends on June 25th, so get while the getting is good.[Via Gamesniped]
Samsung Slash slider coming soon to Virgin Mobile
Look out, Virgin Mobile subscribers -- Samsung's sliding you one more handset option with its forthcoming Slash. Posted now on the carrier's own website, said mobile packs integrated Bluetooth, a color display, voice dialing, web access and a talk time of 3.5-hours. Additionally, it tips the scales at just 3-ounces and measures 3.8- x 1.8- x 0.7-inches. Unfortunately, we're still waiting on the real details (you know, resolution, price, release date, whether it works in subarctic temperatures, etc.), but feel free to keep a close eye on the read link as its inevitable launch date draws near.
Video: Gates, Bach and Slash know how to rock
If there was one highlight from last night's CES keynote we'd have to say Bill Gates and Robbie Bach's Guitar Hero III-off was pretty entertaining. Actually, neither actually played the game as they each had their own "ringer" to play for them, but that's half the fun. We'll agree that it's a bit scripted, a bit awkward at times and a tad of a stretch, but seeing Bill Gates bringing Slash on stage and watching the over-production of it all is simply priceless. Not to mention the fact that we have Les Paul faceplate envy and hope Microsoft hooks us up with the one they used on stage. Relax, watch and enjoy.
iTunes gets 'Guitar Hero Essentials'
While armchair rockers eagerly await this fall's showdown between Rock Band and Guitar Hero, Activision has released a series of song compilations now available from the iTunes Store featuring music from all four Guitar Hero games, including Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. The so -called "Guitar Hero Essentials" collection is made up of more than 1300 different tracks, including "nearly every song" from the rhythm game franchise, making us curious as to just what songs didn't make the cut. In addition, unlike the lion's share of the covers featured in earlier released Guitar Hero titles, these songs are the original artist master recordings from bands such as Pearl Jam, Aerosmith, Rage Against the Machine, and Metallica. Also included in the set are also guitar-themed playlists from Steve Jones and Slash, no doubt ideal for those who cannot get enough of living life vicariously through their favorite guitar virtuosos.However, before you jump off the deep end and begin offering money to the iTunes gods for downloading rights, Activision notes that while some songs from the Guitar Hero series represent newly re-recorded master recordings, these appear to not be included in this collection, making this less an "essential" compilation of Guitar Hero tracks, and more just an assembly of rocking tunes. Not that there is anything wrong with that.
Guitar Hero III demo coming tomorrow
If you were too afraid to burn a copy of the Guitar Hero III demo or were too uncoordinated to buy Tony Hawk Proving Ground, a third way of getting "your shred on" will emerge tomorrow with a five-song demo for the game hitting Xbox Live. If you're still cautious about the whole "Internet Craze" you can also get the demo with the December issue of OXM.For the forgetful among you, here are the songs you'll be rocking: "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" – Pat Benetar "Lay Down" – Priestess "Even Flow" – Pearl Jam "Rock You Like a Hurricane" – Scorpions "The Metal" by Tenacious D
Slash cleared to rock in Guitar Hero 3
Seen in a new trailer (and just confirmed via a press release Activision sent out), legendary guitarist of Guns N' Roses / Velvet Revolver and hat aficionado Slash will be featured in the upcoming Guitar Hero 3.According to the press release, the Guns N' Roses track "Welcome to the Jungle" will also be included in the game, as well as an unnamed track from Pearl Jam's Even Flow.Video embedded after the break.[Thanks, NX013]
TGS 06: Lost Regnum impresses
One game that we haven't heard a lot about is Goshow's Lost Regnum, but the game, which is a dungeon-crawling hack 'n slasher, found its way to the Tokyo Game Show.While currently it doesn't seem likely the game will make its way across the pond, IGN says the gameplay is straightforward enough that it should make for a great import.In Lost Regnum, you control one of four characters and can team up with a pal to play two-player co-op throughout the game. Graphically, the game seems to be pretty impressive with nice textures and detailed characters that move very well. And to make it even better, loading was nearly non-existent. However, all good things come at a price, right? It seems Goshow had to cut some corners by limiting the draw distance by the ever-dreaded fog.The biggest hurdle Goshow has, like any developer has in making a game of this ilk, is keeping the combat fresh and unrepetitive. If they can deliver, they may have a great game on their hands and one worthy of an import.(Via IGN)
Hands-on with God of War II
IGN got an early hands-on preview of God of War II, and they're lovin' what Sony's Santa Monica studio has come up with so far.Without revealing too much of the sequel's plot, our hairless hero now sports some new magical attacks and context-sensitive finishing moves. Needless to say, prominent Greek mythological figures will also be showing up to keep Kratos company, and there will certainly be a lot of flashy slashing-first-ask-questions-later kind of action to fill the hours.For more spoilers on "an early section of the sequel," simply follow the image link above or Read link below, where you can find a few more details on the new power-up system and annoying enemy combatants (otherwise known as smarter fodder for your sharper blades). A practical explanation goes into the reasons for keeping things on the PS2 rather than the PS3, and hopefully less frustrating puzzles are revealed as well. More will likely be revealed at Sony's big E3 press conference today.See also: New God of War 2 director speaks God of War's Jaffe inspired by Britney vs. Christina God of War 2 GDC video leaked online
