Guitar Hero II -- Engadget

guitar hero II posts

Guitar Hero controller mod integrates a 7-inch touchscreen LCD

by Nilay Patel, posted Dec 3rd 2007 at 11:26AM

As go the real guitars, so go Guitar Hero controllers, and hot on the heels of that axe with integrated visualizer we just saw, Cyberpyrot over at the AcidMods forums has managed to stuff a seven-inch LCD with touchpanel overlay into a GHIII controller. The LCD shows a mirror of the game itself, but its location means that the strummer had to be replaced with a magnetic switch controlled by a metal "pick." The touch overlay allows players to activate the whammy simply by sweeping across the screen, and Cyberpyrot says the next step is to add optics so the guitar can play itself. That ought to add some fuel to the real-guitar-vs-Guitar-Hero debate, we think. Check a vid of the guitar in action after the jump.

Continue reading Guitar Hero controller mod integrates a 7-inch touchscreen LCD

Guitar Zeros rock out with Guitar Hero axes

by Darren Murph, posted May 18th 2007 at 6:11AM

Making music with today's newfangled controllers is nothing new, but the Guitar Zeros are taking things a step further by actually forming a band that uses non-modified Guitar Hero controllers and a good bit of programming to please crowds. The San Francisco-based four-piece utilizes a standard drum kit and set of pipes, but opts for a much more digital approach to the guitar and bass. Both guitarists use Guitar Hero axes that are hooked up wirelessly to a Windows XP laptop, and thanks to some serious coding efforts within MAX/MSP, the controllers are able to emulate acoustic sounds, electric wailing, and mind-blowing lead lines without being plugged into a game console. Of course, the end result is purely a matter of taste, but the science behind the strumming is what's really impressive. So if you're interested in seeing a music video, just click right on through, and be sure to hit up CNET for a more technical look of how the magic happens.

[Via CNET]

Xbox 360's Guitar Hero II axe: now shredding in OS X

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 24th 2007 at 11:07AM

Ah, the sequence of events is nearly complete. First, we get the Xbox 360 axe rockin' on the console itself, and then comes the inevitable hacks to get it rollin' on Windows, and without further adu, we present the ability to melt those plastic frets on OS X. Thanks to an impressive development from TattieBogle (v0.5), a USB driver which purportedly "allows the use of wired Xbox 360 controllers via USB" on your OS X-based machine is finally available. Apparently, it actually works fairly well to boot, so if you've been pouting over your Mac not being able to enjoy the same face melting Guitar Hero II niceties as the other guys, be sure to hit the read link and get your download on.

[Via Joystiq]

Red Octane looses Guitar Hero II patch for Xbox 360

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 14th 2007 at 9:09PM

We're not quite ready to consider this a coincidence, but the hard-working souls over at Red Octane have officially unleashed a patch for the malfunctioning Guitar Hero II axes just in time for the weekend. Recently, it was claimed that axes sporting 95065 and 95055 model numbers could lose responsiveness in the whammy bar, but thanks to Xbox Live, users can download the patch and get back to unadulterated rockin' right away. So what are you waiting for? Finish up those finger exercises, fire up your console, and let us know if in fact the downloadable solution mends the problem.

[Via Joystiq]

Red Octane declares two Guitar Hero II axes defective

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 8th 2007 at 3:13PM

If you've been cranking out some serious riffs on your Guitar Hero II controller, but have been noticing a few glitches with the ole whammy bar, chances are you've got yourself a malfunctioning unit. According to Red Octane, the bar on Xbox 360 axes could have a "calibration issue that may stem from a feature put in place to ensure accurate scoring." The duo of units in question sport 95065 and 95055 model numbers, but according to various user reports, even boxes with model numbers outside of the two aforementioned figures are on the fritz, too. Thankfully, it appears that Red Octane is working overtime to figure out (and solve) the quirks, but for those who'd rather return their current unit and try out another, that appears to be your prerogative. Be sure to hit the links below for a bit more info, and make sure you find other ways to exercise those phalanges whilst waiting for a return unit if you plan on staying in shape.

P.S. -If you're brave enough to want to try the repair yourself, there's already a guide. All hail the internets.

[Via Joystiq]

USB Guitar Hero II controller for 360 works in Windows

by Paul Miller, posted Apr 6th 2007 at 5:24PM

We're sure the hackers would've gotten this up and running sooner or later all the same, but it's nice to know they don't have to: the Xbox 360's new Guitar Hero X-plorer controller works with Windows like a charm. Windows XP and Vista recognize the USB guitar right off the bat, and even offer up a controller testing control panel. Setting up the the Frets on Fire Guitar Hero clone is a breeze, and you should be shredding in no time. Unfortunately, Mac support isn't quite there yet -- the X-plorer is recognized when it's plugged in, but not as an input device. Hopefully some friendly hackers will get some drivers up and running before too long, so our Mac-using rock god wannabes can get in on the Frets on Fire action as well, but until then they'll just have to content themselves with that boring old six string stashed in the closet.

[Via Joystiq]