TheAntCommandos
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PS2 to PS3 converter bridges the Rock Band / Guitar Hero divide
It doesn't look like Activision and Harmonix are ever going to make nice and implement broad hardware compatibility for Rock Band and Guitar Hero controllers, but if you've got a sizable investment in PS2 gear, The Ant Commandos' new converter might let you ignore all the nastiness and keep rockin' anyway. TAC's Universal PS2-to-PS3 Converter is compatible with PS3 Rock Band and PS2 / PS3 GHIII, and it works with basically every PS2 axe you can think of, wired and wireless. Not bad for just $20, but c'mon, guys, let's just make this stuff work for real, alright?
New 10 fret button Guitar Hero controller announced
The Ant Commandos announced a new 10 fret button, flying V Guitar Hero controller for the PS2 over the weekend. The new axe features five additional buttons at the bottom of the neck for rockin' solos in addition to the normal five fret buttons (maybe the extra buttons are meant to distinguish this bad boy from the official controllers, keeping them out of legal hot water ... hmmm). The wired version costs $50 and a wireless version goes for $60 (same as the official wireless guitars); both will be available for purchase at the company's website November 1st. We're guessing this guy is the only rocker good enough to benefit from the added buttons, though. Orange hammer-ons are scary.
RedOctane rocks the courthouse
In a spectacular display of canine cannibalism, RedOctane and its new parent company, Activision, last month set their army of attack lawyers on a company called "The Ant Commandos". Much like the RedOctane that existed before the Guitar Hero franchise became mildly popular, the latter company produces unlicensed, musically inclined controllers. These include bongo drums, guitars (wireless versions, natch), dance pads and a weird "Soccer Arena" mat which isn't really musical but will likely tie your legs into a knot just the same.According to the Gamespot report, RedOctane and Activision feel that TAC's guitar controllers are guilty of "unfair competition, trademark infringement, copyright infringement, unfair and deceptive trade practices, false advertising, unjust enrichment and more." One can only assume that the "more" part involves some sort of violence against defenseless puppies. Along with the similar packaging and advertising, even the quality of TAC's product is called into question. The lawyers argue that TAC's claim of 100% compatibility with Guitar Hero is false, as the tilt function necessary to activate Star Power is apparently not very consistent in their line of guitars. Getting sued for printing a lie is one thing, but to be dragged in front of a judge indirectly because your product might be a bit rubbish? Now that's music to our ears.
