guitarhero
Latest
Win Guitar Hero II, 'graphed by Dave Navarro
So, maybe the hardcore Guitar Hero thrashers that queued up at the LA Best Buy Monday night didn't care if it was Dave Navarro or Trogdor pimping the sequel to the hit rockstar simulator (groupies and crippling drug addiction not included). But that didn't stop us from getting him to autograph a guitar (and box), along with some Guitar Hero II posters.Of course, we're going to give everything away to a handful of lucky readers. The rules are simple Record a video of yourself playing Guitar Hero 1 (pizza suit optional) Upload that video to Netscape with the tag "GH2contest" Double check to make sure you tagged it right ... otherwise, no prize for you! Vote on your favorite entries, conveniently compiled at Netscape.com/tag/gh2contest We'll give the autographed guitar and game to the entry with the most votes, while the two runners-up will each get a t-shirt and autographed poster So, those are the entry rules ... but what about the fine print? Pretty simple: the contest will be open for three weeks, so you've got some time to get something together; you need to be a US resident (or at least know someone in the US who can receive your prize for you); and you need to own the video content you upload, you can't just submit something you found on the net.
Guitar Hero 2 experts are already better than you
You might think that today's release of Guitar Hero 2 marks the official start of the race to master the game's new songs. But that would be naive. The real battle for Guitar Hero perfection started when the demo was released to the general public in Official Playstation Magazine issue 110. In honor of the official release of the game, we've scrounged up some highly-variable-quality videos showing off some people who are already on their way to true Guitar Heroism.
Report: Microsoft not down with third-party 360 wireless peripherals
In case you haven't been following the virtual rock and roll scene lately, videogame publisher Red Octane recently revealed that there would be no wireless ax for the Xbox 360 version of Guitar Hero II -- even though owners of a "last-gen" console, PlayStation 2, will be able to jam out sans tether. Now since the 360 already ships with wireless technology on board, it would seem relatively simple to implement a cable-free controller for this particular deployment. Not so fast, says Red Octane. According to the studio, Microsoft isn't actually allowing third-party manufacturers to make anything using its proprietary wireless standard -- so while the capability is there, the all-important green light from Redmond is not. It's not clear at this point why a year-old system is being stifled by this seemingly arbitrary restriction, but with the PlayStation 3 offering developers Bluetooth out of the box, it seems that Microsoft either needs to change its tune or risk losing the small-but-vocal "rocker wannabe" demographic to the enemy.[Via Joystiq]
Serious Games Summit: ExerGaming + EduGaming = ExerLearning
It's a no-brainer that games like Dance Dance Revolution can do wonders in combating our country's growing youth obesity epidemic. But can rhythm-action games also help children improve cognitive skills like reading comprehension and concentration?Former Florida teacher Judy Shasek would likely answer that question with an emphatic yes. With the help of a $125,000 sponsorship from RedOctane, Shasek has integrated games like Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero and accessories like the X-Board into the curricula at three test schools around the country for the past three years. The results, Shasek said in a presentation at the Serious Games Summit, mirror the results of numerous academic studies that show 10 minutes of aerobic activity before a test can be more helpful than 20 minutes of tutoring, and that replacing four hours per week of class time with physical education helps standardized test scores go up.What's more, playing rhythm games leads to improved algebra skills, Shasek says, and reading fast-moving notes in games like DDR helps train children's eyes for reading text. No ones really sure why these games have the cognitive effects that they do, but the working theories involve increased oxygenation to the brain and hidden, unlocked power in the cerebellum, the brain's motion and balance center. Whatever the science, Shasek says introducing the games also has fringe benefits like decreased absenteeism and improved attentiveness among students.Shasek is hoping to expand her program to teachers and schools across the country through her web site, Generation Fit, which includes some great videos of students getting their dance on. She's also trying to expand the benefits to the adult workplace with Revive! Nation, a program focused on adding rhythm games to break/lunch rooms. With physical activity on the decline among kids and adults, we can only say more power to her.
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.
Incoming: official wireless Guitar Hero controllers
A technical marvel and a symbolic gesture of freedom shoved into the grimacing face of the everpresent Man, the wireless controller is practically indispensable in this day and age. As a company that's adequately adjusted to modern times, RedOctane has announced that official and, more importantly, wireless Guitar Hero controllers will be hitting store shelves next month. Eurogamer confirms that the gheetarz will be priced at $59.99 and be fully compatible with both heroic strum sims on the PS2. You can also expect RedOctane to not be sued for making these.Whether this announcement affects the currently tethered (or more "realistic," as the back of the box will point out) Xbox 360 version of the controller remains to be seen, though one can hope that RedOctane's designers are gnawing through prototype cables at this very moment. Incidentally, that suggestion leads to the visual image of their employees being gigantic rats wearing lab coats and wielding plastic guitars in an altogether frightening manner. We're not sure how we feel about that yet.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in.]See also: Wal-Mart selling Guitar Hero II early? Guitar Hero makes cameo in Veronica Mars The Ant Commandos counter RedOctane and Activision lawsuit
Dethklok, Trogdor on Guitar Hero II, that's metal
Metal fans rejoice, Dethklok, stars of [adult swim]'s Metalocalypse, will be featured in Guitar Hero II -- bringing them one step closer to world domination. Let us be the first to say, that's effing metal. The song to be featured in the game is called "Thunderhorse," and will be an unlockable bonus track.In other news, Guitar Hero II will also feature the Trogdor theme from Homestar Runner as a bonus track. If you're unfamiliar with Homestar Runner, you can check out the cartoon that inspired the song here. We've embedded videos of "Thunderhorse" and the Trogdor theme after the break. As if all that weren't enough, we also have the entire track list, bonus tracks and all, to share with you.
Full Guitar Hero II setlist with 24 bonus tracks
No sooner did we let y'all know that DethKlok, the fictional band in Adult Swim's Metalocalypse, would be making an appearance as an unlockable bonus track in Guitar Hero II, than we found out the entire bonus song list ... 24 tracks in total! It appears certain Wal-Marts, depending on how many copies of Guitar Hero they sold, have demo kiosks with the sequel set up and ready to rock! Twenty-four low-res pictures later, we know the entire list of unlockable songs. Combine those with the forty tracks already confirmed, and you've got yourself quite the rock feast.A notable addition: Popular Flash cartoon -- and Nintendo Tag Team Wrestling alum -- Strong Bad's metal/dragon opus Trogdor (The Burninator). Check out the video -- and the entire 64-track setlist -- after the break, then play the Trogdor game, to hone up on your burninating.[Thanks, notafan]
Metalocalypse band in Guitar Hero II
DethKlok, the fictional band in Adult Swim's Metalocalypse, have a song in the upcoming Guitar Hero II. The song, "Thunderhorse," will be an unlockable track "along with some other secret music from other bands," according to the official DethKlok MySpace page. That's right, the heaviest band in the world, with the fastest and second fastest guitarists to ever live, have allowed their rock to bleed into gaming consoles.What could the other hidden tracks be: Minus the Bear? (Doubtful.) Tenacious D? (If there's a Dio destined for Rock Heaven.) What do you want to see?Guitar Hero II will rock your socks off starting November 7.[Thanks, Brian]
Forget Volkswagen, plug Guitar Hero into your car
Forget that Volkswagen commercial with Slash plugging in his freebie guitar to the car's stereo system to rock out, GNR style ... why not plug in your trusty Guitar Hero controller and live the dream yourself?Like Alex, who tipped us off to his bitchin' 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Sure, it's got all sorts of stuff under the hood that distinguishes it from the Joystiq station wagon (license plate: STIQ-1), but we're far more interested in what's in the trunk. Decked out with an LCD TV, a PS2, Guitar Hero, and two custom painted Guitar Hero axes -- all rigged up to what appears to be a deafening sound system (Joystiq recommends wearing ear plugs while playing Alex's car) -- Alex has created a serious nerd magnet. Car shows are one thing Alex, but you should pull this thing up to a game convention if you want to see real tech lust.[Thanks, Alex]
Guitar Hero makes cameo in Veronica Mars
How do you measure a game's success? Sales? Review scores? Combined worldwide playtime? All fine metrics, but to be truly successful, you need cultural impact. And what better indicator of cultural impact is their than a mention on prime time network TV (if you consider the CW a real network...).This is all an effort to add some sort of meaningful context to the below clip from last night's Veronica Mars, which includes a brief cameo by everyone's favorite guitar simulator. It may not compare to selling your company for millions of dollars, but it still must be cool to hear fictional college kids say your game rocks.
Guitar Hero II tracks Warrant attention
Check out the list of riff-ready songs Red Octane is including in Guitar Hero II. Of course, we all expect a bunch of extra tracks via XBLM. Speaking of guitar heroes, isn't it satisfying (in a VH1 sort of way) to finally meld your love of all things Xbox with your older sister's crush on erstwhile glam metal heart throb Jani Lane. Have you seen this guy lately? Way too much cherry pie.
Guitar Hero faceplate rocks
Self-described "hockey nut, computer geek, gadget whore and video game junkie" Kevin Murphy add this home-made Guitar Hero faceplate to his fanboy resume. Rock on Murph.
Guitar Hero II setlist finds hell with Danzig, et al
MTV Overdrive's video gaming show, The G-Hole, spent some time with Guitar Hero II at Harmonix's studios in Boston and accidentally let their nosy camera spy some of the title's top secret tracks. This isn't the first time MTV let something slip. Last month, MTV's GameTrailers property accidentally revealed Megadeath's "Hangar 18" and Aerosmith's "Last Child" before their video got pulled. Good thing MTV owns Harmonix now too, eh? The G-Hole episode is still online, but all of the unknown tracks have been blurred out ...... but not before one diligent forum-goer copied down the entire list. Included in the newly revealed tracks are Danzig's "Mother," Kansas' "Carry on My Wayward Son," The Stray Cats' "Rock this Town," and more. In total, 38 of the reported 40 licensed songs have been discovered, with 15 more bonus tracks to come.Check out the list, clipped after the break and -- before you have a temper tantrum 'cause your favorite face melter isn't on there -- tell us what's still missing? We'll take this opportunity to formally request some Tenacious D. Make it happen, Harmonix. [Thanks, Supa]More Guitar Hero:MTV snaps up Guitar Hero developerJoystiq interviews Rob Kay of HarmonixActivision paid nearly $100 million for RedOctaneSpotlight on Harmonix Music
Xbox 360 guitars tethered down by the man
The man, of course, being represented here by a wire. According to a posting on Major Nelson's blog, the Xbox 360 guitar controller (in its current state) is not wireless as many free souls had hoped. Given these wired confines, perhaps the guitar's name, X-plorer, wasn't the greatest of choices. Still, we got along just fine with the PS2 version, so this tidbit of news hardly represents the end of the world as we know it.If you're unwilling to let go of the wireless dream, perhaps you can read something into Major's final statement. "Not sure what the plans are for wireless and the people from Guitar Hero were not talking."
Guitar Hero and Pump It Up contests want you to shake your moneymaker
Two contests currently underway encourage gamers to strut, vogue, power chord, and basically rock their way to winnings. 1up is hosting The Ultimate Guitar Hero contest, with tons of great swag as prizes. You have until October 30th to record your entry, and submit it to GameVideos.com. Bad wigs and skinny ties optional. Entries will be judged on rockmanship, style, and sex appeal. We hope entrants don't take that third category too far.Not to be outdone, Dance Dance Revolution clone Pump It Up: Exceed is hosting the first ever United States Pump It Up Festival, we kid you not. Fans of the arcade game, which also has PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions, can compete this Saturday in Charlotte, NC to try and win an all-expense paid trip to Korea. Not surprising, since the game features all the Korean pop music you might ever need in a lifetime. Winners also compete for a top worldwide prize of $146,000, which is a serious gamer payday.Read -- Guitar Hero contestRead -- Pump It Up contest
The Ant Commandos counter RedOctane and Activision lawsuit
The lawsuits are beginning to fly in the battle between The Ant Commandos (TAC), who design and manufacture gaming peripherals and RedOctane, publisher of Guitar Hero and subsidiary of Activision.Activision threw out the first volley when they sued TAC for "unfair competition, trademark infringement, copyright infringement, unfair and deceptive trade practices, false advertising, unjust enrichment and more." Now TAC has filed a counter suit claiming that Activision and RedOctane "copied the identifiable trade dress of the [guitar] controller from its developer and part owner of TAC, Topway Electrical Appliance, Co."The photo you see at top is the "Magical Guitar," which according to TAC was designed in 1999 for Konami's GuitarFreak. TAC claims between 2001 and 2004 that representatives from RedOctane, including the CEO and top sales manager at the time, visited the Topway factory where the "Magical Guitar" was being produced asking questions regarding its design. TAC also claims that between 2002 and 2004, RedOctane "purchased several hundred of the Magical Guitars from Topway prior to producing the [SG] controllers themselves." In 2005 RedOctane produced the Guitar Hero SG controller -- if the picture submitted as evidence in the lawsuit holds up in court, the only obvious identifiable design difference between the SG controller and the "Magical Guitar" is the missing whammy bar. However, TAC and Topway do not have a U.S. patent on the "Magical Guitar" controller.In addition to the suit, TAC has filed for an injunction asking Activision and RedOctane from infringing on the "trade dress" developed by Topway and separating the Guitar Hero bundle to allow for fair competition. Currently, the SG controller is bundled with Guitar Hero. RedOctane did not return requests for comment. Full press release after the break.See also: RedOctane rocks the courthouse
MTV snaps up Guitar Hero developer [update 1]
How much is a franchise like Guitar Hero worth? Roughly $275 million. That's what you get when you add the nearly $100 million that Activision paid for publisher RedOctane and the $175 million in cash that MTV is set to pay for developer Harmonix.True, RedOctane also has a modest game rental business and Harmonix is also the developer behind the successful Karaoke Revolution series, but there's no question that Guitar Hero was the game that sent these two companies fortunes into the stratosphere.The MTV deal, as reported by the New York Times, will utilize Harmonix's experience with music-based games to design play-and-remix-and-sing-along experiences for MTV's web, mobile and VMTV virtual world services. That's all well and good, but we'd like to see what this partnership can do with the console-based MTV Music Generator series, which has lagged a bit since CodeMasters took the publishing rights over from... Activision. Hmm...[Update 1: Harmonix has issued a press release with more details about the buyout][Thanks Ben]
For those about to rock: Guitar Hero 360
Put down that air guitar and prepare to pick up a peripheral that would make Eddie Van Halen proud. Activision CEO Robert Kotick has confirmed that the cult smash Guitar Hero (pictured above in quaint PS2 form) will appear on "every significant new format," following rocking retail rumors that the game will wah wah it's way onto our beloved Xbox 360 in early 2007. For those about to shop: We salute you!
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.
