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Gene Simmons rocks Times Square with Guitar Hero II
var digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/gaming_news/Gene_Simmons_rocks_Times_Square_with_Guitar_Hero_II'; The legendary Gene Simmons (of KISS fame) rocked hard in Times Square promoting the newly released Guitar Hero II for Xbox 360. The nation's (supposed) top Guitar Hero masters were invited to perform in NYC's Virgin Megastore, and the top hero would be gifted with an autographed guitar and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play with Simmons. Of course, as any legitimate rock star would do, he played with the ladies too.The large audience may have proven too nerve-wracking, as many of the performances were stiff, littered with missed notes, and lacking personality. Of course, everything changed when Simmons walked in the room, tongue intact. His charismatic interaction with the audience proved that it takes a lot more than fast fingers to become a real rock star. Remember that, next time you "strap on." %Gallery-2520%
First wave of Guitar Hero II songs rock Marketplace
3 sets of 3 songs from the original Guitar Hero have landed on Xbox Live Marketplace for GHII. Track Pack 1 has Ozzy's "Bark at the Moon", "Ace of Spades" by Motörhead, and The Exies' "Hey You". Pack numero dos is rockin' "Killer Queen" by Queen, The Donnas' "Take it Off", and "Frankenstein" by The Edward Winter Group. Finally, the third Pack gives you "Higher Ground" by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Incubus' "Stellar", and "Infected" by Bad Religion. Note that all of these songs are covers and not master tracks, like they were before. Each pack weighs in a 500 MS points. That means, at this price point, to get all 47 of the original Guitar Hero tracks, it would cost you roughly 7,850 MS Points or $98.09 USD. So, will you be picking up any of these packs, if so, which one?
Playing Halo PC with a ... guitar?
Trying to use the Guitar Hero II guitar controller for other applications may be a tad difficult, especially if you try to play a first person shooter with it. But AMarine decided to do just that and setup his guitar to control Master Chief on Halo PC. After mapping the buttons and demoing it in game we're going to say it seems ... awkward. But that's expected. We totally give AMarine props for taking the jump and trying it out, but would love to see someone crazy enough to master the use of the guitar in Halo. That's the challenge guys, get twenty kills in a ranked Halo PC game using the Guitar Hero II guitar as a controller and send us the vid. Anyone up for the challenge? [Via 360style.net]
Guitar Hero III60 encore this fall
RedOctane's Support Center has an interesting tidbit of information regarding the next installment of Guitar Hero, and it's release schedule. The PS2, PS3, Wii, and Xbox 360 can expect to be rocking out to a new set of songs to unlock in Guitar Hero III this Fall (for North America). This also will be Neversoft's first shot at the game, so it will interesting to see what direction they take the series, and if the pedal jack will be used or not. Do you think that this is too soon for the next game? Or is it justified as the PS2 release was back in November?[Via QJ.net]
Red Octane declares two Guitar Hero II axes defective
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]
Red Octane says two Xbox guitar models 'defective'
After awaiting an official response all week on what Red Octane plans to do about defective guitars some customers received with their copies of Xbox 360's Guitar Hero II, we've received from several tipsters the responses they received from Red Octane. The response brings up nothing but more questions.Red Octane writes to those with complaints about the guitar, "We have isolated this issue to two model numbers that can be found on the guitar's packaging. The numbers are 95065 and 95055. We are asking that customers who puchased [sic] their items from a retailer perform an exchange with that respective store (for a model number other than the defective two listed above). Customer's [sic] who purchased through our online story [sic] can complete an rma request for their defective item and we will exchange it for a fully function [sic] guitar controller. We do apologize for the inconvenience and will resole [sic] these matters." Joystiq has been interviewing people all week trying to make sense of this entire issue as Red Octane is less than forthcoming with information. For example, here at Joystiq, we have a 95055 box, with a 95065 sticker placed over the UPC (originally 95055) and a 95065 guitar in the box - everything works fine so far (except star power activation is far less responsive than the PS2 guitar). Over at sister site Xbox 360 Fanboy, where they received a broken controller, they had a 95067 (that is not a typo) box with a 95065 guitar inside. At this point Red Octane acknowledges "defective" models as 95065 and 95055. If you have a defective model guitar, go ahead and return it with Red Octane's blessing. [Thank you to everyone we've interviewed and those who sent in tips]
GHII guitar works on Windows, Frets on Fire
As if Guitar Hero II wasn't enough on its own, it seems the X-plorer guitar does even more than expected. Our overlords and fellow slaves of rock at Joystiq have discovered that the X-plorer guitar controller that ships with the Xbox 360 version of Guitar Hero II works flawlessly with Windows. The device reportedly works in both Windows XP and Vista. The fret buttons correspond to buttons 1 through 5, back and start control 7 and 8, the D-pad and strummer control the Point of View Hat, the whammy bar controls X rotation, star power controls Y rotation and the Z-axis moves as you move the guitar.With some control configuration, the peeps at Joystiq even managed to get the guitar up and running with the freeware PC Guitar Hero clone, Frets on Fire. Getting the guitar to control a guitar game is interesting, but we're not satisfied. No, we won't be satisfied until we're pulling off headshots with our guitar. Even better, we'd like to see someone rig a music program to use the guitar as an actual instrument. Maybe someone could whip something up with Game Studio Express. Anyone care to take up the challenge?[Via Joystiq]
USB Guitar Hero II controller for 360 works in Windows
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]
GHII trailer rocks on Marketplace
If by some insane chance you've missed the metric ton of Guitar Hero II coverage this week, you may be interested to know that the official commercial is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. If you don't know what Guitar Hero II is all about, the commercial should give you an idea. Basically, rock and roll can (and does) save the world. You won't be destroying any meteors during the game, though you may feel like you have that kind of power once you finish playing. Go download and enjoy (unless you already have the game, in which case you'd probably prefer not to be bothered).You can check out the "as seen through a screen door" version here.
GH II: Shouldn't we get all the songs? [update 1]
Ever think about Guitar Hero II's advertised song list? On the box it clearly states the game features 70 songs, but if you don't already know, you only have access to 6 off the get go as others are only playable if you unlock them. Though, this may be obvious and even acceptable to some, over at Game Stooge they've openly expressed their distaste with this unlocking method. Ultimately they feel ripped off by paying $90 for the game and then having to unlock new songs just to get to play the content that was promised on the box. If you beat the game in easy, you only have access 36 of the 70 tracks and the rest could potentially be too difficult for some to unlock. Heck, Game Stooge would settle for having access to the tracks in just practice mode. Then at least a person could play them.What do you guys think? If you're plopping down $90 on a game do you think you it's your right to have access to all the content in the game or do you feel it's okay for the developers to make you work for it? We're not sure if it the comparisons Game Stooge uses are fair, but we agree ... we just want a way to rock out to all 70 songs.Update 1: It looks like GH II's game designer Chris Canfield responded to Game Stooge's post with insight into their decisions and, for those of you who want their songs now, an unlock all tracks cheat code. Also note that if you are going to be using the cheat code think about your guitar's button colors ... yeah, the "O" had us thrown off a bit.
GHII X-plorer problem explored, culprit found?
Possessing a Geraldo-like level of journalistic investigation skills, our cruel masters at Joystiq have uncovered more info on the faulty X-plorer guitars that shipped with the Xbox 360 version of Guitar Hero II. It seems that the majority of whammy bar problems are being reported by owners of the guitar with the pedal jack near the power chord, model 95055. The other model, with the pedal jack near the headset jack and shoulder strap, model 95065, doesn't seem to be generating as many complaints (though our own David Dreger is reporting issues with his). Red Octane hasn't made any official announcements regarding its investigation of the matter.For clarity's sake, your best bet is to look for a box with Part No. 95065. The part number is located above the ESRB rating on the back of the box. Find a detailed image of the part number location after the break.
Why GH II's guitar gets no wireless magic
We all wished it would happen, we all prayed to the powers that be it would happen, but in the end we were sadly let down. We're of course talking about the long rumored Guitar Hero II wireless guitar that everyone wished they'd see, but ultimately ended up being one wired disappointment. And our friends over at Ctrl+Alt+Del have finally gotten to the bottom of all the politics and discovered the real reason why we aren't rocking out to "Possum Kingdom" on our wireless X-plorer guitar. It was those darn Microsoft product developers who hoarded all the wireless magic. Yes sir, they're holding onto their precious wireless and aren't sharing. If you're reading this Microsoft, please let us have your proprietary wireless magic. We'll totally trade you one brand new ring ... straight up.[Thanks, Paul]
Red Octane on GHII X-plorer issues
After a request for comment from Joystiq, Red Octane has officially responded to the reported problems with the Xbox 360 Guitar Hero II X-plorer guitar. For those that missed the news, it seems that many people are experiencing problems using the whammy bar on the X-plorer guitar for the Xbox 360 version of GHII. Some claim that it is slow to respond to input, or that it doesn't respond at all. Users are also complaining of faulty tilt controls. There are two different controller models, distinguishable by the location of the pedal jack (either near the power cable, or near the headset jack and shoulder strap; both models pictured above). We've received reports of problems with both models.In response to the reported problems, a spokesman from Red Octane told Joystiq, "In regards to the controller, we're currently in the process of having our internal QA and production teams look into this possible issue, and are working to quickly isolate this if there is one. In the meantime, we suggest our fans try to replug in their guitars without holding down any buttons or the whammy bar, and that may help immediately resolve the issue." You heard the man, you'd best resist the urge to fiddle with your whammy bar when plugging in your guitar. As for the "recall," Guitar Hero's street date lockout caused Target computers to register the product as "Recall for Sale." For now, there is no official recall of Guitar Hero II and its X-plorer guitar. In the meantime, Red Octane is investigating any flaws in the X-plorer hardware.
GH II event in NYC featuring Gene Simmons
Major sent word that Microsoft will be hosting a Guitar Hero II event featuring KISS rocker Gene Simmons in New York City. The event will be held next Wednesday, April 11th at the NYC Virgin Megastore starting at 12:30PM and should wrap up around 2:30PM. Not only will Gene Simmons be rocking it out on stage, but five GH II champions will be competing and Major Nelson will be floating around doing his thing. NYC residents mark your calendars, because next Wednesday you'll be in the presence of five rock gods and Gene Simmons too. Don't you just love marketing events?[Via Major Nelson]
X-plorer problems, potential recall?
Apparently, all is not well in the land of rock. Reports are coming in to Joystiq that many Guitar Hero X-plorer guitars have unresponsive whammy bars. We've also received reports, along with Joystiq, that some Target stores are refusing to sell the game, saying that there has been a recall. We have been unable to confirm whether or not there has been a recall yet, though we should know sometime today.Here at Fanboy Towers, we have at least one broken X-plorer, owned by none other than our own David Dreger. It seems that there are two variants of the X-Plorer, one with the pedal jack near the power cord and one with the pedal jack on the bottom of the guitar (near the headset jack and shoulder strap). Joystiq reports that the problem exists in the variant with the pedal jack near the power cord, but David claims otherwise, as his pedal jack is on the bottom. If you've been upset because you cannot yet afford Guitar Hero II (like me), then you may want to hold off a bit longer to see where this all goes. We'll keep you posted on the situation as it develops.[Via Joystiq]Update: Added some language to clarify what is meant by the "bottom" of the guitar.
Rumor: Guitar issues with Xbox 360 Guitar Hero II
Today we received two separate tips from readers telling us that Target stores wouldn't sell them Guitar Hero II on the Xbox 360 because there was a "recall." We couldn't get in touch with Target corporate, but numerous local Target stores we contacted said they hadn't received anything from corporate about a recall. However, they did say that it may take a day and to check back tomorrow. Best Buy and Gamestop also have nothing in their system about a recall. Red Octane wouldn't return our phone call and an Xbox spokesperson at Edelman says they don't "directly handle third-party relationships" for Microsoft.Based on a Gamespot message board GameStooge is reporting that the guitar is having issues with an unresponsive whammy bar. Apparently there were two different guitars manufactured (pictured above) for the game and the problems allegedly exist in the guitar with the pedal jack next to the power cord. We're awaiting word from Red Octane on whether or not there is an issue with their Xbox 360 guitar controller and we'll follow up with Target tomorrow to see if the "recall" is official.
GHII X-plorer plays nice with Rock Band
For those about to rock that just plunked down $90 for Guitar Hero II, we have some good news. On the official Rock Band website, a Harmonix developer by the name of Jason Booth has confirmed that older Guitar Hero guitars will work with the upcoming title. We assume he's referring to the Xbox 360 X-plorer guitar, as the PS2 guitars are essentially incompatible with the PS3.The politics of this announcement are interesting, as the next iteration of Guitar Hero will be developed by Neversoft instead of Harmonix. Harmonix, meanwhile, is working with MTV and Electronic arts on Rock Band. If Harmonix owns the rights to the Guitar Hero controller, it could mean Neversoft will have to develop a completely new one for Guitar Hero III. Throw in RedOctane's (and thus Activision's) legal battle with The Ant Commandos and it gets even more confusing.Granted, GHIII is still a ways off, but we don't relish the idea of dishing out gargantuan sums of money every time a new music game hits.Here's hoping the X-plorer will be compatible across the board.[Via TeamXbox]
As if you need it: Guitar Hero II metareview
Yeah, we know, you're probably sick of all the Guitar Hero II coverage by now, but we promise this we be the last GHII story for at least the next hour or so. Without further ado, behold what the critics have to say about Guitar Hero II. IGN (9.4/10) - "Guitar Hero II on Xbox 360 is the best iteration of the hit music rhythm game yet, but it's also an important addition to the Xbox 360 library. On a console dominated by shooters and action titles, it is one of the few titles that everyone can and will enjoy. RedOctane and Harmonix put their best foot forward with this release The result is a port that adds enough content to make it worth a second look from the hardcore fans, especially with the downloadable songs, and a game that is put together so well that all newcomers should give it a try." TeamXbox (9.3/10) - "The audio was also enhanced in the title's move to the Xbox 360, so if you have a surround-sound setup, you'll really enjoy GHII. On the other side of the coin, the well-defined audio makes some of the weaker song covers stand out that much more. Every time the singer overemphasizes the "RRRRR" in Nirvana's Heart-Shaped Box, [it] felt like fingernails on a blackboard to my ears. " Game Informer (9.5/10) - "Guitar Hero II is a fantastic game. If you haven't already, go out and buy it. It's just that simple." As you can see, a negative review was difficult to find. In fact, 4 of the 12 reviews on Metacritic scored the game at an even 100 out of 100, and none of the remaining reviews dipped below 90. If you believe the critics, it's going to be hard to find a better way to spend $90. What say you fanboys, is it worth it?
Guitar Hero II Rocks out today
We've waited for months for this day, and lo, it has arrived. Guitar Hero II is out and ready to allow you to jam to the likes of Aerosmith, KISS, Alice Cooper, Stone Temple Pilots, and even shed a tear for My Chemical Romance. Packed with 74 songs and downloadable content available in the coming weeks, this spring is starting off with a bang. So here at Fanboy Towers, only two Fanbloggers have the intention of getting the game, half of which are able to pick it up today, and we'll let you take the wild guess who's who in that situation. But the situation we want to know is whether any of you, dear readers, are planning on busting out the tunes today. Who here is going to rock out and grab GHII today? How about later?
1600 MSFT points free with GH II purchase
Guitar Hero II is coming out tomorrow (even though some of you have your hands on it already) and we feel that our blogging duty requires us to tell you about the best deal out there. Enter Circuit City's gracious offering. This week at Circuit City, when you pick up Guitar Hero II for $89.99 they'll give you a FREE 1600 Microsoft Points card. Yup, that's a $20 value kids. You can then use those points to purchase the recently confirmed Guitar Hero tracks that will be on the XBLM next week or just splurge on random XBLA games or themes. Now, who says corporate retail giants don't care about the consumer's best interest?
