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Wii Warm Up: Rock your face(plate) off
The plain white faceplate of the Wii Guitar Hero III controller has proven to be an excellent surface for artwork. Furthermore, the variety of vinyl skins (as well as the omnipresent potential for custom-printed skins) means you easily have the opportunity to make your guitar look like anything you want, as long as anything you want is shaped like a tiny Les Paul.If you didn't have to worry about ruining the controller, and if you had the artistic ability or technical cleverness to achieve it, how would you customize your guitar? What imagery, and what methods? Would you paint something onto the faceplate, or make your own custom skin? Game characters, realistic guitar finishes, or banana stickers?
Custom Guitar Hero III faceplate, now featuring Link
You know what's missing from those extended Guitar Hero III sessions? Link. One guy, however, has solved that pesky problem ... or rather, his loving girlfriend solved it for him. Now blogger Silmarwen can rock out in style. The rest of us, sadly, are stuck with skins. Unless, of course, we can get someone to whip up something special. Start begging your more artistic friends now!If Link's not really your cup of tea (for shame), you can also try something with a portly plumber.[Via GoNintendo]
High-fi fix for malfunctioning Guitar Hero III Les Paul
Hey, you -- busy rigging up your malfunctioning Guitar Hero III Les Paul using the low-fi method we showed you earlier this week? If you're just getting started, we'd recommend putting the rubber bands back in the package and taking a look at this. Granted, it seems a bit silly that we're figuring out ways to repair instruments, er, controllers that should have been solid right out of the box, but we digress. This entirely more technical (but equally painless) fix involves a Torx driver, a bit of PCB rearranging and a triple check to make sure the wiring within wasn't installed haphazardly to begin with. If done properly, the contacts should have a much better connection once the axe is reassembled, and if you're still left with nonfunctional frets after all of this, you've certainly got our permission to go all Jimi Hendrix / Pete Townshend / etc. on it.[Thanks, Kyle]
GHIII: Foo, Velvet Revolver and BB DLC discovered
The first (some may say second) downloadable content for Guitar Hero III has been discovered and Foo Fighter and Velvet Revolver fans should get excited.The yet to be officially announced GHIII DLC was discovered by BatDan hiddenzombie013 (excuse us) over at the ScoreHero forums when he was looking through the leaderboards for high scores on the CD exclusive tracks. To his surprise, he came across leaderboard postings for six new songs from the Foo Fighters, Velvet Revolver and also postings for the GHIII boss battles (yup, the Tom, Slash and Devil tracks that are already on the disc). This puts the confirmation level of the DLC at around the 99.8% level, but as with any leaked information we're left with more questions. Questions like, when will the new tracks release? How much will the new tracks cost? And why do we feel handicapped when playing any song on expert? All these questions will not be answered until Activision comes clean and makes the DLC announcement or until we as a community get better at planting spies at developer HQ. The new tracks are posted after the break, so commence drooling ... now.[Via AltGN]
GHIII Code website now open for business
If you broke down and purchased the Guitar Hero III soundtrack CD in hopes of getting your promised three in-game song downloads then you already know you've had to deal with lots of anticipation and delays. As it's setup, once you purchase the soundtrack you're then treated to a unique key code in the packaging that must be entered online over at the Guitar Hero Code website. Then, once entered, the website will spit out a unique Xbox Live code that can be entered on Xbox Live and will allow access to the three in-game GHIII tracks. But, the Guitar Hero Code website has been a icky, unruly mess as of late.Initially, the special Guitar Hero Code website was schedule to go live on October 28th, but that date came and went with nothing. A new date was posted stating that soundtrack purchasers could get their Xbox Live code and songs on October 30th ... but again, nothing. Then another message popped up on the website stating that "sometime this week" you'd be able to get access to the Xbox Live codes and we're happy to say that "sometime" has come. The Guitar Hero Code website is now live and anyone who purchased the soundtrack can get their in-game GHIII content by registering on the site and entering their CD key code. You've experienced lots of waiting, lots of hoop jumping and lots an annoyance, but it has to be worth the AFI, Flyleaf and Manson.[Thanks, Kurifurisan]
Low-fi fix for malfunctioning Guitar Hero III Les Paul
We're not exactly sure if this problem is widespread, but for those currently dealing with malfunctioning frets on the new Guitar Hero III Les Paul, you should certainly give this a once over. An incredibly industrious gamer went out of his way to show us all what a few rubber bands and a 3M Utility Hook can do to solve your Guitar Hero blues, and if you haven't already slammed your axe into the floor, lit it on fire, or ceremoniously bludgeoned your Xbox 360 in frustration, there's hope for you still. This low-fi fix reportedly holds the connector plate in the neck and the pins in the body together more securely, enabling users to resume shredding sans trouble. Granted, this may not cure every single faulty axe out there, but it's certainly worth a try. Go on, roll up your sleeves and hit the read link for an (immensely easy) walkthrough.
Rock Band kiosks being installed at Best Buy
Brian over at MEGATONik sent work that he spotted a Rock Band demo kiosk being set up at his local Best Buy store. The kiosk he saw wasn't fully functional yet due a scratched game disc, but he did get to play with and inspect the peripherals. We're guessing Best Buy's around the country will be getting Rock Band kiosk installations soon (if not already), so keep your eyes peeled. And since you've already had some hands on time with Guitar Hero III, your Rock Band vs GHIII comparison will be complete once your fingers grace Rock Band's instruments. Oh the anticipation!
Fanpoll: feature ideas for the Fall Update
We're going to do something a little different for our Fanpoll this week. Rather than take a static poll, we're going to ask our readers to submit individual ideas. Radical thinking, hmmm? As it turns out, we're also straining to come up with a question that would be easily answerable by a static poll, so we've decided to steal a topic from our Joystiq mother ship: what features would you like to see in the Xbox 360 Fall Update? We already know that it won't be IPTV, so what could it be? Do we have any prognosticators out there that can foresee the next big Xbox 360 bell and/or whistle? Let us know what you'd like to see -- or predict what you think will come true -- in the comments.Also, check out the results from last week's Fanpoll after the break.
Oops, GHIII title update adds offline co-op
When popping in Guitar Hero III for the first time last night, we were greated to a surprising title update. Our first thought was, "oops, looks like Neversoft had to fix something that was broken" and what are the odds that were were right.1UP confirmed that the title update was available for the game's launch and fixes (or we should say adds) the option for offline co-op quickplay. You see, someone forgot to add the promised offline co-op quickplay option, but we guess that's what title updates are for. No official update has been rolled out for the PS3, PS2 or Wii versions of GHIII just yet and we aren't quite sure what is expected of those without Xbox Live as we're sure they're the target market for such feature. Humph, maybe Neversoft should have got it right the first time, but maybe we're asking just a bit much.[Via Joystiq]
Slash & Poison launch Guitar Hero III in Los Angeles
Slash, Poison, the casts of Reaper, Chuck, and that chick with the awesome power to learn things by watching them on TV from Heroes were just a few of the celebrities who helped launch Guitar Hero III at a Best Buy in Los Angeles this past Saturday night. They also had a really awesome launch party up on the roof, which included different stations where each version of the game were set up, free food and booze (a rock and roll staple), and a concert from Poison, complete with the Burning Man-esque stage from the game.However, proving that every rose does indeed have its thorn, the upstairs roof-raising party wasn't open to the general public. So while the masses waited below to buy their copies at midnight, the red carpet and velvet rope brigade partied upstairs on sushi, BBQ, and Red Bull. Just like the real rock and roll world. Check out video from the event after the jump, along with some sneak peeks from our gallery. So, how many of you picked up a copy on Sunday?%Gallery-9284%
GHIII three song DLC free? No, not really ...
The buzz around the interwebs as of late falls squarely on rumors of free Guitar Hero III DLC. Late last night, Major Nelson's RSS feed produced a blog post (which has been since removed) telling of a GHIII Companion Three Pack as a free download. The songs that were listed included AFI's "Carcinogen Crush", Manson's "Putting Holes in Happiness" and Flyleaf's "Tina". Sound familiar? Well, it should, because those are the exact same in-game tracks that you get free when you purchase the GHIII CD Soundtrack. After going straight to the source, Major Nelson confirmed to us that his GHIII DLC blog post was a mistake and that the three tracks are free downloads, but only with the use of a special code found within' the game's CD soundtrack as previously revealed. So, you'll have to shell out a few bucks for the CD to play these in-game tracks, because they are not coming to the Marketplace as free downloads anytime soon. Clarification kids ... that's what it's all about.
Walmart's devious Guitar Hero III bundling
Warning future Guitar Hero III purchasers ... Walmart is evil. And yes, we know the word evil carries a lot of emotional weight behind it, but we're comfortable and confident in using such an adjective to describe Walmart seeing what they're doing with their Guitar Hero III bundles.You see, Walmart somehow received an exclusive GHIII bundle from Activision in which they sell the game with old GHII guitar controllers. That means Xbox 360 owners who'd buy the bundle wouldn't get a wireless Les Gibson and instead get the corded Xplorer. A bundle that was never previously announced and smells of clearancing out old inventory. True, the bundled boxes specifically show which guitar is included in the box (like the picture above), but some may not notice the guitar switch or just aren't informed enough to know the difference. Talk about shady GHIII bundling practices Walmart ... we're disgusted.[Thanks, Daren]
Sunday's ads bring GHIII deals and more
Today, Guitar Hero III hit store shelves, which means you should be looking for the best deals and get your purchase on. And since we're cool cats here at X3F, we figured we'd help you out by looking up the best GHIII offers, though we're leaving the purchasing totally up to you. Over at Best Buy, they are offering a free Sex Pistols faceplate for your guitar with purchase of any GHIII bundle, while Circuit City is offering a free guitar stand with any GHIII purchase (bundle or stand alone game). They are both equally good deals, so you'll have to choose which you prefer and which suits you best. Also, you may want to pick up a $2 GHIII keychain at Best Buy, because they're not only cool, but all proceeds will go to benefit the Boys & Girls Club. W00t to that.Best Buy also has the best free offers on two other new releases this week including a free Homer ball, free Homer poster and a free keycode to unlock the Medal of Homer level when you purchase The Simpsons Game. If TimeShift is more your thing, then pick it up at Best Buy this week, because you'll be treated to a free music CD priced at $14.99 or less. Remember, all these offers are only good through this Saturday, so be sure to take advantage of them while they last. Oh, and don't forget to pickup GHIII ... it's good times.
The big games left for 2007
We've already had some of the big bombshells of 2007 come out already, including the big boys like Halo 3, Heavenly Sword, and Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction ... but what's still coming down the pipeline? Guitar Hero III will be out tomorrow, and the rest of October and all of November are bringing a ton of great games out for every platform from the Xbox 360 to the Nintendo DS. Megatonik has put together a great list, chock full of release dates and goodies, or what's left in store for the rest of this year. Chances are once these games start dropping, you're not going to have much left in your wallet for the holidays. So it's time to start figuring out where you're going to get that cash from and get your game on.
Guitar Hero III's wireless guitar battery pack costs you more moolah
For all the innovation that the "new-gen" of consoles have brought us, there's one thing that will apparently never change: ridiculously over-priced accessories. Giving the wireless Guitar Hero III controller a feature it should have had from the get go is the $19.99 single recharge kit, which removes the need to use and dispose of single-use batteries. This continues on from the precedent that Microsoft set with its wireless controller, which only comes bundled with a case to stick a couple of AA batteries inside. You can grudgingly pick up this necessary but over-priced accessory on October 31st from Red Octane's store.
GHIII Weekend event details roll in
Yesterday, we mentioned that the Xbox Live sponsored Guitar Hero III Weekend would be kicking off on November 2nd with lots of weekend fun planned. But since the official website wasn't active, we didn't have much more info to share. But now the website is live and registration is open, so this is what's going down ...For 72 hours starting next Friday, GHIII Weekend will be rockin' Xbox Live in full force. Starting Friday night, eleven GHIII developers from Neversoft will be competing online from 6-9:00PM eastern allowing gamers to challenge them to a song and unlock the coveted "Meet Your Maker" achievement. Complete list of developer gamertags is posted after the break. There will also be a Play & Win sweepstakes running all weekend allowing gamers to win a GHIII prize package every hour with one lucky person taking home an Xbox 360 setup grand prize. You can register for the Play & Win festivities right now by going logging into Xbox.com and going here. Finally, there will be an online Barracuda Tournament where the top ten Barracuda scores will receive a prize package including a guitar autographed by Slash. You have to register for the tournament beforehand (right here), then pop in GHIII, go to "Quickplay", select "Expert" and choose the song "Barracuda". Again, the top ten scores will win prizes and you can even keep track of the leaderboards over at guitarhero.com/contest when GHIII Weekend kicks off.There will be lots to do, lots to take in and lots of rock star stuff to complete next weekend. GHIII Weekend kicks off November 2nd, so drink plenty of fluids and expect to rock for three days straight.
Fanpoll: Rock Band Vs. Guitar Hero III
It's time for another Fanpoll kiddies. This week we take on one of gaming's most pressing questions: Rock Band or Guitar Hero III? Neither of these games are available just yet, but they're both right around the corner. We're sure many of our readers (pssst ... that's you!) already have at least some idea of which one they desire more. As such, we ask that you follow your heart and place your vote accordingly. Once you place your vote, feel free to explain your reasoning in the comments. Also, you'll find the results of last week's Fanpoll, skate Vs. Tony Hawk's Underground, after the break. Which do you plan to buy, Rock Band or Guitar Hero III? Rock Band Guitar Hero III I'm getting both I'll wait for the reviews, thank you very much Neither
For those about to rock: GHIII demo on XBLM
Well whaddaya know? A Guitar Hero III demo was promised by Activision yesterday and there it is, sitting pretty on Xbox Live Marketplace. Honestly, now that it's downloaded, it looks kind of strange sitting next to its evil twin. We can imagine the dramatic film conclusion right now: "Come on, I'm the real Guitar Hero III demo! You know your own game, don't you?" "Don't listen to him! He's lying!" Of course, actually figuring it out is as easy as removing that (perfectly legal) burned CD from your DVD tray. As you might expect, the demos are exactly the same, so don't expect anything new (aside from a faster load time anyway).So, if you just had to wait for the legit option, or find yourself lacking a CD burner, go forth and download. And then rock, or something.
GHIII Weekend revealed, demo releases tomorrow
Activision just announced their Xbox Live plans for Guitar Hero III's release and also confirmed that a demo will be released to the XBLM tomorrow morning for those who aren't all about burning a CD.The GHIII demo is the same one that's bundled with Proving Grounds including five tracks, but now in official XBLM form. Activision also revealed plans for a Guitar Hero III Weekend starting on November 2nd where they'll hold a Play & Win contest offering prizes galore and a chance to unlock the "Meet Your Maker" achievement during a developer Game with Fame session held on Friday night. Official details and registration for the GHIII Weekend events will be posted over at Xbox.com, but currently the promotional website isn't working.Remember kids, GHIII demo available on the XBLM tomorrow and GHIII Weekend the week after launch. Oh the fun we'll be having in the next few days.
Prepare to rock Europe, GHIII arrives Nov 23rd
Poor Europe, Activision has been stringing you along for quite a while now regarding the topic of a Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock's release date. But things have been figured out and they've dotted their I's and topped their T's with the annoucement of the official release date for the game in Europe. November 23rd will be the magical day Europeans rock out to the sweet, sweet music of GHIII and let out a collective scream, releasing any built up excitement that has built up these past few months. And yes, an official release date announcement is great, but our fellow European fanboys must be just a little ticked off at the fact that the game will be releasing next week in the US. Maybe shipping those guitar boxes takes a while and takes a lot of logistic work or maybe they're just slow over at Acti. But whatever the reason, don't be depressed. Slash doesn't like it when you're sad.
