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Evil Dead custom guitar is like sugar, baby
Most people might think, "Why would someone make a custom Guitar Hero III controller with Bruce Campbell's face on it?" Fortunately, those of us at Nintendo Wii Fanboy are not some of those people. Perhaps it's our unhealthy obsession with Bruce Campbell and the Evil Dead movies that make this guitar delicious to us, but the point is, we love it.This custom beauty was made by Kotaku reader Frank, who is also responsible for the No More Heroes themed Wii we saw last month.Groovy.
Play GHIII with Samus at your side
Love Guitar Hero? Also love Metroid? Looking for a way to combine the two? Look no further than eBay, where there's always apparently something lurking to fuse diverse fandoms. This guitar has been slicked with a custom-printed decal, as has the included Wii remote, to invoke one of Nintendo's greatest franchises (and characters). Maybe it's not totally rock and roll, but it might just make you feel like you can beat up anyone who bests you at a song. We're holding out for the Contra 4 guitar ourselves, because it imbues the player with extra muscles, but this one may do in a pinch.The auction includes a copy of Guitar Hero III, along with all the original packaging, and it started at $75.
Mad Catz signs on to make Rock Band instruments, accessories
While Activision and Harmonix bicker over the real reason there's still some lingering incompatibility between the two, Mad Catz has inked a multi-year licensing agreement with MTV Networks to "produce and distribute game peripherals and other products" for Rock Band. Reportedly, the third-party peripheral maker has secured the rights to "manufacture, market and sell game accessories, including both wired and wireless bass guitars, a drum percussion set bundled with professional quality wooden drum sticks, and a wired microphone." All in all, we're stoked to see another player entering the Rock Band hardware game, so here's to hoping Mad Catz won't ship out any faulty axes and frail drum pedals during "the first half of 2008."
Mad Catz to make Rock Band instruments
With the absolute flood of third-party guitars for the Guitar Hero series, it's not that surprising that accessory-makers are jumping on the Rock Band-wagon, too. Well, at least one is. Mad Catz today announced a "multi-year licensing agreement" with MTV Games to produce "both wired and wireless bass guitars, a drum percussion set bundled with professional quality wooden drum sticks, and a wired microphone."While having extra options for drum kits and microphones is nice, the addition of officially licensed, wireless, third-party guitars will be welcome news to PS3 owners tired of not being able to use their Guitar Hero III guitars with Rock Band and Xbox 360 owners tired of tripping over wires -- not to mention general Rock Band owners tired of replacing their broken bundled guitars. The instruments will be available in the "first half of 2008," according to the release.While the release specifically addresses Rock Band instruments, it also leaves the door open for other applicable "game accessories." We personally can't wait for the inevitable pyrotechnics launcher that goes off every time you nail a tough solo. Just, er, be careful with it, OK?
Getting some block-rockin' beats out of the GHIII guitar
Do you remember that whole Wiijing thing? Well, it's been taken a step further with the new Les Paul wireless guitar that comes with Guitar Hero III. As you can see, it lends itself a little more to the whole musical theme a bit better than having a guy twirl a Wiimote around. Plus, it looks like it takes more skill to rock with the guitar than just Nintendo's newest controller.It isn't our kind of music, to be honest, but the folks in the video sure seem to get a kick out of it.
Lego master creates another functioning Guitar Hero axe
We've got to give credit where it's due, and there's no room to debate that David McNeel deserves quite a helping of kudos. Shortly after crafting a fully-functional Gibson Explorer Guitar Hero controller, this Lego modder extraordinaire has created yet another axe that totally outdoes the more traditional (read: factory built) alternatives. Modeled after a Fender Jazz Bass, this thing includes all of the electronics from an original axe, and it maintains every ounce of utility while attracting quite a few extra members for your ever-expanding fan club. Hit the read link to check out a couple more shots.[Via Technabob]
Activision wants $$$ for PS3 guitar patch
Well, that solves the riddle. Activision has simply come out and said what's holding up the PS3 guitar patch that will allow Guitar Hero and Rock Band guitars to work with each other. The Boston Globe quotes Activision spokeswoman: "We believe we should be compensated for the use of our technology." Well, that's blunt.We still don't understand what Activision has to lose by making the guitars compatible with each other. With so many Rock Band players desperate for another guitar controller, we're pretty sure they'll give Activision the sweet cash they're looking for by buying the game. Isn't that free money for them?[Via Joystiq]
Blame game: Activision says MTV responsible for guitar snafu
Don't you love it when companies play the blame game? Harmonix claimed that Activision was actively blocking the release of a guitar compatability patch, which will allow Guitar Hero and Rock Band guitars to work in harmony. However, Activision isn't ready to take responsibility, saying that it is actually Harmonix and MTV Games that's currently responsible for the guitar "snafu." In an official statement made to GameDaily, the company states:"The recent announcement by MTV Games/Viacom's Harmonix division that Activision is blocking Sony from releasing a patch and their plea to enable Rock Band software to work with Guitar Hero hardware paints a very misleading picture. In fact, Harmonix and its parent company MTV Games/Viacom recently declined Activision's offer to reach an agreement that would allow the use of Guitar Hero guitar controllers with Rock Band. We have been and remain open to discussions with Harmonix and MTV Games/Viacom about the use of our technology in Rock Band. Unfortunately for Rock Band users, in this case Harmonix and MTV Games/Viacom are unwilling to discuss an agreement with Activision." So who's telling the truth and who's lying? Stay tuned for more.
Activision blocking Guitar Hero III axes from working in Rock Band
We could tell by the tone of Mr. Charles Huang's voice that something just wasn't right, and now it seems the truth has finally emerged. According to the Harmonix team, Activision is the reason why Guitar Hero III axes still aren't functioning with the PlayStation 3, and if that wasn't cruel enough, it stings even more to know that the solution is sitting in Sony's lap just waiting to be distributed. Reportedly, Harmonix has already created the patch that would allow GH III guitars to shred in Rock Band, but instead of it going out on December 4th as planned, kvetching by Activision has put the release on an indefinite hiatus. Granted, we're sure Harmonix is doing its best to cast itself in a positive light, but regardless of what's really going on behind the scenes, why not get an interoperability update out there and just let the consumer decide?[Thanks, dorrington]
Activision blocking Rock Band patch, says Harmonix
Imagine this scenario. You have a Guitar Hero III controller, and you have Rock Band. And yet, you can't use one guitar in the other game. Silly, right? Unfortunately, that's a reality for many. A patch was supposed to fix this irksome problem. In fact, a patch has actually been created. But where is it?Harmonix is blaming Activision, saying the publisher is blocking any compatibility patch. In a statement to Joystiq, Harmonix reveals that "Harmonix and MTV Games believe in an open standard philosophy of hardware and game compatibility. We think that there should be interoperability between music instrument controllers across all music games. This is clearly in the best interest of consumers, game developers and console manufacturers and will only help to grow the music game genre as well as inspire innovation and creativity." "Two weeks ago, Harmonix created a software patch for the Sony PLAYSTATION 3 version of Rock Band that allowed for guitar compatibility and support for third party peripherals, including enabling use of Activision's Guitar Hero III controller with Rock Band. The compatibility patch was submitted, approved and had been scheduled for release by Sony on Tuesday, December 4. Unfortunately, Activision objected to the release of the compatibility patch. The patch remains with Sony, but we have been told that it will unfortunately not be released due to Activision's continued objection."Excuse me, Activision? Why object to cross-compatible guitars? Certainly, allowing us to use your controllers in EA's game won't cannibalize your own sales. You have nothing to lose Activision. Do the right thing, or face the wrath of angry PS fans.[Image source: Joystiq]
Harmonix: Blame Activision for PS3 Rock Band guitar issues
After Harmonix's valid attempt at easing tensions over PS3 guitar compatibility issues for Rock Band, the time for détente between MTV/Harmonix's Rock Band and Activision/Red Octane's Guitar Hero is over. Harmonix has issued a detailed statement saying the company created a patch for Guitar Hero controllers to be compatible with Rock Band on PS3, but that Activision blocked Sony from releasing the patch.Harmonix reiterates in the statement that it believes in an "open standard philosophy of hardware and game compatibility." The company says that such a policy is in the interest of consumers, game developers and console manufacturers and "will only help to grow the music game genre as well as inspire innovation and creativity." Harmonix says that on Tuesday, December 4 it was ready to release a patch approved by Sony so that Guitar Hero controllers would be compatible with Rock Band, but that Activision objected to the release and now Sony is holding onto the patch due to Activision's "continued objection." The full statement from Harmonix can be found after the break. The ball is now quite publicly in Activision's court.
Red Octane VP excuses axe incompatibility, blames Rock Band issues
Alright, try to stay with us here. Guitar Hero III's axe works just fine with Rock Band, but only the Xbox 360 hardware -- and Rock Band's guitar won't play the first note on any flavor of GHIII. Yeah, it's a bit confusing, but apparently the folks over at 1UP were downright tired of being dizzy, and phoned up Guitar Hero publisher Red Octane's co-founder and VP of Business Development, Charles Huang, to chat about the totally confusing compatibility quandary. We fully understand the complexities in getting the instruments to work with other games, as well as the potential business impact, but Mr. Huang chose to take a different route in explaining why no Guitar Hero title would accept a Rock Band controller. He was quoted as saying that Red Octane wasn't "too interested in having [Harmonix] guitars work on its game, because [Harmonix is] having a lot of issues with its guitars." Of course, this logic begins to fall apart when you realize there was absolutely no compatibility even before these malfunctions came to light. Nice try, though.[Via DailyTech]
Wii Warm Up: Arranged for guitar
Our Professor of (Glove)PIE, Mike Sylvester, looked at his Wii Guitar Hero III controller, looked at his computer, then looked back and forth at the two in an exaggeratedly comedic gesture, and finally the truth emerged. He saw before him a racing controller. Somehow. We don't know how he arrived at that conclusion, but that's why he's a genius and we're the ones writing about t-shirts we can't buy.He solicited suggestions in the post, but we thought we would expand the discussion beyond possible PC hacks and into the wide, wide world of hypothetical discussion. You've got a guitar-shaped controller that's got buttons on the fretboard, a strum bar, a whammy bar, and -- oh yeah, a motion-sensing controller embedded in it. What do you do with it? "Guitar simulator" is already taken.
GuitarioKart shows us what real guitar heroes are made of
If you've ever hung out with us at Game Night, you probably know that Mario Kart DS is a popular choice among our readers. While we love a round of Mario Kart here and there, we'd probably love it even more if we were able to play it with guitars. And no, we're not talking about Guitar Hero controllers, but real guitars, as seen in the video above. Somehow, these guys have created a mod that let's them control video games (in this case, the original Mario Kart for SNES) by the pitch of their musical instrument. Aside from the fact that the video turns really trippy halfway through with no explanation, it's a pretty cool thing to watch.Check after the break to see the Mortal Kombat guitar battle, which is slightly more entertaining even if it doesn't involve any fatalities.
Rock Band and turkey: A Thanksgiving family test, part 2
Add the Sterns to the great family bands of popular culture. Put us on a flashing marquee like the Osmonds, Jacksons, and von Trapps that came before. With a rotating lineup of three generations, a band dog who curls up next to the drummer, and enough hijinks for a Monkees plot, we've toured across the country from San Francisco to Boston. It doesn't matter to us if our fame is virtual and our fans digital; Rock Band was a hit at our annual Thanksgiving gathering.Before I left the West Coast, I loaded up a dedicated carry-on with an Xbox 360, Wii, and the full complement of power supplies, video cables, and controllers. I made it through airport security without any problems. (And on the flight home, I wondered how many Rock Band kits the TSA had been screening.)Like last year, the Wii was still popular. But we mostly stuck with Wii Sports. Even casual gamers have a glut of titles to wade through; we never opened Zack and Wiki and only briefly tried EA Playground and Rayman Rabbids 2.Instead, Rock Band filled most of our game time. While I thought it'd be fun to try with my family, I never expected it to be "this year's Wii" as my sister said. Disguised as a rhythm game, Rock Band is a sleeper family hit. Every day, we joked about "getting the band back together" before assembling that evening's players.
EA acknowledges Rock Band guitar defect, promises replacements
Although it was but a week ago that we first caught wind of potential Rock Band hardware issues, it seems the problems are more than just a figment of our imagination. We know, living that rock 'n roll lifestyle can certainly cloud your judgment, but if you're certain your axe is experiencing some issues -- particularly with the strum bar -- EA's here to help. The company has affirmed that certain guitars in initial shipments may have left the warehouse with "an imperfection [in] the strum bar," and if you're one of the afflicted, EA is offering a brand new replacement gratis. So go on, hit the link below to get the process started, and while you're waiting to get a shiny new Strat, why not brush up on those drum rolls?[Via Joystiq]Read - EA confirms guitar issuesRead - Replacement website
Homemade guitar-shaped bag to hold PSP
Alisha from DS Fanboy sent us a link to this lovely homemade PSP craft. With official pouches and cases so hard to come by for PSP-2000 systems, mewyam decided to sew an original guitar-shaped bag for her boyfriend's PSP system. This meticulously crafted design not only looks stylish, but works well too: "the PSP rests perfectly in the bottom curved part so it's far from evil snatching hands"We'd like to get our hands on one as well. But first, we have to buy a girlfriend. Where do we do that?
Wireless GHIII guitars to be sold separately at some point in the future
You know what's better than rocking out in Guitar Hero? Rocking out wirelessly. Those of you who've purchased Guitar Hero III for the Wii, though, have sadly been forced to rock without wires by you lonesome (in person), unless you know someone (or know a guy who knows a guy) that also has a GHIII Wii bundle.But, depending on how you interpret the vague term of "early 2008," you won't have to wait too long before being able to buy an official standalone wireless guitar in the U.S. We weren't given any more details on the matter, but we suppose that's better than being told nothing.[Via press release]
New Wiimote hack for the air guitarist in all of us
The idea of using the humble Wiimote to create music seems to have really fired the imagination of the hacking community recently. DJing WiiJing and drumming are already both possible with the waffly versatile controller and a bit of know-how, and now those of you who lack the funds for Guitar Hero III can get your virtual shred on for free.Hacker Evan, maker of the Wiimote drum sampler we linked to exactly one paragraph ago, has developed software that allows users to play air guitar, simply by "strumming" the Remote while holding down the d-pad to alternate between chords, or the B button to toggle between major and minor chords. As Evan points out, this has a similar feel to Jam Sessions on the Nintendo DS, which is far from a bad thing if you ask us.[Thanks, Evan!]
Guitar Hero III wireless guitars hitting early 2008
If the endless amount of platform combinations between Rock Band and Guitar Hero III have you stymied already, here's a little tidbit to make it just a little bit harder to choose: Guitar Hero III wireless controller are going to be available early next year for all platforms. Rock Band has wireless controllers on the way in a similar time frame for both the 360 and PS3, but for some reason the 360 version costs an extra $20, so hopefully Guitar Hero guitars keep some better price parity.
