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Reminder: Download free GHIII "Dream On" DLC
Even if aren't a supporter or the least bit excited about the recently announced Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, that doesn't mean you shouldn't take advantage of Acti's Guitar Hero III offer where you can download Aerosmith's "Dream On" for teh free. But you must hurry fellow fanboys, because the free "Dream On" download will evaporate into nothingness (much like Steven Tyler's music career) in just a few hours. You have until 5:00AM eastern to make your way to the XBLM to claim your free GHIII DLC. So get to it and after you complete your download feel free to go back to your GH bashing ways.
Rumor: Guitar Hero: Aerosmith to use drum and mic peripherals
While you might think a game titled Guitar Hero: Aerosmith would have you playing, you know, guitars, a Best Buy advertisement for the latest mistake chapter in the rhythm game franchise claims you'll be able to play as all of the "famous rock legends" in "America's greatest rock and roll band" -- including the drummer, Joey Kramer, and band's own lady-lookin'-dude, Steven Tyler, using a drum peripheral and microphone peripheral (complete with flamboyantly colored scarf, we assume).If true, we wonder if Activision would release their own controllers for the game, or count on backwards compatibility with the Rock Band peripherals (fat chance, considering the near feud between Harmonix and Activision over Rock Band's guitar compatibility issues). Not that it matters to us -- the only devices we'd use to interact with a rhythm game featuring songs by Aerosmith are a clay pigeon launcher and our trusty pump-action shotgun.[Thanks, Waffle Slayer.]
Guitar Hero: Aerosmith announced, GHIII getting 'Dream On' for free
In an announcement that may just usurp the throne from Electronic Arts as the king of milking franchises, Activision has announced plans for a new Guitar Hero title, casting aside the franchise's reputation for offering a wide breadth of rocking tracks in favor of highlighting a single band -- Aerosmith. The news echoes comments made by guitarist Joe Perry last year regarding the series' next installment, at which time he said that the next Guitar Hero game would be dedicated to the band's music. The announcement comes following Activision's promise earlier this month to return to the well this year, with the newly announced Guitar Hero: Aerosmith currently expected to ship to retail in June with Neversoft handling the game for the Xbox 360 and PS3, and Vicarious Visions taking care of development on the Wii. Details remain nonexistent concerning what tracks we can expect to make the cut, with guitarist Joe Perry commenting only that the title is "based on the diversity of the Aerosmith catalog." With a game dedicated to one -- and only one -- band, we have to assume that whatever songs do find their way onto the disc, they'll be master tracks (they better be).And if June seems to far off for those of you hugging your Steven Tyler doll while staring at the Pump tour poster on the wall, Activision has announced plans to release the band's 1973 power ballad 'Dream On' as a download for the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of GHIII (Sorry Wii owners, but you knew what you were getting into). The song will be free from February 16-18, so get it while it's hot!
Joyswag: Win Guitar Hero III on your platform of choice
[Update: Entry period is over, folks. We're selecting our winners and contacting them by email, so go check!]We've been feeling generous lately, so we're kicking this week off with another giveaway. This time, we're handing out five copies of Guitar Hero III. Yup, five ...The well-dressed folks at Best Buy (they put on that launch party, remember?) set us up with three copies on each of the major now-gen consoles (that's Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3 for those of you who've been stuck in a time capsule), and we're giving away the two PlayStation 2 copies that Red Octane sent over, for a grand total of five full copies of the game (we're talking guitar and game disc). So, here's how this is going to work: You'll have five days to leave five comments for up to five chances to win one of five copies of the game. To enter this giveaway, leave a comment on this post letting us know which console release you want AND your favorite guitar solo of all time (note: in accordance with federal law, "Stairway to Heaven" will not be considered an acceptable answer) You must be a US resident, 18 years or older. (Which isn't very rock 'n roll, we know ...) Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day. If you enter this giveaway more than once a day you'll be automatically disqualified, etc.! This entry period ends in five days at 2:59pm ET Friday 2/15/08. For complete rules you can tattoo up your arms, click here
First official song from Guitar Hero IV uncovered
Wouldn't you know that not only can we safely say that Guitar Hero IV will be releasing by the end of the year, but that The Answer's "Never Too Late" will be a part of the game's setlist. How do we know? Well, from a rather unlikely source. UK band The Answers and their record label just put out a press release confirming their inclusion in Activision's upcoming GHIV which also confirmed the game's 2008 release date and the first official track on the setlist, their song, "Never Too Late". Interesting stuff indeed. We'd also be lying if we didn't say that we're a bit worried by the fact that the Guitar Hero franchise can churn out a sequel this quickly all while holding back a very strong competitor.[Via Joystiq]
Guitar Hero franchise makes billionth dollar
Activision has announced that the Guitar Hero franchise has officially earned one billion dollars. Furthermore, the franchise has achieved this feat in just over two years -- 26 months to be exact -- selling in excess of 14 million units across the many iterations of the series. Activision adds that Guitar Hero III was the number one title of 2007 and that it has become "the best-selling video game of all time in a single calendar year." So, we're guessing it sold a lot of copies. Finally, 5 million songs have been downloaded for the game, which ain't too shabby (just ask the Rock Band folks). Somehow, we get the feeling that Activision is happy they bought Red Octane.[Via Joystiq]
GHIII gets some festive downloadable content
The holiday Guitar Hero III content announced earlier this month is now available on Marketplace, and guess what? One of the tracks is free. There is one track pack from Warner/Reprise that will run you 500 MS Points. There are also three single tracks available for 200 points each. The one free track is a rock rendition of "We Three Kings," which Joystiq seems to enjoy. Behold the complete track list below.The Warner/Reprise Track Pack (master recordings) "Pretty Handsome Awkward" by The Used "Sleeping Giant" by Mastadon "No More Sorrow" by Linkin Park Single song downloads "So Payaso" by Extremoduro "Antisocial" by Trust "Ernten Was Wir Säen" by Die Fantastischen Vier Free holiday track "We Three Kings" by Steve Ouimette Anyone going to grab any of these?[Via Joystq. Thanks, Dan \"DeadPlasmaCell\" Garcia]
Stootsi selling GHIII bundle for $80 for 24hrs
We're a bit late getting to this, but we would be remiss if we didn't mention that Stootsi.com is selling the Xbox 360 Guitar Hero III bundle for a dirt cheap $79.99. Now, before you head over there and place your order, you should know that this is an "open box" item, which means it could be a returned item, demo unit, or simply one that has been opened. Stootsi does say that you will get all the appropriate parts (wireless guitar, strap, game, and sticker sheet) along with a 14 day warranty, so it's probably a safe bet. Of course, the fact that it's $20 cheaper than the retail price doesn't hurt either. If you'd like to get in on this deal, you'd better hurry, as the bundle is only available for this price for 24 hours (we're honestly not sure how much time you have left). If you've used Stootsi before, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
Guitar Hero III DLC: The Used Mastadon roams Linkin Park
Well, perhaps the song selection will make more sense to you than the headline. Still not content with the initial track list in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, Activision has revealed the contents of the rock 'n rhythmer's next set of downloadable content (but not the price, so no accusing them of pitching a con-tent just yet). Right, on to the content: The Warner/Reprise Track Pack (master recordings) "Pretty Handsome Awkward" by The Used "Sleeping Giant" by Mastadon "No More Sorrow" by Linkin Park Single song downloads (courtesy of "popular European bands") "So Payaso" by Extremoduro "Antisocial" by Trust "Ernten Was Wir Säen" by Die Fantastischen Vier "Free, exclusive rock rendition" of a holiday classic "We Three Kings" by Steve Ouimette In fitting with tradition, you can expect the Warner/Reprise/Wrist Slasher Special track pack to cost $6.25 when it appears on the Xbox Live Marketplace and the PlayStation Network sometime in December. We'll let you know as soon we've confirmed the prices of the individual songs.
Zero Punctuation smashes Guitar Hero III
Another week, another blistering Zero Punctuation review from our pal Yahtzee*. This week, the Brit expatriate takes on Guitar Hero III. The long and the short of it is that Yahtzee believes the game has simply ceased to be fun. More to the point, he says that anyone claiming to five star final songs on expert are simply "freaks." Yahtzee also shares our confusion as to why Clive Winston (our favorite character) was removed from the character roster. Honestly, it's probably best that you just watch the video rather than have us attempt to summarize it any further. Find it embedded after the break (incredibly NSFW, by the way).*Yahtzee is not our pal. We doubt, in fact, that he is anyone's "pal".
Activision to fix Guitar Hero sound issues with new disc
People who bought the Wii version of Guitar Hero III have been (justifiably) annoyed by the lack of stereo and surround sound in Activision's popular music game. However, Wii owners can at least take some comfort in knowing that the problem will soon be fixed.Activision's customer support has replied to many irate users with an email stating that re-mastered discs should be available by early 2008. This means that customers who buy the game after the re-mastered version is available should get the fixed copies, while those who already own the game can get replacement discs at no charge.The last time we announced a disc swap for a glitched Wii game, many of you expressed your desires to have a simple downloadable patch instead. While we agree that a patch would be more convenient, we're still glad that there will be a fix available in the near future.[Thanks, Langst!]
Guitar Hero II gets DLC: Indie Label Pack II
No, that's not a typo -- there really is new downloadable content for Guitar Hero II. The "Indie Label Pack II", which retails for 500 MS Points, includes such non-chart-toppers as "You Should Be Ashamed of Myself" by The Bled, "Memories of the Grove" by Maylene and The Sons of Disaster and "The State of Massachusetts" by Dropkick Murphys.You may be wondering why new tracks are coming out for Guitar Hero II, and not it's younger, fresher brother. Well, it's easy to forget that while Guitar Hero II and Guitar Hero III are technically part of the same series, they belong to two very different developers. We imagine Harmonix is trying to sweeten the deal for those who haven't decided which iteration of the game to pick up for the holiday shopping season. We're just glad these tracks didn't come to Rock Band -- if your roommate's drunken, warbling impression of Dropkick Murphys frontman Alex Barr doesn't get you kicked out of your apartment, we don't know what will.
Get another wireless GHIII Les Paul in early 2008
If your other corded Xplorer guitar just isn't cutting it and are in desperate need of another wireless Gibson Les Paul to rock out with in Guitar Hero III, then your wait is almost over.Today, Activision announced that the not so white Guitar Hero III wireless Les Paul guitar controller will be available separately at retail stores starting in early 2008. No price or exact date were revealed in the press release, but you can bet your left leg that they'll try to get it onto store shelves rather quickly and at a price that will be semi-hefty compared to the bundle. But it's a small investment to be rockin' wireless and rockin' with a friend, because that's how real rockstars roll.[Via Joystiq]
Joystiq Holidaze: the guitar compatibility guide
#comparechart { border: 2px solid #333; border-collapse: collapse; } #comparechart td { padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #ccc; vertical-align: top; margin: 0; line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 80%} #comparechart th { font-size: 80%; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 4px; background: #eee; } #comparechart th.x360th { font-size: 100%; border-bottom: 1px solid #333; background-color: #66FF99;} #comparechart th.mainth { font-size: 100%; border-bottom: 1px solid #333;} #comparechart th.ps3th { font-size: 100%; border-bottom: 1px solid #333; background-color: #99ccff;} #comparechart td.red { background-color: #f08c85; } #comparechart td.green { background-color: #b3e2c4; } 'Tis the season for shredding plastic guitar controllers in a virtual environment for screaming, adoring virtual fans - do you know if your plastic axe can rock with your game? Through playtests and corroboration via other sources, we have combined three handy charts (one for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and now Wii) to let you know what guitar controllers work with what games.First, the Xbox 360: Rock Band Stratocaster Yes No* No** Guitar Hero 3 Les Paul Yes Yes Yes Guitar Hero 2 Xplorer Yes Yes Yes Notes: * Can navigate menus, but during the songs the green button is stuck down, orange is red, and everything else is dead** Interestingly, the drums are recognized, so you can actually navigate menus using them, but playing songs is a no go.The PlayStation 3, however, has a much "easier" choice (after the break).
Rock Band vs. Guitar Hero difficulty
Games Radar recently went to the trouble of comparing the guitar track difficulty in both Rock Band and Guitar Hero III. We've mentioned the fear that Rock Band would have simpler guitar than Guitar Hero III, and according to Games Radar, that fear is not unfounded at all. After directly comparing some of the songs available on both titles, Games Radar has come to the conclusion that Guitar Hero III on Hard is equivalent to Guitar Hero II on Expert. Rock Band, on Expert, on the other hand, is equivalent to Guitar Hero II on Hard. But don't take our word for it, check out the video comparisons for yourself. Part one is embedded above, and part two is embedded after the break.[Via Joystiq]
Free GHIII Boss Battle Pack on XBLM
Available on the XBLM this very moment is the promised Guitar Hero III Boss Battle Pack and it's 100% free with no (guitar) strings attached. Zing! The Boss Battle Pack includes GHIII's three boss songs that are technically included in the retail game, but now as a normal playable tunes. And for the uninitiated, the boss tracks included in the pack are "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" and two custom songs written by Tom Morello and the top hat wearing Slash. This may be the only time Activision releases free GHIII content of any sort, so we advise taking advantage of it.
Guitar Hero III tournament has big prizes, a bigger catch
OK, so there's good news and there's bad news. The good news is that the Guitar Hero III skills that you've worked so hard to cultivate could actually nab you a big prize: A 2008 Pontiac G5. The bad news: All of the stops in the Pontiac Garage Guitar Hero III tournament will be held ... inside Hot Topics.Although GHIII is fine and you could probably survive being in Hot Topic, playing Guitar Hero III within the walls of a Hot Topic actual conscripts you into an emo band. It's true: A spectral version of Morrissey appears and eats all but .5 percent of your body fat, tears pre-caked in eyeliner spurt from your eyes and members of Jimmy Eat World chloroform you and force you to play bass. It's a nightmare. If it's worth the risk to you you can see all the details here. But we think we'll stay at home and put our eyeliner on by ourselves, thank you very much.
Activision expects Guitar Hero III shortages
You might think it was enough that Rock Band and Guitar Hero III were facing off at retailers this holiday, but no. Not only must one game eventually best another, but it seems that their respective company executives must compete for the ultimate sales hyperbole. You may recall that EA's CEO recently advised Rock Band purchasers to line up a day in advance to secure a copy. Not to be left behind, Activision CEO Robert Kotick stated in a conference call that Guitar Hero III may be hard to find this holiday as well, even though the company touts "an unprecedented amount of global supply."At this rate, we're expecting EA to announce that Rock Band will now be so scarce that it won't actually be available for purchase.[Via Joystiq]
Metareview: Guitar Hero III (Xbox 360, PS2, PS3, Wii)
The battle of the fake bands is about to commence, with Activision's instrument protagonist series swinging the first ax. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock seems to have struck a chord with most reviewers, prompting them to praise its track list and resort to awful music puns (see: above) to convey their satisfaction. Boss battles and some strumming sequences raise a few eyebrows, but at least Neversoft manages to handle the third entry in the franchise without drawing out Brett Ratner references. What say you to that, Rock Band? 1UP (90/100): "There's really not a whole lot to 'get' about Guitar Hero, but whatever there is, you absolutely have to get it right. If the song selection stinks, or if the note layouts are boring or don't make musical sense, or if the strum/fret timing is off...then the whole game suffers for it. These are the three critical components, and Neversoft absolutely nailed them. In fact, aside from a few misguided artistic choices and a new 'boss battle' feature, the developer transition would be virtually invisible to anyone who wasn't keeping up with the news. They 'got' Guitar Hero, and they got it good." Games Radar (80/100): "It's hard to argue with Guitar Hero III's place in the series canon. By going real with the songs, next-gen with the graphics and online with the gameplay, it leaves the wishlist relatively barren. At the same time, it's not delivering us much new on the gameplay front, and in fact lags a bit in terms of smart strumming mechanics. Neversoft would do well to remember that the game doesn't play itself, and we need to be challenged/satisfied with how and what we shred." Gamespot (80/100): "Sure, the difficulty can be vexing, but the game never loses that sense of 'just one more song' addictiveness, even at the height of its challenge level. Once you start playing, you'll be hooked for hours at a time, both online and off. It might ultimately just be more Guitar Hero, but that's hardly a bad thing--in fact, it's a great thing." %Gallery-4675%
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]
