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Video: Proving Ground is all about choices
"Life is about choices. They define who you are. Each path, every turn. It's your decision. That's what it's all about." Believe it? Well, that's what the main theme in the debut trailer for Tony Hawk's Proving Ground is all about, choices. You'll be able to create a skater that reflects the kind of person you want to be, whether you're going for the rockstar mystique or just doing it for the pain. It's an interesting concept, but the gameplay footage doesn't look all that graphically impressive. Give the trailer a watch and consciously compare what Mr. Hawk has to offer with EA's Skate. What are your thoughts?
Video: Slow Ride intro in GH III
Unfortunately, the videos of Guitar Hero III we showed you at the end of May are no longer available on YouTube. Gametrailers fortunately came to the rescue and put up the first minute or so of Foghat's "Slow Ride" on Expert difficulty. It definitely looks pretty and leaves us only wanting more. Hopefully we're get more details on the song list, possible online multiplayer, or when the wireless Les Paul will be available. Where does this stand on your holiday wishlist?
Rock out to the first vids of Guitar Hero III
Yup, these are videos of Guitar Hero III. Yup, they look pretty much like Guitar Hero II (and Guitar Hero I for that matter). Of course, no one really cares do they? It's Guitar Hero! With that said, there are some small differences worth noting. First of all, the character models look like they've received some new-gen love and are more detailed. The HUD has some slight graphical tweaks as well, though none of them seem to affect gameplay. The star power meter has been replaced with a series of light bulbs. As you fill the meter, more of them light up. They slowly fade out once star power is activated. In addition to displaying your current multiplier, the left side of the HUD now keeps track of how many notes you've hit consecutively. Frankly, we'd like the ability to turn that feature off, as it could add undue stress to achieving those perfect runs. You'll find another video embedded after the break. Check it out and tell us what you think.
A look at GHIII's wireless Les Paul guitar
The crew over at IGN received an exclusive look at Guitar Hero III's new guitar the Les Paul and walked away very impressed. One of the biggest improvements added to the Les Paul guitar controller is that it will feature wireless technology, which will be the first time Microsoft has allowed a third party peripheral maker to do so. They've also added removable faceplates, made the neck detachable, kept the same color fret buttons, and even added a third strap knob for even more customizability. It looks like GHIII's Les Paul guitar is shaping up to be one solid controller to rock out with. But fear not GHII owners, because your X-plorer guitar will work with GHIII and vice versa. How very convenient.
First Guitar Hero III videos are ... different
From the "If It Ain't Broke, Change It" department comes these first videos of Guitar Hero III, which were posted, then apparently pulled by IGN. We believe these are from the 360 version, but the quality is low enough that it's probably a moot point. As you can see, the HUD has been completely revamped, with lights replacing the Star Power meter and a new chain counter that tells you how many notes you've hit in a row. According to this IGN feature, the timing has also been changed, which may explain the early Wyld Stallyns-level performance in the videos.It's hard to blame the team from Neversoft if the game's playing a little differently at the moment, as they didn't have access to the code (created by Harmonix) from the original two games. Besides, there's still time for tweaking. Feel free to express your rage at the ever-progressing march of time (and rock out to some Foghat), right after the jump.[Via Arrogantics]
Wireless controllers confirmed to rock in Guitar Hero III
Some new info hit today regarding the third installment in the Guitar Hero franchise, confirming some songs that will be included in the game and the support of wireless guitars (online gameplay was previously confirmed). They've licensed the Gibson Les Paul, but no word on whether the wireless axes will be bundled with the game or an optional peripheral. No word, also, on what they will look like, be they the SG type or if licensing the Gibson Les Paul will mean that all bundles come with that version included.A new list of tracks is also available for you: "Paint It Black" (by The Rolling Stones) "Cherub Rock" (by Smashing Pumpkins) "Sabotage" (by Beastie Boys) "The Metal" (by Tenacious D) "My Name is Jonas" (by Weezer) "Knights of Cydonia" (by Muse) "Rock And Roll All Nite" (as made famous by Kiss) "School's Out" (as made famous by Alice Cooper) "Slow Ride" (as made famous by Foghat) "Cult of Personality" (by Living Colour) "Barracuda" (as made famous by Heart) [Via Joystiq]
New Guitar Hero III tracks revealed, Les Paul guitar coming
As we're still struggling to crank out perfect scores on Hard difficulty in Guitar Hero II, Activision goes and announces a whole slew of new tracks coming to Guitar Hero III. Seriously, just look at all these damned tracks (which we have politely lifted from Joystiq)! "Paint It Black" (by The Rolling Stones) "Cherub Rock" (by Smashing Pumpkins) "Sabotage" (by Beastie Boys) "The Metal" (by Tenacious D) "My Name is Jonas" (by Weezer) "Knights of Cydonia" (by Muse) "Rock And Roll All Nite" (as made famous by Kiss) "School's Out" (as made famous by Alice Cooper) "Slow Ride" (as made famous by Foghat) "Cult of Personality" (by Living Colour) "Barracuda" (as made famous by Heart) First thing's first, please recognize the distinction between "by" and "as made famous by" in that list. You'll notice that a full 7 of those tracks appear to be recorded by the artist themselves. That's worth throwing up the horns right there. In some more exciting news, Activision has announced that Guitar Hero III's guitar controller will be modeled after the Gibson Les Paul, and will feature customizable faceplates. Furthermore, there will be wireless controllers available for the game, though it is unclear if said guitars will be included with the game or if they will be separate purchases. There is one troubling note in the press release, though: the new guitars will feature a new "button color design" in order to create a more authentic experience. Hopefully, this doesn't hinder the performance of the (very expensive) guitars we've all purchased for Guitar Hero II.So, what's your favorite song on the list?
First Guitar Hero III tracks revealed, Les Paul guitar licensed
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/First_Guitar_Hero_III_tracks_revealed_Les_Paul_guitar_licensed'; Remember when we decreed yesterday big hair day at Joystiq, to commemorate the announcement of seven new tracks for Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s? Lucky for us, we didn't shower and Activision has rewarded our sloth, and our big hair, with some new details regarding the upcoming Guitar Hero game ... the one hitting all new-gen systems (even Wii) and the PS2, being developed by Neversoft. So, what's the news? First, some songs: "Paint It Black" (by The Rolling Stones) "Cherub Rock" (by Smashing Pumpkins) "Sabotage" (by Beastie Boys) "The Metal" (by Tenacious D) "My Name is Jonas" (by Weezer) "Knights of Cydonia" (by Muse) "Rock And Roll All Nite" (as made famous by Kiss) "School's Out" (as made famous by Alice Cooper) "Slow Ride" (as made famous by Foghat) "Cult of Personality" (by Living Colour) "Barracuda" (as made famous by Heart) Next, they're making wireless guitars "available" for all platforms; no word on whether they'll be the default axes, or optional peripherals. Furthermore, they've gone all Rock Band licensing the legendary Gibson Les Paul guitar for all new-gen platforms. Those afraid of change get the decidedly less legendary Gibson Kramer, available for the PlayStation 2. There's also a "new button color design" to confuse anyone thinking about sticking to their old axe. We're still expecting Guitar Hero III (not its real name, yet) in the fall of 2007 ... just after Rocks the 80s rocks our summer barbecue parties. Our carpal tunnel is acting up just thinking about it.Check out all the latest Guitar Hero III news!
Tony Hawk's Proving Ground unveiled, apathy ensues
Tony Hawk ... the franchise that just won't lie down and take a nap. Every month or so we get a new trick from this franchise and, frankly, we're tired of it. When the announcement rolled in about the new Tony Hawk's Proving Ground we smirked and thought to ourselves: "yes, this is a proving ground to see if you're a viable gaming franchise, still." Other than that, complete apathy.Anyway, this new title to be released on the PS3 and 360 sports some revamped multiplayer, video editing, new modes (Nail-the-Trick was named), and a class system. Class system? For skaters? What, will one guy be pumping out buffer chants while the tank skater takes on the big tricks? Or will there be a homeless skater next to a sharp-looking business executive skater? We are interested to see how the multiplayer is changing and how in-depth the video editing tool will be. We'll keep you posted as information becomes available.
Prove yourself in new Tony Hawk title
Has your appetite for new-gen skateboarding games not been whetted by clips from Electronic Arts' Skate? Activision has just sent out a press release unveiling the latest Tony Hawk game, entitled Proving Ground.New features with full-featured editing tools and visual effects for creating "epic skate videos," a customizable Skate Lounge where you and friends can skate around together, and seamless single player and online integration. There will be skateable terrain altering and more Nail-the-Trick moves.Proving Ground is slated for release later this fall for Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PS2 and Nintendo DS. GamePro is dedicated their next issue to the game. Has anyone already received their copy of the issue in the mail?%Gallery-3120%[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]
First tracks from Guitar Hero: Rocks the 80's revealed
An alarming abundance of outrageous attitudes? Check. Enormous shoulder pads and poor color coordination? Check. Extravagantly large hair and excessively shiny accessories? Check. With this Summer's upcoming Guitar Hero expansion, Rocks the 80's, publisher Activision is dangerously close to delivering their first Japanese RPG. Thankfully, Opposable Thumbs reminds us that it's all about the music and lists the first seven tracks from the game's 30-strong list. I Wanna Rock (by Twisted Sister) I Ran (by Flock of Seagulls) Round and Round (as made famous by Ratt) I Want Candy (as made famous by Bow Wow Wow) Metal Health (as made famous by Quiet Riot) Holy Diver (as made famous by Dio) Heat Of The Moment (as made famous by Asia) Given the lack of the "as made famous" bit, it seems original recordings are provided by everybody's favorite contorted siblings and maritime birds. Curiously, Opposable Thumbs notes that Guitar Hero: Rocks the 80's will be "exclusive" to the PlayStation 2. Does that imply exclusivity for the in-store version, with the Xbox 360 receiving the expansion in downloadable form? Why would Activision limit the game's reach? After all, the pricing of Guitar Hero's online tracks makes it pretty clear that the publisher enjoys making money.[Thanks, Jess]
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]
RedOctane site: Guitar Hero 3 coming in Fall '07
It's not quite an official announcement, but a posting on the Harmonix Suport Center site seems to point to a Fall 2007 multiplatform release for the inevitable third entry into the best-selling Guitar Hero franchise. Responding to a question about platform support for Guitar Hero 2, the RedOctane knowledgebase robot reveals that "Guitar Hero 3 for the Playstation 2, PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii are currently scheduled for release in the United States in Fall of 2007." [Update: As of this afternoon, this text has been taken off the site. But it was there. Trust us.]We've long known that the new game was being planned for "every significant new platform," and more recently got all-but-explcit confirmation of a Wii version, but we're still kind of surprised to see the PS2 on that release list? Wasn't that system supposed to shrivel up and die in the light of all this fancy new competition? Then again, it would be a shame to let all those original guitar controllers and potential customers to go to waste. Speaking of which, how are Red Octane and new developer Neversoft going to handle the controllers needed for a four-platform release. Will each system get its own specially designed guitar, or could the somewhat touchy Xbox 360 USB controller be modified to be a universal axe? You'll know when we do.[Image modified from ahjteam.com. Thanks to everyone who sent this in.][Update: Fixed a stray reference to Harmonix instead of Red Octane]
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]
Unearthed: Neversoft's lost Ghost Rider game
Long before they dominated the world with the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series and even before they proved that games based on comic books didn't have to suck something awful with Spider-Man, Neversoft toiled away at an adaptation of Ghost Rider. While the game never saw release, much less got into its first, legitimate step in development, Playstation Museum has received an ancient demo of the game. The results? A shame to behold.While 2K Game's Ghost Rider movie tie-in effort looks to be a God of War clone, Neversoft's take was a 2-D platformer in the vein of Castlevania. Presumably canned for being so, would-be publisher Crystal Dynamics passed it up for not sporting that extra third dimension. Judging from the recorded footage (embedded after the break), it only needed more in the way of time than anything else.
Harmonix quits the band, starts up new project
As a follow-up to our speculative post regarding the future of Guitar Hero development, Harmonix has cleared up the whole mess in an interview with Gamasutra. We'll hit you with the good news first: Harmonix is in fact working on a brand-new music title. The (possibly) bad news being that they will not be involved with Guitar Hero III, leaving that title in the hands of, presumably, Neversoft.Regarding the new project, Harmonix producer Daniel Sussman took time away from reading the blogs of his favorite Laguna Beach cast members to say it's "a bigger and more ambitious endeavor than we felt we could pursue within the bounds of the Guitar Hero franchise." Though he could have just been talking about the new Fall Out Boy album (they're still hot with the kids, right?), we're excited all the same for whatever the future may hold for the MTV-owned developer.
Rhythm rumor: Activision trademarks 'Guitar Villain', 'Drum Villain'
According to CVG, two trademarks filed by Guitar Hero publisher, Activision, have recently popped up on the US Patent and Trademark office website. The two names, Guitar Villain and Drum Villain, are linked to "computer game software" and "games sold with electronic guitars," both apt descriptors of everyone's favorite couch-jumping rock sim franchise.Though these trademarks could simply represent a move by Activision to protect their brand from similarly titled knock-offs (eg. Instrument Protagonist), a diversification of the brand seems more likely, especially with Neversoft getting involved with the main series. There's still that mysterious port on the Xbox 360's X-plorer guitar to consider, not to mention the possibilities (and dire need) of a drumming game on the Wii. Keep your eyes and ears open.
Neversoft to develop Guitar Hero sequel
Activision looks to be taking full advantage of the Red Octane acquisition as Neversoft is gearing up to take on the illustrious Guitar Hero franchise. While there was a small blurb in the latest issue of EGM concerning this very arrangement, Neversoft has updated their website tonight in hopes of bringing some new talent to the board specifically to rock. GameDaily seems confident that Neversoft will take over the franchise beginning with Guitar Hero III, but this is only one possibility. Other current Guitar Hero rumors (again, perpetuating from EGM) include an 80's version of the series to see release this year, which Neversoft could be working on, leaving the brand name sequels to Harmonix.And where does this leave Harmonix? While one would assume they'll still be involved with the series, they could very well be off starting up a new franchise, or perhaps working on one of those rumored Amplitude sequels. Regardless, they've laid out the foundation for an extremely popular and established series. Hopefully this changing of the guard will be more like a Sammy Hagar and less like a Gary Cherone.
Project 8: ragdoll physics gone wild [update 1]
Update: Several readers have informed this non-Tony Hawk playing blogger that Project 8 does have a bail mode. Very well then, at least the video is still funny.One of the hellspawn from Joystiq tipped us off to a video of Project 8 yesterday. The video is basically just a long reel of spectacular bails. Seriously, these bails take skill. So much skill in fact, we think Neversoft should borrow a page from Flatout and consider giving bails their own game mode. Just imagine it: "perform a bail and make your body fly through the 'O' in that sign." We'd play it ... we'd play it 'til our eyes bled. Check out the bone crunching, spleen bursting action after the break.
P8 demo alive and slo-mo kicking (and UMK3!)
Somewhere in the dark of night, the Project 8 demo finally slipped onto Xbox Live Marketplace. We were at the movies (the Prestige kicked ass) so, we're not sure if the demo made it onto Marketplace before midnight as promised or not. Of course, we're sure some of you were watching for it, and know exactly when it came out.And now, the other good news: Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 is now available on Xbox Live Arcade for 800 points. We're not sure if someone screwed up or if someone's is just making amends with all the gamers who wanted their P8 demo earlier, but there you have it. Hell, maybe they actually meant to release it on a weekend instead of a Wednesday. After all, MS works in mysterious ways. We're downloading both right now. Anybody tried these yet? Are they awesome? Not awesome?[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
