Guitar Hero is looking to out do Rock Band 2 in every way with Guitar Hero: World Tour. Upgraded and more realistic guitars and drums, as well as a master track list that runs neck and neck with Rock Band 2. Let’s not forget that you’ll also be able to create your own music with this bad boy. That’s not all. Activision has announced in a press release that they found a way to make the experience get even realer.

Sadly, I’m not talking about sex crazed groupies. (more…)

I own Guitar Hero (PS2), Guitar Hero II (PS2), Guitar Hero II (360), Guitar Hero III (360), and Rock Band (360).  I own FIVE plastic guitars, a mic, and a drum set from those games.  It’s quite ridiculous.  The path that led to my situation is quite frustrating and should’ve been much easier.  I can point fingers at a lot of people along the way (and I have, don’t worry… I wouldn’t be true to myself if I hadn’t vented) but I read some news today that simultaneously made me feel better about someone finally “getting” the problem, but at the same time it pisses me off that they didn’t “get it” before I laid down my cash and started my journey in a direction that will be expensive to correct.

Curious what I’m talking about?  Find out after the jump… (more…)

Round two of the epic battle between “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band” is creeping inevitably closer. I expected that the months leading up to the titles’ fall releases would devolve into a slap fight for song and artist exclusivity.

Fortunately for gamers, that scenario has not happened. However, some music game aficionados might still find it difficult to pick a side. Even though both titles will provide a full-band experience, there are enough differences to distinguish each title. For instance, “Guitar Hero: World Tour” will allow gamers to create their own music (sans vocals). Not to be outdone, Harmonix will make over 500 songs available for “Rock Band 2″ owners by the end of 2008.

It can be a difficult choice. However, it is one that Xbox 360 owners (and hopefully PS3, PS2 and Wii owners) might not have to make ever again. (more…)

Next Generation’s gotten word from Bloomberg that Konami are filing a lawsuit against Viacom (the owners of Harmonix Music Systems) for apparently infringing patents the Japanese company was issued in 2002 and 2003 in Rock Band. The patents are related to ’simulated musical instruments’ and a ‘musical-rhythm matching game’.

Hit the jump for a little more news on this story.

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Let’s face it, guys: product placement is everywhere in video games these days. We’ve seen Snake using an iPod to chill out in Metal Gear Solid 4 and we might as well admit that racing games such as Forza and Gran Turismo are just big fat adverts for each of the car manufacturers who appear in each game.

The thing is, there’s clever product placement and there’s downright shameless product placement; but which is the worst? My top 5 worst, after the jump.

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Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock was a great game. I played the hell out of it and still pick up my plastic ax every now and then (thanks to some free DLC).

When I read the first previews for the next iteration, Guitar Hero: World Tour, I couldn’t imagine what Harmonix (developers of Rock Band) could do to outshine Activision. Along with a new set list, Guitar Hero: World Tour will feature user-generated content (minus the vocals), new peripherals (doing its best Rock Band impersonation), cameos from some of the biggest names in rock, customizable instruments and characters, and online play for an entire band. Before you ask, the guitars from Guitar Hero III will be compatible with Guitar Hero: World Tour.

I was ready to devote another $60 to the Guitar Hero franchise.

That all changed last Friday. (more…)

I don’t often regret things. Whenever I make a purchase, it is usually based on solid reasoning and a thorough understanding of the product. This is especially true of videogames. I have become quite judicious about my software purchases. For instance, I once bought “ClayFighter 63 1/3″ for the Nintendo 64. Yea, I know. I promise it won’t happen again.

The point is, I usually make sound decisions. At least I think so…

Well, right about now, I am starting to think I backed the wrong pony (sorry for the cliché, but I’m from Kentucky).

Find out the details of my conundrum after the jump. (more…)

I posted before about the lunacy of the preorder. I might just have found something worthwhile. Aerosmith is actually offering something that makes it worth a damn. I know what you’re thinking, and no it’s not boxer shorts. (more…)

People want the ability to create their own songs in guitar hero. Sounds like a cool idea right? WRONG! (more…)

Source Kotaku

Ever wonder how you can tell if someone has too much time on their hands? There are a few signs: a huge model airplane collection, a seven foot tall Optimus Prime for a CPU, or this.

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Hey all you Guitar Hero fans, get ready to break out your wallets once more! New lines of peripherals are fresh off the presses, and ready to be delievered to retailers everywhere.

Keytar Hero

Haven’t you ever wanted to simulate the coolest instrument on the planet? Well…too bad, because the didgeridoo doesn’t have a video game yet. But the keytar is the next best thing!

Logitech MX Superstar

Great for the hardcore PC gamer, this sweet device from Logitech will put you right into the point-and-click action. The middle scroll doubles as a whammy bar.

Continue reading to see six more awesome new Guitar Hero devices!

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Wow, 50 rants is somewhat of a milestone I’d say. I hope today’s topic proves worthy.

I’ve ranted about Guitar Hero in the past. I’ve even ranted about Achievements in the past. Well, guess what? Today I’m specifically going to rant about Guitar Hero Achievements! Who in the hell is in charge of coming up with the Achievements for these games and isn’t there somebody, somewhere that says “You know, I’m not so sure this is a good idea…”

Let’s take a look at some of the “difficult but acceptable” Achievements from Guitar Hero III:  (more…)

Source: 1Up

Yeah, remember that little vow of Guitar Hero III celibacy that I uttered during our Podcast?  It ain’t changing anytime soon.  The new three packs of DLC from Red Octane and Activision for GHIII is still gonna suck…AND be expensive. 

Crap.

Learn more after the jump.

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