Guitar Hero on the 360 with Dolby Digital + Home Theater = RAWK! :cool:

Post here any comments and impressions about the game, the songs, downloads, tips, pics, etc..

If you haven't played the game for more than a couple minutes, do the tutorials first! Everyone starts to play the game wrong, which can be frustrating.

Here's some tips to get you started:

First tip: if there's a series of same notes in a row, you don't have to push the colored "fret" for each note... keep it held down and just strum to the beat.

Second tip: if there's a note that's immediately followed by a higher note, there's no need to let go of the first note. Just like regular guitar, only the highest note will register.

cant wait till monday!

Thanks for the tips, Daver. Im a rookie and cant wait to get this game, those tips should help me rock my face off!

I cant believe how excited I am about a game Ive only played for 30 seconds at Best Buy.

My tip: Don't play on HARD until you've mastered medium. You'll feel stupid and completely inept at playing games.

For those about to Rock....

i need the pick of destiny

here is a couple of tips from somebody who has played alot on ps2.... to become better at hard, when playing on medium...
1. force yourself to do hammer-ons and pull-offs (even if you don't have to)
2. Force yourself to strum up and down during the fast parts

When playing on hard.
1. when a orange note comes up move your hand down and keep it there don't move back to the green one......

if you have any other questions feel free to ask...

My tip: Don't play on HARD until you've mastered medium. You'll feel stupid and completely inept at playing games.

To those that are wondering how the difficulty changes:

Easy: Only 3 unique notes used per song, almost no "chords" (more than one note played at a time), and no fast strumming. Most anyone can get through a song on easy with no problems.

Medium: 4 unique notes used per song, introducing the pinky finger. Some chords and occasional fast strumming, rare hammer-ons and pull-offs (guitar players will know what this means, and it is described in the tutorials).

Hard: all 5 notes used, introducing moving hand position. :eek: Many chords and often fast strumming, hammer-ons and pull-offs common in solos. As rdank said... this level can be rough!

Expert: Hard "up to 11"! :D

I don't mean to hate, but I never really understood the fascination with Guitar Hero. I play guitar and don't see why people just wouldnt learn to play ther real thing...I understand the cost differentials...but i guess i just never really got it...that is all...this is a rant isn't it?

I don't mean to hate, but I never really understood the fascination with Guitar Hero. I play guitar and don't see why people just wouldnt learn to play ther real thing...I understand the cost differentials...but i guess i just never really got it...that is all...this is a rant isn't it?

I've heard from quite a few people that this is a common reaction among guitar players. And then they have a go on the game...

I've heard from quite a few people that this is a common reaction among guitar players. And then they have a go on the game...


I have played it...it is just too simplistic...but i guess that is from knowing how to really play...oh well to each his own right?

I have played it...it is just too simplistic...but i guess that is from knowing how to really play...oh well to each his own right?

Of course. But at it's heart it's still a game. Anyone who thinks they can become Satriani from playing it is fooling themselves. I don't think it's so much a cheaper/shorter alternative to learning to actually play as much as it's a fun, challenging game with some nice wish fulfillment for anyone that wanted to be Angus and rock out at Wembley but couldn't put in the time.

I don't mean to hate, but I never really understood the fascination with Guitar Hero. I play guitar and don't see why people just wouldnt learn to play ther real thing...I understand the cost differentials...but i guess i just never really got it...that is all...this is a rant isn't it?

I completely understand your post. I used to play guitar, and still do on occasion (Martin D-15 and '80 Gibson Les Paul).

I didn't think I would like this game 'till I played Boston's More Than a Feeling from Guitar Hero 1 at a party. Then, playing multiplayer with 2 guitars turned out to be a blast too!

The Guitar Hero games aren't really about playing guitar -- it's quite simply a rhythm-based video game. And the guitar-shaped controller with the game's metalhead personality really celebrate the essence of "Rock and Roll". ...like playing air guitar. :D

i don't think anyone thinks that they can become a guitarist, but i have a couple of buddies that didn't want to play the game. One of them plays guitar (very well). i made him play it for 30 min. and the more he played it the more he liked it. he has since gone out and purchased it and he says it is the greatest purchase of his life. You have to play it for a while to like it. and as far as being too simplistic obviously you weren't playing on expert...... try playing the game for a couple of hours, the better you get the more fun it is.

I own both PS2 games and have an OG black controller and the limited crimson one. I pre ordere dat ebgames but I can't wait to play Gh on my preferred system. I may have to buy a USB extension since my 360 is above my tv and I might have to route the cord around the screen.

I don't mean to hate, but I never really understood the fascination with Guitar Hero. I play guitar and don't see why people just wouldnt learn to play ther real thing...I understand the cost differentials...but i guess i just never really got it...that is all...this is a rant isn't it?

You see this comment in just about every GH discussion. People play it for the same reason they play golf/tennis/basketball/skateboarding/table tennis games when they could do the real thing....

They're fun. Simple.

i've played guitar for years. i still play the hell out of guitar hero. these games are insanely fun, that simple. if running around your living room rocking out to carry on wayward son while playing a kramer v as a giant body painted fat man with metal spikes isn't your idea of fun... then you're probably hopeless.

and i can say without a doubt that many songs on expert are harder than just really playing the damn song on an actual guitar. i play sweet child of mine all the time, and i butcher it in guitar hero. monkey wrench is hilariously simple to play on a real guitar... just a drop d strummer, but in guitar hero on expert it's ridiculous.

i think from now on i'm going to go into every gears of war thread and ask why you wouldn't just go get a gun and practice shooting over ledges in real life. what's the point of playing a game about it? and let's stop making any sports game, ever... since you know, you could just play the real thing.

i've played guitar for years. i still play the hell out of guitar hero. these games are insanely fun, that simple. if running around your living room rocking out to carry on wayward son while playing a kramer v as a giant body painted fat man with metal spikes isn't your idea of fun... then you're probably hopeless.

and i can say without a doubt that many songs on expert are harder than just really playing the damn song on an actual guitar. i play sweet child of mine all the time, and i butcher it in guitar hero. monkey wrench is hilariously simple to play on a real guitar... just a drop d strummer, but in guitar hero on expert it's ridiculous.

i think from now on i'm going to go into every gears of war thread and ask why you wouldn't just go get a gun and practice shooting over ledges in real life. what's the point of playing a game about it? and let's stop making any sports game, ever... since you know, you could just play the real thing.

Here here!

On the flipside I produce trance and techno and I f'n hate beatmania(nothing like making or performing electronic music).

I have played it...it is just too simplistic...but i guess that is from knowing how to really play...oh well to each his own right?


We can't all be Jimmy Hendrix like yourself. Have some sympathy on us simple minded folks.

I have played it...it is just too simplistic...but i guess that is from knowing how to really play...oh well to each his own right?

Too bad the game isn't meant to be a simulation. I know how to punch a guy in the face. It doesn't make fight night any less fun.

I just hope that the rumor they will have the original available as dlc is true never owned PS2 GH1 in anticipation of a 360 version, and there were quite a few songs I wanted on that game

I'm unable to find the answer if this has been posted already but does anyone know the length of the cord for the guitar? From what I understand, I can buy a USB extension cable. Is this accurate? I sit about 10' feet away from the console.

I'm unable to find the answer if this has been posted already but does anyone know the length of the cord for the guitar? From what I understand, I can buy a USB extension cable. Is this accurate? What's the length of the cord? I sit about 10' feet away from the console.


it's 10 feet, and yes, any usb extender will work, i have about 4 of them from digital cameras and stuff (came free)

i could rock out from about 30' if i wanted to, hehe



and for those with pinky troubles, i broke my pinky in iraq a few years back, it's never been the same, some people just cant use the pinky, it's all good

i use 3 fingers, and move up/down, it works well but there is some limitation once you get into expert mode, but you'll be good through easy/medium/hard, but for me it's a disability, if you've never played before i suggest you FORCE yourself to use your pinky, otherwise you'll kick yourself later.

... for me it's a disability, if you've never played before i suggest you FORCE yourself to use your pinky, otherwise you'll kick yourself later.

That's good advice, and sorry about loosing your appendage. :o

...we salute you.

lol, i didnt lose it, i just broke it and lost a little bit of mobility, for everyday use it's fine, i can even type fine, it's just those really fast solos, the ole beat up pinky just cant hang :)

thanks for the kind words though, i have no regrets, but i'm glad that chapter of my life is behind me.

rock on!

Sorry Guys I didnt mean to start a turf war, I understand that some people like different things...I just made a comment sorry to ruffle feathers...I am by no means a "Hendrix" but I enjoy playing guitar...If they could find some way to incorporate a real guitar into one of these type of games then i think they would be on to something...Then people could take interactive lessons that gave immediate feedback...and it would still have this entertaining facet that many of you seem to really enjoy...

If they could find some way to incorporate a real guitar into one of these type of games then i think they would be on to something...Then people could take interactive lessons that gave immediate feedback...and it would still have this entertaining facet that many of you seem to really enjoy...

That would be cool, but a really different game... more of a "sim".

Guitar Hero is simple, dumb fun. Sort of like what Burnout Revenge is to racing games.

Sorry Guys I didnt mean to start a turf war, I understand that some people like different things...I just made a comment sorry to ruffle feathers...I am by no means a "Hendrix" but I enjoy playing guitar...If they could find some way to incorporate a real guitar into one of these type of games then i think they would be on to something...Then people could take interactive lessons that gave immediate feedback...and it would still have this entertaining facet that many of you seem to really enjoy...

Now see you'd like Drummania. It sucks at teaching you drums but it demands a precise sense of rhythm throughout your body. Now with drum hero likely in the works(if not already in production) maybe you'll enjoy that more.

Lol i get what you are saying but I suck at the kit...that is why i stick to the guitar (Fender Nashville Power Tele, with a fender hot rod deville)

If they could find some way to incorporate a real guitar into one of these type of games then i think they would be on to something...Then people could take interactive lessons that gave immediate feedback...and it would still have this entertaining facet that many of you seem to really enjoy...

I'd be all over that game. If there's one thing that's stopped me from keeping up with practicing the guitar, it's video games.

it's 10 feet, and yes, any usb extender will work, i have about 4 of them from digital cameras and stuff (came free)

i could rock out from about 30' if i wanted to, hehe



and for those with pinky troubles, i broke my pinky in iraq a few years back, it's never been the same, some people just cant use the pinky, it's all good

i use 3 fingers, and move up/down, it works well but there is some limitation once you get into expert mode, but you'll be good through easy/medium/hard, but for me it's a disability, if you've never played before i suggest you FORCE yourself to use your pinky, otherwise you'll kick yourself later.

wow that is really impressive i would love to see video of you playing hard with 3 fingers..

Its a videogame.

How many people play madden versus going out and throwing a football.

Or Tiger Woods versus swinging a real golf club.

You could go on and on with real world comparisons. But the digital equivalent in most cases is much easier to pick up, play, and put down. Not to mention the video and audio effects consoles are capable of these days make the experience itself more enjoyable in most cases.

Games are made to entertain. Its a simple as that.. and Guitar Hero is about one of the most entertaining experiences to hit a console I can think of.

Its a videogame.

How many people play madden versus going out and throwing a football.

Or Tiger Woods versus swinging a real golf club.

You could go on and on with real world comparisons. But the digital equivalent in most cases is much easier to pick up, play, and put down. Not to mention the video and audio effects consoles are capable of these days make the experience itself more enjoyable in most cases.

Games are made to entertain. Its a simple as that.. and Guitar Hero is about one of the most entertaining experiences to hit a console I can think of.


The difference between all of these other real world comparisons is this...You can play guitar on your own and learn a skill that is rewarding and entertaining...you don't need anyone else to help and its something you carry with you...

Football doesn't translate as well simply because it is a team sport and your body physically cannot do those things over and over again (I know I played D1 football)
Golf is as close an arguement as you can make, but how many of us can go play Peeble Beach every other day?

I think the thing I don't get is how someone would want to play a mimic of a skill that is basically a dumbed down version? The game mimics real playing but on a super dumbed down scale...I don't doubt that you like it and are entertained, but why not just practice on the real thing? It is just as fun and is WAY more impressive when you master it...

I guess the easiest answer then is because I just dont want too.

I could propose the same question to you.. Why spend the money on a guitar.. then need guitar lessons.. and take several months, years even.. just for the possibility of mastering it when all you wanted was just a few minutes of fun.

What about when a friend comes over. Are they gonna spend the months and money needed for lessons too.. all just for a few minutes of fun. Or do you think they will be much more likely to pick up a controller and take a whack at GH too.. especially considering its free and requires no other effort than turning on your TV.

As I said before. Its just a game, your looking way to deep for answer to why people play a game versus during the real thing. Nobody is saying GH will replace your guitar or that playing a guitar in real life is now unrewarding because you can mimic doing so on a game.

As for it being just as fun.. I highly doubt that, especially for a beginner. I'd imagine as with most games that mimic something to be done in real life.. the video game version is much, much easier to pick up and 'play'. If it wasnt people wouldnt even try it.

Not to mention every video game adds certain digital effects to increase your overall experience.. and these effects simply are applicable to the real world.

The difference between all of these other real world comparisons is this...You can play guitar on your own and learn a skill that is rewarding and entertaining...you don't need anyone else to help and its something you carry with you...

I understand what you are saying, but I would say the closest comparison isn't sports games... it's Dance Dance Revolution. If you like to dance, why not take lessons and learn to do it properly? That would be the best and most rewarding route.

But for those that want to play an interactive game loosely based on the experience of what it's celebrating and not spend the time, money or frustration of learning the real thing, GH (or DDR) is the fun to go.

Many people who are good at guitar forget how hard it can be and how long it can take to get good.

I got to try out GH2 on the 360 at my local BB today. Too bad I think they had it set up incorrectly or I'm an idiot. I couldn't get the guitar to work on single player Quickplay mode. The game was only responding to the standard 360 controller. So I had to select multiplayer mode and try the competition mode to get a taste of the game.

I played Life Wasted by Pearl Jam and Them Bones by Alice in Chains (yes, I'm a fan of the grunge days of the early 90's...as well as classic Zep and heavy metal!!!). The game played great and looked much better than the PS2 demo that I've played around with.

I think this game is a must-buy for any fan of rock music and any gamer who just likes games that are flat out fun to play. Before I ever tried the PS2 demo, I thought, "Psssh, Guitar Hero? Lame!" But then I decided to pick it up and give it a try. Its just great fun. Can't wait for this bad boy on the 360. Hopefully, I can convince my girlfriend to give it a try instead of giving me the "evil eye" while I play GRAW2 :p

The difference between all of these other real world comparisons is this...You can play guitar on your own and learn a skill that is rewarding and entertaining...you don't need anyone else to help and its something you carry with you...

Football doesn't translate as well simply because it is a team sport and your body physically cannot do those things over and over again (I know I played D1 football)
Golf is as close an arguement as you can make, but how many of us can go play Peeble Beach every other day?

I think the thing I don't get is how someone would want to play a mimic of a skill that is basically a dumbed down version? The game mimics real playing but on a super dumbed down scale...I don't doubt that you like it and are entertained, but why not just practice on the real thing? It is just as fun and is WAY more impressive when you master it...

I was just actually thinking the same thing just the other day, while i was playing rainbow 6. I was thinking why am i shooting in this videogame, why don't i grab my ar-15 and actually go out and hunt Terrorists??? i mean that would be way more fun adn impressive when i do it...

Count me in. I'm getting it.

I used to play trombone, does that mean I won't like this? Any word on Trombone Hero coming out?

wow that is really impressive i would love to see video of you playing hard with 3 fingers..


it's not quite that impressive, depends on the song, but it's pretty easy to float up and down the fretboard, i never keep my fingers on any certain buttons, i got from green/red/yellow down to yellow/blue/orange

How has the sound quality been in the PS2 versions? Nice solid bass presence in the music?

How has the sound quality been in the PS2 versions? Nice solid bass presence in the music?

Yes.

Harmonix, the developer, started as a couple MIT grads who wanted to form not a video-game company, but some sort of music-related business. Sound quality is crucial for them and from what I read, they made getting the music part of this game the highest priority. So even though most of the songs aren't the original bands, they went into the studio and worked to get it right... the guitar tracks have the correct fuzziness, or lack thereof, depending on the song. The drums kick and the bass is full. Best of all, the surrounds are nicely used: the crowds chants, claps (or sometimes groans and boos) in the rear speakers! And when you are rocking with "star power" (this game's version of powered-up), the reverb kicks in and the mix comes alive.

I will say that I'm not crazy about all the musical performances in #2. I think GH1 nails most of the cover songs better and I like that first game's set list more. IMO GH2 (which the 360 version is built around) has a couple of weak performances. Avenged Sevenfold's "Beast and the Harlot" comes to mind... the GH version misses all the layers of the original's studio version. And why they even chose to put the vocal/keyboard-heavy "Carry On Wayward Son" from Kansas is beyond me! With that said, GH2 has some standout tracks too: Iggy Pop's "Search and Destroy", Rush's "YYZ" and my fav Rage Against the Machine's "Killing in the Name Of".

But back to your question, I have my PS2 connected to a Denon 7.1 surround system with Polk towers and Velodyne sub via simple red/white analog connectors, set to Dolby Pro-Logic 2 at cinema setting... it sounds really GOOD. :cool: I'm anxious to hear what Dolby Digital will sound like via the 360, because I know how Gears sounds! :eek:

Thanks DaverJ. That was a better response than I could have ever asked for.

I forgot to think that the songs would be redone as covers. I guess I should have known from playing Samba De Amigo on the Dreamcast.

small note to everyone GH2 for 360 may be the last GH developed by Harmonix. They are reportedly off GH3 but it's possible they maybe working on a GH spinoff or maybe a whole new franchise all together.

Right now all the 24 unlockable songs are the original artists, but those are mostly unsigned bands and a few lesser known ones. Of the songs in the main set-list, Jane's Addiction "Stop", Primus "John the Fisherman", My Chemical Romance "Dead!" and Toadies "Possum Kingdom" are original tracks.

Wikipedia has updated the setlist with 360 info (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar_Hero_2#Main_setlist). It's interesting to note that the order of the songs has changed a lot from the PS2 version: e.g. both Rage Against the Machine and The Sword have moved up from the 5th set ("Return of the Shred") to the 6th set ("Relentless Riffs"). The higher number of set, the more difficult the song is.

played at walmart today, i really like the feel of the new guitar. feels a LOT less like you're holding a big plastic guitar.

it just feels more solid in general.

to those that havent felt the xplorer in their hands, you're in for a surprise, it feels so solid, not like a toy, my ps2 version i never had complaints about, but in comparison it feels like a kids toy (ps2 version)

my only complaint is that i used to hit select for star power with the edge of my hand, effortlessly (never liked tilting it) but now that's not possible with the button position, but i'll get over it.

also on ps2, the whammy bar was always pretty loose, i mean had some tension behind it, but not a lot. the 360 has more, seems like they tried to get rid of the "slap the whammy as fast as you can" thing, so that you can whammy with the music like you're supposed to.

Shipment confirmation as of yesterday from RedOctane, should be here early next week, wooo!

Just ordered this. Looks like a lot of fun, hopefully my complete lack of rhythm doesn't hurt too much ;)

And why they even chose to put the vocal/keyboard-heavy "Carry On Wayward Son" from Kansas is beyond me!

because it has two of the most recognizable and catchy guitar riffs ever played. and several solos. i think that's a pretty good reason.

small note to everyone GH2 for 360 may be the last GH developed by Harmonix. They are reportedly off GH3 but it's possible they maybe working on a GH spinoff or maybe a whole new franchise all together.

i have heard rumors of them starting a new franchise and i am afraid that they will use different guitars and you will have to buy new guitars....

because it has two of the most recognizable and catchy guitar riffs ever played. and several solos. i think that's a pretty good reason.

That is an awesome song and one of the reasons I am getting the game.

I think the thing I don't get is how someone would want to play a mimic of a skill that is basically a dumbed down version? The game mimics real playing but on a super dumbed down scale...I don't doubt that you like it and are entertained, but why not just practice on the real thing? It is just as fun and is WAY more impressive when you master it...

I play guitar, with a band, in front of live audiences......and I ordered Guitar Hero II. I've played it on a friends PS2 and it's fun. It's no way even close to playing a real guitar, it's just a rhythm game. Hit the toggle bar when you would strike a string (or strings) and press/hold a color button that matches on screen what you should be hitting. It's timing and that's it. Playing this won't teach, help or anything for playing a guitar. It'll help improve your timing but that affects more than just guitar playing.

Guitar Hero II is a fun game, and it's even more fun with two people playing and a group watching. It's fun....that's it. Isn't that what games are supposed to be?

I play guitar, with a band, in front of live audiences......and I ordered Guitar Hero II. I've played it on a friends PS2 and it's fun. It's no way even close to playing a real guitar, it's just a rhythm game. Hit the toggle bar when you would strike a string (or strings) and press/hold a color button that matches on screen what you should be hitting. It's timing and that's it. Playing this won't teach, help or anything for playing a guitar. It'll help improve your timing but that affects more than just guitar playing.

Guitar Hero II is a fun game, and it's even more fun with two people playing and a group watching. It's fun....that's it. Isn't that what games are supposed to be?

yeah, i don't get his reasoning at all. i've played out as well, and i really don't see what it has to do with playing a videogame. i mean, i play tennis all the time, i guess that means i should reutrn virtua tennis then, right? half the fun of videogames is how they compress real world activities into easy to pick up quick doses of fun. i don't really see what's hard to understand about that. if you eliminated every videogame that mimicked a real world activity, you'd kill a good 50% of the market at least.

because it has two of the most recognizable and catchy guitar riffs ever played. and several solos. i think that's a pretty good reason.

I guess I should say I love the song, and the guitar parts are awesome... particularly the bridge before the solos.

...but, there's long stretches of no guitar, an organ solo... I dunno, I think there's more appropriate Kansas songs for Guitar Hero.

Dammit I want AC/DC's Thunderstruck! I hope they will be able to some serious tracks for download via Live. I know they have been touting an obscene amount of content, but I haven't seen any lists yet.

Till then I have to keep my Angus cap and my old school uniform in the closet. (shh dont tell anyone, I don't want to end up on youtube)

I want to clarify something for everyone that seems to think I don't want the game made... I never said that, I just questioned peoples fascination with the game because as the guy who is also in a live band said it resembles nothing about a real guitar... I guess I see it has a loyal following of people who enjoy it, sorry I asked a question, I mean I see the game at Best Buy with a line of people waiting to check it out, I didn't get what was the big deal so I asked on the board here, I didnt tell you to go burn down your church or anything....

As for the smart @$$es who are saying they should go shoot an M16 or AK57 instead of playing GRAW, I think the absurdity of the idea speaks for its self...I just wondered why people liked it that is all...sorry...I guess I am a guitar snob because I can play, sorry if that is the case...i didnt mean to be...Can we let it die now?

I want to clarify something for everyone that seems to think I don't want the game made... I never said that, I just questioned peoples fascination with the game because as the guy who is also in a live band said it resembles nothing about a real guitar... I guess I see it has a loyal following of people who enjoy it, sorry I asked a question, I mean I see the game at Best Buy with a line of people waiting to check it out, I didn't get what was the big deal so I asked on the board here, I didnt tell you to go burn down your church or anything....

As for the smart @$$es who are saying they should go shoot an M16 or AK57 instead of playing GRAW, I think the absurdity of the idea speaks for its self...I just wondered why people liked it that is all...sorry...I guess I am a guitar snob because I can play, sorry if that is the case...i didnt mean to be...Can we let it die now?


You sound rather bitter...It's almost as if you think because of the popularity of GH, it will taint the aspect of learning and playing a real guitar. The bottom line is, this is a VIDEO GAME. It is a very fun party game to boot. It is usually best to not look so deeply into certain things. Just let it flow brother.

Laterz.

No I am glad there are games that generate this much interest...I am not bitter at the game...LOL I just wanted to see what the buzz was all about...I am bitter at the people who gotta be all nifty and sly with their responses here...sic...

DaveJ has been a really cool dude...

I wanna rock

Dammit I want AC/DC's Thunderstruck! I hope they will be able to some serious tracks for download via Live. I know they have been touting an obscene amount of content, but I haven't seen any lists yet.

Till then I have to keep my Angus cap and my old school uniform in the closet. (shh dont tell anyone, I don't want to end up on youtube)

Are you kidding? Thnderstruck is like the same riff over and over for the entire song. I mean I like the song and all but there's better ACDC to put in there.

Shook me all night long....

Saw it yesterday at BB and stopped to play 1 song-Van Halen's "You Really Got Me". Took me a little while to realize I needed to strum while I was pressing the buttons-I know, that's pretty sad. Game looks like it'll be a blast and will probably wind up in my basement sometime.

Anyways-here's a really stupid question... what is the best hand placement to press the buttons? Is it best to use all 4 fingers and just slide your hand up or down for the last button? If so, is it better to slide up or down? Also, it seemed like I was going to have some issues with my pinky... not sure if just because it's weak or because I have smaller hands. Does anyone just use their middle 3 fingers?

No I am glad there are games that generate this much interest...I am not bitter at the game...LOL I just wanted to see what the buzz was all about...I am bitter at the people who gotta be all nifty and sly with their responses here...sic...

DaveJ has been a really cool dude...

Thanks, and sorry you felt you were being jumped on. These internet forums can get some harsh-seeming responses to simple questions or statements.

Another thing I like about these games is the personality of the game itself. Not only is the gameplay fun, but unlocking characters and guitars, including different models of the same guitar, are nice touches. The Art Direction of the game is cool... take a look at some of the "stages" that your character plays on and notice how the elements interact with the song. Also, I like how the game starts in the basement, followed by participating in battle of the bands, then playing clubs, moving on to stadiums, etc..

Even the loading screens have fun advice like "Don't ever give the drummer a mic -- it will only end in tears" and "Keep an empty bottle on the tour van... you'll see." :D

No I am glad there are games that generate this much interest...I am not bitter at the game...LOL I just wanted to see what the buzz was all about...I am bitter at the people who gotta be all nifty and sly with their responses here...sic...

DaveJ has been a really cool dude...


sorry to come at you like that...no hard feelings.
all n all, the game generates alot of buzz because it is a really fun game.

Saw it yesterday at BB and stopped to play 1 song-Van Halen's "You Really Got Me". Took me a little while to realize I needed to strum while I was pressing the buttons-I know, that's pretty sad. Game looks like it'll be a blast and will probably wind up in my basement sometime.

Anyways-here's a really stupid question... what is the best hand placement to press the buttons? Is it best to use all 4 fingers and just slide your hand up or down for the last button? If so, is it better to slide up or down? Also, it seemed like I was going to have some issues with my pinky... not sure if just because it's weak or because I have smaller hands. Does anyone just use their middle 3 fingers?

It depends on the person. I usually use my first, middle and ring finger the most. However for cascades it's better to be able to use your pinky and then of course the split chords on expert(Green and blue, red and orange, green red and blue, etc.). But being able to slide your hand is key. You should at least be able to slide your hand down one note. If you end up using three fingers mostly then you need to be able to slide your hand more vigirously.

Review is up on IGN.com. (http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/777/777444p1.html)

9.4... "outstanding". :cool:

From the review: Even if you already have done all of this before, you may yet find a reason to grab the Xbox 360 re-release. With reworked graphics, sound, new songs, downloadable content and more, this is easily the best Guitar Hero game yet.

Here's a good quote appropriate for this forum: To take advantage of the DD 5.1 capabilities on Xbox 360, every song has been remastered and they sound fantastic. The difference in sound quality when played on a home theater is noticeable even to the untrained ear - it's that good.

yes, that makes me happy because i have surround sound. I am just waiting for them to release Buddy Holly, so i can play just like micheal j fox did in back to the future...

This was the exciting part of the IGN review for me.

Also from the review: Songs from the original Guitar Hero will be available on the Marketplace. We haven't learned the full list, but our reliable source (call him Lars Umlaut) tells us that Ozzy's "Bark at the Moon", Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Higher Ground", and Incubus' "Stellar" will all come in the first wave roughly a week after the game launches.

Score! Previously, I hadn't seen anything other than forum rumors about Guitar Hero I tracks. Woohoo!

yes, that makes me happy because i have surround sound. I am just waiting for them to release Buddy Holly, so i can play just like micheal j fox did in back to the future...


You mean Chuck Berry.

You mean Chuck Berry.

"This one's a blues riff in B flat, watch for the chord changes and try and keep up." :D

This is your cousin, Marvin... Marvin Berry

you guys are killing me LOL!! I love that movie!! Maybe its because I am still under 30 :) Not by much though LOL.

I am trying to talk the wife into driving an hour to get it from CC. This would cause me to miss some of the Buckeyes game in HD and since I would get home and have the game I would miss the 2nd game too because I am ripping it up LOL. Damn what a decision. I dont think I can wait until tomorrow morning either. Hell might be out of stock by then.

Just picked up my copy from Circuit City, firing it up now. :D

My copy shipped out yesterday from red octane and scheduled delivery is tuesday.... my head's going to explode from anticipation. I've only played once before at a friends house and i was immedietly blown away. Keep the tips comin for me and all the other rookie biotches!!

Just picked up my copy from Circuit City, firing it up now. :D

So I am assuming the rumor of the 1600 MS points is False? I haven't searched anywhere else on the net to see if it is true. Thanks

So I am assuming the rumor of the 1600 MS points is False? I haven't searched anywhere else on the net to see if it is true. Thanks
It wont be happening until at least tomorrow's ad, possibly not until tuesday though. I plan on taking my receipt back and getting the free points then.

I just got my copy from CC to. I have never even played this game before. I have nieces and nephews coming over so I guess this will be the party hit. :) I don't have 2 guitars so is that crucial? I guess I could try and go back there (only 22 minutes away) but is it worth payng for another bundle or should I just wait for the extra guitars to come out? Damn, to many decisions.... Oh well, I should just be glad I scored a bundle to begin with... :)

Might be worth it. You are getting the game for basically 40 bucks or so. Might not be out anything if you can ebay it. I think the old controller sold for like 49 bucks.

I will just keep my preorder at EB and pick up the extra guitar that way on Tuesday. Thanks... I guess I should have tried to have scored 2 bundles... Oh well... :)

Might be worth it. You are getting the game for basically 40 bucks or so. Might not be out anything if you can ebay it. I think the old controller sold for like 49 bucks.
Except there wont be many (any?) people with a 360 guitar with no game. ;)

crap the CCs with it in stock aren't worth the drive. Especially since I have the ps2 version.

Yeah you are right. No point in wasting a copy of the game. I will wait for the extra guitars to show up. :)

I haven't played Guitar Hero II on the 360, but on the PS2 version there is an unlockable mode where there are no color bars on the screen for you to follow.Can someone confirm if this carried over to the 360?

I haven't played Guitar Hero II on the 360, but on the PS2 version there is an unlockable mode where there are no color bars on the screen for you to follow.Can someone confirm if this carried over to the 360?

You mean the performance mode cheat. I see no reason why they wouldn't include it. I mean they might have changed the unlock code but it should still be there.

I couldn't stand waiting until Tuesday or Wednesday for my Costco.com order to arrive, so I just got back from Circuit City with a copy. I will return the 2nd one when it arrives to my Costco warehouse.

I'm so excited that I can't believe I'm wasting time typing this message.

Same here :)

Cancelled my amazon.com order and just picked it up from circuit city...if it helps, my cc was only allowing online orders to purchase the game.

Rock on!

And....gh is wtfpwning my 360... :(

Off to bb for my product replacement plan :(

Alas, I will wait for my Amazon preorder. It is going to be a long week.

Wow, Circuit City has recently within the last few hours disabled the in-store pickup option for GHII. I'm glad I got it earlier this afternoon!

So now that some new Guitar Heroes are shredding... what do you think?

Quality of game & controller...? ...sound? ...favorite/ least favorite songs...?

My early favorites are Surrender (which is the only song that I can beat and do somewhat well on hard mode so far) and You Really Got Me. I turned down the music a bit in the options menu so now my guitar is louder than ever!

The buttons seem to get stuck a little bit, though, but hopefully they will loosen up as I play.

I see CC has turned off its PICK UP IN STORE option....

So now that some new Guitar Heroes are shredding... what do you think?

Quality of game & controller...? ...sound? ...favorite/ least favorite songs...?

Scored an early copy at CC....so far so great!

I like the new guitar better - I'm a lefty and find it easier to use the whammy with this one. Overall feels pretty solid.

Don't have a favorite song yet - but really like "Possum Kingdom" by the Toadies and "The Trooper" by Iron Maiden.

i like to turn the "error note" sound down quite a bit, so when i screw up i dont sound that horrible.

to those that have this, and havent really played, buy the bonus track "Six" and throw it on hard or expert :P

Jordan is tougher six is just longer.

i never felt that jordan was that tough, it's the same thing for the whole song pretty much.

to me six, the light that binds, and yyz are some of the toughest tracks, at least on ps2.


of course i've never really cared for buckethead, he's talented, but his music doesnt feel like music to me, he's more like "look at me, i'm faster and better than anyone will ever be.... and no, you cant see my face" :)

but shadows fall and all that remains are two of my favorite artists anyway, so i may be partial to them.

So now that some new Guitar Heroes are shredding... what do you think?

Quality of game & controller...? ...sound? ...favorite/ least favorite songs...?
I really like Jessica, but I'm an ABB fan. :) But I also really suck at that song, even on Easy.

So far my only complaints are the resolution - it doesn't fill up the whole screen, there's black bars on the sides - and the part you strum is very easy to hit while you're using the whammy bar. I don't know if it was like that on the PS2 as I've never played this game before.

But overall it's my favorite game on the 360 now. :D

I really like Jessica, but I'm an ABB fan. :) But I also really suck at that song, even on Easy.

So far my only complaints are the resolution - it doesn't fill up the whole screen, there's black bars on the sides - and the part you strum is very easy to hit while you're using the whammy bar. I don't know if it was like that on the PS2 as I've never played this game before.

But overall it's my favorite game on the 360 now. :D
I was wondering about the resolution thing, too. It's like that for me as well (I'm using VGA. Burnout also does this, and only via VGA on my set).

I was wondering about the resolution thing, too. It's like that for me as well (I'm using VGA. Burnout also does this, and only via VGA on my set).
I'm getting it via component.

I guess they did it on purpose to keep overscan from happening or to keep the framerate perfect.

I heard the news about circuit city last night. I got the bundle, and also an open box Onkyo TXSR304S for $105.00 after the extra 20% markdown. I love the game, I am now asking my self if i really need the Halo 3 Legenday?

no black bars here (component)

no black bars here (component)
Does your TV overscan? They're not very wide, but they're definitely there...

so wait, on a 1:1 display there are bars, like the developers efforts were to overcome overscan?

so wait, on a 1:1 display there are bars, like the developers efforts were to overcome overscan?
I dunno about a 1:1 display, but on my Panasonic TH-42PX60U there are black bars on the left and right.

No bars here, but I do slightl overscan. In the first GRAW, I could see most of the visor outline, but no quite all of it on both sides.

Sound in this game is great. Turned it up last night after the wife went to bed and it was great. Once I get a longer cord today, things will be rocking.

This game does ROCK (no pun intended)... :D

FYI: CORD LENGTH

Somebody in the deal thread measured the controller cord length; it's 10 feet. I posted the following in the "deal" thread, I think it might benefit everybody here as well:

I wanted to buy a 10 ft. extension to bring my total cable length to 20 ft. (because of my larger room) and I just read that USB total cable lengths should not exceed approx. 16 ft.! Straight from USB.org:

How long of a cable can I use to connect my device?

In practice, the USB specification limits the length of a cable between full speed devices to 5 meters (a little under 16 feet 5 inches). For a low speed device the limit is 3 meters (9 feet 10 inches).

Source: http://www.usb.org/about/faq/ans5

Looks like the best we will be able to do as add a 6 ft. extension. If you want to / need to go longer, you will need to add powered repeaters / hubs every 16 ft.

as far as wire length goes, i have a large room, so i have 2 6ft. extenstions connected to my 10ft. cable... so i'm playing with 22ft. between the guitar and the xbox without any issues.

as far as wire length goes, i have a large room, so i have 2 6ft. extenstions connected to my 10ft. cable... so i'm playing with 22ft. between the guitar and the xbox without any issues.

Good to know I'd imagine length being a bigger issue if a steady stream of data was being run through the cord. But for simple button signals I guess it's no biggie.

Black bars for me also. Sony Bravia KLV-S26A0.

I read on this forum about CC selling these early so I snagged a copy on Sat. Ive never played before so I cant compare the Guitar or anything, but damn this game is fun.

Ive been rockin for 2 days now and when I go to bed I hear riffs running through my mind till I fall asleep. Right now its "Woman" by Wolfmother.

I really like all the jokes too. Im constatnly laughing and the TV. "No pitchers were hurt in the making of this game...."

I cant wait to get good. I see videos on the web of people shredding on expert which seems impossible right now. I just beat my first Hard diffuculty song, Possum Kingdom. That friggin orange button is gonna break my wrist!

Try playing it with the 360 controller using the shoulders and triggers for some added fun ;) .

--- Jason

My wrists continue to be sore if I play for more than about 45 minutes. Does anyone have any experience with this, maybe from the previous PS2 version? Does it start to go away with time?

If it doesn't, I hope that some 3rd party makes a controller that is slightly bigger.

you have to condition yourself :D

when i first started on ps2, my wrists hurt a little, but after a while it goes away.


also, i'm 6'5 with really long arms and big hands, and i dont think the controller is too small

you have to condition yourself :D

when i first started on ps2, my wrists hurt a little, but after a while it goes away.


also, i'm 6'5 with really long arms and big hands, and i dont think the controller is too small
Good to hear. I'm only 6'1", so I should be OK after awhile.

Does anyone else have weird "persistence of vision" thing after playing for a while?

For me, staring at the moving dots on screen for so long, once I'm done playing and look at a different solid image, it contorts into freaky LSD warping. Of two guys that I play this game with, one saw the same thing and the other didn't know what we were talking about.

Yeah, Ive seen the trippy vision too. I actually like that.

When Im playing though, especially when Im in the middle of a long song, sometimes I get this tunnel vision thing goin on and everything around the fretboard goes black and the notes seem to speed up. Happens when Im playin Test Drive Unlimited too.

I get the same thing. After playing a good session, things will move a bit when I stare off at nothing.

Yeah, Ive seen the trippy vision too. I actually like that.

When Im playing though, especially when Im in the middle of a long song, sometimes I get this tunnel vision thing goin on and everything around the fretboard goes black and the notes seem to speed up. Happens when Im playin Test Drive Unlimited too.

Yes, ive experienced the tunnel vision thing. Mostly on the harder levels when the notes on the fret board are racing at ya.

for people that have the game.....is anyone having any lag problems??? i was worried about that...

for people that have the game.....is anyone having any lag problems??? i was worried about that...
Lag problems? No.

But you can adjust it in the settings if you think that's why you can't beat a song. :D

for people that have the game.....is anyone having any lag problems??? i was worried about that...

I haven't noticed anything funky, and that's with a 9' extension cable on the end as well. (although, if there was lag, I'd probably be more likely to blame my pitiful playing before lag; But, I was getting 96%+ on medium on most of 'em last night so it appears all good.)

When I first started, I was failing miserably. I figured it HAD to be lag issuses with my DLP. I tried the calibration test and it said I had no lag.

I didnt want to believe it, but there really isnt any lag with my setup.

Only mental lag which wont tell my fingers where to go fast enough.

I tend to play along more with the music as well. I'm looking to see what to hit next, but most of the actual stumming and notes are done to the music.

Only mental lag which wont tell my fingers where to go fast enough.

It's all in the strumming. Remember to push the colored button early with the left hand and strum with the right hand at the precise moment the dot hits the line.

...and don't forget that if the next note is the same color, keep that button held down with your left hand. In other words, you don't have to let go of each repeated note.

A thought...........It would be very cool if in the future a similar game was available which enabled one to play guitar, another to play bass, while someone sings. Then have live enabled competitions while others could "listen and watch" and perhaps rate the sessions.

Mark

A thought...........It would be very cool if in the future a similar game was available which enabled one to play guitar, another to play bass, while someone sings. Then have live enabled competitions while others could "listen and watch" and perhaps rate the sessions.

Mark

It's coming....see press release below :

HARMONIX, MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION AND EA ANNOUNCE ROCK BAND - THE ULTIMATE INTERACTIVE MUSIC VIDEOGAME EXPERIENCE

Creators of Guitar HeroTM Franchise Partners with Major Record Labels and Music Publishers for Unprecedented Access to Artist Catalogs and Original Masters for New Game

CAMBRIDGE, MA – April 2, 2007 – Harmonix, developer of the blockbuster Guitar Hero™ franchise, MTV: Music Television, a division of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), and Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced Rock Band, an all-new platform for music fans and gamers to interact with music like never before. Rock Band will allow gamers to perform music from the world’s biggest rock artists with their friends as a virtual band using drum, bass/lead guitar and microphone peripherals, in addition to offering deep online connectivity. Built on unprecedented deals with the world’s biggest record labels and music publishers, the music featured in Rock Band will span all genres of rock and include many of the master recordings from the biggest songs and artists of all time. Rock Band is slated for release on PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® in holiday 2007.

The leading music publishers - EMI Music Publishing and Warner/Chappell Music - are allowing unrivaled access to their catalogs of incredible songs for use in Rock Band. The record labels - EMI Music, Hollywood Records, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group's Universal Music Enterprises and Warner Music Group's Rhino Entertainment - have agreed to supply master recordings by their artists for use in the game.

“Harmonix was founded to create new ways for everyone to experience the pleasure and satisfaction that comes from playing music. Our work on Guitar Hero was an instrumental step toward that goal,” stated Alex Rigopulos, co-founder and CEO of Harmonix. “But Rock Band is Harmonix’s most ambitious project to date, and it will take music gameplay to an entirely new level. MTV has given us the freedom and the resources to really swing for the fences and make the game we’ve always wanted to make.”

“Our vision for Rock Band is to completely change the way people interact with and enjoy the music they love,” said Jeff Yapp, EVP, MTV Program Enterprises. “By joining forces with EA and the music industry’s largest record labels and publishers, we are striving to create a groundbreaking new platform that allows people to connect with their favorite music and artists in ways they never have before.”

“Rock Band is a revolutionary new way for gamers and music fans to experience music,” said David DeMartini, vice president and general manager of EA Partners. “The team at EA Partners is thrilled to help MTV and Harmonix launch this incredible game on the global stage and get it into the hands of gamers worldwide.”

As previously announced, Electronic Arts will serve as the exclusive distribution and marketing partner for Rock Band, managing distribution for the game in US, Europe and Australia.

http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/13155/EA-MTV-and-Harmonix-Announce-Rock-Band/

Wow :D Ask, and ye shall receive.

Thanks

Anyone have anything to report on what downloadable content if any is available for the game? Or will they not unveil that until the official release date tomorrow?

None right now, but new songs should be available tomorrow.

Where can I find a list of songs included on the DVD?

It's coming....see press release below :

HARMONIX, MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION AND EA ANNOUNCE ROCK BAND - THE ULTIMATE INTERACTIVE MUSIC VIDEOGAME EXPERIENCE

Creators of Guitar HeroTM Franchise Partners with Major Record Labels and Music Publishers for Unprecedented Access to Artist Catalogs and Original Masters for New Game

CAMBRIDGE, MA – April 2, 2007 – Harmonix, developer of the blockbuster Guitar Hero™ franchise, MTV: Music Television, a division of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), and Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced Rock Band, an all-new platform for music fans and gamers to interact with music like never before. Rock Band will allow gamers to perform music from the world’s biggest rock artists with their friends as a virtual band using drum, bass/lead guitar and microphone peripherals, in addition to offering deep online connectivity. Built on unprecedented deals with the world’s biggest record labels and music publishers, the music featured in Rock Band will span all genres of rock and include many of the master recordings from the biggest songs and artists of all time. Rock Band is slated for release on PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® in holiday 2007.

The leading music publishers - EMI Music Publishing and Warner/Chappell Music - are allowing unrivaled access to their catalogs of incredible songs for use in Rock Band. The record labels - EMI Music, Hollywood Records, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group's Universal Music Enterprises and Warner Music Group's Rhino Entertainment - have agreed to supply master recordings by their artists for use in the game.

“Harmonix was founded to create new ways for everyone to experience the pleasure and satisfaction that comes from playing music. Our work on Guitar Hero was an instrumental step toward that goal,” stated Alex Rigopulos, co-founder and CEO of Harmonix. “But Rock Band is Harmonix’s most ambitious project to date, and it will take music gameplay to an entirely new level. MTV has given us the freedom and the resources to really swing for the fences and make the game we’ve always wanted to make.”

“Our vision for Rock Band is to completely change the way people interact with and enjoy the music they love,” said Jeff Yapp, EVP, MTV Program Enterprises. “By joining forces with EA and the music industry’s largest record labels and publishers, we are striving to create a groundbreaking new platform that allows people to connect with their favorite music and artists in ways they never have before.”

“Rock Band is a revolutionary new way for gamers and music fans to experience music,” said David DeMartini, vice president and general manager of EA Partners. “The team at EA Partners is thrilled to help MTV and Harmonix launch this incredible game on the global stage and get it into the hands of gamers worldwide.”

As previously announced, Electronic Arts will serve as the exclusive distribution and marketing partner for Rock Band, managing distribution for the game in US, Europe and Australia.

http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/13155/EA-MTV-and-Harmonix-Announce-Rock-Band/

So i wonder if ea will make us buy new guitars?? I will be irrated if they make the current guitars incompatable with the new game......for those that are wondering neversoft if making gh3 and ea bought out harmonix, so it is now different....

Where can I find a list of songs included on the DVD?

wiki

Where can I find a list of songs included on the DVD?

Here, on the right. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar_Hero_2#Main_setlist)

also
EA has revealed that several major music labels are involved with the project. EMI Music Publishing and Warner/Chappell Music are allowing "unrivaled access to their catalogues of incredible songs". While EMI Music, Hollywood Records, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group's Universal Music Enterprises and Warner Music Group's Rhino Entertainment have all agreed to supply master recordings by their artists for use in the game

also
amers and music fans alike have been eagerly awaiting the details of Harmonix Music System's next project. Today, the development team behind Guitar Hero announced Rock Band, a PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 title that expands on the formula of its monster hit by adding drumming and singing. With MTV onboard as a partner, Harmonix was able to sign deals with the major forces in the music publishing industry and has access to the master recordings of music from popular artists. Electronics Arts is also involved, and will use its global reach to help distribute the game.

GameSpot had a chance to chat with Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos and EA Partners vice president David DeMartini to get more details on this ambitious project.

GameSpot: Alex, please explain Rock Band in your own words.




Alex Rigopulos: Sure. I guess what I would say about it is that Guitar Hero is a game that we made with a tiny budget and a fraction of a year to build it. And we're fortunate enough now to be in a position as part of MTV, where basically we're being given the creative freedom and the resources to really make the huge game that we've wanted to make for years, which is Rock Band.

It's essentially taking the core play premise of Guitar Hero, but just expanding it hugely along every axis. We're building it out into a complete band experience with guitar and bass and drums and singing, including very deep and expansive online game play. Huge recording artists are going to be in the game, including original multi-track master recordings in a lot of cases, which has been amazing.

We've also really just amped out the graphical impact on the next-gen consoles in a way that we're just very fired up about, because we think that this game is going to--in some ways--just fundamentally alter the way that people who play it experience music.

GS: There are going to be three peripherals with the game. How will they ship? Will there be different SKUs?

AR: We haven't made final decisions yet about the SKU configuration.

GS: But there will be three distinctly different peripherals, correct?

AR: Yes, there will be a guitar controller for playing the guitar and the bass parts, a drum peripheral for playing the drum parts, and a microphone for singing.

GS: Can you go into more detail about the drum peripheral?

AR: I guess I can just say that it's a really impressive piece of hardware. I'm a drummer myself, so we weren't going to settle for anything less than something that felt like a real instrument.

GS: Obviously there is going to be a lot of downloadable content, right?




AR: Indeed. This is an area where we have very ambitious plans. Because for us, this game really blurs the line between gaming and music, and music-making. And we view Rock Band not just as a game, but as kind of a platform for consuming and experiencing music. So in addition to the music that ships with the game, we have very big plans for building out a huge library of online expansion content.

GS: Is any of that going to be free? Lots of musicians are living paycheck-to-paycheck.

AR: I expect it's very likely that there will be.

GS: The players onscreen...how will they be represented? Will they have avatars, or will there be camera support?

AR: We're not really ready to dive much more into gameplay details at this point in time.

GS: Fair enough. Because you're bringing together a drummer, bass player, guitarist, and such, is there going to be a way for people to search for bandmates online?

AR: Absolutely. The whole experience is actually about reaching out to other people and forming a band together in that kind of collaborative experience of working with a group of people to form a band--to rise from obscurity into stardom and fame, and to go through that experience together.

So yes, [Rock Band will feature the] kind of community features that allow people to connect. You can play the game with a group of people in your living room if you want, but with next-gen consoles, we're really excited to allow a group of people--potentially a guitarist in Germany, a bassist in Texas, a drummer in New York, and a singer in Tokyo--all get together and form a band and compete on the world stage against other bands.

GS: Will gamers be able to do their own original stuff?

AR: I cannot really talk about that at this time.

GS: Were there any other reasons why you decided to make it strictly PS3 or Xbox 360? Is it mainly the online capabilities of those two consoles?

AR: Well, the PS3 and the 360 are the two platforms that we're prepared to talk about right now. But they're technologically the leading edge platforms, and we're pushing so many boundaries with this game from a design and technology standpoint that those are the platforms that we felt we had to lead off with.

GS: Is there a possibility that it could reach other platforms?

AR: Certainly. We're considering a lot of options, but we're not ready to make any specific announcements about that at this point.

GS: You are obviously attracted to MTV because they were able to help you secure these really good deals with the labels.

AR: Yeah, they have longstanding, deep relationships with the music industry, and it's been incredible working with MTV to forge these new relationships with the record companies. All of the major record companies are onboard with this project: Universal, Warner, Sony, BMI, Hollywood, even. Basically, every major label group that is significant is onboard and opening up their vaults of original masters to us for this game, which is really exciting for us.

It's also exciting for us because the record companies have by and large not been able to really benefit financially from the video game industry over the last decade, and we're offering them an opportunity to participate in a meaningful way in the video game business by offering their content to people to experience on a deeper level.

Dave DeMartini: To a large extent, Alex is creating a platform from which the music labels can launch things or even just get distribution and span generations with various titles. This is the ultimate family collaboration game, because you have the ability for people of a variety of ages to play the game simultaneously, and people of a variety of skill levels get the opportunity to play the game simultaneously.

GS: Say you play a song and really like it. Will there be a way to buy it right there from the game?

AR: Well, again, we'll have lots to say about that down the road a little bit.

DD: That sounds like a really good idea, though.

GS:EA is going to be distributing the title and obviously has a huge reach globally. Will there be region-specific playlists or can someone in the U.S. rock out to some hardcore Japanese punk?

DD: Alex is making all the key creative decisions with regard to content going into the products, and we're just trying to be a supportive partner with regards to suggestions and other things. Certainly content that is specific to different regions of the world is incredibly important, and I certainly think Harmonix recognizes that.

AR: For us, music games are at least as much about the music as they are about the game...It's critical that when we go into international territories, we're working with local artists in those [areas] who have the greatest meaning and impact for the audiences in those regions.

GS: Back to the labels and the catalogs. Do you know how much of their catalog they're offering you?

AR: Essentially we have a very broad blanket relationship with all the major label groups, so at this point we're working with artists on an individual basis to get them involved in the game.

DD: I also think Alex is moving in a direction of trying to get away from a one-off track and giving the game player the opportunity to look at a recording artist's entire catalog of songs and potentially allow you to play the entire catalog rather than a specific song.

AR: Absolutely true.

GS: How did the music publishers react to your proposition for the deal?

AR: At this point we're opening up Rock Band as a platform for music entertainment in making both the record labels and the music publishers major partners in that financially. So for them it's actually an incredible opportunity to really benefit from gamers' fanaticism about the interactive entertainment by delivering their content to gamers in a way that they're thrilled to consume.




DD: It's an interesting evolution in the industry, which MTV and Harmonix have largely been a part of. Prior to MTV, people listened to music. Then with MTV, people were then watching music. And now Alex has basically defined a space in gaming where people are interacting with music in an entirely new way.

So, experience with music has evolved over these three revolutions, and I think it's made people's enjoyment of music move to that next level. People who don't have any musical skills at all--ergo me--have an opportunity to be a rock star, and that's something I'm never going to experience with "a real instrument" in my hands. But to have that ability to have that experience...I mean, to a large extent, Alex and the team are bringing a certain rock-band life experience to people who would have never otherwise experienced it.

GS: Rock Band is clearly ripe for some sort of talent contest or maybe even a reality show. Anything in the pipeline like that for MTV?

AR: It's certainly the case that these are some ideas that we're thinking very actively about right now.

GS: And any chance to expand Rock Band into other genres, like maybe hip-hop or dance music?

AR: Well, certainly. For us, this is just at the very front of what will be a major transformation in music entertainment. I really believe that four or five years from now, this kind of active participation in music-making is going to be how people expect to experience the music that they love. So, certainly, Rock Band is a huge first step in that direction. But the sky is the limit in terms of the span of genres we eventually intend to reach with this.

DD: Just from what we've seen in the demos that Alex and his team have put on, it is going to be the ultimate party experience. I could see Rock Band parties forming in a neighborhood near you, where people just get out there to entertain their friends, and just love the music and interact with the music that they love.

GS: Alex, I saw your speech at the D.I.C.E. Summit and you went about a dozen years in the industry before your first big hit with Guitar Hero. Do you feel any sort of pressure for your follow-up?

AR: There's always pressure. I think the prevailing sentiment is just a sense of excitement about everything having finally come together for music games in the U.S.

We've been working at this for more than a decade, and finally now to have the resources and the creative freedom to be making exactly the game that we want to make. [It's great] to not be limited by resources, to have a partner like MTV supporting us, have a partner like EA who is literally unparalleled in the world at what they do in marketing and distribution of games. To have all the major record companies supporting us and offering up their content to us, honestly, I and the rest of the creative team here just feel incredibly privileged and excited to be able to just be swinging for the fences with such an ambitious project that we really think can fundamentally transform music entertainment.

Excitement is the prevailing sentiment.

GS: Thank you very much Alex and David

Well, who knows how this new "Rock Band" will be. Red Octane is the brains behind Guitar Hero, Harmonix was there to help reproduce the tracks.

If anything, I can see MTV and EA really screwing this one up. For one MTV sucks. Those of us that were fortunate enough to grow during the time when it was MUSIC Television can attest to that. I mean come on, do they even play any music videos anymore? And EA...........need I say anything more?

Where does Red Octane fit into this whole picture regarding upcoming games? Harmonix is in charge if Rock Band, and Neversoft is making Guitar Hero 3. I think I remember reading that Red Octane was acquired by Activision, who appears to be publishing Guitar Hero 3.

Is Red Octane no longer involved in any of the above projects?

wow that is really impressive i would love to see video of you playing hard with 3 fingers..


here you go, i was bored so i figured i'd make a little vid.

Shadows Fall - The Light That Binds
Hard
3 Fingers

i havent played in a while, and only got 75% on this run, but i passed it, and it's one of the more difficult songs in the game, so you get the idea.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_yPdcPEY_k

:cool:

Where does Red Octane fit into this whole picture regarding upcoming games? Harmonix is in charge if Rock Band, and Neversoft is making Guitar Hero 3. I think I remember reading that Red Octane was acquired by Activision, who appears to be publishing Guitar Hero 3.

Is Red Octane no longer involved in any of the above projects?

You are correct Randy, Red Octane will NOT have a hand in any of Rock Band. Thats why I made the comment about them being the "Brains" behind Guitar Hero. In most people eyes they made Guitar Hero what it is. That why I am not so optimistic about this future game. We all know what EA does to things they "acquire" I realize they look to be on board as the publisher, but I don't see EA setting back without their hands in it at all.

You are correct Randy, Red Octane will NOT have a hand in any of Rock Band. Thats why I made the comment about them being the "Brains" behind Guitar Hero. In most people eyes they made Guitar Hero what it is. That why I am not so optimistic about this future game. We all know what EA does to things they "acquire" I realize they look to be on board as the publisher, but I don't see EA setting back without their hands in it at all.

I am pretty optimistic. they said they are going to use the same setup for the guitar and drums, but with a greater songlist. If regular people are hacking and making songs (all over youtube), then i am pretty sure that harmonix/ea will be able to do the same......

I am pretty optimistic. they said they are going to use the same setup for the guitar and drums, but with a greater songlist. If regular people are hacking and making songs (all over youtube), then i am pretty sure that harmonix/ea will be able to do the same......

For the sake of the greatest music game ever made I am a little bit too. I just don't want to get my hopes up too much. I guess I just don't want to see this screwed up because it has so much potential.

Good Morning All future Guitar Hero's. For those of you about to Rock...WE SALUTE YOU!
:)

I scored a copy last night at Walmart around midnight. I played until around 3 and I am up strumming this morning. I will give my initial impressions, as if it will really matter LOL

First and most important...your guitar. I like it. I have read mixed reviews of it. Its a little wierd getting used to it though. I like to play setting down and the SG from the Ps2 always sat on my lap nicely. The X-plorer I have to hold a little differently BUT its working nice. The neck seems to be thinner. I sold my Ps2 and GH2 months ago so I don't have it here to compare to, but I like it better. The buttons, or frets, seem a little smaller but yet so NICE. They are easier to push. I haven't dove into Hard yet as I am a little rusty so it will be nice to see how the new buttons work out on the really hard songs.

The Graphics: Much improved over the Ps2. Nothing to write home about in 360 standards, but hey, did we come to watch a rock concert or play one?? :)

The Sound: While I don't consider myself much of an audio freak, I do like my music to sound nice. This game does it well. It seems to be better then the Ps2 yet again. The DD5.1 seems to give a much truer sound. Before my receiver would tend to output most of the sound to all the speakers. Its kinds of wierd though. I get some crowd noise from my surrounds, but yet they are not behind me LOL. Its not a bad thing, but its not totally accurate either.........is it?


The bottom line: If you know what Guitar Hero is all about then you probably are not even thinking twice about getting this as a 360 owner. The DLC that will hopefully be available soon and the leaderboards make it that much cooler. Oh and the achievements....well some of them are super easy but a few are going to be tough and is yet another reason to love the game. For those that are new to this or on the fence. You will be addicted with you first gig. If you are not, send me a PM. I will take your guitar off your hands for my GH parties :)

Great game, loving it so far. The new songs are cool. I love set3! Haven't played them all yet and I am yearning to play The Trooper :)

Feel free to ask any questions and I will do my best to answer for you. And as in the other thread, feel free to add me to your friends list. I don't have anyone from AVS on it as I am somewhat new around here. lSEMINOLEl l = lowercase L's

Not sure if I should get this game. I've never played anything from this series, nor any rhythm games of any sort (that I can think of off the top of my head). The track list looks like it leans a little on the heavy/thrash side for my taste. On the other hand, it looks like a blast, and everyone's enthusiasm here is infectious. I assume this can't be rented anywhere, and that I could not buy it and return it if I don't like it. $90 is a lot for one game (though reasonable for a game with a controller).

Advice?

Not sure if I should get this game. I've never played anything from this series, nor any rhythm games of any sort (that I can think of off the top of my head). The track list looks like it leans a little on the heavy/thrash side for my taste. On the other hand, it looks like a blast, and everyone's enthusiasm here is infectious. I assume this can't be rented anywhere, and that I could not buy it and return it if I don't like it. $90 is a lot for one game (though reasonable for a game with a controller).

Advice?

Do you not have Best Buy or Walmart in your area? Most stores have it setup for customers to play.

I think you'll like it, but it's possible you wont. Songs are definately in the heavy metal side things, but most are classics that you've probably grown up hearing on the local classic rock station.

Not sure if I should get this game. I've never played anything from this series, nor any rhythm games of any sort (that I can think of off the top of my head). The track list looks like it leans a little on the heavy/thrash side for my taste. On the other hand, it looks like a blast, and everyone's enthusiasm here is infectious. I assume this can't be rented anywhere, and that I could not buy it and return it if I don't like it. $90 is a lot for one game (though reasonable for a game with a controller).

Advice?
I hate the heavy stuff they've got in the game, but that doesn't make it any less fun. This has been my first GH experience and it is completely worth it.

Buy it and don't look back. :D

i personally think the heavy stuff makes the game what it is. the not so heavy songs are fun at first, but in the end, the replay-ability comes from trying to master the heavy songs.

i'm also a fan of heavy music, and the bonus tracks really make this game for me. there are also some catchy tunes in the bonus tracks, namely bang camaro, i had never heard of them before, but the song is decent.

I love the heavy stuff as well. If it were country or adult contemporary, i wouldnt even bother.

Thanks all. I try the demo at Best Buy (assuming they have it set up).

they should for sure. if not, walmart will, though you'll have to stand up with a break-your-neck angle looking up at the screen.



on a side note, i'm surprised nobody has mentioned the tunnel vision you get after playing for a few hours.

i dont know if that's the right term, but the whole room streams up away from you after looking away from the screen

on a side note, i'm surprised nobody has mentioned the tunnel vision you get after playing for a few hours.

i dont know if that's the right term, but the whole room streams up away from you after looking away from the screen

Post #117 and a few more following mention this. I get the same thing, brother. It's weird. Like shrooms are just kicking in for a minute or two.

i personally think the heavy stuff makes the game what it is. the not so heavy songs are fun at first, but in the end, the replay-ability comes from trying to master the heavy songs.

i'm also a fan of heavy music, and the bonus tracks really make this game for me. there are also some catchy tunes in the bonus tracks, namely bang camaro, i had never heard of them before, but the song is decent.
I think the heavy songs are the easier of the tunes to play. Right now the hardest for me are Message in a Bottle and Jessica.

I don't think it should go "easy listening" or anything like that, but more variety would be nice. ;)

they should for sure. if not, walmart will, though you'll have to stand up with a break-your-neck angle looking up at the screen.



on a side note, i'm surprised nobody has mentioned the tunnel vision you get after playing for a few hours.

i dont know if that's the right term, but the whole room streams up away from you after looking away from the screen
A few hours? I get it after a song or two! :D

for those that were wondering, CC charges 70.00 for GH2, and then charges you for the points card, so if you take back GH2, you arent getting a free card, if that makes sense.

i went and got one just now, for the free points card, had planned on returning it to walmart, for cash or store credit, doesnt matter, but i think i might try craigslist for a couple days, see if i get any hits on it for $100 :)

i also got a usb extension, it is "made for gh2" and plugs into the breakout connection, it's 9 feet long, so i'll have 19 feet, and its approved for GH2, so distance obviously isnt going to be an issue, it's made by mad catz, and was only 7 bucks, it'll give a cleaner look than what i'm currently using, a 3' silver usb, and a 3' white usb. it's REALLY annoying that the play and charge cable doesnt have a breakout, so i cant use it for that. :(


http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/6728/cimg3340smallei0.jpg

i will also have comparison pictures of PS2 VS 360 controller's, and will be trying the PS2 controller on the 360 with a PS2>USB adapter, though i dont expect it to work.

for those that were wondering, CC charges 70.00 for GH2, and then charges you for the points card, so if you take back GH2, you arent getting a free card, if that makes sense.

i went and got one just now, for the free points card, had planned on returning it to walmart, for cash or store credit, doesnt matter, but i think i might try craigslist for a couple days, see if i get any hits on it for $100 :)

i also got a usb extension, it is "made for gh2" and plugs into the breakout connection, it's 9 feet long, so i'll have 19 feet, and its approved for GH2, so distance obviously isnt going to be an issue, it's made by mad catz, and was only 7 bucks, it'll give a cleaner look than what i'm currently using, a 3' silver usb, and a 3' white usb. it's REALLY annoying that the play and charge cable doesnt have a breakout, so i cant use it for that. :(



If you didn't know that Circuit City would do something like that when selling you the game and points, then you need some schooling in scamming. This way practically never works because they either A.) Do what they did to you...or B.) Charge full price for Guitar Hero but then only refund you the difference between the game and points card.

You can still return it to Walmart for store credit and recieve more than you paid for it...but yeah...no way CC is going to let you pull this trick on them. About 5 years ago I used to work at Best Buy in customer service and I had people all the time try and buy things for their mail in rebate, send it in, and try and return it without the UPC on the box. They only recieved the difference back...boy were they upset :D

i will also have comparison pictures of PS2 VS 360 controller's, and will be trying the PS2 controller on the 360 with a PS2>USB adapter, though i dont expect it to work.

It may work on a limited basis, if at all. The 360 controller has way more buttons than the PS2 controller

I got the USB extension pictured above for $4.99 at Gamestop this weekend. No issues with it or lag.

They really need to add some Phish to the selection.. You Enjoy Myself could be in the Hard selection... I want to play some Phish damnit!!

I think the heavy songs are the easier of the tunes to play. Right now the hardest for me are Message in a Bottle and Jessica.

I don't think it should go "easy listening" or anything like that, but more variety would be nice. ;)


i agree with this to an extent, example:

Jordan on Hard, i can do 57-60% with ONE FINGER
push push on hard, about 12% with all fingers (though i'm out of practice)

If you didn't know that Circuit City would do something like that when selling you the game and points, then you need some schooling in scamming. This way practically never works because they either A.) Do what they did to you...or B.) Charge full price for Guitar Hero but then only refund you the difference between the game and points card.

You can still return it to Walmart for store credit and recieve more than you paid for it...but yeah...no way CC is going to let you pull this trick on them. About 5 years ago I used to work at Best Buy in customer service and I had people all the time try and buy things for their mail in rebate, send it in, and try and return it without the UPC on the box. They only recieved the difference back...boy were they upset :D


yes, i know, i was letting everyone know about my experience, i knew before i even considered buying it that i wouldnt be able to return it to CC and had never planned on trying... walmart on the other hand, i shouldnt have any problem. so please, mind your business.

also, CC isnt THAT smart, while i was there, someone tried to return DDR 360, it was open, so they said direct exchange only, they gave him a new one and DIDN'T open it. so now he can return it as new... hell even walmart will open games and software on a direct exchange, so you cant get money/credit for it later.

It may work on a limited basis, if at all. The 360 controller has way more buttons than the PS2 controller

yea, i know, i have them both :)

i just wanted to test for testing sake. a ps2 controller, if it worked, would make for a good player 2 controller until the "extras" are available for 360, if someone needed that. even if it was just the fret buttons, start, select, and the strum bar.

They really need to add some Phish to the selection.. You Enjoy Myself could be in the Hard selection... I want to play some Phish damnit!!

I'd like some jamband music and some bluegrass. Some moe., String Cheese, Phish, Dead, Widespread, Mule, etc. would be cool. moe. played Can't You Hear Me Knocking the other night and I had to fire it up when I got home.

I just picked up my copy at Best Buy during lunch. Being a 31 year old man, I felt like a dork carrying a giant box with a toy guitar on the front of it out of the store, but who cares?!!! This game is universally fun for all ages!

Can't wait to get home from the office and rock out to some Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Black Sabbath!

Hhahaha I felt like a total tool carrying the big box to the counter as well. Especially at around 11 am when I had to go to town for work. 2 birds with 1 stone....

WTF. I'm trying to get this from the CC in my area and they have it available online for in store pickup, but when I try to select the pickup location for the points card, my store is not an option...

UPDATE: looks like they fixed it as the points card is no longer listed as part of the order.

Being a 31 year old man, I felt like a dork carrying a giant box with a toy guitar on the front of it out of the store, but who cares?!!!

If it makes you feel any better, I bought the PS2 bundle at Target and I'm 41. :o

"It's for... the... kids, or whatever." :D

I guess I won't be trying the demo at BB after all. I just called my wife about something else, and found she was at CC buying the game all on her own. What a woman!

I guess I won't be trying the demo at BB after all. I just called my wife about something else, and found she was at CC buying the game all on her own. What a woman!

ROCK!

now the trick will be prying her off the game when you get home.

did the songlist change?? as in what songs are on teir 1, etc...

did the songlist change?? as in what songs are on teir 1, etc...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar_Hero_2#Soundtrack

i think tonight i'll try and hook the 360 guitar up to my pc, try to map with xbcd, and then try and play some freetar hero, for the hell of it.

Formulanerd, Good idea thats pretty cool.

I played for about 10 mintues, and then I decided to go for an easy achievement and watch the credits. I started well over 10 minutes ago and its still going. Probably closing on 20 minutes now. Man I was wrong about that being an easy achievement.

ups finally came, been playing for 10-15 min, 5 achievements :)

this guitar feels so much better than my ps2 version.

blasting cherry pie brings back memories

I want to buy this game today, but I want 2 guitars. Can this be done at a retail store like Fry's or Gamestop today? Thanks!

live leaderboards say that 28,655 people are already playing, that are live enabled.

Formulanerd, Good idea thats pretty cool.

I played for about 10 mintues, and then I decided to go for an easy achievement and watch the credits. I started well over 10 minutes ago and its still going. Probably closing on 20 minutes now. Man I was wrong about that being an easy achievement.
Is there anything interesting in them at all? Like hidden stuff? If not I'll just turn them on while I'm doing something else tonight. ;)

i read at the end there is a tribute to dimebag darrell, but that probably wont interest you.

anybody have trouble with cracking audio in this game? seems to happen during particularly loud or busy sections or songs and frequently when i activate star power. I'm using a pioneer receiver 84TxSi connected to a Definitive 5.1 setup via optical.

anybody have trouble with cracking audio in this game? seems to happen during particularly loud or busy sections or songs and frequently when i activate star power. I'm using a pioneer receiver 84TxSi connected to a Definitive 5.1 setup via optical.
Sure you're not just missing notes? ;)

No audio problems here.

>>anybody have trouble with cracking audio in this game?

yeah i get a bit of crackling/static in the front right speaker, but it is pretty rare. i was attributing it to my old receiver because its been acting up.

i read at the end there is a tribute to dimebag darrell, but that probably wont interest you.

I got the Dimebag Darrell Achievement. I forget what i did to earn it though.

Sure you're not just missing notes? ;)

No audio problems here.

haha... well, this is THAT, but this is something different ;)

>>anybody have trouble with cracking audio in this game?

yeah i get a bit of crackling/static in the front right speaker, but it is pretty rare. i was attributing it to my old receiver because its been acting up.

hmmm, i haven't noticed it anywhere outside of this game. and it doesn't seem to be confined to any one speaker. seems to come out of both mains and possibly the center. It'll happen at any volume level too.

I'll have to go test elsewhere to see if I can reproduce it.

none here either, any particular songs?

running optical 5.1 through my pio/bose setup

live leaderboards say that 28,655 people are already playing, that are live enabled.

40 min later, and now there are 32,574... trying to catch up to ileff, no fair though, he had a head start.

I think I just went crosseyed playing message in a bottle.

none here either, any particular songs?

running optical 5.1 through my pio/bose setup

Well, I was just testing it on "Mother" -- I think it's the first song in the second set. When I play the song in practice mode there's no cracking, but as soon as I take it into a venue I hear static/cracking on some of the notes. It starts pretty early on, so there's no need to play the whole song to hear it. I'm not entirely convinced it's not supposed to be there -- but I guess that'd be a weird thing to intentionally add into the game.

Anybody mind testing this on their end?

for all the guys that actually like the heavy tunes, do you notice a really heavy bass line in "the light that binds"? i never noticed it on the ps2.

Well, I was just testing it on "Mother" -- I think it's the first song in the second set. When I play the song in practice mode there's no cracking, but as soon as I take it into a venue I hear static/cracking on some of the notes. It starts pretty early on, so there's no need to play the whole song to hear it. I'm not entirely convinced it's not supposed to be there -- but I guess that'd be a weird thing to intentionally add into the game.

Anybody mind testing this on their end?

What's the path of your audio from your 360?

What's the path of your audio from your 360?

optical. I've already tried unplugging the cord and untangling it out a bit so it's not making so many bends, but it didn't seem to help.

Also the cracking/popping goes away if I turn "sound effects" all the way down in options. :confused:

>>trying to catch up to ileff, no fair though, he had a head start.

Keep in mind, my boys hogged it all weekend:

leff1, age 6, 80 achievement points
leff2, age 10, 170 achievement points
me, 80 achievement points

RJ-11 port (phone jack) is for an "Effects Pedal" according to the little manual with the guitar! awesome!

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2007/03/gh360_pedalport.jpg

optical. I've already tried unplugging the cord and untangling it out a bit so it's not making so many bends, but it didn't seem to help.

Also the cracking/popping goes away if I turn "sound effects" all the way down in options. :confused:


"sound effects" include the crowd and the tones when you're off key, maybe some other small things, but are you sure it's not when you miss a note?

Is there anything interesting in them at all? Like hidden stuff? If not I'll just turn them on while I'm doing something else tonight. ;)

I paid attention for the first 2 out of the 20 minutes it lasted and then I came to avs to read new threads. Just set it and go. Or maybe play for a while and when your eyes get buggy put the credits on and take a break before coming back to it.

"sound effects" include the crowd and the tones when you're off key, maybe some other small things, but are you sure it's not when you miss a note?

yup, i'm sure.

ok, as far as "sound effects" go, crowd noise is purely rear channel, and in my center channel i get the electric buzz when hitting star notes or activating star power, it has the lightning bolt, and an electric type static resonates for a second or so, that is the ONLY sounds i get out of any speakers from the "sound effects" layer of the track

to test this i put band and guitar on 2-3, and sound effects on 8, and played through a song just listening to the sound effects track.

there is some static, but its purely intentional, and i never really noticed before because i always put my sound effects down to about 5 or so, because when you miss a note it gets annoying after a year or so (been playing since GH1)

can you try this? let me know if that's it, or if there is some random static not associated with star notes or star power? also let me know which song it is.

edit1: i see now you said it was mother, i'll check.


edit2:

damn, 44,401 people are playing now.

I got the Dimebag Darrell Achievement. I forget what i did to earn it though.
That's a 100 note streak. He's talking about a video tribute at the end of the credits.

That's a 100 note streak. He's talking about a video tribute at the end of the credits.


yea, that dimebag achievement is kinda weak, dimebag deserves better than that, most anyone can get that in their first song or two.

ok, i tested "mother" the same way i tested "salvation", i still only hear what i think are intentional static effects associated with star notes and star power.

for all the guys that actually like the heavy tunes, do you notice a really heavy bass line in "the light that binds"? i never noticed it on the ps2.

Where is that song located. I just started career mode and got as far as Rock n' Roll Hoochie in the 4th or 5th set. I seen Shadows Fall along with Lacuna Coil last night and Brian Fair told the audience that the song is on Guitar hero.

Where is that song located. I just started career mode and got as far as Rock n' Roll Hoochie in the 4th or 5th set. I seen Shadows Fall along with Lacuna Coil last night and Brian Fair told the audience that the song is on Guitar hero.


bonus track in "the store", get that and "SIX" by all that remains, you'll thank me later :)

I did career mode on easy. To access the store I need to change to medium right? I like All That Remains, I'm also interested in hearing Laid To Rest by Lamb Of God.

yea, just select medium, and before you choose your venue and stuff, the store is at the bottom.

the lamb of god track is good too :)

i really hope i can get this guitar to work on pc, freetar hero is where all the metal is at.

anybody have trouble with cracking audio in this game? seems to happen during particularly loud or busy sections or songs and frequently when i activate star power. I'm using a pioneer receiver 84TxSi connected to a Definitive 5.1 setup via optical.

Yea, I'm going optical into a Denon 3803 and on occasions I'm hear a slight... hard to descibe... crackle, sizzle, buzz... The first thing I tried was I went through the 3 training modes and I heard it in there... maybe on the Star Power one? So right now I think it might have something to do with the sound effect of juicing up the Star Power.

Keep in mind I've been playing this on the PS2 for months. I've been used to the limited range and analog connection of that last-gen system. But I really think it's not supposed to be there and it sounds like digital clipping though the optical cable.

More on this later.

THIS GAME SOUNDS SO AWESOME ON THE 360!!!! :D

yea, just select medium, and before you choose your venue and stuff, the store is at the bottom.

the lamb of god track is good too :)

i really hope i can get this guitar to work on pc, freetar hero is where all the metal is at.


Thanks dude! So I'll earn money on medium and I buy songs. How do you buy songs from XBOX live? I have some points but didn't see any songs listed.

there arent any just yet. but you see the downloads section, i think in a few days we should have some tracks up, hopefully. i personally havent read any official information on it, but i dont think it will take long since one of the biggest advertisements for the game was "downloadable content"

the DLC comes either tomarrow or next week. NO official comment on the price or how it will be offered.
I picked up my copy this morning from EB. I've owned both GH games on PS2. SO I mostly played it for the new tracks overall it's a decent line up.

Dead! By My Chemical Romance- Song turned out to be ok but come on did they really need the full length three finger chords(GBO)?

The Trooper By Iron Maiden- Best of the new tracks It's among Bark of the moon as far as difficulty but I was able to pass this on expert on the first try.

Billion Dollar Babies By Alice Cooper- This is my new rock out song it's just so odd and different from the rest.

Hush By Deep Purple- makes me wish I was playing a DOors track but fun none the less just solid classic 70's rock.

Life Wasted By Pearl Jam- better than the nirvana track on here.

Rock N Roll Hoochie Koo By Rick Derringer- haha gotta love the Southern Hick rock.

Possum Kingdom By The Toadies- Decent track but almost wears out it's welcome.
Salvation By Rancid- fn boring and waste of space on GH2.
The two otehrs were the indie songs and frankly they were crap IMO. Drink up was repetitive and wasn't enjoyable and the other one was boring and easy.

Yea, I'm going optical into a Denon 3803 and on occasions I'm hear a slight... hard to descibe... crackle, sizzle, buzz... The first thing I tried was I went through the 3 training modes and I heard it in there... maybe on the Star Power one? So right now I think it might have something to do with the sound effect of juicing up the Star Power.

Keep in mind I've been playing this on the PS2 for months. I've been used to the limited range and analog connection of that last-gen system. But I really think it's not supposed to be there and it sounds like digital clipping though the optical cable.

More on this later.

THIS GAME SOUNDS SO AWESOME ON THE 360!!!! :D
Digital clipping? Haha :D Is that when it sends a 2 instead of a 1 or 0? :D :cool:

My biggest problem with this game....is that I used to play the drums. And so by my nature I'm all about rhythm....to play lead guitar riffs is just so freakin unnatural to me...

My biggest problem with this game....is that I used to play the drums. And so by my nature I'm all about rhythm....to play lead guitar riffs is just so freakin unnatural to me...

Well if you dabbled in advanced rhythms I'd imagine you ad lest can adapt. I mean even teh solos have a distinct rhythm to them. You'll get it.

they said downloaded songs prices should be similar to what you'd pay from an online music service, so whats that? a buck? that would be 80 points? 80-100 points would be nice, but i'm guessing at least 150, if not more.

Still Rocking!!! :D

Love this game. My son's turn is just about over. Gotta run!

Played career mode and played "Heart Shaped Box" when the dreaded

RED RING OF LIGHTS ATTACKED MY 360!!!

Got error code 0102 Shut it down for a bit came back and it started up again.....only to crash in the middle of playing..

UGH!!!

I'm new to the Guitar Hero gameplay and was wondering if anyone could give me any useful tips? I just picked the game up earlier today on my way home from work and I'm horrible.... do you guys use all four fingers or just your first three? I know I'm just a rookie but I'm getting my ass handed to me on normal, I just can't ever forsee myself playing anything above that setting at the moment. Thanks in advance for any help!

I'm new to the Guitar Hero gameplay and was wondering if anyone could give me any useful tips?

Do the tutorials! And re-do them if it isn't making sense. And no shame on starting a career in easy mode to concentrate on just getting through songs.

Have fun!

I'm new to the Guitar Hero gameplay and was wondering if anyone could give me any useful tips? I just picked the game up earlier today on my way home from work and I'm horrible.... do you guys use all four fingers or just your first three? I know I'm just a rookie but I'm getting my ass handed to me on normal, I just can't ever forsee myself playing anything above that setting at the moment. Thanks in advance for any help!
In easy you only use the first three. Medium and above you're gonna need all four.

And the best advice is to practice practice practice. :D

Is there anything interesting in them at all? Like hidden stuff? If not I'll just turn them on while I'm doing something else tonight. ;)

The only thing I saw was a dig at Tigers pitcher, Joel Zumaya, at the very end. I did take the dogs for a walk in the middle of it though.

I'm new to the Guitar Hero gameplay and was wondering if anyone could give me any useful tips? I just picked the game up earlier today on my way home from work and I'm horrible.... do you guys use all four fingers or just your first three? I know I'm just a rookie but I'm getting my ass handed to me on normal, I just can't ever forsee myself playing anything above that setting at the moment. Thanks in advance for any help!

I did the tutorials. Then, started career on easy. Played about 6 or 8 songs until I was nailing them pretty good. Then, I went to Medium. Tried Hard and never thought I'd be able to do it. However, 2 weeks later, I'm now starting a career on Hard and actually making it through songs. I think it just takes practice and a bit of learning the songs. A lot of these songs I'd never heard before.

I'm new to the Guitar Hero gameplay and was wondering if anyone could give me any useful tips? I just picked the game up earlier today on my way home from work and I'm horrible.... do you guys use all four fingers or just your first three? I know I'm just a rookie but I'm getting my ass handed to me on normal, I just can't ever forsee myself playing anything above that setting at the moment. Thanks in advance for any help!

its best to use 4 (when 4+ are needed) but i use three, always have, always will : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_yPdcPEY_k

and i burnt my damn finger making garlic bread, on this day of all days, should still be able to play though

ok, i tested "mother" the same way i tested "salvation", i still only hear what i think are intentional static effects associated with star notes and star power.

Yup, that sounds about right then. A friend of mine says he also hears "static." If it were my game to design i probably wouldn't put static in there, but man, GHII is still FANTASTIC.

68,474 live enabled players.... think we'll hit 100k before midnight?

Gamespot give it an 8.9 "great". (http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/puzzle/guitarhero2/index.html)

I can't decide if I should sink to failing a song on "easy" just for the Achievement points (*cough* streetpreacher *cough* :p )....

I can't decide if I should sink to failing a song on "easy" just for the Achievement points (*cough* streetpreacher *cough*)....

The "Yes, I'm a point w****" achievement?

Yea, I make fun of Street, yet I'm so tempted for that easy 10 points. I did the credits and tutorials Achievements, and those aren't that much higher up the gamer food chain. :o

Gamespot give it an 8.9 "great". (http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/puzzle/guitarhero2/index.html)


ign gave it a 9.4

I can't decide if I should sink to failing a song on "easy" just for the Achievement points (*cough* streetpreacher *cough* :p )....

That was a legitimate failure! I'd never heard that Anthrax song before and I just couldn't get any feel for it.

The credit one was on purpose though :)

This is my first experience with Guitar Hero, and I find that if I know the song I can usually get through it easily on medium, but if I don't recognize the song it's sometimes tough to even pass on easy on the first try.

just got another 52% on "Jordan" on hard.



oh yea, and i was using only my index finger :P

any of you GH2 owners using a buttkicker? i'd like to hear about the experience, if it adds any.

Any strumming advice?

This being my first GH game, I ended up beating medium using only down strumming....but now on the hard career (and even looking back on several of the medium songs), it seems like I have to go up/down to hit the speed these chords are going...but it just seems harder for me to get that down...any advice?

>>anybody have trouble with cracking audio in this game?

yeah i get a bit of crackling/static in the front right speaker, but it is pretty rare. i was attributing it to my old receiver because its been acting up.

Yes I hear what you guys are talking about and noticed this too. I believe it is intentional (not necessarily made to sound like static, but that is the result). It is distracting at times for sure, but relatively minor.

any of you GH2 owners using a buttkicker? i'd like to hear about the experience, if it adds any.

I don't have the buttkicker but I do have a good sub and I can say there is very little sub bass that I noticed during the songs so I wouldn't expect a whole lot from the .1 channel.

Any strumming advice?

This being my first GH game, I ended up beating medium using only down strumming....but now on the hard career (and even looking back on several of the medium songs), it seems like I have to go up/down to hit the speed these chords are going...but it just seems harder for me to get that down...any advice?


honestly, i've played for over a year, and mostly down strum, i guess i just havent gotten the hang of up/down, but i do use it on especially fast parts, and parts that double up notes (two green, then two red, then two yellow, etc) on those double parts it's really slows things down, cause you dont have to strum fast at all, and when you'd usually feel "pressured" you can calmly blow through it.

for the most part i think how you learn is how you will continue to play, like if you dont use your pinky when you get to medium, you wont use it when you get to hard/expert, and this can really set you back, but it's hard to retrain yourself. i guess thats why they have the tutorial, they make some good points and IF you learn that way, it should stick, if not then you kind of end up screwing yourself.

i'm pretty decent, only one other person i know (in person) is better than me, but i'll never master expert because of my pinky (not only did i not use it, but it's permanently jacked up) i can see everything in my head, and i dont usually feel flustered, but with 3 fingers i just cant move them fast enough. and when you get into a 1-2 split, thats where things really get bad.

i'm at the point where i ALMOST want to train myself to play lefty flip, cause my pinky on my right hand works fine, but i dont think i'll be able to do it mentally.

also, use hammer-ons and pull-offs, i started on GH1 and the hammer-on system sucked, and wasnt THAT much better in GH2/PS2, but i'm sure now that they have fixed it, because i'm not having problems anymore.

I got my first bundle on Friday from CC. I cancelled my order with redoctane, or so I thought. I got a confirmation for the cancellation, and my card wasn't charged; but there was a box from the company I work for (KHL paper) and inside was the $90.00 bundle from redoctane. I opened that up in a heartbeat and called my friend to jam out. Multiplayer is awesome. When you do face off there are alternating sections that you do to see who can get the highest score. The surround sound switches from left to right according to who is playing at the given moment. Sounded great on Freebird. If they call me to collect payment, I am going to try to get them to give me partial credit for returning the unopened game and perfectly reuseable packaging. If nothing else I know they are a customer for the company I work for and I may get their salesrep involved as a last resort. If you have the means, get a second guitar and a case of beer.

for those that wanted comparison pictures of the PS2 and 360 controllers, here you go. my first impressions were that the 360 guitar was smaller, and so were the buttons, but they're pretty damn similar, the 360 controller has better feel in everything except the whammy bar, it sits lower (more parallel to the guitar face, 38-40*) where the ps2 is 45+*, also, i never liked the tilt function, and with ps2 always hit select with my palm, very easily. and now with the 360 controller i cant do that. lets hope the effects pedal has some wah/whammy AND a starpower stomp pad.

for anyone with the MS race wheel, could you PLEASE plug the pedals into the guitar, and just try them out? i'm pretty sure the wheel has the same rj-11 interface, and who knows, maybe the functionality is there, and we're just waiting on pedals :)


anyways, here are the pics for those who wanted them

http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/4509/cimg3342rq6.jpg

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/3005/cimg3343ea6.jpg

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/5938/cimg3347ze8.jpg

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/6060/cimg3348jt7.jpg

I want to buy this game today, but I want 2 guitars. Can this be done at a retail store like Fry's or Gamestop today? Thanks!

Can anyone answer my question? Thanks!

If it is not understood, I am just trying to find out if I can buy a bundle with 2 guitars OR buy the usual bundle of game + guitar and then get another guitar separately now.

Can anyone answer my question? Thanks!

If it is not understood, I am just trying to find out if I can buy a bundle with 2 guitars OR buy the usual bundle of game + guitar and then get another guitar separately now.


there are single guitars (you can buy as your second guitar) but stores arent allowed to sell them till the 6th, CC, BB, Walmart, Gamestop, etc, they should all have them hiding in the back until the 6th

(info came from guitar hero forums)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ok, so i just finished playing At the Drive In's "One Armed Scissor"

but wait you say, this isnt included in Guitar Hero, and it's not mentioned as being a song available for download.

thats right, Freetar Hero. the X-plorer plugs directly into my laptop, windows XP, no drivers needed, and freetar hero works great! :eek:

>>68,474 live enabled players.... think we'll hit 100k before midnight?

it was cool to be top 1000 over the weekend, that didn't last long... :rolleyes:

Got it last night and played for awhile. Its my 1st time playing and I really suck! LOL! I got thru the easy level with mostly 3 and 4 stars (a couple of 5's) and started playing medium and its hard as hell for me. My fingers just don't move that fast. Hopefully, it will just take some practice and I can actually get thru some of the tougher songs.

I got my first bundle on Friday from CC. I cancelled my order with redoctane, or so I thought. I got a confirmation for the cancellation, and my card wasn't charged; but there was a box from the company I work for (KHL paper) and inside was the $90.00 bundle from redoctane. I opened that up in a heartbeat and called my friend to jam out. Multiplayer is awesome. When you do face off there are alternating sections that you do to see who can get the highest score. The surround sound switches from left to right according to who is playing at the given moment. Sounded great on Freebird. If they call me to collect payment, I am going to try to get them to give me partial credit for returning the unopened game and perfectly reuseable packaging. If nothing else I know they are a customer for the company I work for and I may get their salesrep involved as a last resort. If you have the means, get a second guitar and a case of beer.
So instead of turning around and shipping it back to Red Octane, you open it and use it. Then on top of that you want to return it for a refund as well? Classy. :rolleyes:

Got it last night and played for awhile. Its my 1st time playing and I really suck! LOL! I got thru the easy level with mostly 3 and 4 stars (a couple of 5's) and started playing medium and its hard as hell for me. My fingers just don't move that fast. Hopefully, it will just take some practice and I can actually get thru some of the tougher songs.
Go through and try to get 5 stars on all the easy songs before moving to medium. That's what I did and it helped a lot.

That was a legitimate failure! I'd never heard that Anthrax song before and I just couldn't get any feel for it.


:eek:


My apologies Street!

If that was a legit Achievement, albeit one for a failure, then you earned it and I'll shut my mouth. :o

honestly, i've played for over a year, and mostly down strum, i guess i just havent gotten the hang of up/down, but i do use it on especially fast parts, and parts that double up notes (two green, then two red, then two yellow, etc)


My experience exactly.

As you are starting, if you can force yourself to 1) learn up/down strumming (mostly hard and expert) and 2) use your pinky (medium, hard and expert), you will become a much better player in the end.

That's not to say there aren't excellent players that don't do one or both, so you can still have fun if you just can't do those two things. But you should try to train yourself to become comfortable with "proper" technique -- you'll be much better off as your experience progresses.

Personally, the pinky wasn't too bad for me to learn because I have guitar experience. But so far I've been too rhythmically challenged to master up/down strumming. :o

So the game is just a blast....

I have never played any GH series before. So I got home after work yesterday and hooked it up. I played for about 2 hours straight dancing and shreddingin front of 42inch tv like a true nerd that I am (thank god I live alone...other than the dog who ran upstairs when I was playing).

I have it set on Easy and have gotten through about 20-24 songs so far with over 92% on each one. I guess this is the way to play it? Should I be going for 100% on each song in the sets before I move on? Some songs are quite easy on the easy setting but a few gave me fits through the solos. I know it is only 3 colours that I am playing on so it should probably be easier.

I think my plan will be to play through all the sets on easy then maybe do it again on easy (for practice) and try to get 100% on each song then move onto Medium? Great game so far.

Will probably pick up a second controller for the girlfriend when she comes down on weekends. Is the 2 player split screen or is it you take turns?

Thanks

Picked up my copy from CC yesterday. Had a $15 off a $100 minimum order coupon so I just added another 1600 points card. So GH2 came to $55 subtracting the free card and $15. I was down to 100 points anyway and needed some more because I was planning on getting Oblivion SI expansion.

Anyway, I have never played any version of this game except if you can count Frequency many years ago. I somehow got to Heart Shaped Box before earning the fail on easy achievement. I didn't really know when I could keep holding down a button between strums in different situations.

If anyone could clarify this for me:

O--------------------- O------------------- Can I hold down the same fret button without letting up and just strum twice for the maximum score or am I penalized for not releasing the fret during the gap?

O---------------------O O------------------- Same as above but 3 strums?

Also, what are hammer-ons and pull-offs exactly?

Any other tips?

I did eventually get to the set with the Primus song, but I was wondering if I was screwing up by not releasing the fret in the situations above.

Bryan

I'm surprised at how many people's questions would all be answered by doing the three training "sets" in the game. :)

Rumor from Joystiq; guitar issues with Xbox 360 Guitar Hero II...

http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/03/rumor-guitar-issues-with-xbox-360-guitar-hero-ii/

Crap. My two guitars were shipped by Red Octane yesterday; I hope I don't get defective ones!