Ohhhh baby.

http://www.gamingbits.com/content/view/2150/2/

Activision Shreds New Details on Next Guitar Hero(TM) Game

Just When You Thought It Was Safe to Come Out, the Third Installment of Guitar Hero Rocks to a Whole New Level

SUNNYVALE, Calif., May 23, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- After warming their amps in the basement garage to rocking sold out shows at Stonehenge, fans of Activision, Inc.'s (Nasdaq: ATVI) wildly popular Guitar Hero(TM) franchise will now be able to shred like never before with the next iteration of the game that will be available this fall. The new game will be released on the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Wii(TM) video game system from Nintendo.

Turning it up to 11, Guitar Hero fans will channel their inner rock god using Gibson Guitar's Les Paul and Kramer models as the industry standard. In addition, players will experience an incredible number of newly added features and explosive content including a new multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a bevy of exclusive unlockable content and authentic rock venues. Expanded online multiplayer game modes will also allow axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true legendary rock status.

While continuing to retain all the key features from their prior legendary performances, fresh downloadable content will be offered on multiple platforms, and players can now shred to a killer set list from many of the gnarliest rock songs ever recorded. Delivering more master tracks than ever before, strategic partnerships have been secured with all the major and independent music record labels and publishers to allow unrivaled access to their deep history of music catalogs, along with supplying artists' original recordings for even greater authenticity.

The initial list of face-melting awesomeness includes:

* Paint It Black (by The Rolling Stones)
* Cherub Rock (by Smashing Pumpkins)
* Sabotage (by Beastie Boys)
* The Metal (by Tenacious D)
* My Name is Jonas (by Weezer)
* Knights of Cydonia (by Muse)
* Rock And Roll All Nite (as made famous by Kiss)
* School's Out (as made famous by Alice Cooper)
* Slow Ride (as made famous by Fog Hat)
* Cult of Personality (by Living Colour)
* Barracuda (as made famous by Heart)

For the first time ever, Guitar Hero fans will also be able to thrash and burn with new wireless guitar controllers available for each platform. The exclusive Gibson guitars will include innovative features such as removable faceplates that will allow fans to later personalize their guitars and make it their own, and a new button color design that will be integrated for an even greater authentic feel and rock experience. Gibson Guitar's Les Paul model will be the battle axe of choice, and an industry standard for all rock gods on the Xbox 360(TM), PLAYSTATION(R)3 system, and Wii(TM). After much anticipation, PlayStation(R)2 system fans will also be receiving a new exclusive shape as well, the classic Kramer guitar, also a Gibson brand, popularized by hard rockers and known for its body design, pickups, electronics, and construction for furious finger fretting.

"The development team at Neversoft has been exceptional, and we've been able to incorporate a host of fresh new online and multi-player game play modes, along with exciting content into this version of Guitar Hero that our fans have been asking for. Also, many of the top bands and songs we've tried to get in the past are now on board, and we've definitely got some giant aces in the hole to say the least," said Dusty Welch, head of publishing at RedOctane. "In addition, offering a new line of Gibson wireless guitars for each platform is going to truly add to the authentic rock star experience like no other."

Heh...I've been a musician for over 20 years. I have to giggle a little bit when I see Kramer being touted as an industry standard....


I can't wait for GH3. Cult of Personality? That solo will be a killer....

Neversoft wasn't lying when they said they had better deals with artists...

The following are MASTERS!

* Paint It Black - The Rolling Stones
* Cherub Rock - Smashing Pumpkins
* Sabotage - Beastie Boys
* The Metal - Tenacious D
* My Name is Jonas - Weezer
* Knights of Cydonia - Muse
* Cult of Personality - Living Colour

Cult of personality is the only song in that list I've even remotely interested in.

If they really wanted to be evil they would go after DragonForce for a song.

...fresh downloadable content will be offered on multiple platforms...

Yay, can't wait to shell out $100 for the game + controller, only to shell out $40 more for downloadable songs!

Yay, can't wait to shell out $100 for the game + controller, only to shell out $40 more for downloadable songs!

Don't buy it, then. No one's holding a gun to your head.

With the comments about a giant ace in the hole, I am hoping they landed Zepplin and Metallica like they said they were trying to.

Any Led Zepplin or Metallica (master of puppets or earlier) would be amazing.

I'm very impressed that of the first 11 songs (sure to be at least 45-50 additional tracks) 7 are masters. Besides the bonus tracks, GHII only had 3 master tracks.

And as far as DLC. I'll pay 2 bones any day of the week for a track.

Any information on whether the PS3 version will be wireless or cabled? I also have the Wii and its very tempting as it will be wireless. However I am on the fence on what version to get as it will be followed by Rock Band.

Any information on whether the PS3 version will be wireless or cabled? I also have the Wii and its very tempting as it will be wireless. However I am on the fence on what version to get as it will be followed by Rock Band.


Read the first post?

For the first time ever, Guitar Hero fans will also be able to thrash and burn with new wireless guitar controllers available for each platform.

lol ok..

IGN previews the Guitar Hero III controller. Although its the 360 version, the PS3 version will be largely the same.

http://gear.ign.com/articles/792/792876p1.html

May 30, 2007 - Guitar Hero II's landing on Xbox 360 came with great fanfare, but it wasn't an entirely smooth ride. Microsoft wasn't too keen on sharing their proprietary wireless technology with RedOctane and the game ended up shipping with a wired axe. Everybody in their right mind knows that you can rock harder without a wire holding you down. Public outcry and internal dealings eventually did the trick and RedOctane has become the first 3rd Party to be given permission to make a wireless controller for Xbox 360. We recently made the trip to go see and toy around with the first prototype. It isn't functional yet, but we can already see that it's a step above the current Xbox 360 controller.

The new Les Paul shape and controller layout will be largely the same for the PS3 release, though we only got to see the 360 version. Whether it will be sold as part of a bundle with Guitar Hero III, separately, or both is still to be determined. The pricing and release date, too, have not yet been nailed down. We do have some details to share that are solid.

First of all, the wireless Xbox 360 controller will work with Guitar Hero II. The wired controller, if you have one already, will work with Guitar Hero III. Don't worry about being forced to double dip.

The buttons have been changed from what we saw on the 360 controller to closer match the original PS2 layout. The round "knob" buttons for the start and back/select buttons are back so that people who prefer to use the back/select button to activate star power can once again do so. The more prominent start button also allows for players to pause the game more readily.

http://i17.tinypic.com/4qyff4p.jpg
Since the start and back/select buttons have been enlarged to their original sizes, the d-pad and Xbox 360 guide button had to be moved. They were moved to an unassuming corner so that people will no longer hit them by accident.

http://i9.tinypic.com/4zoof4i.jpg

The neck has a few tricks up its sleeve. In addition to reverting the button shapes back to the rounded PS2 design and giving them a mostly black look, the neck will be removable. It locks in and out with a spring-loaded switch that can be flipped on the back of the neck. This allows for easier storage, but it also makes it possible for RedOctane to introduce specialty necks. We asked about a double neck add on and were met only with smiles and shrugs.

The Les Paul design also still has the CAT-5 looking jack on the side next to the headset plug. There is still no official word on the exact use of this jack or of any pedal attachments.

http://i15.tinypic.com/4le6edc.jpg

If you want a guitar that is uniquely yours, the Les Paul design has another feature that might interest you. The faceplate is now removable. The prototype we saw had a plain white faceplate snapped on. RedOctane will likely have a variety of different faceplates ready when the guitar controller launches, though they didn't have any word on how they will be sold. If you don't want to buy one of theirs, you can easily mod your own faceplate with stickers, color, or more complicated modifications to create your own unique look.

Just below the neck, you'll also notice the addition of a second place to attach the strap. Many people felt the placement for the Xbox 360 strap knobs to be uncomfortable. Well, now both methods are available.

http://i18.tinypic.com/4lfxnb5.jpg

Though we couldn't play with the prototype, we tried it on for size. The buttons on the neck feel nice and the whammy strum bars feel identical to other guitars. The guitar rests better and the rounder shape makes it more ideal for those playing with a lefty flip. It also feels a bit sturdier with heavier plastic that gives it a heft closer to that of a real guitar.

It may cost you a bit of extra cash when the controller releases later this year, but this is clearly the Guitar Hero controller of choice.

http://i7.tinypic.com/5zc73ev.jpg
http://i12.tinypic.com/6cq4dmt.jpg

it says microsoft licensed wireless technolgy for this. but we still dont know if there is a dongle or something to plug into a usb slot

it says microsoft licensed wireless technolgy for this. but we still dont know if there is a dongle or something to plug into a usb slot

I would imagine there isn't. If you want to use it on a PC, get bluetooth receiver or the MS receiver depending on system.

Am I the only one who wants the 80's version for present generation systems?

it says microsoft licensed wireless technolgy for this. but we still dont know if there is a dongle or something to plug into a usb slot
PS3 version will be Bluetooth. Dongle or not. Who cares as long as I can shred on MEDIUM! ;)

IGN got the exclusive hands on so here's some additional info.... The "Crossroads" battle mode will be amazing! Yea, its the 360 version but they plan on making them the same. Source www.ign.com

HANDS ON
May 30, 2007 - There was no way that the Guitar Hero franchise could continue to break all sales expectations and not get noticed by the big dogs of the business world. RedOctane and Harmonix, the two teams responsible for the hit franchise, got snatched up by Activsion and MTV respectively thus ending their partnership for future Guitar Hero games. Of course, we haven't heard the last of Axel Steel or Johnny Napalm. Activision put the development in the able hands of Neversoft, a team best known for the Tony Hawk series.

Neversoft's driving philosophy behind Guitar Hero III is a simple one: Give the fans what they want. That means the development team won't rock the boat too hard, staying true to the gameplay first laid out by Harmonix. But it also means that more of the songs and features we've all been clamoring for will finally make it in.

The song list has been carefully picked to meet the wishlists that have littered the internet since Guitar Hero was first released on PS2. More of the songs will be master tracks rather than covers. New multiplayer modes have been confirmed. A wireless controller is on the way. In short, you can put your fears aside. This is the same Guitar Hero we've all come to know and love. It looks a little different and has a few new fancy bells and whistles to get you excited all over again, but it's still Guitar Hero.

Since Harmonix is now owned by MTV and hard at work on Rock Band, Neversoft wasn't given access to the code from previous Guitar Hero games. That means Guitar Hero III is being built from the ground up. Even so, the basic gameplay is identical so the learning curve should be nonexistent. When we first jacked in ready to rock, we were met with instant failure. With Neversoft and RedOctane folks all around, awkwardness abounded.

You see, the timing window for when you can hit a note is not quite the same as Guitar Hero I and II. Not to worry. Neversoft is bringing in testers regularly to get their opinion on timing (amongst other things) and are constantly adjusting the window to nail the sweet spot. Even without being used to the timing on this early build, it only took about 2 minutes before we were ripping out fast licks with precision. After the opening miscues and adjustment, the game felt like the old glove it should and the fun kicked in. It only took a minor adjustment on our part and there's no reason for us to believe that Neversoft won't have the timing nailed down to perfection by the time the game releases this fall. For those that worry Guitar Hero III will be too hard (and let's face it, Guitar Hero II was hard!), Neversoft has assured us that they're not aiming to make the game even harder. Instead, they're aiming for a difficulty level somewhere between the first and second Guitar Hero Games.

Although the notes scroll down the screen in the same fashion as other Guitar Hero games, a few changes have been made to the rest of the display. The score multiplier box behaves the same, although it looks a bit different. The same goes for the star power meter which now consists of lights instead of a regular power meter. One big addition is the new inclusion of a string counter. If you hit enough notes in a row, a counter will pop up to tell you exactly how many notes you've nailed without a mistake. No longer will you have to wonder how close you are to stringing together 1000 notes. The screen will have all of the info you need.

The visual style has also been tweaked just a bit, giving everything a slightly more realistic feel to it while still maintaining the over the top feel that previous Guitar Hero games have. We saw a few of the rockers who are returning for another tour that highlighted these changes. Judy Nails is a bit more of a punk-goth girl now. Johnny Napalm still has his trademark mohawk and wiry frame along with some oversized feet to give him a comic book feel. Xavier Stone looks a bit less like Lenny Kravitz and more like Hendrix as he sports '60s attire and hair.

The venues will be all new and are being designed to match the feel of the career progression. There won't be any licensed locales in this game. The team toyed with that idea and tossed it out to give the art team more freedom to design some really killer backdrops. Your band starts out playing in a lowly dive bar that sports a few extra dancers in skimpy clothing to keep the crowd's attention (nothing too revealing, but it adds to overall feeling that this game is a bit more hardcore). We saw a few of the latter venues as well, including an art deco theater that features a giant dragon getting its head chopped off as the opening stage prop. The last stage we saw was modeled after the classic music festival. Think Bonnaroo; giant stage, huge lights, and a massive crowd.

Like all good music rhythm games, Guitar Hero is best played with a group of friends. Neversoft, a company which had been throwing weekly Friday night Guitar Hero office parties even before they had anything to do with the game, knows this well. Much of what is new with Guitar Hero III that we've seen so far comes in the multiplayer side of things. The game is still only for two players and the face off and pro face off modes are still present without any noticeable changes to the format. Co-op and battle mode are where things get interesting.

The co-op mode from Guitar Hero II has been reworked into its own career mode. That means you and a friend will be able to work together to move through a two player career, unlocking songs as you go. It won't be the same as the single player career though. Instead, it will have its own song list, pulled from the master list to only include the songs best suited for two players. The co-op set list isn't finalized yet, but it may end up having a few surprises that you don't find in the single player career.

Battle mode is Neversoft's attempt at turning the end of the movie Crossroads into a game. No, we're not talking about the Britney Spears movie. Shame on you if that's what popped into your mind. We're talking about the Ralph Macchio flick that ends with a guitar battle between him and Steve Vai. When the mode was first described to us, it didn't sound too interesting. Once we tried it out, we had a blast. Check back Friday for an in-depth look and impressions on how this new multiplayer mode plays.

When the Guitar Hero franchise made its first appearance on the current generation of hardware on Xbox 360, two important features were missing in action. On a console that is increasingly defined by its online features, Guitar Hero II had no online modes of play. In a game that is all about rocking out to your hearts extent, players were tethered to their consoles with a wired controller. Both of these issues will fade to black with Guitar Hero III.

Neversoft was keeping tightlipped about the online play when we sat down to talk Guitar Hero with them. It does exist though and we can probably expect most of the same multiplayer modes that exist offline to make their way online and perhaps a few we haven't heard about yet. They did tell us that they're aiming for identical online features for both PS3 and Xbox 360 and that it would "rock."

The new Les Paul inspired controller will be the first 3rd party Xbox 360 wireless controller. Microsoft finally budged and allowed RedOctane to license their technology. While we only got our hands on the nonfunctional 360 prototype version, we were told the PS3 controller would be similar in design and features.

There are several instantly recognizable changes to the controller, aside from the shape of the body and lack of wire. The buttons on the fret board have gone back to the rounded shape first used on the PS2 Guitar Hero controller. They still have the same color layout, but now have a mostly black face to make the controller look less like a toy and more like a real axe. New removable faceplates have added as well. The one we saw was plain white, but it seems likely that RedOctane will have a variety of different designs up for sale when the guitar releases. It doesn't look too difficult to pop the faceplate off and mod it yourself either.

The guide button and d-pad have been moved to prevent accidental presses and the start and back buttons have been replaced with the original circular "knob" buttons from the PS2 model. The guitar also has to places to strap in on the neck and, get this, a removable neck. The neck can unlock for easier travel and RedOctane wasn't shy about hinting that they may have other plans in store for that functionality.


BATTLE MODE
June 1, 2007 - Much of the Guitar Hero franchise's success is due to its well known status as a natural party game. Grab a few friends, a case of your favorite beverage, and Guitar Hero I or II and you have one killer night. The first Guitar Hero game had a limited face-off mode, but that didn't stop the parties. GH II expanded the multiplayer fun with co-op play and pro face-off. Guitar Hero III adds more. A lot more.

The co-op play from Guitar Hero II is being extended into its own career mode. Online play is being added. And then there's the new battle mode. Inspired by the 1986 Ralph Macchio "classic" Crossroads, this mode is about facing off against a competitor and matching whatever they can throw at you. By the way, if you haven't seen Crossroads, you should. It ends with Ralph Macchio facing off against Steve Vai, who plays the devil's guitarist, in a guitar battle for eternal souls. Hell yeah.

While it isn't possible to trade off improvised licks in Guitar Hero like a real guitar duel, the new battle mode does keep you on your toes. Here's how it works. Star power doesn't exist in battle mode. Instead, matching every "star" note in a lick gives you a power-up to use against your opponent. These attacks only last a brief moment, but they do wonders towards throwing your adversary off his or her game. Up to three power-ups can be stored to use at the right moment and tilting your guitar vertically (just like activating star power) uses one of your attacks.

When we first heard had this mode explained to us, it sounded a bit cheesy. Then we gave it a shot and realized it's flat out fun. Sending over a few attacks at the right moment, whether it's when they're trying to snatch up an attack themselves or in the midst of a tricky solo, is so deviously satisfying that you can't help but grin.

Here's a rundown of the attacks we got a chance to try out. They may change in name or function before the game comes out and others may get tossed into the mix, too.

Broken String: When an opponent breaks one of your strings, that button on the guitar controller won't work until you fix it. To do so you'll have to rapidly tap that "string" until it is repaired.

Difficulty Up: This one won't appear if both players have the difficulty set to expert. If you're playing on hard or lower and this gets sent your way, then you'll find yourself playing up a difficulty level for a brief period of time.

Amp Overload: This attack causes the scrolling fret board on screen to shake and blur, making it extremely difficult to read which notes are approaching.

Whammy Bar: If you get attacked with this bad boy, you'll have to get your whammy bar moving and fast before you can play notes again.

Steal Power: This one is self-explanatory. Use it to steal an attack from your opponent before they can use it. If they don't have one to steal and you activate this power, you'll lose it.

Double Notes: Make your opponent double up on how many notes they have to play for a short period of time: Devastating in the midst of a crazy solo.

Lefty Flip: The attack to end all attacks. Putting lefty flip on your opponent forces them to either transcribe the music or actually flip their guitar over and play left handed. Used at the right moment, it can not be stopped.

The game continues until one person fails out. If both people make it to the end, a sudden death sequence will play out, though it hasn't been implemented in the build of the game we played. Right now, the team is working on balancing each song so that they have the right number of power-ups so that the game doesn't always end in a sudden death face-off, though with really good players that conclusion seems inevitable. Both players can choose their own difficulty, so choosing a difficulty below one's skill level seems like a cheap way to guarantee a sudden death ending. Neversoft assured us that it is doing a lot of play testing to balance everything out.

We played a bunch of different songs and found some to work in battle mode better than others. One thing was consistent though; the tension level is higher than any other multiplayer mode we've played for Guitar Hero. Perpetually being on the verge of failing out, and having somebody at your side to blame it on, is great fuel for trash talking and rematch challenges. So far, this looks like a very welcome addition to the Guitar Hero world.

Slow Ride HD Video (360 version): http://media.video.ign.com/ev/sv.html?dlURL=xbox360movies.ign.com/xbox360/video/article/793/793169/slowride_desert_IGN_final_flvlowwide.flv&object_ID=899096

My Name is Jonas HD Video (360 version): http://media.video.ign.com/ev/sv.html?dlURL=xbox360movies.ign.com/xbox360/video/article/793/793169/jonas_dive_IGN_final_flvlowwide.flv&object_ID=899096

btw, I heard or read somewhere that Cult of Personality isn't the ORIGINAL master track... Living Color re-recorded it for the game.

I am so amped (pun intended) for this game to come out. I played GH 1/2 for the frist time last night and all I can think about is shredding on medium - fantastic game. I do wish that they would include Metallica and Led Zepplin, I would love to play Fade to Black.

I am so amped (pun intended) for this game to come out. I played GH 1/2 for the frist time last night and all I can think about is shredding on medium - fantastic game. I do wish that they would include Metallica and Led Zepplin, I would love to play Fade to Black.

Redoctane wishes they could have gotten those bands but so far metallica and the zep just plain wouldn't deal. Metallica wanted half the game budget suposedly and zepplin just said no. I'd count on some tool this time around.

what the hell is gene simmons problem and not allowing the original rock all night song on there. ASS

I'm more hyped for Rock Band because it's being developed by Harmonix like the GH1/2 were, rather than by Neversoft.

Also, according to GameSpot (http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/puzzle/rockband/news.html?sid=6168388&om_act=convert&om_clk=mostpop&tag=mostpop;title;2), because Harmonix is now owned by MTV,

"Harmonix was able to wrangle multitrack master recordings from the catalogs of some of the biggest record labels in the business. On board to offer access to their portfolios are EMI Music Publishing, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Hollywood Records, and Warner Chappell Music. It is currently unknown how much from each music publisher will be available to Harmonix, but the emphasis going forward will be to work with the artists themselves."

If Metallica did allow tracks, it would probably be some BS from St. Anger.

I'm more hyped for Rock Band because it's being developed by Harmonix like the GH1/2 were, rather than by Neversoft.

Also, according to GameSpot (http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/puzzle/rockband/news.html?sid=6168388&om_act=convert&om_clk=mostpop&tag=mostpop;title;2), because Harmonix is now owned by MTV,

"Harmonix was able to wrangle multitrack master recordings from the catalogs of some of the biggest record labels in the business. On board to offer access to their portfolios are EMI Music Publishing, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Hollywood Records, and Warner Chappell Music. It is currently unknown how much from each music publisher will be available to Harmonix, but the emphasis going forward will be to work with the artists themselves."

There's room for both GHIII and Rock Band. The market is just that big.

If Metallica did allow tracks, it would probably be some BS from St. Anger.
LOL... God no. No other album sums up old guys "trying desparately" to stay hardcore than St. Anger. Don't get me wrong, I love Metallica but they will never top Master of Puppets.

btw, I heard or read somewhere that Cult of Personality isn't the ORIGINAL master track... Living Color re-recorded it for the game.

If it is a re-recording it sounds VERY similar to the original, based on the what I heard with the IGN video. The guitar sounded heavier than I remember it but that might just be the game.

Man, I can't wait for this. I've never had the chance to play any of the Guitar Heroes with my HT setup. Drinking beer and playing this on my friend's PS2 through a SD TV and no surround sound was fun enough, now I will get the chance to fully crank it out in HD with surround sound. This is gonna rock. :D

Frantic tick tick tick tick tock.....lol, who wrote those lyrics, Hetfields son.

This is definitely my most anticipated game of the year.

On the most recent 1Up Yours podcast, it was said that when the embargo lifts on info on Rock Band, there's going to be some HUGE news that might steal the fire from Guitar Hero 3. :cool:

A little competition between these two games will be great for us gamers! :D

I posted this a couple days ago. Some info on rock band however they were very tight-lipped on interface and gameplay.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=858920

A little competition between these two games will be great for us gamers! :D

True dat. I'm almost happy they split and both games were developed. I think having two teams working on this will only benefit us, the guitar heros at home.