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More 'Hero' Games Without Guitars Likely
In light of the popularity of the Guitar Hero game, Next Generation reports that it is very likely RedOctane will be publishing several more 'Hero' series games. From the article: "The next logical step within this category is to make other music instrument-based games. What most people have been asking for and would want next are products that we're likely already working on."
Bagpipes Hero? *shivers*
I hope I didn't brain my damage.
Bring on Bass Hero.
Oh who am I kidding? Bass is the Luigi of Rock & Roll.
No, I didn't RTFA but most likely the next one will be Piano Hero or more generally Keyboard Hero.
Consider all of the extremely popular songs that could be included that just about everyone knows: Piano Man, Jump with that awesome, heavy synth riff, and a number of others. Hell, there are even a number of basic concertos or orchestral pieces that could be included that wouldn't be too difficult as long as the whole thing isn't expected to be played: Moonlight Sonata, Minute Waltz, and various Bach inventions.
Additionally, Considering that you can buy cheap keyboards for kids for less than $20 and even mini-keyboards can be bought for less than $50, this would be a natural sequel, I would think. Also take into consideration that the four most common instruments in just about every band are keyboard, guitar, bass, and drums.
Obviously, I would expect bass and drums/percussion to be in the "most likely to appear next" list.
The grand accumulation of those would be to have all four at once with the ultimate "Band Heroes". Gather your friends with all four "Hero" instruments and jam as your own rock band.
The goal is for the bell to never match what's on the screen.
SAILING MISHAP
If this worked so well for you, get a cheap electric guitar or even NI's Guitar Rig and play along with a bunch of your favorite MP3s. You're going to be amazed at how easily you can fit some improvised melodies or even chord sequences into most of the (mainstream) music available today - on a real guitar, without being a genius or a rockstar. Start with songs you know well, don't be discouraged by wrong notes - if you keep trying (like in the game), you're gonna find the right ones. Improve the songs and add what you always felt was missing.
In fact, that's how I started to play: listen, find your way on the fretboard, experiment, examine and gradually Feel where to fret next. It works, honest! Give it a try if you can. You're going to get a lot more out of the real thing than out of that (IMHO kinda silly) game! Especially if you use GR2 [/shameless plug]
I do think the Hero series is a great appetizer, but as you said, it's no comparison to the real thing. A real guitar isn't that hard to handle - unless you want to play like Joe Satriani and the likes.
I hope I didn't brain my damage.