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Details for Guitar Hero 4 Released

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the nothing-like-wailing-on-a-plastic-ukulele dept.

GameSpot is reporting that details for Guitar Hero 4 have been released. The biggest news seems to be that the new release will be adding drums and vocals a la Rock Band. The new drums are to offer three pressure-sensitive pads (which can tell if you are just tapping or really wailing), two elevated cymbals, and a pedal. "The details in Game Informer also clear up the mystery surrounding the 'innovation' which Activision promised was coming to the Guitar Hero series in a recent earnings report conference call. The article outlines the game's studio mode, which will give users a variety of ways to create their own songs. Players will be able to jam along with one of the game's existing tracks, record songs as they're played, or meticulously detail note charts."

200 comments

  1. Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I must be the only one, but I never understood why people (and gaming society as a whole) goes ape-shit over this game?

    1. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Karma+Sink · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Because it's an amazing rhythm game that gives a vague impression of playing awesome guitar riffs.

      In turn, playing awesome guitar riffs is one of the most bad-ass feelings in the world. There are just few things that are cooler than pulling off anything on a guitar, really.

      It's basically DDR for people who don't like dancing and don't want to put in as much physical effort to play. And, of course, for people who like to rock.

      --

      When encryption is outlawed, ?o'AZ-,++o+i++##4AoA+-/-C++bI+/.+~
    2. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Karma+Sink · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Yes, and Medal of Honor is for pussies who don't want to go fight Nazis.

      Video games exist to give you experiences that you normally wouldn't be able to get in real life without years of training or superhuman powers. Why is it that guitarists get so pissy about Guitar Hero when I never hear any space marines complaining about Metroid?

      --

      When encryption is outlawed, ?o'AZ-,++o+i++##4AoA+-/-C++bI+/.+~
    3. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by morari · · Score: 3, Informative
      http://www.guitarrising.com/

      ;)

      --
      "He who can destroy a thing, controls a thing." --Paul Atreides, Dune
    4. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by gEvil+(beta) · · Score: 5, Funny

      Why is it that guitarists get so pissy about Guitar Hero when I never hear any space marines complaining about Metroid?

      And therein lies the genius of making Samus a female. ; )

      --
      This guy's the limit!
    5. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by geekoid · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Ironically, the people I know who whine about this aren't Guitar players.

      It's just a fun game when you pick up a gun, steal a car and beat hookers, but it's a crime against humanity when someone pretends to play a guitar.

      --
      The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
    6. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by geekoid · · Score: 1

      Clearly, you don't know what mashing is.

      Good for you, you don't like that game.

      Oh, and if you bothered to look you can get a guitar that connects into your computer and present all the notes you play on the screen..knock yourself out and shut the hell up.

      --
      The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
    7. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Troll

      Because it's an amazing rhythm game that gives a vague impression of playing awesome guitar riffs. I've seen people play this. They look very stupid.

      In turn, playing awesome guitar riffs is one of the most bad-ass feelings in the world. There are just few things that are cooler than pulling off anything on a guitar, really. True, but playing those little dorky guitars is not cool. Shredding on a ESP connected to a Mesa/Boogie, is.
    8. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by dafrazzman · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Why is it that guitarists get so pissy about Guitar Hero when I never hear any space marines complaining about Metroid? You should not assume that anyone who complains about Guitar Hero actually plays the guitar.

      The reason some people don't like Guitar Hero is because it looks nerdy and lame (it really does). Those people need to get over their sense of pride before they can enjoy Guitar Hero. It's a matter of general pride, not a matter of pride in any actual abilities.

      --
      My preferred name is frazz, but someone keeps taking it. If you see him, tell him I said hi.
    9. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by NotBornYesterday · · Score: 3, Interesting

      My two sons and their friends played GH3 a lot (prior to GTA4, that is). When I would mention that there were a couple real guitars and a foundation-shaking amp down in the basement, all I ever got were funny looks. Man, I would have killed to have an electric guitar as a kid. But like others have said, it's easier to play a game than it is to grow some talent. I've tried it, and I've got to admit, it's fun.

      On the other hand, getting semi-competent on a guitar really isn't that hard, either. Power chords are easy. 1-4-5 chord progressions are easy. Spend a little time memorizing a couple riffs, and you can make some remarkably satisfying noise.

      Sounding great is hard. Sounding okay is easier than it looks.

      --
      I prefer rogues to imbeciles because they sometimes take a rest.
    10. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by PayPaI · · Score: 1

      When I would mention that there were a couple real guitars and a foundation-shaking amp down in the basement, all I ever got were funny looks. Are you this guy by any chance?
    11. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Omestes · · Score: 4, Insightful

      It's a stupid party game, and thus damn enjoyable. You get music (can't lose, there), interaction (its a party, thus the point), and look like a bigger fool when your drunk (party, natch). I don't think anyone has the preconception of actually being a guitar god while playing it.

      Play Rock the 80's, and tell me your not having fun?

      At my last party is was on rotation with Mario Kart Wii, and Smash Brothers Brawl. Mario Kart isn't for people who fail at NASCAR, and Brawl isn't for aspiring Chuck Norrises, so why should Guitar Hero be for the Jimi Hendixes among us? Its about imagination, and fun. Not about realism or some idiotic version of elitism.

      Learn to have fun.

      --
      A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government. -edward abbey
    12. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Shaitan+Apistos · · Score: 1

      Awesome. Thanks for the link.

    13. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      Well, I only have a limited number of data points, but having bought my sons a copy of Guitar hero two last year, they had an enormous amount of fun with it and still do. So much so that the elder of the two still at home, who is in employment as an engineer, bought the younger one, a 19 yo engineering student, an electric guitar and amp for his birthday back in march. Of course they both play with it, the younger having put in the most time so far. They can do enough to sound quite good. OK Jimmy Page probably does not need to worry too much, but they are having fun. Looks kind of odd to see the 19 yo with his laptop on his knees to let him see the chords off the Internet while playing his guitar

      Funnily enough they have also gone from playing with a snowboard simulator to actually taking trips to the mountain and to the indoor slope.

      So maybe, just maybe, simulators can awaken interest rather than just being an outlet for wannabees

    14. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Anonymous+Cowpat · · Score: 3, Funny

      that has got to be the fastest that we've achieved Godwin on such an uncontrovertial topic!

      --
      FGD 135
    15. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by NotBornYesterday · · Score: 1

      Nice. But in that case, don't let them near GTA. ;)

      --
      I prefer rogues to imbeciles because they sometimes take a rest.
    16. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by somersault · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Agreed. I'm a guitar player, and I thought it was lame until I played it. Then I just realised how much fun it is!

      I can't wait til the drums and stuff are added, as I'm also a drummer, and it will make practicing much more fun and varied (I have an electronic kit but I never make time to use it). Simulating drums is pretty easy so at least the drummers definitely can't whine :) At the very least games like Guitar Hero are good for improving your rhythm and coordination.

      --
      which is totally what she said
    17. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Excellent point!!! Luckily they don't seem interested in that genre, although they do play loud noisy fps games like Halo etc, usually when I am tired.....

    18. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by amRadioHed · · Score: 2, Funny

      The slight difference is that anyone can play guitar. Really, unlike being a space marine we actually have the technology.

      --
      We hope your rules and wisdom choke you / Now we are one in everlasting peace
    19. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by aztektum · · Score: 4, Interesting

      a girl i know has a 9 year old son who recently began guitar lessons. he became interested after playing Guitar Hero. also, i'm sure guitar hero doesn't not help with practical guitar skills (chord changes, strumming), but this kid seems to have picked up a good deal of skill when it comes to rhythm and tempo thanks to the game. he's actually rocking ass on a real guitar compared to others in his guitar class.

      --
      :: aztek ::
      No sig for you!!
    20. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by somersault · · Score: 1

      Wow. Now that's more like it :) A friend pointed out if I spent as much time practicing on my real guitar as I did on guitar hero then I'd be amazing, and I basically agree. Sadly you get more of a sense of achievement from guitar hero than you do learning a song just for the sake of learning on the guitar. This will provide a way to feel like you are achieving something while also practicing proper technique and timing. Excellent!

      I know that some will think that saying you don't feel you're achieving much when just learning by yourself sounds silly, but honestly I can play some pretty complicated stuff, which I am proud of sure, but I have no incentive to try and play it along to say a click track to make sure I get the timing exactly right and stuff like that. When you just learn a song by yourself you probably will just learn enough to scrape through and make it sound "good enough" rather than get it perfect. Games like this will help with trying to achieve perfection, and would be a really good way to get kids interested in playing proper guitar IMO.

      --
      which is totally what she said
    21. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Kloutier.com

      Well I am excited for the new GH. except for the price. I love the game because I can sit down and just kinda jam a few songs. Its a way for me to unwind.

    22. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Because people don't generally act like they are the greatest space marine ever after beating Metroid on hard.

    23. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by somersault · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Some of the songs on Guitar Hero are actually more difficult to play on Expert than they would be on a real guitar (at least that's what I find, yes IAAG). I'm serious about that. I think a lot of that is just down to having to have the timing so precise, whereas irl you can get away with a bit of artistic license if you know what you're doing :)

      Main differences on a real guitar are that it HURTS for a while until your fingers toughen up and get used to pressing strings, and you need more strength to do hammer-ons and pull-offs (which are absurdly easy on guitar hero because the buttons are so light). Then of course there's the whole extra dimension of up/down over the 6 strings, but if you can get used to using all 5 buttons on guitar hero without looking to see where your fingers are, then you can probably get used to 6 strings on a guitar too, it's just a matter of spacial awareness and muscle memory. The final difference between Guitar Hero and a real guitar is that you need to get some friends who play drums, bass and sing, and are free whenever you want to jam :)

      --
      which is totally what she said
    24. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by bogjobber · · Score: 3, Interesting

      It also helps with hand/finger strength. One of the hardest parts of beginning at guitar is only being able to move your fingers quickly and hold chord shapes for the first fifteen minutes before getting tired. If you were good at guitar hero, you should already have a lot of the muscles developed to progress more quickly.

    25. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by somersault · · Score: 1

      When you're playing guitar hero on hard/expert it's pretty similar to playing a song with power chords. That Queens of the Stone Age song on hard is particularly fun (I think it gets harder than playing real chords when you get to expert, but that's probably just because my hands are used to your basic E/Em/A/Am barre chord shapes, but they're not used to switching between guitar hero 'chords' properly yet). The solos aren't very realistic at times, but they sure can be challenging. It's hard to sound great on a real guitar like you say because you have to develop a nice clean technique I guess - Guitar Hero doesn't care how hard or where you press the buttons..

      Maybe you could get some tab for a couple of the easier songs on guitar hero and then teach your kids? :) I downloaded the tab for The Metal, it didn't sound right at all, which could be because it's crappy tab, or because I just need practice. If I practiced as long on the real thing as I did trying to complete the song on the game (it took about 3 evenings I think before I cracked being able to do all those crazy hammer-ons and pull-offs without having to strum the notes), I'd have it sounding pretty cool I think.

      --
      which is totally what she said
    26. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by NotBornYesterday · · Score: 1

      One of the guitars downstairs belongs to my youngest son. He wanted it desperately one year for Christmas. He actually took lessons for awhile, but rarely practiced, and then eventually got bored.

      --
      I prefer rogues to imbeciles because they sometimes take a rest.
    27. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by NeilTheStupidHead · · Score: 4, Funny

      This is directed towards Rock Band, but applies equally to Guitar Hero: http://xkcd.com/359/
      We're having fun and not hurting anyone so kindly fuck off.

      --
      Lose: misplace or fail || Loose: not bound together
    28. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      On the whole, it's not as fun as tonguing another man's balls. I mean as it used to be. I'm NOT GAY.

    29. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Bohabo · · Score: 1

      Rock Band is your friend.

    30. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by superslacker87 · · Score: 2, Interesting

      As am I. Honestly, as a guitar player, I find it more challenging to play the songs on lower difficulty levels. I almost always start out on hard or expert depending on the song and try to play it there. When I hear a song coming out of my TV speakers (especially when it's one that I already know how to play on a real six-string or know really well) and the notes I'm looking at on screen don't mesh, I actually do worse. I have to train myself to play what I see, not what I hear.

      --
      I run Ubuntu skinned to look like a Mac on a PC. Go figure.
    31. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by FishWithAHammer · · Score: 1

      Rock Band is way too easy. The songs aren't as hard as Guitar Hero.

      --
      "You can either have software quality or you can have pointer arithmetic, but you cannot have both at the same time."
    32. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by somersault · · Score: 1

      Sounds a bit like myself really, I tend to go through phases of being really interested in something and then it just fades out. With guitar that's happened a few times I think, though not too much recently (mostly because I ended up being the drummer in a band me and my friends had, so one of my friends has actually used my current guitar way more than I have!).

      At least while your son is playing Guitar Hero it will be building up his rhythm, dexterity and finger strength, so next time he tries guitar it will be that much easier!

      Someone above linked to http://www.guitarrising.com/ . That is the kind of thing that could encourage people to play more often, as they can 'beat' songs rather than just learn them. It's maybe slightly distracting from the musical appreciation part, but it's nice too to have a tangible rating on how well you are able to play if you see what I mean - gives you a sense of your progress and then you'll be less likely to give up/get bored. When that game comes out it's quite likely that I'll be playing my guitar regularly again :)

      --
      which is totally what she said
    33. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by somersault · · Score: 2, Interesting

      That's true actually, and gives people a false impression of the game when they first try it, because if you tell them to play along to the music then it can screw them up. If you are trying too hard to hit the notes by watching when they pass the bottom of the screen then that will screw you up for the higher difficulties as well. I get the impression from the people I know that aren't very good at the game, that they are trying to use the screen too much for timing. I basically just look at the screen to see which notes are coming rather than when I have to hit them.

      --
      which is totally what she said
    34. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by uhlume · · Score: 4, Informative

      Heh. Lest you get troll-modded into oblivion by people who missed the reference, here's a link to the Zero Punctuation review of GH3:

      http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/2716-Zero-Punctuation-Guitar-Hero-III

      --
      SIERRA TANGO FOXTROT UNIFORM
    35. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by fortyonejb · · Score: 1, Funny

      True, but playing those little dorky guitars is not cool. Shredding on a ESP connected to a Mesa/Boogie, is. "shredding" on an ESP makes you a 80's wannabe leftover. That stopped being cool with men with crimped hair and leopard spandex
    36. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Miseph · · Score: 1

      Yeah... but we really don't need any more "talented" guitarists who can only play power chords. Green Day has pretty much milked that cow dry.

      Having tried (unsuccessfully) a couple of times to learn guitar, and having recently picked up a copy of GH for the first time (I've got a Wii now, but my last console was a Playstation... note the lack of a "2"), the big diffrence that I've noticed is that after three hours of trying to actually play, I couldn't operate my fingers anymore and I still sounded like I'd never even seen a guitar, whereas after three hours with GH3 I was making Slash my bitch for an encore of Welcome to the Jungle. As it turns out, I don't really have any passion for music and I'm completely tone deaf, neither of which matters even a little to my ability to have fun playing a video game, but does mean that I'm unlikely to invest much time/money/pain in the real thing.

      --
      Try not to take me more seriously than I take myself.
    37. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by naoursla · · Score: 5, Funny

      Technically, Guitar Hero, GH2 and RB are amazing rhythm games that give you a sense of playing awesome guitar riffs.

      GH3 is a rhythm game that gives you a sense of mashing buttons on a guitar shaped piece of plastic while listening to music.

    38. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Davorama · · Score: 1

      I don't think anyone has the preconception of actually being a guitar god while playing it. Heh, you haven't seen my 7 year old then. He is a legend in his own mind.
      --

      Davo -- Free speech, free software, AND free beer.

    39. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Mr.+Beatdown · · Score: 1

      Try drums on expert. It is just as hard as Through the Fire and the Flames when you get to try and play Run to the Hills.

      --
      My fellow Americans, let's restore the death penalty for child rapists. Let's do it . . . for the children.
    40. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by mapleneckblues · · Score: 1

      It also helps with hand/finger strength. One of the hardest parts of beginning at guitar is only being able to move your fingers quickly and hold chord shapes for the first fifteen minutes before getting tired. If you were good at guitar hero, you should already have a lot of the muscles developed to progress more quickly.

      I totally disagree to that. Its a different thing pressing buttons and a different thing learning to hold chord shapes and bends. If done right, they require different muscles (read where your fulcrum is if you are doing a bend right as against doing it wrong). Now before people mod me down for dissing guitar hero, I am NOT dissing it. I am just dissing the parent argument.
    41. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by mapleneckblues · · Score: 1

      Although I dont disagree that she might have become interested in the guitar after playing GH, I think its naive attributing her sense of rhythm to GH. One is either born with that musical sense or not. If not, it can take years to develop while learning a real instrument. She more likely than not was born with that sense of rhythm. Some notable musicians for example Al di Meola are of the view that Asians typically find it difficult to follow complex jazz time signatures. I tend to agree with him somewhat (and yes Im asian too - Indian actually). The point is that there may well be some genetics involved in these things. The jury is still out on that apart from the fact that perfect pitch is indeed passed on through genes.

    42. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Ihmhi · · Score: 1

      It's basically DDR for people who don't like dancing and don't want to put in as much physical effort to play. And, of course, for people who like to rock.

      Guitar Hero, maybe. Play Run to the Hills on expert for drums on Rock Band. Keep ice packs on standby for your arms.

      --
      Random Thoughts From A Diseased Mind (Not For Dummies)
    43. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Psychochild · · Score: 1

      You can also get a gun, buy hookers, and shoot at cops in real life.

      There are some things better done in the privacy of your own home with a console/computer.

      --
      Brian "Psychochild" Green
      MMO developer's blog
    44. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by The_reformant · · Score: 1

      Its cos you cant change the pickups, lower the action or stick a fuzz in front of the chain to boost the top end for solos. Honeastly though i think its a quality game!

      --
      I have discovered a truly remarkable sig which this post is too small to contain.
    45. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by apt-get+moo · · Score: 1

      It's a shame they don't add synths so you could do keytar hero. Konami actually did something like that with Keyboardmania.
      --
      ...."Have you mooed today?"...
    46. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by apt-get+moo · · Score: 1

      Arrgh, wrong thread.

      --
      ...."Have you mooed today?"...
    47. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Von+Helmet · · Score: 1

      I'd agree with that. The guitar is an instrument at which it is very, very easy to play to a moderate standard so that you can have a little sing-along or whatever. It is, however, very difficult to play to a spectacular standard (search Youtube for Mattrach for a spectacular 17 year old French guy).

      My three guitars will probably cry if I buy Guitar Hero for the DS, but man - it's tempting. It just feels wrong to think of buying a video game as a poor approximation to my actually getting back into playing one of these days. I know I'd master Guitar Hero a lot quicker than I mastered playing any of the songs on a real guitar, but I also know that actually being able to play well for real would give me more satisfaction and would impress more people, vain as that is. It's just a question of whether I've got the time to practise...

      Perhaps I'll sell my slightly damaged guitar and buy Guitar Hero DS with the proceeds. That would be sadly fitting.

    48. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Indians aren't Asians. Indians are "South Asians". Asians refer to Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, etc, ie. oriental. Don't try to mix yourself into it. Indians are nothing like Asians genetically.

      And don't give me that "India is part of Asia" bullshit. Russia is part of Asia as well, but they aren't "Asians". It's the same thing as differentiating the Indian Ocean from the Pacific Ocean. There's no demarcation, it's the same body of water, but for historical purposes, they have been called 2 different oceans. Same and Asians and South Asians.

    49. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Lyrael · · Score: 1

      Some of the songs on Guitar Hero are actually more difficult to play on Expert than they would be on a real guitar (at least that's what I find, yes IAAG). I'm serious about that. I think a lot of that is just down to having to have the timing so precise, whereas irl you can get away with a bit of artistic license if you know what you're doing :) I always found Guitar Hero more difficult due to the fact that where you would be plucking strings on a normal guitar you can get off quite a few different notes without having to move your left hand, as opposed to moving your left fingers wildly all over the place for each different note. I've never had a problem with the timing ;)
    50. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by somersault · · Score: 1

      Yep, a lot of tunes just involve moving between 3 or 4 different chord positions then fingerpicking (I tend to much prefer fingerpicking songs than just playing boring old chords all the time like a lot of people do :p ). Songs like My Name is Jonas would be pretty easy if it weren't for that, though you would still have to move your left hand for the hammer ons and pull-offs. I've not had an issue with timing either, apart from a few songs that I just had never heard before playing GH3. I got a torrent of all the tracks though and listen to them at work ;)

      --
      which is totally what she said
    51. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by egyptiankarim · · Score: 1

      We also have the technology to play soccer (and football, golf, basketball, baseball, tennis), be mayor of a city, owner of an amusement park, fly an airplane, use a firearm, and drive a sportscar...

      Should the videogame incarnations of these activities therefore be subject to the same flack that Guitar Hero gets?

      --
      Eek!
    52. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Xoltri · · Score: 1

      He is absolutely hilarious. But you have to tel everyone else in the room to shut up so you can absorb it all.

      --
      -Xoltri
    53. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by jollyreaper · · Score: 0, Redundant

      Because it's an amazing rhythm game that gives a vague impression of playing awesome guitar riffs. I was very much into the concept of Guitar Hero until I realized that you wouldn't be playing it with a real guitar and you wouldn't be learning anything applicable towards playing real guitars. I thought the game was going to be an interactive learning game where you would see animated hands working the guitar, showing you what to do right and what you did wrong, sort of like the old typing tutor games. Then the acid test would be playing the real song and that would have the performance game angle like I see in the video footage for guitar hero.

      So, very disappointed by the reality of it.
      --
      Kwisatz Haderach
      Sell the spice to CHOAM
      This Mahdi took Shaddam's Throne
    54. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Lyrael · · Score: 1

      Aye, I've always preferred fingerpicking myself when it comes to actual guitar. I find I can't move my fingers fast enough to play songs on Guitar Hero that I can play well on guitar though *sigh*

    55. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by somersault · · Score: 1

      I'm left handed so I probably have it a bit easier that you when it comes to left handed finger speed :p I also can apparently type at around 100wpm so that's nice too. The solos for the last 10% of the set list on Expert are just crazy though. Even on Hard I'm not sure I could get through the solo on 'One' without any Star Power - I'd say it's something like 9 notes a second or more, and you need to move at least 2 fingers to do it, whereas on a real guitar to play 3 notes you can get away with just plucking a note, doing a pulloff then hammering onto a different string..

      --
      which is totally what she said
    56. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by jollyreaper · · Score: 1

      Yes, and Medal of Honor is for pussies who don't want to go fight Nazis. Well, there's a shortage of nazis to go and fight, ever think of that?
      --
      Kwisatz Haderach
      Sell the spice to CHOAM
      This Mahdi took Shaddam's Throne
    57. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by teflaime · · Score: 1

      Why is it that guitarists get so pissy about Guitar Hero when I never hear any space marines complaining about Metroid?

      Because the average lead guitarist gets his ass kicked by the typical drummer when playing Guitar Hero?

    58. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by FishWithAHammer · · Score: 1

      I don't like the drum section, though. I love the guitar and bass, and they're just way too easy. Even Through the Fire and Flames is easier than, say, GH2's Jordan.

      --
      "You can either have software quality or you can have pointer arithmetic, but you cannot have both at the same time."
    59. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by BigJClark · · Score: 1


      Agreed. I enjoy both forms of entertainment (I can play real guitar), but there is just something rad about picking up your little plastic axe and ripping out a jam.

      Wow, I almost sounded cool there, maybe GuitarHero has made me cool :)

      --

      Hi, I Boris. Hear fix bear, yes?
    60. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by cvas · · Score: 1

      What you are dissing is what you read into the GP. Which is happening all over the place in this thread.

      He said you have a lot of the muscles developed to progress more quickly. He didn't say you develop exactly the same muscles. Or all of the muscles needed. He didn't say that the actions translated 1 to 1 from GH to a real guitar.

      He said your hand would be stronger, you'd be able to move your fingers faster. And it is, and you can. And that is an advantage that will let you progress more quickly. If he had said the kid spent several months with one of those grip strengtheners and that helped him be able to learn chords faster and hold them for longer than his fellow students that started at the same time, you wouldn't have even made your comment. But because his hand strength increased through GH, we have to beat down any positives from it. Also ignoring the fact that this fake game inspired this kid to pick up an actual guitar.

    61. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by bogjobber · · Score: 1

      I think you read too much into what I was saying. You still have to develop muscles, but most people don't use their fingers and hands to do *anything* strenuous. Just getting your hands moving around quickly and applying force for long periods of time would put you ahead of most beginners. Like someone who lifts weights and rides a stationary bike a few times a week would be far ahead of someone who just sits on their ass when it comes to training for a marathon.

    62. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by iapetus · · Score: 1

      That's because they're all too busy playing Guitar Hero. Get rid of these feeble instrument simulation games and replace them with good old swastikas, copies of Mein Kampf, and invasions of Poland, and soon we'll be able to ditch Medal of Honor as well.

      --
      ++ Say to Elrond "Hello.".
      Elrond says "No.". Elrond gives you some lunch.
    63. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by juancnuno · · Score: 1

      Have you played it? I knew it was popular, but I never tried it myself until my brother brought his Xbox over with Guitar Hero III. "Ah, so this is that guitar game." And I was hooked INSTANTLY.

      I think deep down, a little exhibitionism is part of human nature. Why else is karaoke so popular? Have you been to Japan? They got those bars EVERYWHERE. I love karaoke myself.

    64. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by amRadioHed · · Score: 1

      If there was a large group of kids on a nice day sitting around together playing soccer on a videogame, then yes I would give them just as much flack.

      The other things such as being mayor, owning an amusement park, flying an airplane, etc are possible but range from unobtainable to very difficult to obtain for most people.

      --
      We hope your rules and wisdom choke you / Now we are one in everlasting peace
    65. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by enderjsv · · Score: 1

      So your argument is for games like Rockband, then? Playing real instruments on stage with a talented band in front of a large group of screaming fans, silhouetted against the backdrop of flashy pyrotechnics, probably falls under the category of "very difficult to obtain," no?

    66. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by cowscows · · Score: 1

      Guitar Hero was kind of fun for me, but RockBand really blew it out of the water, due to the whole group dynamics part of it. If I had spent all my RockBand time screwing around on a real guitar, I could probably make some amusing sounds and maybe even something that I'd call a song. But I'd have a hard time convincing a bunch of my friends to go learn instruments as well, and we wouldn't be able to get a few of us together on a whim and "rock out" the way RockBand lets us do. Not only does it allow us to "play" far better than we could with real instruments, it easily compensates for different skill levels, it makes it much easier for us to switch instruments, and it makes it easy for new people to jump in. Also it puts cool looking stages behind us and a cheering crowd in front of us.

      I could, almost certainly, learn to play a real guitar. I might even be able to get pretty darn good at it if I enjoyed it enough. But given all the other important things going on in my life, it's not realistic for me to expect to be a rock star someday. Further more, even if I could snap my fingers and be a rock star tomorrow, I don't think I'd want to.

      But hell yeah I enjoy pretending I am for a couple of hours every now and then.

      --

      One time I threw a brick at a duck.

    67. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by h4ck7h3p14n37 · · Score: 1

      Video games exist to give you experiences that you normally wouldn't be able to get in real life without years of training or superhuman powers.

      Have you played the Guitar Hero series? I've been jamming since the first version was released and after four years of practice, I _still_ can't beat some of the songs on expert. Let's not even talk about trying to get perfect scores.

      I'm just hoping the new version maintains the current difficulty level. I've tried playing Rock Band a couple of times, but was really disappointed with how easy the tracks were. I was able to complete songs on expert difficulty that I'd never played before; that just shouldn't be possible. Try comparing some of the songs that appear in both Rock Band and Guitar Hero and you'll see that the Rock Band version is much, much easier.

    68. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      what you meant to say is that most people around here don't use their hands for anything strenuous. from the 13 years i've been around here, a significant portion of the population uses their hands to, um, service themselves in a strenuous manner while looking at pictures of natalie portman and pouring hot grits down their pants.

    69. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      I disagree completely that you're "either born with that musical sense or not", but in my case I took to music at an early age and didn't let go. Maybe you're right, and I was born with it. But I also know how much sweat and work goes in behind the passion and the love of it, and I won't dismiss that by saying I was "born with it".

      That doesn't matter though, as you seem to have misread the post:

      ... this kid seems to have picked up a good deal of skill when it comes to rhythm and tempo thanks to the game

      Apparently, she didn't discover a sense of rhythm by playing Guitar Hero, she developed her rhythmic skill, and that's a big difference. No matter what talent you're born with, it's the skills that matter. No-one ever picked up an instrument or a ball or a slide rule and was instantly adept, no matter how quickly they took to the art or craft or science of the thing. You'll never be able to separate the nature from the nurture when it comes to human capability (and it's a damn good thing too), but more importantly you cannot ever separate practice and study from excellence in any field regardless of any innate talent.

      Oh, and Al di Meola observations don't match my experiences, and after twenty years of playing guitar I find Guitar Hero fun to play and it prods my technique and musical sensibilities (a stimulator simulator?), and the genetic connection to perfect pitch thing is interesting and so thanks for that. Even there, however, I found with a little reading some good science disputing the importance of genetics.

      But in the end, there's still only one way to get to Carnegie Hall.

    70. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by lavalamp70 · · Score: 1

      I love music, period. Mainly classic rock, but I'm open to most genres. I was a band geek in HS, playing trumpet and French horn. I still want to learn guitar, and someday maybe I will. I've heard Deep Purple's 'Hush' and CheapTrick's 'Surrender' numerous times on the radio over the years, yet they never moved me. BUT - after playing it on GH, because it looked fairly easy, I now have a newfound respect for those pieces of music. I know Slash said it ain't the same as playing a real guitar, but it lit a fire under my ass....and yeah, it was pretty f**king fun, too!!

    71. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by mapleneckblues · · Score: 1

      Indians aren't Asians. Indians are "South Asians". Asians refer to Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, etc, ie. oriental. Don't try to mix yourself into it. Indians are nothing like Asians genetically. And don't give me that "India is part of Asia" bullshit. Russia is part of Asia as well, but they aren't "Asians". It's the same thing as differentiating the Indian Ocean from the Pacific Ocean. There's no demarcation, it's the same body of water, but for historical purposes, they have been called 2 different oceans. Same and Asians and South Asians. Have you ever tried doing some research whatsoever before commenting vehemently on an issue about which you apparently have no idea. The definition of the term "Asian" differs from country to country. Its predominantly colloquial US usage which implies Asian = East/Southeast Asian. The Indian subcontinent is a part of South Asia (and yes, I am giving you that "bullshit", so sue me). and according to most definitions (which you probably don't agree to and hence must be wrong) South Asians are Asians.
    72. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by mapleneckblues · · Score: 1
      You clearly seem to have misunderstood my post. Nowehere in my post have I mentioned that there is any substitute for practice. I clearly wrote: "If not, it can take years to develop while learning a real instrument." However I think its wrong denying the fact that some people inherently progress quicker despite similar practice methods. Although I am nowhere near as experienced a musician/guitarist as you, however I myself have been playing for around 10 years, and I agree with Al di Meola's observations from personal experience. Despite regular and good practice techniques and methods it took me much more time to get a hang of things than some of my friends. And surprise! I come from a family with no history of musical talent on either side for generations.

      but more importantly you cannot ever separate practice and study from excellence in any field regardless of any innate talent. No you cannot. And I never said that you can. All I meant to say was that if you are not born with an innate talent, you have to work that much harder. In either case there is no substitute for practice
    73. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Some of the songs on Guitar Hero are actually more difficult to play on Expert than they would be on a real guitar (at least that's what I find, yes IAAG). IAAG = I am a guitar?
    74. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by Rdawg9 · · Score: 1

      Why is it that guitarists get so pissy about Guitar Hero when I never hear any space marines complaining about Metroid? And therein lies the genius of making Sa mus afemale. ; ) Because space marines arent freekin real guitarists are so shut up
    75. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by deerclick · · Score: 1

      Its fun for those of us frustrated at not being able to play a real guitar. You can bid on one of the games and get the cheats at http://guitarhero.dd-stores.com/ and have great cheap entertainment.

    76. Re:Never got why people like Guitar Hero by somersault · · Score: 1

      Guitarist :)

      --
      which is totally what she said
  2. They didn't like my idea... by Mordok-DestroyerOfWo · · Score: 5, Funny

    I thought with the success of Guitar Hero, the world would be ready for the obvious next step. Say hello to Jug Hero. It comes with washtub bass, spoons, jug, and a washboard. You spend your time going around the south playing in various redneck bars. When you start to get behind in a song, just tip your jug for special moonshine power!

    --
    "Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right" - Salvor Hardin
    1. Re:They didn't like my idea... by Rod+Beauvex · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Yeah, you go in the south and do that. You'd have the living piss beat out of you.

    2. Re:They didn't like my idea... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      I thought the next obvious step was Cowbell Hero

    3. Re:They didn't like my idea... by Mordok-DestroyerOfWo · · Score: 1

      I already live in the south (if you consider Texas the south). The people down here are a lot friendlier than most I've met on either coast. They have little problem with some good natured teasing.

      --
      "Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right" - Salvor Hardin
    4. Re:They didn't like my idea... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      No. The next step is Bagpipe Hero,

    5. Re:They didn't like my idea... by geekoid · · Score: 4, Funny

      I see you have managed that well known southern sense of humor.

      --
      The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
    6. Re:They didn't like my idea... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This was already developed by Down On The Corner Games, Inc. Headed by some guy named "Poor" Willy. If I read the press release right, they're starting to unwind the Beta. If you're interested, show up at one of their demos -- bring a nickel and tap your feet. People come from all around just to see the magic game.

    7. Re:They didn't like my idea... by opti6600 · · Score: 1, Funny

      You obviously don't watch Top Gear, do you...?

    8. Re:They didn't like my idea... by Papabryd · · Score: 1

      You might have a battle with some prior art...behold, Jug Hero!

    9. Re:They didn't like my idea... by garbletext · · Score: 1

      that was Alabama, not Florida. World of difference.

    10. Re:They didn't like my idea... by ND4SPDR · · Score: 1

      Way to read Basic Instructions.

    11. Re:They didn't like my idea... by repvik · · Score: 1

      MORE COWBELL! ;)

    12. Re:They didn't like my idea... by Joe+Random · · Score: 1

      Say hello to Jug Hero.
      You mean this?
    13. Re:They didn't like my idea... by The+Electric+Messiah · · Score: 1

      my wife actually went out and bought my buddies and I a cowbell, stand to mount it on, and a drink holder that mounts on the same stand.

      --
      "Bold as Love"
  3. My little brother by electrosoccertux · · Score: 5, Funny

    He stopped playing GH3 2 weeks ago, and it has been the most peaceful 2 weeks in months.

    Thank you, Activision, now I will have to listen to his voice too.

    1. Re:My little brother by robertss · · Score: 1

      You should feel lucky that it is your brother and not yourself addicted to this madness.

  4. Good Move. by morari · · Score: 2, Interesting

    All good news. I just wish that developers would stop giving the PS2 any thought and instead focus on making the Wii version the best it can be. I'd hate to see another enhanced PS2 port on the Wii. I suppose though that even if it does come down to that, at least it won't be as butchered as the Wii version of Rock Band. Activision has already shown that they're willing to at least tailor a majority of the game to the Wii's strengths. It does have the best guitar, after all.

    --
    "He who can destroy a thing, controls a thing." --Paul Atreides, Dune
    1. Re:Good Move. by Blahbooboo3 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      All good news. I just wish that developers would stop giving the PS2 any thought and instead focus on making the Wii version the best it can be. I'd hate to see another enhanced PS2 port on the Wii. I suppose though that even if it does come down to that, at least it won't be as butchered as the Wii version of Rock Band. Activision has already shown that they're willing to at least tailor a majority of the game to the Wii's strengths. It does have the best guitar, after all. Sure, why not just ignore the 103 million PS2s out there?
    2. Re:Good Move. by josteos · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Many of the 103M ps2 owners probably own another console and would buy that version instead.

      But quite a few wouldn't, so it would be kinda lame to ignore them.

      I have a PC & a PS2, but I'd rather buy it for my Wii.

      --
      Save the Music; Save the World at http://www.TuneTriever.com (Our latest Android game)
    3. Re:Good Move. by denzacar · · Score: 1, Troll

      Don't worry.
      morari has a plan to buy Wiis for all those PS2 owners.
      And if we promise to be really good - he will buy Wiis for all those X-BOX owners and PS3 owners too.

      I know that it sounds like a lot to us, mere humans, but he is such a cool guy - I am sure he could pull it off.
      I feel honoured by his presence on Slashdot and I am eagerly awaiting my Wii.

      --
      Mit der Dummheit kämpfen Götter selbst vergebens
    4. Re:Good Move. by FishWithAHammer · · Score: 1

      I don't own a Wii, a 360, or a PS3.

      Therefore, fuck you.

      --
      "You can either have software quality or you can have pointer arithmetic, but you cannot have both at the same time."
    5. Re:Good Move. by morari · · Score: 1

      I'm not denying the sheer number of consoles out there. The install base is very solid. However, the console is old news. I bet that there are still plenty of people out there with an SNES hooked up, or maybe an original Xbox. You don't see multiplatform games being ported down for those though. If the PS2 version was completely separate, I wouldn't mind. The problem arises when they use the PS2 port for the Wii, ultimately killing much of the potential inherent in Nintendo's platform. The PS2 was never a very power system, even when compared to the likes of the previously released Dreamcast. For that reason alone it is not a good candidate to base ports off of, especially for a system such as the Wii that possesses at least several times the technical prowess.

      --
      "He who can destroy a thing, controls a thing." --Paul Atreides, Dune
    6. Re:Good Move. by CoderBob · · Score: 1

      Or it's a good candidate in that if the mechanics all work on a PS2, there should be no loss of game function when translating it over to any of the newer-gen consoles.

      Personally, I hate playing Guitar Hero on a Wii. I swear that the difference in the wireless response between the PS2 controller and the Wii's built in wireless actually changes the timing on songs. I can't play on more than medium, partway through for Guitar Hero 3 on the Wii- but I can play through expert on the PS2. Might be my own lack of skill, or the fact that for the first 4 games I started with the PS2 versions and have the muscle memory down to synch the TV and my actions.

      Even without that, though, basing the game off the Wii for it's "potential" seems pretty outlandish. It's a basic premise- 5 buttons, a pick toggle, and a tilt-the-guitar motion sensor. Even adding in the drum input, what else do you need that the Wii offers? Better graphics? It's freaking Klax meets Simon no matter how you slice it. Higher quality audio so we can hear how bad the cover band's singer is when they don't get rights to the actual recording?

      I'm not trying to bash the Wii. I enjoy the system and think it has a unique niche in the gaming market. But complaining that something isn't designed around the Wii when it's a multi-platform game seems a little odd, considering that it is the "oddball" system of the group.

    7. Re:Good Move. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Activision has already shown that they're willing to at least tailor a majority of the game to the Wii's strengths. It does have the best guitar, after all.
      best guitar? how's that? you're not one of those knobs who think the wii is the only guitar with star power are you?
  5. What about.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...Guitar Villain?

    Sounds like a much more fun game.

    1. Re:What about.... by josteos · · Score: 1

      I'd be all over this like a bully taking candy from a baby.

      --
      Save the Music; Save the World at http://www.TuneTriever.com (Our latest Android game)
    2. Re:What about.... by SiriusStarr · · Score: 2, Funny

      http://www.ctrlaltdel-online.com/comic.php?d=20060419

      You mean like this?

      --
      Fear the penguin.
    3. Re:What about.... by Lalo+Martins · · Score: 1

      Does it involve getting famous as a "guitar hero" and then becoming a complete @$$#013 as the fame goes to your head?

    4. Re:What about.... by curunir · · Score: 1

      Would that be GTAr Hero?

      It would be kinda cool if GTA licensed the Guitar Hero engine and added optional missions that involved playing songs on the guitar. Something like having to infiltrate a rock band as a back-up guitarist in order to find out which dealer they buy from so you could go rob him (lame, I know, but they've had dumber plots than that before...).

      Plus, then your character could also use the in-game guitar as a blunt object for beating people over the head.

      --
      "Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos!"
    5. Re:What about.... by geekoid · · Score: 1

      No, you are a hard rocker until you get famous, then you change all your lyrics everytime "the man" asks you to.

      I'm waiting for groupie Hero.

      --
      The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
  6. Bass? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    No one ever wants to be on bass :-(

    1. Re:Bass? by KnightNavro · · Score: 4, Funny

      That's because they're scaly and slimy. Trout are better.

    2. Re:Bass? by Macgrrl · · Score: 1

      Your logic seems flakey.

      --
      Sara
      Designer, Gamer, Macgrrl in an XP World
    3. Re:Bass? by Jedi+Alec · · Score: 1

      Really? I thought the bass player was the tall quiet guy standing in the back who ends up with the guitar player's girlfriend in the end?

      And yes, I'm tall, and relatively quiet, and I own a terrific '74 Ibanez. Now all I need is a guiter player with a nice girlfriend.

      --

      People replying to my sig annoy me. That's why I change it all the time.
  7. so no important information then? by Anonymous+Cowpat · · Score: 1

    like what tracks it's going to have.

    There's a copy of Guitar Hero III at home and apart from maybe half a dozen tracks it's just noisy crap that blocks up the TV.

    Here's hoping that Guitar Hero IV has some proper stuff, like most of The Shadows back catalogue, in it.

    --
    FGD 135
  8. Keytar Hero by prockcore · · Score: 4, Interesting

    It's a shame they don't add synths so you could do keytar hero.

    Hell, I have a usb synth, they should add the ability.

    1. Re:Keytar Hero by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      john tesh already holds the trademark to tesh hero.

    2. Re:Keytar Hero by Renraku · · Score: 1

      You mean beatmania?

      Fun game, but get the Japanese ones. The American one has shitty songs.

      --
      Job? I don't have time to get a job! Who will sit around and bitch about being broke and unemployed then?
    3. Re:Keytar Hero by edremy · · Score: 1
      Given that GH is a button mashing game, and playing synth is a button mashing game, what does this gain you?

      (I'm allowed to make fun of other musicians- I play viola :^)

      --
      "Seven Deadly Sins? I thought it was a to-do list!"
    4. Re:Keytar Hero by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      check out Piano Hero--should work with a usb keytar as those are probably just repackaged MIDI pianos.

      sourceforge:
      https://sourceforge.net/projects/pianoherogl/

      youtube video of game in action:
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yseqUhyOWNI

    5. Re:Keytar Hero by mapleneckblues · · Score: 1

      I am allowed to make fun of you, your instrument's name sounds funny. P.S.: I think the viola is a kickass instrument btw :-)

    6. Re:Keytar Hero by PatrickThomson · · Score: 1

      Pfft, go all the way. Keyswordtar hero!

      --
      I am one of many. My idea is not unique, nor do I expect my voice alone to sway you. I speak in a chorus of opinion.
    7. Re:Keytar Hero by apt-get+moo · · Score: 1

      It's a shame they don't add synths so you could do keytar hero. Konami actually did something like that with Keyboardmania.
      --
      ...."Have you mooed today?"...
  9. Frets on Fire 1.2.512 (GPL) is superior! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    http://fretsonfire.sourceforge.net/

    Play guitar with your keyboard. Supports all guitar hero songs.

    1. Re:Frets on Fire 1.2.512 (GPL) is superior! by compro01 · · Score: 1

      FYI, it also works (far better, IMO) with a guitar controller.

      --
      upon the advice of my lawyer, i have no sig at this time
    2. Re:Frets on Fire 1.2.512 (GPL) is superior! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Meh... get a big enough library and Frets on Fire will refuse to start (at least on my machine). Maybe Python isn't the best platform to choose for video game development (Civ 4 notwithstanding)?

      Plus, it's also not as fun to watch, hence not nearly as good as a party game, and I really miss star power. Overall, it's a pale version of the experience that I would only go for if I insisted on 100% free (as in speech) software.

  10. What's this? by Khyber · · Score: 1

    "meticulously detail note charts."

    Oh, so they're copying Frets on fire, I see.

    --
    Still waiting on Serviscope_minor to wake up to fucking reality and realize that Jessica Price isn't going to fuck him.
    1. Re:What's this? by DrGamez · · Score: 1

      As much as I enjoyed Frets on Fire it feels so unpolished it's hard to play for very long.

    2. Re:What's this? by Khyber · · Score: 1

      Get the RF-mod. It enhances the overall play, better tapping algorithms, and the joystick support is far better. I can actually do most GH songs on expert on the keyboard now without any major screwups.

      --
      Still waiting on Serviscope_minor to wake up to fucking reality and realize that Jessica Price isn't going to fuck him.
  11. real guitar heroes by Lord_of_the_nerf · · Score: 0

    I won't feel like a real guitar hero until the Wii throws water bottles at my head for playing badly, or I can slip into Kombat Mode when photographers try to block my car from reversing.

  12. Re:I already own Rock Band, thank you by DevNull+Ogre · · Score: 3, Insightful

    How many plastic instruments do these guys really expect me to buy? That's a good point. My wife instantly disliked Mario Kart (while watching the preview on Nintendo Channel on our Wii) because of the wheel. She hated the idea of yet another thing to find a place for. I don't think four Wiimotes, two nunchucks, a zapper, and a guitar are a problem at all. But if I came home adding a plastic drum kit to that collection, I don't think she'd let me in. (At least the balance board that's on preorder will slide under the couch.)
  13. nope by Bill,+Shooter+of+Bul · · Score: 0

    I play the guitar and complain about guitar hero. ITs not pride its a watering down of achievement. We have fake cheese, fake milk, fake fat, fake babies, fake women, fake meat and now fake guitars?! Thats just too much fakeness. I want reality. I want other people to want reality. I want people to go out and have real experiences that aren't limited by a machine, or set of rules.

    We were not meant to live like this. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll go out and get myself a large pizza with fresh sausage and cheese in the pursuit of all that is real.

    and I'm only 25% joking. The pizza will exist.

    --
    Well.. maybe. Or Maybe not. But Definitely not sort of.
    1. Re:nope by amRadioHed · · Score: 4, Funny

      I hereby predict that Guitar Hero 11 will come with a real guitar and that gamers will think it's the coolest thing ever.

      They will also declare that Guitar Hero 4 is lame and only for little kids and posers.

      --
      We hope your rules and wisdom choke you / Now we are one in everlasting peace
    2. Re:nope by DeathCarrot · · Score: 4, Interesting
      I've been playing the guitar for nigh on a decade (I've just turned 21) and I absolutely adore Guitar Hero, as does a guitarist friend of mine. To most people I know Guitar Hero isn't about pretending you're a rock star, it's just a game, no different to WoW or the FPS du jour.

      Granted, if someone comes up to me boasting how their 5* on expert Cliffs of Dover was more of an accomplishment than being able to play the same song on a real guitar, they really do deserve a slap. One takes 8 months to reach a suitable level of proficiency, the tends to take more than 8 years.

    3. Re:nope by Bill,+Shooter+of+Bul · · Score: 1, Insightful

      I'm not entirely sure you understood my rant. People are trying for the fake, not for the real. Playing guitar changes your brain. Changes the way you think. No game can do that. Not wow ( which I also loathe with all possible passion), nor any other game video or not. Make up your own rules, play the dangerous game of life: no do overs, but unlimited possibilities.

      --
      Well.. maybe. Or Maybe not. But Definitely not sort of.
    4. Re:nope by madfancier · · Score: 1

      Wait, I think I get it.... When I have kids, I'm gonna make a huge cardboard cover of a game called "Cleanup Your Room Hero" and attach it the door of their room. It'll have a toy vacuum cleaner and everything.

    5. Re:nope by siride · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Maybe I don't want to learn how to play the guitar, but I do want to have some fun? Is that allowed? Or does everything I do have to be a fucking chore?

    6. Re:nope by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Changes the way you think. No game can do that.

      You're wrong. Games can and do change the way people think.

    7. Re:nope by Bill,+Shooter+of+Bul · · Score: 1

      ... And thats what I'm afraid of. If you live long enough in a prision, you'll see bars everywhere you go.

      --
      Well.. maybe. Or Maybe not. But Definitely not sort of.
    8. Re:nope by xero314 · · Score: 3, Insightful

      I want people to go out and have real experiences that aren't limited by a machine, or set of rules. He says on an internet forum...
    9. Re:nope by Saint+Gerbil · · Score: 2, Informative

      They are already there.

      http://www.guitarrising.com/

    10. Re:nope by siride · · Score: 3, Insightful

      No. Life is a mix of passionate exertion, love and recreation. Sometimes, you just have to have fun and it doesn't have to be this great work of skill or talent. That's all. Elsewhere in my life I most certainly apply myself greatly and am justly rewarded. I don't, however, care to do that with a guitar. But Guitar Hero is fun all the same and I don't think you can fault me for occasionally coming home from work and playing a couple of songs I like on a stupid game.

    11. Re:nope by CPE1704TKS · · Score: 1

      Wow... it's incredible how smug and self-righteous you are. Why don't you worry about you playing the guitar and let the people who want to play Guitar Hero have fun. Never the twain shall meet.

    12. Re:nope by pisto_grih · · Score: 1

      No. Life is a mix of passionate exertion, love and recreation. Life is a mix of passionate exertion, love and procreation.

      Fixed. No wait, this is /.

      ...

      Life is a mix of frenzied masturbation... etc
    13. Re:nope by siride · · Score: 1

      Damn straight! I've had exactly one girlfriend to date, and somehow I feel like she'll have been my last. Certainly nowhere near procreating, that's for damn sure.

    14. Re:nope by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The tagline will be, "My Guitar Hero goes all the way up to 11!"

    15. Re:nope by Bill,+Shooter+of+Bul · · Score: 1

      Like I said in my original post according to my own memory, I'm 25% joking. Plus my point is bigger than guitar hero, obviously. Plus, I think this issue is at the root of this worlds general apathetic malaise.

      --
      Well.. maybe. Or Maybe not. But Definitely not sort of.
    16. Re:nope by Rycross · · Score: 1

      They're already way ahead of you.

      Obligatory Penny Arcade

    17. Re:nope by Bill,+Shooter+of+Bul · · Score: 0

      I never said anywhere that fun things or worthwhile things had to be difficult. You assigned those values, not me. Its about trying to do things that are worthwhile that embiggens the smallest of minds. Take a walk, think outside the lines, have a conversation with some one about an important topic. I don't like guitar hero because of its limited nature, not the lack of skill required.

      --
      Well.. maybe. Or Maybe not. But Definitely not sort of.
    18. Re:nope by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Bill, I think having a discussion with you is not fun and is a chore. If they came out with Bill Hero for the 360, I'd play that instead.

    19. Re:nope by Bill,+Shooter+of+Bul · · Score: 1

      I'd mod you up, if I hadn't posted. Arguing with me can take a lot out of a person. Speaking form experience, it is tough arguing with me, but I try anyways. I don't necessarily disagree 100% with anyone who replied. There is some truth in their arguments as there is in mine. But through the discussion, we can move the dialog forwards. These are the questions that matter. Just think of how much smarter we are all for having participated in a discussion that who's out come was not predetermined in any way.

      PS> I really don't want to think about the interface for Bill Hero 360. Would it just be a single button that through some genius of engineering spouted out some half baked idea? Or would pressing the button just prompt a message telling you were wasting your time playing Bill Hero 360 and open a voip connection with me instead? Its like my fear one day of calling support that they might eventually elevate me through the tiers until my other cell phone rang, connecting me to myself.

      --
      Well.. maybe. Or Maybe not. But Definitely not sort of.
    20. Re:nope by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What makes you think learning how to play a real guitar would not be fun, or would feel like a chore?! What a wimpy statement. Odd way to think about it.

      I suppose what you meant is: why can't I just pay hundreds of bucks, hold a plastic guitar and not think or try very hard for a bit? To which I say: no problem.

  14. Re:I already own Rock Band, thank you by Elsapotk421 · · Score: 1

    Rock band has the experience but they lack the quality songs.

    --
    We came,we saw, we kicked it's ass!
  15. Stealing the Credit by DrGamez · · Score: 3, Funny

    When Rock Band and Guitar Hero 3 both came out I was excited. On one hand Rock Band was really pushing the "genre" forward, by making one of the most fun party games I've ever played. On the other hand, Guitar Hero 3 was pandering to the score-heads, those hoping to full combo a song with perfect bonus star power paths and everything. The only downside to this was Rock Band hasn't been selling as well because of the name. Harmonix did a great job of getting Guitar Hero popular, and now that they had to drop the name it hurt them.

    To describe Rock Band most people will go with the, "It's like Guitar Hero but..." route - which leads some to believe Guitar Hero might be the better and Rock Band is a cheap knock-off novelty. But now that Activision has seen the light they are doing their own full Rock Band ensemble game. This means to describe Guitar Hero 4, everyone is using the, "It's like Rock Band but..." line.

    Hopefully this leads to many more people seeing that Harmonix knows how to make rhythm games, and perhaps Activision should stick with what the do "best".

    (Also if Tony Hawk or Bam Margera is unlockable in Guitar Hero 4 I'm going to lose it)

    1. Re:Stealing the Credit by Cathoderoytube · · Score: 1

      I'm of the same mind as you. Basically Activision has absolutely no idea what to do with the game. What did they do when they got Guitar Hero? Add the bosses? Have some sluttier characters? Not really anything innovative there by any stretch of the imagination.
      The boss battles are no fun in any way shape or form. In Rock Band I can play one song after another and only stop when I got tired, not when I got frustrated like with Guitar Hero 3.

      I can only hope Activision is lamenting alienating the geniuses at Harmonix.

      --
      I have nothing compelling to say
    2. Re:Stealing the Credit by somersault · · Score: 1

      Well, I know Bam sings/sang in CKY at least, so why not? ;p

      --
      which is totally what she said
    3. Re:Stealing the Credit by xero314 · · Score: 1

      The only downside to this was Rock Band hasn't been selling as well because of the name. You might want to look at the actual sales numbers. Rock Band has been Out Selling Guitar Hero, on the two systems that are fully functional, for months. It didn't get the same initial sales as GH because of the limited supply and price, but has been doing very well since. RB has been doing so well it is noted as single handedly improving Viacom's bottom line enough to be news worthy.
  16. Sousaphone hero by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Hopefully Guitar Hero 4 will do better than Activision's last release

  17. I will not buy two frigging drumsets. by Seor+Jojoba · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I got Rock Band and all the instruments that come with it. Harmonix was gracious enough to let you use the GH guitar in Rock Band. I don't see why the hell Activision can't let us plug in Rock Band instruments into their game. Particularly lame to change the drumkit in one tiny little way (add one extra pad) to "improve" it. It is stupid to buy new hardware with every music game out there. It wastes money and living room space.

    1. Re:I will not buy two frigging drumsets. by Hao+Wu · · Score: 1

      It wastes money and living room space.

      GH/RB will eventually become like any game fad from the 1970s or 80s- all that equipment will end up in your basement. Some folks will be nostalgic for it, but most will wonder why they ever liked the game.

      --
      I suggest you read Slashdot
    2. Re:I will not buy two frigging drumsets. by xero314 · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Harmonix was gracious enough to let you use the GH guitar in Rock Band. What? You can use your GH guitars with Rock Band? I guess you don't have a PS3 and had to watch Activision actively block the release of a patch that would have solved the issue. It was big news, but not big enough to get on slashdot, no matter how high it was voted in the fire hose.
    3. Re:I will not buy two frigging drumsets. by frog51 · · Score: 1

      Yes - yes you can use your GH1 and 2 guitars with GH3 and RB. Look for the adapter from the ant commandos web site

    4. Re:I will not buy two frigging drumsets. by geekoid · · Score: 1

      Sadly the guitars wont be cross compatible on the Wii...stupid activision.

      --
      The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
  18. I still would like to play... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    using real guitar (see Guitar Rising)

  19. Big deal... by jonwil · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Let me know if they actually decide to get some DECENT music...
    How can they make 7 games in the series (6 if you dont count the Aerosmith one) and not have a single AC/DC song (for those who dont know, AC/DC are the best ever Australian band when it comes to playing guitars, drums and rock music fast and loud)

    1. Re:Big deal... by Chris+Pimlott · · Score: 1

      Let me know if they actually decide to get some DECENT music... Subjective judgements aside, that's a good point; Harmonix did an excellent job of licensing a-list music for Rock Band. It may be hard for Guitar Hero to compete, as I imagine Harmonix has exclusive rights deals for most of it.
    2. Re:Big deal... by jonwil · · Score: 1

      Its not like Rock Band has any AC/DC either.

      In fact, there is currently no authorized way for me to play AC/DC songs on any kind of guitar game.

    3. Re:Big deal... by CoderBob · · Score: 1

      Saying they're the best ever Australian band is like saying they're the smartest European or the fastest cripple.

      **ducks**

    4. Re:Big deal... by Macgrrl · · Score: 1

      While I'm not sure that I agree that AC/DC are the best ever Australian band (for what that's worth), but they are the only band I'm aware of with a HillBilly Tribute Band - Hayseed Dixie

      --
      Sara
      Designer, Gamer, Macgrrl in an XP World
    5. Re:Big deal... by rat7307 · · Score: 1

      ...is like saying they're the smartest European.. Hawking...Einstein.... oh, wait, what part of the world........hmmm douche. (not european, actually an Aussie....who likes GH for what it is, a game (and hopes too to see some AC/DC))
      --
      Burma?
    6. Re:Big deal... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Mod
      -1 Bogan.

      (A pack of Winnie Blues and checked shirt is on the way).

    7. Re:Big deal... by geekoid · · Score: 1

      Yeah, I'm sure there sitting there actively blocking AC/DC while the music publishers beat down their door to try and get it on GH.

      Or maybe, they can't get the rights?

      No, I'm sure they just want to spite you~

      --
      The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
    8. Re:Big deal... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's because every AC/DC song, while managing to be utterly badass, is criminally easy to play and not worth the time and effort of a four year old.

    9. Re:Big deal... by vacantskies9 · · Score: 1

      I'm fairly certain there are licensing issues or something. I don't think they can get any band they want. If they could, not having Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd would be an even bigger tragedy. That said, AC/DC was made for this game. I want Angus to be an unlockable character.

  20. Re:I already own Rock Band, thank you by Chris+Pimlott · · Score: 3, Informative

    My wife instantly disliked Mario Kart (while watching the preview on Nintendo Channel on our Wii) because of the wheel. Offtopic, but you don't really need to use the wheel; in fact you don't even have to use tilt controls at all. You can use the nunchuck, the classic controller or a gamecube controller and use the joystick, or just tilt the normal wii controller without putting it in the wheel.
  21. Open Source - Frets On Fire!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Frets On Fire, people!!!

    1. Re:Open Source - Frets On Fire!! by FishWithAHammer · · Score: 1

      Frets On Fire is nearly unplayable shit. Have you even tried to play it? The available songs suck (and no I do not want to make songs for them) and you can't properly use PS2 controllers.

      --
      "You can either have software quality or you can have pointer arithmetic, but you cannot have both at the same time."
    2. Re:Open Source - Frets On Fire!! by morari · · Score: 1

      I find that Frets on Fire is much better when played with "Coffee's Ultimate Mod" applied. Outside of that, you can rip every song off of every Guitar Hero game disc (or download the already ripped packs for that matter). As for the guitars, I'm not sure. I was under the impression that PS2 guitars worked easily with a simple USB adapter (save for the lack of overall whammy bar support).

      --
      "He who can destroy a thing, controls a thing." --Paul Atreides, Dune
    3. Re:Open Source - Frets On Fire!! by FishWithAHammer · · Score: 1

      I haven't played any mods for it; I wasn't interested enough in a second-rate clone to play it. And the lack of whammy support is not an encouragement to play it.

      --
      "You can either have software quality or you can have pointer arithmetic, but you cannot have both at the same time."
    4. Re:Open Source - Frets On Fire!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I have Frets On Fire with something like three hundred different songs - you can convert the guitar hero tracks to work seamlessly with FoF; and you have hammer-ons\pull-offs.

      I use the XBOX 360 guitar hero controller which has a WinXP driver (32bit driver or 64bit driver)

    5. Re:Open Source - Frets On Fire!! by morari · · Score: 1

      The whammy bar doesn't actually do much in Guitar Hero though, does it? I mean, it just changes the sound a bit, and lets you absorb more Star Power on occasion. I think it'd be put to better use it it upped your score anytime you used it, personally.

      --
      "He who can destroy a thing, controls a thing." --Paul Atreides, Dune
    6. Re:Open Source - Frets On Fire!! by FishWithAHammer · · Score: 1

      It already does increase score. And for most GH songs, the Star Power bonus is pretty important to getting a decent score.

      --
      "You can either have software quality or you can have pointer arithmetic, but you cannot have both at the same time."
  22. IMHO... by RogueWarrior65 · · Score: 1

    What's heroic about playing a guitar? Man, our society is going down the drain. There's an obscenely large sign on I-40 in Oklahoma proclaiming the town of Muskogee as the hometown of Carrie Underwear, American Idol 2005. Tax dollars paid for that sign (never mind the tax dollars to maintain it). WTF?!?!

  23. Bring me something new by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I'm not buying any other music game unless they release something really special like Bagpipes Hero, Accordion Hero, Triangle Hero or Kazoo hero.

  24. Guitar Freaks - Konami by Haoie · · Score: 1

    This game series did what GH did years before GH came out. Yet it gets next to no recognition, and few people have even ever heard of it.

    You saw it here, folks. Look it up for more details.

    --
    If each mistake being made is a new one, then progress is being made.
    1. Re:Guitar Freaks - Konami by Dorkmaster+Flek · · Score: 1

      Uh, maybe that's because Guitar Freaks/Drummania catered largely to the Japanese audience that they were designed for and Konami never pushed them at all in North American? They were also designed as purely arcade experiences, with the concept of "stages" and all the songs being an average of a minute and a half. Except for the "long versions" which took up two of the aforementioned stages.

      What was revolutionary about Guitar Hero was taking that basic model and transforming it into a home-based experience with known songs that a North American audience would recognize and like Rock Band further pushed this envelope by expanding the experience to the full band, and also pioneering the downloadable content-based business model. There's now over twice as many songs available for download as there are on the disc itself, and they even have a store built in to the game itself for browsing through the tracks available.

      So yes, while Guitar Freaks and Drummania may have started the ball rolling, it was Harmonix that really brought it to prime time with Guitar Hero and now Rock Band.

      --
      I like to think of online DRM as something akin to a college -- you pay for lessons until you learn something.
    2. Re:Guitar Freaks - Konami by WebGangsta · · Score: 1

      And if you think about it, GH is merely a souped up version of the arcade game KLAX, but without the complicated Tetris influence.

    3. Re:Guitar Freaks - Konami by AdamWill · · Score: 1
      Why are you talking in the past tense? GF/DM are both still going (and still wildly popular). V5 comes out next month, IIRC, in Japan.

      Konami have taken some tentative steps towards the North American market lately. They ran a quite extensive location test of V4 in the U.S., slightly modified (same songs, but with the songs by American bands given the most prominence in the default list order). Of course, this is complicated by the fact that the American arcade market is basically dying in slow motion, in every market except ones with a significant Asian population (up here in Vancouver it's massive, because of the huge Chinese population, and we have large arcades which import most of the latest Japanese games).

      Otherwise your post is basically accurate, except that there's *nothing* revolutionary about Guitar Hero. Nothing it does was a revolutionary change from GuitarFreaks. It was all just tweakage. That doesn't make its impact any less, but adding a couple of buttons, licensing songs and making them longer is hardly revolutionary.

      GF/DM already effectively has 'downloadable' content, BTW. In Japan, the arcade machines are connected to the Internet. Every so often during the life cycle of one version of the game, new songs will be made available.

      Harmonix didn't 'bring in to prime time', they brought it to a new market, that's all.

      BTW, one thing I think you left out (and many people do) is the awesome presentation of Guitar Hero. GF/DM are just typical Konami rhythm games in presentation terms. GH had really amazing presentation; it was clearly designed by people who were totally involved in the scene they were trying to reproduce. That was a significant factor in its success, I think.

      Oh, yeah, my credentials: I have five stars on all but I think four songs on Rock Band expert drums, and my DrumMania SP is around 945. :)

  25. Metroid? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Space Marines? Of course you won't hear them complaining about some pathetic 8-bit garbage.

    They're too busy LANning Dawn of War, in the name of His Most Glorious Emperor of Mankind.

    Purge the Mutant, the Alien, the Heretic.

  26. Oh lovely, by Amy+Grace · · Score: 2, Funny

    as if life in a basement suite isn't bad enough with Rock Band. Now there's going to be a whole new selection of shitty radio rock for my upstairs neighbors to sing to.

    PS To my upstairs neighbor: You have a voice that only a mother could love. Please stop trying to sing "Say it Ain't So", it hurts everyone involved.

  27. The Logical Extention of This Is... by abolitiontheory · · Score: 1
    Rock Band 2 To Include Real Instruments.

    "Tired of being locked to a screen and playing pre-recorded songs on second rate equipment? Well no longer! With Rock Band 2 you can create your own, ORIGINAL music! People have been waiting for this for literally _CENTURIES_, and now it can finally be yours. Supporting multiplayer with up to 4 people, your power-chord pals and you can begin ascending the tower of real life Rock and Roll with Rock Band 2: Real Life Rock. (Talent not included.)"

  28. Keyboard Mania by tepples · · Score: 1

    It's a shame they don't add synths so you could do keytar hero. Konami (or its licensor) probably has patents on Keyboard Mania.
  29. Because we're not dead of old age yet by tepples · · Score: 1

    How can they make 7 games in the series (6 if you dont count the Aerosmith one) and not have a single AC/DC song Because it's not 2069 yet. Wikipedia says AC/DC formed in 1973, and copyrights in Slashdot's jurisdiction last for 95 years.
  30. NO MORE INSTRUMENTS! by Alzheimers · · Score: 1

    That's it, I'm officially not getting this.

    Rather, I'm not cluttering my house with one more redundant plastic add-on.

    I ALREADY OWN A SHITTY PLASTIC DRUM SET.

    I don't need my house looking any more like the set of Jack's Big Music Show

    Get off your high horse and support the rock band drumset, or get the fuck out.

  31. Re:I already own Rock Band, thank you by geekoid · · Score: 1

    Get a new wife~
    Really, how hard it it to put an 10" wheel out of sight? I would wager it would slide under the couch as well.

    Maybe you should get a wooden chest with a nice stain and put everything inside that? At least it will look nice when not in use.

    --
    The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
  32. Yeah because I want TWO.. by inotocracy · · Score: 1

    ..of these big ass plastic drum sets sitting in my living room. I really hope the makers of Rock Band find a way to make use of GH4's drum set (or vise versa). I just can't picture two of these things taking up space, and I'm sure as hell too lazy to drag it out from a closet every time I feel like banging away on a fake drum set.

  33. Should be better hardware by Snowspinner · · Score: 1

    The marriage of Harmonix and Red Octane was always a great designer of rhythm games and a great hardware engineering company.

    The thing is, good game designers are more common than good hardware engineers - especially because the best hardware engineers tend to get scooped up by companies that don't do game design (Apple, Microsoft, Logitech) or are Nintendo. The result was that Activision got the rare talent, and EA got the more common talent. And so, while Rock Band was a better game than Guitar Hero III, I have to say, I never once enjoyed playing the guitar in Rock Band just because there wasn't the sense of bracing haptic feedback that the GH controller gave. And while GH3 had more utterly obnoxious riffs than Rock Band, it always felt more fun to play for me. (I also fundamentally like the interface better on Guitar Hero - the circles, to my mind, are much easier to visually scan up the screen than the raised bumps of Rock Band)

    The knowledge that Red Octane is going to pursue drums (and possibly other instruments) makes me even more inclined towards the Guitar Hero series.

    --
    Philip Sandifer's academic website