Looking beyond the realm of combat and warfare, sports games allow us to envision ourselves as star athletes or perhaps coaches. And who among us isn't familiar with music-based releases that let us imagine we're rock stars? In this category, Guitar Rising, which RPG Vault saw for the first time during an industry event last month, stood apart right away because it makes use of an actual instrument. In development by a San Francisco Bay-area team, GameTank, it cues you to play notes and sequences that form rhythms and melodies, and is said to have difficulty settings that accommodate anyone, from complete newbies to those who possess substantial experience and skill. Currently targeted to ship this fall, the title already won the Developer's Choice Award at last year's Independent Game Conference. RPG Vault recently picked CEO Jake Parks' mind to learn more.
WorthPlaying takes a look at a pre-release version of the DJ Hero turntable controller hardware to see what it does right and where it might fall short.
"Getting gamers to shell out for a $60 controller on top of a $60 game is no easy task, especially in this economy. The proof is visible in the sheer number of Guitar Hero and Rock Band band kits that are available at discounted prices from retailers as well as secondhand. Music fans have already spent tons of money on plastic band hardware, so getting them to repeat the task is going to require a great game as well as quality hardware. The developers behind DJ Hero appear to have the former point covered (for more details, be sure to read our hands-on preview), so when Activision sent over a pre-release version of the DJ Hero turntable controller, we decided to see if the latter point held up."
Slashgamer: "Prince is considered to be one of the greatest musicians of our time. Honestly, even if for some reason you can't stand him, it's hard to argue his greatness, just look at his achievements. The artiest has won seven Grammy Awards, one Golden Globe and even an Academy Award for his work on Purple Rain.
Even with his legendary work, comes controversy. Without me getting to much into it, just go to his Wikipedia page and look under 'controversy.' With that said, PBS asked Prince on his thoughts about Guitar Hero. Although he didn't necessarily criticizes the rhythm game, he just doesn't think it should be a substitute for playing an actual guitar."
Baxy-z are pointing out that Harmonix is no different from Activision for releasing cheap tie-ins to get a quick buck. Want to know why? Well, read on to find out more.
"With respect to the franchises that don’t have the potential to be exploited every year across every platform with clear sequel potential that can meet our objectives of over time becoming $100 million plus franchises, that’s a strategy that has worked very well for us."
That's Activison-Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick explaining why the company dropped titles like Riddick, Brutal Legend. and Ghostbusters.
You see the key word there? "Exploit." As in, they will run their franchises into the ground to make money. They are proving true to their word too: at least three console Guitar Hero games will have been released this year when it's all said and done, and more wouldn't shock me. Van Halen is the next one, already rated by the German Ratings Board.
And you're calling out Rock Band saying they're the same because of the Beatles thing? Fair enough. Show me what other console Rock Band games are coming this year. If you can name 2 more, I'll concede your point.
Here, I'll help. Lego Rock Band.
Come on, one more, and I'll concede your point. Just one more. I'll even, for the sake of this conversation, ignore the fact that Lego Rock Band is aimed at an entirely different audience.
^ Rock Band Unplugged (PSP) teeheehee...
But in reply to the article:
"Harmonix is no different from Activision"
Harmonix is a developer. Activision is a publisher. If he wants to blame anyone, blame MTV/EA.
Frankly, I think that it's alright as long as they're not losing focus on what's important: PICKING SONGS/BANDS THAT ARE FUN TO PLAY TO. Guitar Hero's Aerosmith and Metallica are mind-numbingly boring. We'll just have to see how The Beatles turns out, but I have a feeling Harmonix will not disappoint, as they have a track record of being innovative and staying faithful to the music, unlike Neversoft, whose ideas usually suck (boss battles, music studio). The Beatles game was just moments ago confirmed to have 3-part vocal harmonizing; now that's what I call a great decision, and just another reason why I anticipate Rock Band games while dreading the release of Guitar Hero ones.
"If he wants to blame anyone, blame MTV/EA. "
Indeed, especially since HMX aren't even the main dev's behind Lego Rock Band (may be wrong). I'm pretty sure MTV is to be blamed for this one. At least the setlist looks somewhat promising so far, better than any of the GH first announcements.
I will be watching this game.
Difficult entry level might hold the game back (if price doesnt?), but still definately gona keep an eye on it.
edit: also, is it really an RPG if you actually do all the stuff in the game?
to bad this game is a pc-only, i would've bought it if it were released as either a 360 or PS3 game.