Music plays a big role in the lives of many people, whether you experience it through concerts, iPods, or the radio. Some even try to create and play music. For those who love rock music, creating such tunes can be a dream. I've heard some say that their biggest dream is to make a band, get on stage, and shred on a guitar as a crowd cheers on. However, many people never get to live that experience - until now.
In recent history, the video games 'Guitar Hero' and 'Guitar Hero 2' have made this dream more of a reality with controllers shaped like guitars, which allow the player to play hit songs like 'Free Bird', 'Bark at the Moon', and 'Smoke on the Water.' This game was fun for everyone who enjoyed the music. Game developers 'Harmonix' and 'Red Octane' worked together for some years making the 'Guitar Hero' series, but it wasn't long ago that companies split; 'Activision' purchased 'Red Octane' and MTV purchased 'Harmonix.'
This fall, however, there will be more ways to rock. From 'Red Octane' and 'Activision' comes the next installation in the 'Guitar Hero' series - 'Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock.' In this game, which will be available for the Nintendo Wii, PS2, PS3, and Xbox 360, players can play the guitar solo or with a friend in the new co-op and battle modes.
Another game called 'Rock Band', which was developed by MTV, 'Harmonix', and EA Games, will offer something different that expands on the 'Guitar Hero' games and brings so much more to the table. 'Rock Band' will allow players to choose from Lead Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, and Vocals, as well as the opportunity to play solo in Career Mode, making his/her talent famous as he/she plays hits from Bon Jovi, Metallica, The Who, OK Go, and more.
Unlike 'Guitar Hero', 'Rock Band' also allows the player to play with four people at once to create a virtual band. The design of the game is pretty cool as you can literally do it yourself: how your band characters appear, what they wear, how their instruments look, their band name, their band's logo , and more. These features are not offered in 'Guitar Hero 3.'
In spite of this, GH3 will have something unique and never before seen: Boss Battles. If you don't understand then let me put it this way: Ever dream of battling Slash, the guitarist of Guns & Roses, in a one on one guitar duel? Well now you can play against him with an all original track recorded by Slash himself. Victory in this battle will even give you access to play as Slash. Other famous rockers in the game include Tom Morello, Bret Michaels, and more. Along with all these new additions to 'Guitar Hero' and 'Rock Band' is online play.
Internet capabilities add much more value to both games. In GH3 people will be able to battle each other and share scores as well as download new songs to play in the game. Players in 'Rock Band,' also get the chance to download new tracks to play, and to form bands all around the world. 'Rock Band' will let the players make their own group international; this means that one player could be playing the drums while his/her friend is in Australia singing to the same guitar tunes being played by another player in Japan.
Both games will be available soon, which poses a problem. The games are easily going to cost more than $80 because of the special controllers needed for each; so the questions is: which one is more worth the money?
Michael Fahey, associate editor of Kotaku, a video game news website, said "Rock Band [is the better bargain.] There's just so much more there. Why limit yourself to the guitar? I think even if you completely suck at the game you'd still have a good time with your friends trying."
Even though 'Rock Band' will feature more than just guitars, it's a new name up against the well-known 'Guitar Hero' franchise. There is also the matter of only being officially announced for two of the more expensive game consoles for this year. Adding in the cost for the instruments could make a combined total of over $200, which makes 'Rock Band' seem like too much compared to a $100 'Guitar Hero.'
When asked if he thought 'Guitar Hero 3' will sell better than 'Rock Band,' Fahey still supports 'Rock Band.' "It's a really tough call. 'Guitar Hero' still has the name going for it, but I still think the potential of 'Rock Band' will beat out 'Guitar Hero III.'"
Whichever game sells more, all players will have a great game experience with both. In fact, some players will get the chance to try 'Rock Band' for free. As a part of the 'Rock Band 2007 Tour', a large truck/stage will be driving around the country to find the best two bands they can to battle live on MTV. It's worth a try for any game fan because it is a great chance to test this amazing new game.
The tour has been scheduled to be in Philadelphia, though it isn't official where at this point. If you are interested, visit www.RockBand.com and check out the rules, schedule, and requirements. Of course, if you'd rather play these amazing games in the comfort of your own living space then you'll have to wait until October 28th for 'Guitar Hero 3' and November 23rd for 'Rock Band.' 'Rock Band' will be available in stores for PS3 and Xbox 360 for $169.99; it includes the drum kit, microphone, and one guitar controller. The PlayStation 2 version will be available December 10th for $159.99 and will include the same features.
I already have my copy of 'Guitar Hero 3' reserved, so if anyone wants to do some co-op or duel me through the fire and flames of rock come November, I'll be waiting.
2008 Woodie Awards
