Guitar

Music, co-op games the dominant trends at E3

As planes packed with video game industry people start heading out of Los Angeles in droves after this week's E3 convention, the question is, What really transpired during the confab?

If one thing was clear, it was that the industry largely played it safe this week. Sure, there were a few big announcements--perhaps led by Microsoft's announcement of its planned revamping of the Xbox Live architecture--but for the most part, this was a pretty uneventful E3, an unsurprising reality given that we're a couple of years into the "next-generation" of consoles already and the … Read more

Wood guitar controller aims for more authentic rocking

For those true-blue rockers who might frown on a (gasp!) plastic guitar controller, gaming peripheral maker Peak Products is out with the Starpex, which it says is the first-ever full-size wood guitar controller for the PS2/PS3.

The idea here is that a more authentic-feeling instrument can make you feel even more rock star-esque than you already do as you shred your way through the popular Guitar Hero and Rock Band titles. Peak Products says Starpex has an instrument-quality hardwood body, neck, and headstock handcrafted by a leading guitar manufacturer, which as of now, shall apparently remain unnamed.

A button … Read more

Microsoft E3 2008 press conference wrap-up

The E3 conference opened Monday in Los Angeles with a press conference from Microsoft. Here are some highlights.

Microsoft showed off first-ever game play footage from the post-apocalyptic title Fallout 3 and announced that there will be downloadable content exclusive to Xbox Live. We saw real-time action from Resident Evil 5, shipping on March 13. We got a peek at the new co-op feature in the game, where players will be able to team up and make their way through together. Developer Square Enix also made announcements that included the release of four titles for Xbox 360 including Final Fantasy XIII.

As for console exclusives, we saw in-game action from Fable 2, shipping in October. Players will be able to seamlessly invite other friends who are also playing the game. Finally, we were blown away by the impressive game demo of Gears of War 2 shipping November 7. The game actually looks better than the original and will feature a five-player online co-op mode.

Microsoft will be releasing a new dashboard interface this fall that incorporates an avatar system--the Xbox answer to Nintendo Mii characters. The new feature allows you to join up with other friends to form a "party," a group of up to eight people where you can share multimedia items or start a game. A new mode called Primetime will actually incorporate real-life TV shows like 1 vs. 100 and allow Xbox Live members to play and watch these game shows and possibly even win real prizes.

Microsoft also announced… Read more

E3 2008: Game over for the Electronic Entertainment Expo?

This week brings us the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo--the video game trade show better known as E3. This is E3's 14th year, and my 10th time attending the show. But despite booming game sales and a firm foothold in the mainstream pop culture marketplace, the future of this gaming event is in jeopardy.

After years of big-budget extravagance for an audience of 60,000-plus visitors at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the game companies that form the backbone of the show felt their budgets were spiraling out of control, and even the large amount of media attention they got … Read more

'Guitar Hero,' 'Rock Band' soon playing Beatles?

Beatles music may soon be strumming a new tune via air guitar video games, according to a report in the Financial Times.

Apple Corps and EMI, which respectively represent The Beatles' business interests and ownership of its master recordings, have reportedly been in discussions with video game publishers Activision and MTV Games.

Under a possible deal that could be worth several million dollars, users could put their air guitar to use while listening to The Beatles and playing Activision's Guitar Hero or MTV's Rock Band games, according to the report.

The move to push The Beatles' music onto … Read more

'Guitar Hero' mashup with DS is on the way

Despite our initial skepticism, that DS Lite mashup with a "Guitar Grip" attached to it apparently is a reality that's headed for store shelves this summer. As pictured here, Nintendo will release a special edition in silver and black with the Guitar Hero logo emblazoned on the cover, according to Engadget.

The information purportedly came from a Toys 'R' Us page that disclosed timing (June 29) and price ($180) for the package, which will include the game and the grip, as well as the DS. (That page was not available as of this writing, but perhaps it … Read more

'Call of Duty 4' hits 10 million units sold

There are few things that video game publishers--or any consumer products companies, for that matter--like more than reaching big, notable milestones.

So it was with considerable pride that Activision's wholly owned Infinity Ward studio told me Tuesday that its war game, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, has just sold its 10 millionth copy.

Infinity Ward studio head Vince Zampella didn't know exactly how many units the game had sold on each platform it is available on--the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC--but did say that COD 4 had been most successful on the Xbox.

These days, monster … Read more

'Guitar Hero' rocks D6

CARLSBAD, Calif.--D6 is getting ready to rock.

Activision CEO Bobby Kotick is speaking at the conference here, with host Kara Swisher promising the keynote will wrap up with a star-studded demo of the next Guitar Hero.

Before that, though, Swisher and Kotick are discussing where gaming is now and where it is headed. Kotick noted that the current machines have broadened the notion of console gaming, each in its own way.

The PlayStation 3 has brought cinematic video quality to gaming, adding the opportunity to have emotional ties with the characters, he said. The Xbox 360 added deep online … Read more

'Guitar Hero World Tour' coming out this fall

Gentlemen, start your Gibsons: The Guitar Hero World Tour is about to begin.

The next version of Activision's hit title promises to take the shredding experience to the next level with "a cooperative band experience that combines the most advanced wireless instruments with revolutionary new online and offline gameplay modes," according to the company. Among the new elements will be a new guitar controller, virtual drums, and microphone, as well as master recordings from Van Halen, the Eagles, Linkin Park, and other artists. The selection can be expanded further with downloads through its "Music Studio," … Read more

Buzz Out Loud 730: Tom is a pervert

We're sorry to inform you that Tom has been kicked off Buzz Out Loud for being 37 years old, because you just can't tell by looking. Well, OK, not BOL, but he did get kicked off Faceparty. In other news, Twitter gets some funding, but we're asking for a better Twitter. Also, the future has arrived, and it's a future with health insurance, no matter what your genetic markers might suggest. Listen now: Download today's podcast EPISODE 730

Sony to distribute ‘live’ shows to theaters http://online.wsj.com/article_email/ SB121142408161613141-lMyQjAxMDI4MTIxMjQyMjI0Wj.html

Twitter reportedly closes $… Read more