Guitar Hero IV, or Guitar Hero World Tour as it is now being called, strikes an amazing similarity to Rock Band. Maybe it’s Activision getting back at Harmonix for running off to MTV to make Rock Band, who knows? But all we do know is that GHWT looks pretty good, but very much like Rock Band. Yes there are some extra features, and by the way these are awesome, but watch as I go through the features and point out the similarities.
Guitar Hero World Tour is the fourth Guitar Hero game in the series. Set for Xbox 360, Wii and PS3 release the game will not only feature a guitar, but also bass, drums and vocals (Similarity #1). The game will feature a “World Tour” mode (Similarity #2) along with those from previous Guitar Hero titles. They can also play co-operatively with other band members to play through the songs (Similarity #3). But as well as this, the game will feature a Battle Of The Bands online mode in which two bands of four players each battle it out to earn the most points. The game will feature a truly outstanding number of tracks comprised mainly of master tracks from rock legends young and old such as Van Halen, Linkin Park, The Eagles and more. Not only will you have the wide selections of tracks, there will also be, and this sounds absoloutely brilliant, a “Music Studio” which enables the player to create, play and share any songs they have made from scratch. Now that is true innovation for a rhythm game. Not only can player create their own tracks, they can create their own player, album covers and instruments.
Dusty Welch, Head of Publishing for RedOctane, said, “Guitar Hero has set the standard for music-based gaming and with Guitar Hero World Tour and the game’s groundbreaking Music Studio, we are once again delivering unprecedented innovation that has the potential to revolutionize consumer generated music, much in the same way that video sharing hubs have driven user generated video. With the introduction of our advanced high-quality new wireless instruments, in-depth customization options and advanced online functionality, the game enables music fans and gamers globally to share in the most social and expressive music experience ever.”
It seems Red Octane have learnt a lesson from Harmonix. Many people complained about the sound the drum makes when you hit it spoiling the feel of the game. Well, Red Octane have used velocity-senstive drum pads to create an overall better and quieter experience. The drums are also able to withstand more beating and is easy to store and put together.
No release date as such, but damn are we excited for this. Could this be the jewel in the rhythm game crown? Time will only tell. Keep your eyes peeled at Console Monster for more information as we get it.
