(Source: IGN)

Yeah, you’re not dreaming. Rhythm-action gaming with Guitar Hero just got to a whole new level with the TAC Freedom V Guitar Hero wireless controller. Did we mention “wireless”? Okay, maybe that’s just too much hype, but the controller did get a clear thumbs up from the guys over at IGN.

I’m not surprised. Who wouldn’t want to jump, spin, whirl, and swing your guitar “once in a while”, eh? It’s a pity, however, that the included guitar strap is pretty flimsy, so your big stage fantasies will have to be toned down.

Overall, IGN says that, “While purists among the editors preferred the clicking strummer and deeper keys they have grown accustomed to with the standard Mini SG, few could deny that the wireless freedom of the *TAC Freedom V was an exciting new feature. Jumping, spinning, and general metal-insanity took on new levels of awesomeness while we went head to head in Guitar Hero with the new controllers. With an MSRP of $49.99, the The Ant Commando’s Freedom V is a viable and expansionary alternative to the standard Guitar Hero Mini SG for a second controller, or for a complete wireless solution.”

(Read the whole post…)

Over at PALGN News, there’s speculation that Konami might join the guitar game frenzy with Guitar Revolution – a trademark it recently filed with the US Patent Office.

This, of course, probably means that we’re looking at yet another guitar-themed game controller that we’ll have to purchase. Hopefully though, Konami’s version can be uhmm… modified to suit other purposes, like what some have done with the Guitar Hero controller.

Anyway, it’s not even certain yet that Konami will actually bring out a Guitar Hero rival of its own. But even if Guitar Revolution doesn’t materialize, there are other guitar-themed video games in the works – with a few notable ones being Guitar Hero 2 and Guitaroo Man Lives!

[News via PALGN News]

(Read the whole post…)

(Source: Kikizo Games)

Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen best-selling guitar rhythm games with Guitar Hero and Guitaroo Man of the Playstation 2 gaming console. But what about for the PSP – the popular mobile gaming console? Zilch?

Although any guitar rhythm game developed for the PSP won’t be able to depend on a guitar controller, Koei will still attempt to bring Guitaroo Man to the PSP console with Guitaroo Man Lives! Instead of a guitar controller, Guitaroo Man Lives! will depend on both the PSP buttons and analog controller to bring challenge to players.

And based on the screenshots over at Kikizo Games, the game looks good enough to suck you into a looong gaming spree.

(Read the whole post…)

The guys over at Gamers.com recently had a chance to try out Guitar Hero 2 at E3. For those that are out of the loop, Guitar Hero 2 will only be available from November onwards. So, any sort of preview is actually a Good Thing.

Anyway, the big focus of their preview is the multiplayer aspect of GH2. Up to two players can now join together and play different guitars, with one on lead and the other on rhythm or bass. On the interface side of things, this is represented by two characters on screen. But more interesting is the teamwork required to achieve certain combos. In certain cases, both players must do certain actions together, unlike the previous approach of two players just playing the same song individually (this option is still available though).

Overall, it’s certain that Guitar Hero 2 left a strong first impression on Gamers.com editors as their conclusion is that, “This game’s looking to be just as rockingly good as the first game, and that’s enough to make you go into a…psychobilly FREAKOUT!”

(Read the whole post…)

This isn’t going to be particularly interesting for most of you, but anyway… Activision – a world-leading developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment (i.e. video games) – has announced that it will acquire RedOctane – the publisher of the red hot Guitar Hero franchise.

Big as this piece of news may be for RedOctane’s owners, I doubt it will have any substantial impact on us consumers. Unless of course Activision starts prodding RedOctane to up their production schedules and “prolong” the Guitar Hero series by staggering improvements.

Now, that would suck big time.

[News via PR Newswire]

(Read the whole post…)