Hero With Works Fit for the Future

HERO WITH THE WORKS

“Guitar Hero” may have reinvented the rhythm game, but let’s face it: During the past year, “Rock Band” has outperformed it in every regard except sales. No one’s been expecting “GH” publisher Activision and developer RedOctane to settle for second best, so it’s no surprise that this fall’s edition will add drums and vocals, just like the competition.

“Guitar Hero World Tour” will offer a fifth drum pad; the “Rock Band” kit has four. The most significant innovation, though, is the Music Studio software, which will let players compose, record, edit and upload their own tunes.

“World Tour” also promises a robust solo tour plus the ability to build a career with bandmates you’ve met online – two things “Rock Band” is missing. You’ll also be able to take your combo online to challenge other groups in battles of the bands. Acts making a first appearance in a “GH” game include Sublime and the Eagles, while Van Halen finally forks over some master tracks.

UNFIT TO SERVE

Nintendo’s “Wii Fit” got plenty of publicity during its launch, replacing the monthlong buzz over “Grand Theft Auto IV.” If you couldn’t find “Wii Fit” in stores near you, blame Ellen DeGeneres, who gave one to every member of the audience at one of her tapings.

If you did score a “Wii Fit,” you may be wondering what you’re going to do with that Balance Board once you (inevitably) let your workout program slide. The good news is more publishers are announcing games that will use the board. Namco Bandai’s “We Ski” is already on the market. Electronic Arts has promised “Skate It” and “Boogie Superstar,” while THQ has “All-Star Cheer Squad” on its schedule. Best of all, it appears that Ubisoft’s “Rayman Raving Rabbids 3″ will incorporate the device. In a video Ubisoft sent out last week, one of the rascally rabbits eats the thing.

– Lou Kesten, The Associated Press “Guitar Hero” may have reinvented the rhythm game, but let’s face it: During the past year, “Rock Band” has outperformed it in every regard except sales. No one’s been expecting “GH” publisher Activision and developer RedOctane to settle for second best, so it’s no surprise that this fall’s edition will add drums and vocals, just like the competition.

“Guitar Hero World Tour” will offer a fifth drum pad; the “Rock Band” kit has four. The most significant innovation, though, is the Music Studio software, which will let players compose, record, edit and upload their own tunes.

“World Tour” also promises a robust solo tour plus the ability to build a career with bandmates you’ve met online – two things “Rock Band” is missing. You’ll also be able to take your combo online to challenge other groups in battles of the bands. Acts making a first appearance in a “GH” game include Sublime and the Eagles, while Van Halen finally forks over some master tracks. If you couldn’t find Nintendo’s “Wii Fit” in stores near you, blame Ellen DeGeneres, who gave one to every member of the audience at one of her tapings.

If you did score a “Wii Fit,” you may be wondering what you’re going to do with that Balance Board once you (inevitably) let your workout program slide. The good news is more publishers are announcing games that will use the board. Namco Bandai’s “We Ski” is already on the market. Electronic Arts has promised “Skate It” and “Boogie Superstar,” while THQ has “All-Star Cheer Squad” on its schedule. Best of all, it appears that Ubisoft’s “Rayman Raving Rabbids 3″ will incorporate the device. In a video Ubisoft sent out last week, one of the rascally rabbits eats the thing.

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