Upcoming Rhythm Game Offers Real Guitar Peripheral

[Austin MacKenzie]

Upcoming Rhythm Game Offers Real Guitar Peripheral

The future of guitar-based rhythm gaming may be using an actual guitar as a controller.

Power Gig [http://www.amazon.com/Power-Gig-SixString-Guitar-Xbox-360/dp/B003N13ZRI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1278970426&sr=1-1] is a new game being created by Seven45, a new studio comprised of former LucasArts, Pandemic, Atari and Vivendi developers. Power Gig's goal is to advance the rhythm game genre to new heights with greater control complexity and a near-exact simulation of playing a real guitar.

While the Power Gig controller can actually be plugged into an amp and played normally, there are a few differences from a normal guitar. The frets of the guitar are all color-coded much like the standard Guitar Hero or Rock Band controller, with green, red, yellow, blue and orange segments that repeat further down the neck. In the actual game, players will eventually be required to finger chords and use the proper string.

Seven45 hopes this increased complexity and real guitar simulation will push them ahead of the competition and revitalize the genre. "This is what we think the consumer has been screaming for in the videogame business," said VP of marketing Jeff Walker. "With our hardware expertise we are in a great position to go into a genre that is on the decline, kick it in the ass and turn it around."

While much closer to the real thing, Power Gig won't teach you everything you need to know about playing a guitar. It will not require or teach the ability to read music, for example, nor will it give the general technique instructions a real guitar instructor would. Still, for fans of Guitar Hero or Rock Band looking for a bit more simulation in their guitar game, this could provide a nice alternative. That said, with how much a real electric guitar costs, one has to wonder how much these peripherals are going to run.

Source: <a href=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/37967/Real-guitar-game-puts-pressure-on-Guitar-Herorn?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+mcvuk%2FoXMK+%28MCV%3A+games+industry+news%29>MCV


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[Jack and Calumon]

I smell failure... and lots of money falling down a drain.

Calumon: Why not just play the Guitar you bought?

 

[xHipaboo420x]

This should show up all those guys who big themselves up by saying "I HATE GUITAR HERO, IT'S NOT LIKE REAL GUITAR AT ALL." Let us watch them crash and burn.

 

[Cherry Cola]

I'm skeptic about how well this will implement...

Still, sounds pretty sweet

 

[silver wolf009]

I smell failure... and lots of money falling down a drain.

Calumon: Why not just play the Guitar you bought?

This and the fact that why didnt DJhero suceed in killing off this trend?

 

[LazerFX]

Hrm... never tried to play a real guitar, I _know_ I suck at Guitar Hero (5 at least - I have no rhythm). This would be good for my mate - he hated GH5 since it doesn't work like a real guitar, and he's a proper guitarist.

 

[JEBWrench]

This pretty much goes against why people play rhythm games in the first place.

I know it doesn't interest me. If I wanted to play a real guitar, I'd play a real guitar. If I want to pretend to be a rock guitarist, that's what GH/RB is for.

 

[maxusy3k]

I like this idea. If it works it could be a great way to actually build up to playing real guitar.

Or it could be too complicated for parties and not complex enough for a decent simulation, and fail hard.

 

[reg42]

Oh. My. God. I'm. In. Heaven.

I've been waiting for an annoucement like this for years. Please don't fuck it up, because this will be the single greatest thing ever if done properly.

 

[Zer_]

If it doesn't make a great game, it'll make a great learning tool. I actually look forward to this idea. The peripheral must cost at least a couple hundred bucks, though.

 

[Kiithid]

Bass hero anyone?

In all seriousness, the niche will be smaller however for those interested it may be even better than the current rythym options.

I would love to see that idea implemented across the board with online support, since my ex-band mates live so freaken far away.

 

[Insanum]

Well its a step in the right direction, But it still cant beat the real thing.

 

[bjj hero]

There is not the biggest market for this. People who can play guitar and people who want to play guitar.

Playing guitar is not the sort of skill you pick up in a few sessions. Sure you might learn the chords to something by Green day or Oasis but you will not be shredding for a long time. Progression will be slow.

They may be able to get the price down on the controller. As it will be played through Xbox/PS3/Whatever and not an amp it doesn't matter if it sounds like shit.

 

[hansari]

"revitalize it"?!

Its still going strong...

 

[Jared]

I smell failure... and lots of money falling down a drain.

Calumon: Why not just play the Guitar you bought?

Indeed...we by them so we can look cool...not have to learn an instrument in order to play a game...epic failure this way come..

 

[Johnnyallstar]

Now THAT'S a good idea. Make a game out of playing guitar for real. I might even buy it if I can use my Gibsons.

Don't see it working that well though, because of how expensive it would be.

 

[spankcakes]

Just get a real deal, so you can impress the ladies Chicks just seem to like guys who play guitar properly....