Guitar Hero III Rocking This Autumn

Online battles, new guitars and songs by the original artists coming in the next series entry.

This Christmas is looking to be something of a battle of the band games as Activision has confirmed that it will have its new Guitar Hero game out this autumn - just in time to go up against EA's Rock Band.

Guitar Hero III is the first game in the popular series coming to all three new consoles. There's also a PlayStation 2 version to complete the set.

One of the big changes is that, for the most part, the game is doing away with the soundalikes that have rocked so hard in the previous instalments. After concluding talks with the major record labels, Activision is adding original tracks to Guitar Hero III.

The core of the game, originally developed by Harmonix (now helming Rock Band) but now in the hands of Tony Hawk series developer Neversoft, is true to the spirit of the previous instalments.

New stuff this time around includes a multiplayer battle mode, boss battles and unlockable music venues. There will also be downloadable tracks for supported consoles - read: PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Wii, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 owners will be able to shred on wireless Gibson Les Paul guitars. PlayStation 2 owners will also be able to opt for Gibson Kramers.

Activision has confirmed some of the songs that will make it into Guitar Hero III, a list that includes:

• Barracuda (as made famous by Heart)
• Cherub Rock (by Smashing Pumpkins)
• Cult of Personality (by Living Colour)
• Knights of Cydonia (by Muse)
• My Name Is Jonas (by Weezer)
• Paint It Black (by The Rolling Stones)
• Rock And Roll All Nite (as made famous by Kiss)
• Sabotage (by Beastie Boys)
• School's Out (as made famous by Alice Cooper)
• Slow Ride (as made famous by Fog Hat)
• The Metal (by Tenacious D)

Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo