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Rock out with your Guitar Grip out

Posted Jul 8th 2008 11:00PM by Eric Caoili
Filed under: Hacks, Homebrew

Considering Guitar Hero: On Tour's required accessory, pirates without access to the Guitar Grip shouldn't be able to play the game, right? Incorrect! As they did with the Nintendo DS Browser and its Memory Expansion Pak, hackers have developed a workaround making the game playable even without the extra hardware.

If you skip to the 1:30 minute mark in the above clip, you'll see Youtube user tinymonkeyt demonstrating his patched copy of On Tour -- instead of using the four-fret controller to hit notes, you can use the directional pad or ABXY buttons. Of course, it's possible for people who legally own the game to apply the patch enabling button controls, but it looks much more awkward than using the Guitar Grip.

In other related news, according to the video, tinymonkeyt's mom isn't letting him buy Guitar Hero: On Tour. He is considering purchasing it anyway, however, and will probably "just hide it from her or something." We'll make sure to update you on any new information that comes up for this developing story.

Gallery: Guitar Hero: On Tour

[Via GBAtemp]

Activision dishes out free On Tour skins

Posted Jul 8th 2008 9:00PM by David Hinkle
Filed under: Downloads, Fan stuff, Accessories

Remember that video that showed you how to skin your Guitar Hero: On Tour peripheral? Well, you might want to put that knowledge to work, as the official site for Guitar Hero: On Tour has updated with some badass skins you can print out and use to customize to your little rocker heart's content.

All you have to do is head over here. Each of the skins comes in a PDF file, so once you click on it and print it, it should be a snap to cut out and insert into the peripheral.

Gallery: Guitar Hero: On Tour

[Via Go Nintendo]

Guitar Hero: On Tour huge hit, sells 300K in its first week

Posted Jul 3rd 2008 6:00PM by David Hinkle
Filed under: News

Looks like Activision struck gold yet again with its Guitar Hero franchise, as word hits that the DS title Guitar Hero: On Tour has sold more than 300,000 units in its first week in North America. It set all kind of company precedents, telling us that it probably won't be the only Guitar Hero game to release on the DS.

So, what about those precedents? Well, for one, it's the single most successful game launch on the DS for the company. Not only that, but Guitar Hero: On Tour is also "one of Activision's top five best-selling launches of any title on any platform in the company's history." Now that's impressive.

Did you pick up On Tour? What do you think of the game?

Gallery: Guitar Hero: On Tour

[Via Joystiq]

Skin that On Tour peripheral

Posted Jun 30th 2008 3:30PM by David Hinkle
Filed under: How-tos, Fan stuff, Video

Now here's a neat video. For those of you who have picked up Guitar Hero: On Tour and want to add a little bit of your own personal style to the included peripheral, the above video will aid you in doing just that. It's surprisingly easy to create your own skin insert for the thing. While the video doesn't showcase the most artistic replacement, we're sure you creative folk out there wont have much trouble coming up with some really badass skins.

Anyone going to give this a try?

Gallery: Guitar Hero: On Tour

[Thanks, Max!]

WRUP: Rocking out edition

Posted Jun 27th 2008 2:00PM by David Hinkle
Filed under: What are you playing?

Holy cow, DS gamers! There's a bunch of new games available this week! Guitar Hero: On Tour? Check. Mega Man Star Force 2? Check. My Weight Loss Coach? Check. Too many games to choose from? Check.

With the wide assortment of new games available, what will you be enjoying on your DS this weekend? Planning on playing something new? Something old? Something blue? Wait, that doesn't sound right ...

What are you playing?

Gallery: Guitar Hero: On Tour

Dancing with the Stars cha-cha slides over to the DS

Posted Jun 27th 2008 8:45AM by Candace Savino
Filed under: News

It seems that Dancing with the Stars was such a hit that Activision decided to bring the sequel to Nintendo's other current-gen system, the DS. The games developer and publisher decided to nix the PS2 and PC versions in this iteration, and focus on what Nintendo has to offer (massive casual audiences) instead.

Will Dancing with the Stars: Get Your Dance On! (DS) have the same Samba de Amigo-like "charm" as its predecessor did on the Wii? Maybe, but probably not (especially since it won't include maraca-esque motions). Not only do we cringe a little at the license, but Activision also has yet to prove themselves as worthy DS rhythm game developers. (If you plan to cite Guitar Hero: On Tour as a counter example, keep in mind that it was developed by Vicarious Visions.) Even though we're skeptical and cynical by nature, we'll wait and see how this Q4 release moves along. We wouldn't want to miss the next Ouendan or Elite Beat Agents because we were too busy scoffing, after all.

Metareview: Guitar Hero: On Tour

Posted Jun 24th 2008 9:00PM by Candace Savino
Filed under: Metareview

Whether you plan to base your Guitar Hero: On Tour purchasing plans on the track list or reviews, you're likely to be confused. The reviews seem to be as schizophrenic as the compiled tracks themselves, with some outlets loving the game and others hating it.

IGN (90/100) thinks the game really works on Nintendo's handheld: "For the Nintendo DS version, you lose the full-sized guitar, but that's pretty much all you're losing because everything else, with the exception of a single fret button, has been placed in rather intuitive locations on the Nintendo DS thanks to a well-constructed peripheral and incredibly tight programming."

GameSpot (60/100) hated the peripheral, and believes that On Tour takes the fun out of Guitar Hero: "While the size of your hands is certainly a consideration, the attachment is functional at best. Given that the game actually begins with two screens that instruct you to keep your wrist straight, take frequent breaks to avoid cramping, try different play styles to find one that's comfortable, and even visit the game's Web site 'for more play comfort suggestions,' it's apparent that someone was aware that the game could present physical problems for people. It would have been nice to be able to play the game with some sort of alternate control scheme, but such an option isn't available."

GameSpy (70/100) was on the fence, finding both negative and redeeming qualities in Vicarious Visions' attempt: "The guitar peripheral doesn't work as well as we had hoped, something that could prove to be a major sticking point (after all, who wants to keep playing a game that hurts you?). Still, it's a solid entry in the franchise and gets points for innovation, so we're hopeful that this won't be the series' last foray into the handheld domain."

Guitar Hero goes On Tour with a complete track list

Posted Jun 24th 2008 1:15PM by Candace Savino
Filed under: News

Guitar Hero: On Tour released this week, but those of you interested in buying it might want to know the full track list first (including an unlockable song). Yesterday we revealed the venues and songs for On Tour's sister game, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, so it's interesting to compare the two. Aside from one of the games being predominantly full of Aerosmith songs (we'll let you guess which), the style and essence of the two lists are very different. On Tour takes a much more poppy approach than Aerosmith and all the previous Guitar Heroes, as we've seen, but throws in some classics as well to appeal to the core audience.

We're not sure how we feel about some of the nausea-inducing tracks (read: Maroon 5 and kin), but we were able to stomach a few terrible tracks in Elite Beat Agents and enjoy it regardless. Now that the final track list is here (with a total of 26 songs), where do you stand on the game?

Gallery: Guitar Hero: On Tour

Continue reading Guitar Hero goes On Tour with a complete track list

Are you gonna watch this Guitar Hero: On Tour video?

Posted Jun 22nd 2008 6:00PM by Eric Caoili
Filed under: Video

The Patrick Fugit lookalike returns! Publisher Activision is ushering in this week's release of Guitar Hero: On Tour with a new trailer for the rhythm game, giving you a preview of its euphonic allure -- cool kids everywhere will gather around you at the park, dancing and losing their damn minds as if you were Elvis reincarnated.

Because On Tour has an optional system bundle, retailers should have the game on their shelves starting today instead of later this week. Make sure to drop your impressions in our comments if you pick up On Tour!

Gallery: Guitar Hero: On Tour

On Tour finds a home ... page

Posted Jun 18th 2008 11:00AM by Phil Larsen
Filed under: News

If you want a simultaneous injection of cheese and rock, head over to the official website for Guitar Hero: On Tour. Even with all the stuff now located in one handy site, it's still hard to tell whether On Tour is meant to be taken seriously, or if it's all just a big funny party.

It's probably the most heavily-promoted DS game to come around in a long while, with its own bundle and everything. If you can handle a bit more On Tour media (and an immediate onslaught of rockin' 90s Blink 182) then the website should be pretty enjoyable. Either way, fans will be using the almighty dollar to show their support (or lack thereof) when the game hits stores on June 22.

Gallery: Guitar Hero: On Tour

[Via videogamng247]

New Nintendo Channel video goes On Tour

Posted Jun 16th 2008 6:00PM by Candace Savino
Filed under: Video

We've gotten a little developer insight into Guitar Hero: On Tour before, but a new video on the Nintendo Channel delves even more into the brains of the Vicarious Visions team. If you want to know things like how the idea for a handheld Guitar Hero came about (besides the fact that Karthik Bala thinks there are no good portable rhythm games), or were curious about the decision to use a DS peripheral with only four buttons, this video will answer all your burning questions.

The developers seem more than happy with their final product, so hopefully On Tour lives up to everything they're promising. In any case, playing the game while whitewater rafting seems like a bad idea.

The best part of it all is that we've ever-so-kindly put the video right here for your viewing pleasure. So, don't even bother firing up that Wii of yours and just check out the video above.

Gallery: Guitar Hero: On Tour

Rumor: Marketing website reveals new licensed games

Posted Jun 16th 2008 9:30AM by JC Fletcher
Filed under: Rumors

After Xbox 360 Fanboy found some unreleased information on marketing firm Intellisponse's website, NeoGAFfers quickly figured out how to access more of their info (because it was a very simple process). As a result, Xbox 360 fans had a sort of impromptu E3 of rumors, videos, and news.

The DS fallout from the release of Activision and Disney survey materials isn't quite as explosive, but it has enabled us to learn a bit about some planned or proposed new games from the companies. Unfortunately, the newly-"announced" DS games consist solely of licenses, from the expected (Transformers 2) to the sadly kind-of expected (Extreme Makeover: Home Edition) to ... what? (Gossip Girl). We've posted the full text about each game from the now-defunct site after the break.

Continue reading Rumor: Marketing website reveals new licensed games

Guitar Hero DS bundle Tours Europe in July

Posted Jun 13th 2008 5:00PM by Chris Greenhough
Filed under: News

The force of totally rocking out knows no limits, and cannot be contained by mere geographical boundaries. We like to think that that's why Europe will also be receiving the limited edition Guitar Hero: On Tour DS bundle that we're so on the fence about. It'll come with everything that's the U.S. bundle carries -- silver/black DS Lite with horrible transfer, Guitar Grip, and the game -- and is due out in the region on July 18th.

No idea on price yet, but surely anything above £130 would be too much, right? Besides, it's not like we're suffering from a lack of awesome options when it comes to DS hardware.

Gallery: Guitar Hero: On Tour

[Via press release]

System 3 drops Ferrari Challenge deets, first screens

Posted Jun 10th 2008 3:00PM by Chris Greenhough
Filed under: News, Screens

Ferrari's rich historical connection with videogames alone is enough to make us curious about System 3's forthcoming Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli, for which the first screenshots and further details appeared today.

Even though the online mode has been confirmed as a PS3-only feature, the shots we've seen so far show promise, at least as far as 3D racers on the DS go. According to today's press release, the DS version of Ferrari Challenge will contain fifteen real-life tracks (including Italy's Mugello circuit), eight cars per race, fifty types of Ferrari, and, if this screen suggests what we think it suggests, wireless play. Thankfully, it doesn't control via a steering wheel plastered across the touchscreen, a la the awful Ridge Racer DS; instead, the touchscreen features a swanky dashboard interface.

It's out soon, as well -- July in Europe; and during Q3 in North America. Rev into our gallery for your first look at the game!

Gallery: Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli

[Via press release]

Get On Tour one week early at Toys R Us

Posted Jun 6th 2008 3:00PM by David Hinkle
Filed under: News

For those of you looking to take part in the Guitar Hero franchise's transition to the DS, it will delight you to know that big retail chain Toys R Us will have Guitar Hero: On Tour available for you to play a full week before the game's release. On June 14th, between noon and 4pm, shoppers will be able to try the title out at a kiosk set up in the store for it.

Any of you going to head down to your local Toys R Us to check this out? Does a week's jump on the game's release actually get you down to the store to play?

Gallery: Guitar Hero: On Tour

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