Here’s a quick sneak peek at a few of the tracks:

Do What You Want - OK Go
All the Small Things - blink-182
Spiderwebs - No Doubt
Are you Gonna Be My Girl - Jet
We’re Not Gonna Take It - Twisted Sister

Since all the game code is separate from the guitar grip - it’s just a normal DS cart that plugs into the usual slot - there’s the potential for updates and special editions in the future. Clearly the amount of storage space required means that downloadable updates are off the menu, but additional DS carts would be an inexpensive way to prolong the life of the game if it proves to be as successful as it has been on every other format.

The developers have created several multiplayer head-to-head modes - apparently, they’re still deciding which ones are going to make it into the finished game. The basic ones are the same as in Guitar Hero 3 - you can duel against a friend, sending powerups to reverse your rival’s fingerboard, cut a string and so on. Frantic scribbling and tapping with the pick is required to get out of those sticky situations. On top of that, there will be some special ones that could only be done on DS, including a mode where you get to sign autographs and send them to other players. Some sort of Guitar Hero autograph book sounds interesting - assuming it makes the cut, of course.

The main solo and co-op games are structured exactly like the console versions. There’s a career mode, complete with loads of unlockable gear such as new outfits for the avatar that rocks out on the second screen. Four characters return from previous Guitar Hero titles, and there are two new ones you’ll only find on DS. There’s also a handful of new venues to play in, although the size of the screen means you won’t be wowed by the graphical detail on show. But that’s not what Guitar Hero: On Tour is about. It’s the Guitar Hero phenomenon in the palm of your hand. No more, no less.

Apr 21, 2008