THE stage is set for a concert showdown: Rock Band or Guitar Hero World Tour?
Both games - available for all major game consoles, like the Microsoft Xbox 360 - are now vying to make the gift list of anyone who fancies rocking out on plastic instruments.
So gamers with a penchant for rhythm or music games - and lots of money to spare - now have to face the music: Which game rocks your world?
Rock Band has been officially released by EA Singapore a few months back, quite a while after its US launch last November.
(Note: The sequel, Rock Band 2, has been released in the US, with newer instruments to boot. No word yet on a local release.)
Let's not forget, it was the Guitar Hero franchise that first made it cool to play with a plastic guitar controller.
(You basically hit buttons on the guitar controller, keeping pace with colourful icons that scroll down the screen.)
But before Rock Band came along, rhythm games were a solo or, at most, a duo affair.
Now, an additional bass guitar, microphone and a drum kit are considered must-haves.
In other words, you and three of your friends can rock as a Fab Four outfit, whether in the same room or online.
With the latest Guitar Hero World Tour (GHWT) now matching Rock Band in the number of instruments, rhythm game buffs have to decide which game's instruments they prefer.
If you have never experienced either game before, rest assured that the gameplay differences aren't that wide.
The final decision could depend on how you like the 'feel' of the different controllers for each game.
Of course, the in-game track list and additional song downloads may be instrumental in your decision too.
(Tip: Check out Wikipedia and compare the repertoire).
Real rockers
There are real bands that make guest apperance in both games, including Metallica and Bon Jovi.
But if your dream gig is to say, download and - literally - play the entire Red Hot Chili Peppers' album, Blood Sugar Sex Magix, then Rock Band is the one for you.
On the other hand, if Jimi Hendrix is your guitar god, then Guitar Hero is the one you should worship - especially if you already have guitars from the previous incarnations.
For most folks, though, the music selection of either game should be equally enjoyable.
You will have a rocking good time with either game - as long as you get all the necessary instruments and have friends who love to band together.
ROCK IN A BOX
GUITAR HERO WORLD TOUR
Super bundle: $299 (comes with game software, guitar, microphone and drums)
Guitar bundle: $157 (game software with guitar)
Game software only: $84.90
ROCK BAND
Game software only: $64.90 (Xbox 360), $74.90 (PS3)
Instrument pack: $229 (with guitar, microphone and drums)
This story was first published in The New Paper on 2 January 2008.
