The Romantics are, of course, seeking compensatory and punitive damages but specific dollar amounts aren't listed. Billboard writes that the band may have a case, citing "right of publicity" but counters that only those who are "very well known" may benefit from suing imitators.

If the court were to rule in the favor of the band, it could spell further trouble for parties involved in the Guitar Hero and Rock Band series in the form of lawsuits from other bands hungry for cash. The potential silver lining? Steering away from cover versions, including only master tracks. That silver lining comes with a bit of tin, however, as there are cases where those master tracks are simply no longer available, potentially limiting future track listings.

Regardless of the outcome, it's all utterly unromantic.

The Romantics Sue Activision Over 'Guitar Hero' [Billboard - thanks, Damon!]

The 80s were humanity's id in leopard spandex.

While the era may seem perfect for a Guitar Hero tribute, many, including our own GH aficionado Michael McWhertor, have qualms with the new title. To hear more, hit the jump for our Frankenreview: plagiarism at its best.

Snackbar
the game plays, and even looks identical to Guitar Hero II. Oh sure, some neon has been added, and the guitarist character models have been mildly altered, but altogether the game feels like the absolute bare minimum was done in order to justify a new release. A classic case of "what could have been," Encore comes up far short of expectations, and as such cannot escape disappointment.

GamerNode
The biggest disappointment is the choice of songs...I can think of at least thirty songs from the 80's which would have been perfect for a Guitar Hero game and aren't in it - likely much, much more. You boast that you include the "greatest rock anthems of the era," but do you? Don't lie to me, Guitar Hero - we've been together far too long for you to be able to lie to me.

Gamespot
Roughly two-thirds of the tracklist could be considered fun either because it's a cool song to play, or just because it's a big hit with a memorable riff. The rest scrapes the bottom of the '80s barrel like a fourth run of I Love the '80s.

Maxim
The covers of the songs don't feel as tuned or as polished as they did in the superior Guitar Hero II. Beyond that, you never feel like you're actually "playing" these songs as much as you're merely trying to hit a bunch of random fret buttons as quickly as possible.

GameDaily
As an expansion, Encore performs adequately...[but] (the Guitar Hero vets that we are), refuse to pay a ridiculous $49.99 for a game that not only reuses all of Guitar Hero II's modes, but also its venues and screens (including the loading screen- that's just lazy).

I wish they'd just made the song pack available on LIVE for GH2 and nailed us with microtransactions on the skins. Because I hate to see franchises sell out while becoming lackluster products.

The song list isn't the only barebones aspect of the game, as (so far) only one unlockable character is available, The Grim Reaper. The cast of digital musicians is recycled from Guitar Hero II, pared down to a meager half-dozen redressed characters. You can't unlock new outfits, songs or videos as one would in previous versions.

Recycling seems to have been the theme for Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s with barely modified versions of Guitar Hero II's bars, clubs and arenas setting the stage for your rocking out. Even the game's splash and menu screens are shockingly familiar. There were plenty of missed opportunities to make this edition stand out as a fun, 80s themed release.

Even more puzzling are the obvious moments of slowdown that have plagued a handful of songs. Yes, Eddie Money's "Shakin'" absolutely sucks, but is it that taxing on the PS2? Based on these early experiences, the game reeks of cash-in from Activision and a half-effort from developer Harmonix.

Anyone else playing this game? And, more importantly, does anyone else feel ripped off?

Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s (PS2)
Oh my god, dude! It's like totally tubular! It's Guitar Hero 80's!

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However, that won't stop publisher Activision for charging a full price $49.99 for the game, as several retailers have recently adjusted their pricing to that point as we approach the late July release date. With Guitar Hero II sporting 55 songs total—admittedly of varying quality and consumer interest levels—this full-priced, now seemingly half-stocked release is starting to look a little less attractive.

But that Rock Band, boy, does that look good. Let's hope Activision is paying attention.

Confirmed - No bonus tracks for Guitar Hero 80s [SlashGear]

• Caught in a Mosh (as made famous by Anthrax)
• Balls to the Wall (as made famous by Accept)
• Electric Eye (by Judas Priest)
• Los Angeles (as made famous by X)
• Police Truck (as made famous by Dead Kennedys)
• We Got the Beat (as made famous by The Go Go's)
• (I Think I'm) Turning Japanese (as made famous by Vapors)
• Seventeen (as made famous by Winger)
• Because, it's Midnite (by Limozeen)

The previously officially confirmed rockers:

• Hold On Loosely (as made famous by .38 Special)
• No One Like You (as made famous by Scorpions)
• Only a Lad (as made famous by Oingo Boingo)
• Ballroom Blitz (as made famous by Krokus)
• The Warrior (by Scandal)
• What I Like About You (as made famous by The Romantics)
• Wrath Child (as made famous by Iron Maiden)
• I Wanna Rock (by Twisted Sister)
• I Ran (by Flock of Seagulls)
• Round and Round (as made famous by Ratt)
• Metal Health (as made famous by Quiet Riot)
• Holy Diver (as made famous by Dio)
• Heat Of The Moment (as made famous by Asia)
• Radar Love (as made famous by White Lion)
• 18 and Life (as made famous by Skid Row)
• Bathroom Wall (as made famous by Faster Pussycat)
• Lonely is the Night (as made famous by Billy Squier)
• Nothing But a Good Time (as made famous by Poison)
• Play With Me (as made famous by Extreme)
• Shaken (as made famous by Eddie Money)
• Synchronicity II (as made famous by The Police)

I'm just thrilled that they opted to NOT include some Kajagoogoo.