Guitar Hero On Tour: Modern Hits will pack in 25 master tracks when it ships this June (alongside Guitar Hero: Greatest Hits) for the DS, using the same Guitar Grip add-on controller. It will attempt to differentiate itself from Guitar Hero: On Tour and Guitar Hero: On Tour Decades with a new "non-linear gameplay" mode and "Fan Request" challenges.

Oh, and new songs...

These include the following.

Wolfmother "Dimension"
Coldplay "Violet Hill"
Lenny Kravitz "Where Are We Runnin'"
Evanescence "Sweet Sacrifice"
The Strokes "Reptilia"
The Bravery "Unconditional"
Fall Out Boy "This Ain't A Scene"
Weezer "Everybody Get Dangerous"
The Kaiser Chiefs "Ruby"
12 Stones "Adrenaline"
Tenacious D "The Metal"
Atreyu "Falling Down"

The previously leaked tracks — Sum 41's "Still Waiting", Franz Ferdinand's "The Fallen" and Finger Eleven's "Paralyzer" — will be announced later, we assume.

The deals are mainly PlayStation 2 oriented, with Guitar Hero III wired bundles going for only $29.99 and the wireless bundle only $10 more. Along with the PS2 deals there's a PS3 bundle of GHIII for only $39.99, and a two pack of Guitar Hero On Tour for the DS ringing up at $69.98. I suppose you could call it a clearance sale, but that would ruin the spirit of the holidays.

Make sure you use the code BF2008 for the wired bundles and BF2K* for everything else, or you bargain hunting will have been for naught.

Red Octane's Black Friday Sale [Red Octane - Thanks Stephen]

The total fantasy aspect of this launch trailer rivals anything in a beer commercial - including the one where an Ultraman-size Kareem Abdul-Jabbar dunked a basketball over Mount Elbert for Coors Light. Also, I can has Steadycam? Blorf.

Eric Ruckman was so desperate to give the DS port of Guitar Hero the thrashing it so richly deserves that he scooped out the innards of his PS2 guitar and melded it with a DS. The DS touch screen is still used for strumming - the plectrum stylus works even better in this context - and the crafty sod even bolted on an FM transmitter to pump stereo sound through his hi-fi.

Hack Guitar Hero DS into a guitar controller [Hack-A- Day via Engadget]

Follow the jump for a video of the mod in action

Finally, Metallica is coming to Guitar Hero in a big way, with DLC being readied to release alongside their new album, Death Magnetic, which is guaranteed to completely make up for Saint Sinner...as if any album could actually contain such power.

“Guitar Hero is one of the most successful entertainment properties and continues to push the boundaries of innovation with Guitar Hero: On Tour,” said Mike Griffith, President and Chief Executive Officer, Activision Publishing, Inc. “The game’s breakthrough peripheral brings the Guitar Hero experience to the 41 million DS users in North America and Europe, where they can play anywhere, anytime.”

I almost bought the game myself, but $50 for a limited set of songs and a chance to look ridiculous on public transportation didn't quite add up for me. For me, Guitar Hero: On Tour will always be the game that made me feel much better about strumming a full-sized plastic guitar.

Guitar Hero®: On Tour Sets Activision North American Retail Sales Record
Activision’s Largest Nintendo DS™ Launch

SANTA MONICA, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced Guitar Hero®: On Tour has sold in excess of 300,000 units in North America in the first seven days since its launch, making it the largest North American launch for the Nintendo DS™ in the company’s history by more than a factor of eight. In addition, Guitar Hero: On Tour’s performance ranks it as one of Activision’s top 5 best-selling launches of any title on any platform in the company’s history.

Guitar Hero: On Tour brings the popular Guitar Hero franchise to the handheld platforms for the first time delivering a unique gaming experience and challenging handheld gamers to prove their skills on the most diverse set list of master tracks ever offered in a Guitar Hero game.

“Guitar Hero is one of the most successful entertainment properties and continues to push the boundaries of innovation with Guitar Hero: On Tour,” said Mike Griffith, President and Chief Executive Officer, Activision Publishing, Inc. “The game’s breakthrough peripheral brings the Guitar Hero experience to the 41 million DS users in North America and Europe, where they can play anywhere, anytime.”

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $2.9 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and South Korea. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.

“This one-of-a-kind bundle makes Nintendo DS even more appealing to our ever-growing audience of players,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “Like Nintendo DS itself, the Guitar Hero franchise has attracted millions of new players to the world of video games.”

The bundle, which hasn't been priced yet, will be available starting on June 22 when the game goes on sale.

Axe Shredders Hit the Road with New Nintendo DS/Guitar Hero: On Tour Bundle
First Portable Edition in the Guitar Hero Franchise Lets Players Unleash Their Inner Rock Star Anytime, Anywhere

REDMOND, Wash.—(BUSINESS WIRE)— Most musicians dream of one day reaching platinum success. A new Nintendo DS™ bundle lets aspiring axe shredders claim that coveted status right from day one. The new Silver/Black Nintendo DS branded with the Guitar Hero® logo will be available exclusively as part of a limited-time bundle with Guitar Hero®: On Tour. For the first time, this smash-hit franchise is playable on a portable video game system using the revolutionary Guitar Hero™ Guitar Grip™ peripheral and fully tapping into the distinctive abilities of the Nintendo DS hardware.
Available on June 22, 2008, at North American retailers nationwide, the bundle provides a cool combo package for grads about to head off to college as well as summertime, road-tripping rockers of all ages.
“This one-of-a-kind bundle makes Nintendo DS even more appealing to our ever-growing audience of players,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “Like Nintendo DS itself, the Guitar Hero franchise has attracted millions of new players to the world of video games.”
“We are thrilled to be the first third-party publisher to partner with Nintendo on this unique offering,” said Dusty Welch, Head of Publishing for RedOctane. “With the Guitar Hero-branded Nintendo DS and our Guitar Hero: On Tour game and peripheral, this amazing bundle delivers gamers a complete Guitar Hero experience they can enjoy anytime, anywhere.”
Using the revolutionary Guitar Hero Guitar Grip peripheral and a custom-designed Guitar Hero pick-stylus, Guitar Hero: On Tour leverages the unique abilities of Nintendo DS to bring a new dimension to hand-held gaming. Featuring a wide variety of music, including tracks from blink-182, No Doubt, Jet, Nirvana, Bloc Party and many others, players can rock out in career mode, join together in co-op or go head-to-head in a “Guitar Duel” using Battle Items unique to the DS platform.
For more information about Nintendo DS, visit www.NintendoDS.com. For more information about Guitar Hero: On Tour, visit www.GuitarHeroOnTour.com.

“There is no better place to introduce Guitar Hero: On Tour than Toys“R”Us,” said Karen Dodge, Senior Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer Toys“R”Us, U.S. “Millions of kids are looking forward to jamming with their friends while playing the first portable version of Guitar Hero, and we’re thrilled that Activision is partnering with Toys“R”Us to bring this special sneak peek experience to our customers.”

People checking out the game at the toy store will also have a chance to get a free Guitar Hero sticker, dog tag and temporary tattoo and anyone who reserves a copy of the game, due out on June 22, will receive a Guitar Hero pick-stylus.

Full details on the jump.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TOYS“R”US STORES NATIONWIDE HOST “FIRST TO PLAY” EVENT FOR ACTIVISION’S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED GUITAR HERO®: ON TOUR

Sneak Preview of First Portable Entry in the Guitar Hero Franchise to Take Place on June 14

New York, NY (June 5, 2008) – Fans eagerly waiting to play the first portable version of Guitar Hero® will finally get the chance to rock out with a sneak preview of Guitar Hero®: On Tour for Nintendo DS™ on June 14 at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide. During this exclusive “First to Play” event, gamers visiting Toys“R”Us stores from 12 noon – 4 pm will have a chance to try out the new game one full week before its official release in North America on June 22, 2008.

“There is no better place to introduce Guitar Hero: On Tour than Toys“R”Us,” said Karen Dodge, Senior Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer Toys“R”Us, U.S. “Millions of kids are looking forward to jamming with their friends while playing the first portable version of Guitar Hero, and we’re thrilled that Activision is partnering with Toys“R”Us to bring this special sneak peek experience to our customers.”

For the first time, handheld gamers have the freedom to unleash their inner rock star anytime, anywhere with Guitar Hero: On Tour. Utilizing the revolutionary Guitar Hero™ Guitar Grip™ peripheral that fits snugly into the Nintendo DS and a unique Guitar Hero pick-stylus, Guitar Hero: On Tour brings a new dimension to handheld gaming and gives fans the ability to shred along with their favorite tunes with complete portability. The game delivers a unique experience by challenging handheld gamers to rock out and prove their shredding skills on the most diverse set list of master tracks ever offered in a Guitar Hero game, including classic rock, alternative and pop favorites.

Anyone visiting a Toys“R”Us store to sample Guitar Hero: On Tour during the “First to Play” event will receive a complimentary Guitar Hero sticker, dog tag, and temporary tattoo, while supplies last. Additionally, during the event, customers who reserve a copy of Guitar Hero: On Tour will receive a limited edition Guitar Hero pick-stylus.

By now I'm sure most of you are familiar with the seemingly odd transition of Guitar Hero from consoles to handhelds, namely the DS. When Guitar Hero: On Tour was announced a few months ago it left many of us scratching our heads wondering how they would pull it off. Even with the addition of pictures of the add-on peripheral it was still hard to imagine exactly what it would be like trying to play. I finally got my chance to check it out for myself a few days ago and despite former misgivings I actually found it quite fun.

The first thing I took a look at upon arriving was the "guitar grip" peripheral. It was a pretty sturdy little piece of a equipment that fits snugly into the GBA slot of the DS. The clear plastic cover is removable and the logo can be pulled out so you can customize the look of it. The strap is likewise customizable, no doubt providing plenty of opportunity for merchandising. As you may know, there are only four buttons in this iteration of the game and while some players may find this disconcerting, there is actually a good reason for it. With the DS literally strapped to your hand, it would make it impossible for you to be able to slide your hand to reach the fifth button. Then of course there is the space issue. After looking at it close up, it seems the addition of the fifth button would make it a bit crowded.

I started out with a little solo play and was surprised how easy it was once I got comfortable with it. I will admit that the peripheral seems a bit awkward at first, but once you figure out how to hold it in a way that is comfortable for you, it just becomes an extension of your hand. Strumming is done on the touch screen with a guitar pick stylus and you can pretty much strum anywhere on the screen for it to work. The whammy bar is also controlled here in the same way for those long notes. The rest of the gameplay is pretty straightforward GH: follow the notes and hit your keys.

Next I checked out the multiplayer game (multikart only) with a fellow journalist. It was fairly easy to get the two DSs talking and once it started it was all out war. The DS multiplayer has the addition of attacks that can be pulled out at opportune times to foil your opponents playing. Set their guitar on fire, make them sign an autograph, cut their strings, the viscous fun never ends! While these attacks were cool and added a nice variance to the game, I sometimes found it difficult to launch the attacks since you have to touch little icons on the strum screen. If you are anything like me and are concentrating on the moving dots, sometimes it's hard to look away long enough to touch the icons. I still managed to launch some attacks but it was to the detriment of my playing. Still, if you can manage doing those things all at once, the attacks are a lot of fun.

Other additions to the game include some new venues (subway, rooftop, parade, Greek Arena) and two new characters (Gunner Jaxon and Memphis Rose). Guitar hero: On Tour will feature over twenty five songs, twenty of them being exclusive to the DS and the remaining being staff favorites from Guitar Hero III. For a handheld game taken from a popular console title, I have to say I was pretty impressed by the graphics. They looked sharp and didn't leave me feeling cheated or that I was missing something. All in all I had a good experience playing and this should be a great title for Guitar Hero fans and since it's rated E it will be a great fun for your rockin' little ones too! Take a look below for a partial song list of twenty songs. The remaing five will remain a mystery until the game launches or someone leaks it. Which one do you think will happen first?

Subway
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

Rooftop
All Star – Smashmouth
Breed – Nirvana
Jessie’s Girl – Rick Springfield
Hit Me With Your Best Shot – Pat Benatar
This Love – Maroon 5

Parade
Heaven – Los Lonely Boys
Helicopter – Bloc Party
China Grove – The Doobie Brothers
Rock And Roll All Nite – Kiss – *Cover
What I Want – Daughtry

Greek Arena
Jet Airliner – Steve Miller Band – *Cover
Black Magic Woman – Santana – *Cover
Stray Cat Strut – Stray Cats
La Grange – ZZ Top – *Cover
Youth Gone Wild – Skid Row – *Cover

A memorial service shall be held next Tuesday. Flowers and donations may be forwarded to Vicarious Visions and Activision Corp. Guitar Hero is survived by its sole sibling, Rock Band. Rest In Peace.

[Thanks Josh!]

On Tour will use a pick-stylus and touch screen strings for strumming and that fancy Guitar Hero Guitar Grip for fretting. The game will include a local wireless co-op mode and a Guitar Duel battle mode with battle items unique to the DS. Some examples include forcing a player to blow into the microphone to put out pyrotechnics gone wrong and being forces to autograph the touch screen to stave off crazed fans in the middle of a set.

The game will have five new unlockable venues. You can customize the game a touch by changing the color of your guitar and picking outfits for your guitarist. The DS version will come with six characters, two of which are new to this version. The rated E 10+ game is due out this summer.

Hit the jump for the full release, complete with quotes!!!

Guitar Hero(R): On Tour Explodes onto Nintendo DS This Summer

New Game Introduces Revolutionary Guitar Hero(TM) Guitar Grip(TM) Peripheral for Anytime, Anywhere Guitar Hero(R) Gameplay

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Mar 20, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — For the first time, handheld gamers will have the freedom to unleash their inner rock star anywhere, anytime with Activision, Inc.'s (Nasdaq: ATVI) upcoming Guitar Hero(R): On Tour for Nintendo DS(TM). The game will deliver a unique Guitar Hero(R) experience by challenging handheld gamers to rock out and prove their shredding skills on the most diverse set list of master tracks ever offered in a Guitar Hero game, including classic rock, alternative and pop favorites such as Nirvana, OK Go and No Doubt.
The game will be packaged with a revolutionary Guitar Hero(TM) Guitar Grip(TM) peripheral that fits snugly into the DS and a unique Guitar Hero pick-stylus that brings a new dimension to handheld gaming and the core gameplay that defines Guitar Hero. Guitar Hero: On Tour has been designed specifically for the DS platform and will offer the DS audience an all-new compelling music experience.

"We are continuing to introduce new and exciting ways to bring music to audiences with Guitar Hero," said Dusty Welch, head of publishing for Activision/RedOctane. "The Guitar Hero Guitar Grip redefines how games can be played on handheld systems and the integration of the microphone and touch screen gameplay on the DS, further illustrates Guitar Hero's leadership in delivering the most unique and creative quality hardware and software on the market."

"We're designing Guitar Hero: On Tour from the ground up to take full advantage of the DS platform by integrating signature gameplay with fresh new content and DS specific features," said Karthik Bala, CEO of Vicarious Visions. "We've taken all of our learnings on the DS platform to date and pushed it to the limits to create a truly innovative Guitar Hero experience."

Guitar Hero: On Tour continues to build on the franchise's signature easy-to-play, yet difficult to master addictive gameplay, and now lets players take their experience on the road wherever they go. Players use the Guitar Hero pick-stylus on the touch screen to strum their favorite tunes and create their rock 'n' roll legacy in career mode.

Fans can also join together to play co-op mode using a local wireless network, or battle each other in a Guitar Duel using new Battle Items unique to the DS platform. For example, players must blow into the microphone to extinguish a pyrotechnics effects gone wrong, or use the touch screen to autograph a crazed fan's shirt in the middle of their set.

Featuring five unlockable new venues, the game lets players personalize their experience by choosing the color of their axe of choice, selecting to play as one of six characters - two of which are all new and exclusive to Guitar Hero: On Tour - and outfitting their guitarist in numerous styles.

Guitar Hero: On Tour is being developed by Vicarious Visions for the Nintendo DS. The game is rated "E 10+" (Everyone 10 and older) by the ESRB and is scheduled for release this summer. For more information, visit www.guitarheroontour.com.

There's little in the way of gameplay, with a focus on dramatic "Guitar Grip" strapping-on and goofy rockin' out, but if you need a better visual demonstration of how Guitar Hero: On Tour for the Nintendo DS works, this will be right up your alley. It's cute, but certainly not something I see myself paying actual money for. But if Harmonix can make a dual-guitar and drum set attachment work for Rock Band DS, that I might buy.

IGN reports that the microphone will also be used, probably to activate Star Power mode with a Jack Black-esque rock scream.

On Tour, due this summer, will support both co-op and competitive multiplayer using the DS' local wireless functions, a battle mode and come packed with more than 20 songs.

Exclusive Reveal: Guitar Hero DS [IGN]

RedOctane co-founder Charles Huang mentioned to GameSpot last summer that a DS-specific controller peripheral was "definitely one of the options we're exploring." We have little doubt that Activision and RedOctane will be doing their best to capitalize on the Guitar Hero name on every single platform they can, so we expect an announcement soon.

Guitar Hero On Tour [Trademork]