"Guitar Hero III" vs. "Rock Band"

Mike Drummond - Charlotte Observer

Two music video games will duel for supremacy this holiday season -- reigning market leader "Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock" vs. upstart "Rock Band."

What you buy will depend on your budget, game console and whether the recipient seeks singular guitar-god status or virtuoso variety.

Both games score players on how well they hit color-coded buttons or notes that flash on screen in synch with songs.

Activision Inc. released "GH III" in October. Harmonix Music Systems Inc. releases "Rock Band" on Tuesday (and a Sony PlayStation 2 version Dec. 18).

"GH III" comes with game software, some 70 songs and a plastic Les Paul guitar controller (the PS2 version comes with a Gibson Kramer Striker shape.) "Rock Band" is bundled with software, 58 songs, a fake Fender Stratocaster guitar/bass, an ersatz five-piece drum set and a mike.

Both games allow users to download more songs off the Web.

MUSIC VIDEO GAMES

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock

You're buying this for: That certain air guitarist.Price range: $90-$100

Coolest feature: The Wii guitar controller emits feedback and vibration, amplifying the reality factor.

What they don't tell you: You can't download songs yet with the Wii version. And, just so we're clear, this is just a toy -- it won't turn anyone into a real guitar hero.

What we like: Hat's off to Activision for making the guitar controller bigger and better and less like a Fisher Price toy. Works on four major game platforms -- PlayStation 2 and 3, Xbox 360 and the Wii.

Rock Band

You're buying this for: Musical control freaks; gamers with friends.

Price range: $160-$170

Coolest feature: The mike doubles as a tambourine or cowbell. Play Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper" like it was meant to be played -- more cowbell!

What they don't tell you: No wireless guitars for the Xbox version. There's no Wii version of the game yet. Can't buy instruments/mike a la carte -- for now you have to buy the bundle.

What we like: Tommy Lee devotees take heart -- the drumming comes close to approximating the real deal. And the mike offers the next best thing to being Mick.

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