RedOctane announced this past friday (2/15) that the next installment in the Guitar Hero series would feature one band: Aerosmith. Guitar Hero: Aerosmith is scheduled for release this June on the PS2, PS3, xBox360, and Wii. Source: RedOctane [ more info ]

You guys remember when I expressed my concern that Activision buying Redoctane would result in the Guitar Hero franchise being milked dry? Consider this news evidence to that effect. Now, I like Aerosmith, and have little doubt that I'll buy the game. But it still feels kind of icky.

The somewhat independant feel of the original Guitar Hero seems to have disappeared in the flash of a giant marketing gimmick. The joy of "playing" songs we know and love is being slowly transformed into an outlet for promotion and advertising. Sure I still dig the product, but I can't say I have faith in the direction it's going.

I reserve the right to retract my statements and deny having ever disparaged Redoctane's development strategy should they ever begin work on Guitar Hero: Tool.

Sorry about the late comic. I have no idea why it so long to complete.

Having recently been subject to the wonders of GH3 (PC Version) and being a huge fan of Aerosmith, I have to say this prospect is AWSOME! I hope though, that the songs and or GH Pack, comes as an Upgrade/Expansion for those who DID buy GH3 for the PC.

Walk this way, Dude... Walk this way...

I want to see an Iron Maiden GH.

I actually downloaded the "Dream On" freebie they put up on Xbox LIVE. Much to my delight, it hadn't been restricted to 'Gold Users Only', as I'm only a Silver Member. (I suck at online console games, so I usually don't bother).

It was a lot of fun, if a bit on the easy side. I five starred it on expert the first time through without breaking a sweat. I'll probably pick this up in June.

As for future expansions....I want Guitar Hero: Pantera. Great heavy, guitar driven metal songs with enough difficulty to keep the hard core types happy. And...it's Pantera.

I think when any franchise is successful, companies milk them for all they are worth. Look at Tomb Raider, Grand Theft Auto, EverQuest, and The Sims to name a few. Heck, with Tomb Raider, EQ & Sims, there seemed to be a new expansion or game every 6-12 months.

Only the "good" franchises take their time in coming out with sequels. Blizzard being one of the few companies who takes their time and doesn't rush out expansions/sequels. Ultima series is another that comes to mind as well.

I wish they'd just put songs up for purchase for a dollar each or something. That'd eliminate all these full band games and expansions that we all can see coming.

And it'd be a place where people(most people) will have to legitimately buy the Artists music.

They do put up songs for purchase/download.

Guitar Hero: Queen would be worth my money.

Don't know how well Iron Maiden would work on GH; they have three guitarists. Or did last I heard.

Well I'm not a huge fan of Aerosmith so I'm pretty sure that I will not be interested in buying it. Sometimes it's best to favor a a sponsor rather than dedicate a whole project to them. That's how I see it with Guitar Hero.