One of the most popular casual game franchises ever made is facing it's first big challenger this fall.  This game has some several million copies since it's release and has been enjoyed by non-gamers and hard core games.  The game franchise I'm speaking of is Guitar Hero.  Guitar Hero I and II, the game you get to play guitar to rock hits from modern to classic rock songs.  This franchise has sold 9.4 million copies since it's launch in November of 2005.

Last year a deal was made and the publisher of Guitar Hero, RedOctane,  was bought by Activision.  Activision now owns the rights of the Guitar Hero name and has made Guitar Hero II a multiplatform game buy introducing a Xbox 360 version of the game that has sold 1.48 million copies.  Activision is currently planing a November release of Guitar Hero on PS2, PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii.  The game has already inked deals with several top recording artists like Rage Against the Machine, Smashing Pumkins, Hart, Kiss and much more.  The game will come with a controller fashioned after the Gibson Wes Paul guitar.

The other member of the Guitar Hero phenomenon is developer Harmonix Music Systems.  Harmonix was the developer for the first two Guitar Hero games.  Around the time Activision acquired RedOctane, MTV acquired Harmonix.  The deals meant Harmonix would no longer develop Guitar Hero games but would instead take the Guitar Hero type games to the next level with a  title called Rock Band. 

With their partnership to MTV, Harmonix has been able to secure some big names for their game Rock Band.  Fist off Rock Band is a game that allows you to play guitar, base, drums or lead vocals in a band.  You can play a career mode down a single instrument path or play with friends as a band.  Rock Band has lined up Metalica, Deep Purple, The Stokes and many more.  You will also be able to download entire albums like Who's Next by The Who or Nevermind of Nirvana.

This fall will bring two incredible music games to consoles.  Both games should be hours of fun and great for parties.  Most people that are in the know seem to be flocking towards Rock Band.  The price of entry($200) for this tile will probably set a few people back but the game plans on releasing tons of downloadable content and will most like have several iterations that will not require you to purchase new controllers.  Guitar Hero 3 looks to have one of their best music lists ever and should not miss a beat with their new development team.  Both games will meet their fans needs, if your a bit more serious and want to play more instruments than just guitar then Rock Band might be the game for you.  If you are looking for a fun game to play and just want to get your feet wet Guitar Hero 3 should be perfect for you.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar_Hero_III:_Legends_of_Rock
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Band_%28video_game%29