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Activision confirms Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, offers free DLC for Guitar Hero III

8:10 AM on 02.15.2008, Nick Chester 56 comments

Activision confirms Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, offers free DLC for Guitar Hero III photo
     Xbox 360

The following announcement should surprise no one -- Activision will be releasing Guitar Hero: Aerosmith for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, and Wii this June. The long-rumored alliance of the "Bad Boys from Boston" and Activision was originally mentioned by the band's guitarist, Joe Perry, who spilled the beans to Billboard.com last September.

"Any band that can go from 'Don't Want to Miss A Thing' to the ass-kicking 'Sweet Emotion' to the cheekiness of 'Love in an Elevator,' to the classic ballad 'Dream On' shows why Activision chose us to headline this game based on the diversity of the Aerosmith catalog," boasts the band's vocalist, Steven Tyler. "Not only is songwriting a bitch, but then it goes and has puppies."

While a bit arrogant and over-the-top, Tyler has a point -- Aerosmith's music is a perfect fit for the franchise, and all of the songs should be a blast to play. Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 owners will get a little sneak preview as well, when Activision offers free downloadable content for Guitar Hero III, in the form of Aerosmith's "Dream On." The content will be available free from February 16 through the 18.

Billboard.com had originally reported that the band were working with "the makers of Guitar Hero IV," which led many to believe that the sequel proper would be Aerosmith heavy. From what we've understood about the game for awhile, the gameplay mechanics will be identical to Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, only with new arenas, new songs, and -- of course -- the inclusion of a digital Aerosmith. All of this should be enough, though -- there's really not doubt about the success of this game come June, now is there?

World Renowned Recording Group Aerosmith Rocks This Way to Guitar Hero(R): Aerosmith(R)
Epic Collaboration Creates First Music-Based Game to Feature One
Band

Free Download of ''Dream On'' Offered to Commemorate Alliance

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb 15, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Fire up the fret board, crank the amp to 11 and get ready to rock this way with Activision, Inc.'s (Nasdaq:ATVI) Guitar Hero(R): Aerosmith(R), the first game built around the legendary music of America's Greatest Rock 'N Roll Band: Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer. Slated for release this June, this latest installment from the franchise with the #1 best-selling video game in 2007, puts players in the shoes of Perry (guitar), Whitford (guitar) and Hamilton (bass), as they rock out alongside frontman Tyler and drummer Kramer. Gamers will experience Aerosmith's GRAMMY(R) winning career, from their first gig to becoming rock royalty, in a way that no other entertainment vehicle offers.

To celebrate this historic, ground-breaking collaboration, Guitar Hero(R) III: Legends of Rock fans will have the opportunity to download and jam to Aerosmith's "Dream On." The song will be available for free from February 16-18 on Xbox LIVE(R) Marketplace for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION(R)Store for the PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system. For more information, please visit www.guitarhero.com.

"Having a game built around Aerosmith has been a huge honor and really a great experience for us," says Joe Perry. "We've put a lot of ideas into the game so that fans can have fun interacting with our music, getting inside our body of work and learning about the band's history."

Steven Tyler says, "Any band that can go from 'Don't Want to Miss A Thing' (Aerosmith's #1 smash hit) to the ass-kicking 'Sweet Emotion' to the cheekiness of 'Love in an Elevator,' to the classic ballad 'Dream On' shows why Activision chose us to headline this game based on the diversity of the Aerosmith catalog. Not only is songwriting a bitch, but then it goes and has puppies."

Perry adds, "On a larger scale, it's cool for us to be pioneers helping to rebuild the music industry through a format like video games. It's great for rock since the record companies are struggling to make sense of how things are changing. Fans want to get and experience music in new formats--and there are going to be some of them who will play the game, then pick up the guitar for real and start bands. It's what's happening now, and it's only going to build more momentum in the future. It's a massive change for the music business."

"We are extremely excited that Aerosmith chose to team up with Guitar Hero, bringing one of the world's all-time best-selling artists together with one of the biggest video game brands, to deliver a new and unique interactive way for our customers to connect with artists and their music," said Dusty Welch, head of publishing for Activision/RedOctane. "This partnership will give Aerosmith, a band that has sold more than 150 million albums worldwide, a powerful and innovative platform to reach their fans and new audiences."

Guitar Hero: Aerosmith brings these quintessential rock legends to the interactive realm to create the ultimate gaming experience. As fans progress through their careers in the game, they can rock out to scores of Aerosmith's greatest hits, as well as songs from celebrated artists that the band has either performed with or has been inspired by in some way. Venues from historical moments during the band's illustrious career offer the experience of "sweet emotion" and further capture the essence of the band's rise to fame.

Guitar Hero: Aerosmith is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system. The Wii(TM) version is being developed by Vicarious Visions. The PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system version is being developed by Budcat. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB.

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paulink's Avatar
paulink at 02/15/2008 08:11
ARGH, it'll be another week until I have my 360, no free song for me :(
DrNutt's Avatar
DrNutt at 02/15/2008 08:11
@Nick: What the hell is an Xbox 330 and how can I get my hands on it?
NihonTiger90's Avatar
NihonTiger90 at 02/15/2008 08:12
Will it look like this?

Jaren Face's Avatar
Jaren Face at 02/15/2008 08:16
I find this a tad disappointing. I like playing GH/RB to expose myself to songs/bands I might have not really payed attention to. Now, to have a game dedicated to one band seems a bit overkill to me. Oh well. I'm still probably going to pick it up.

Anyway, I see this more so as another GH expansion (like Rock the 80s), I HOPE they don't make it sell for full price, but then again, it probably will.
Nick Chester's Avatar
Nick Chester at 02/15/2008 08:18
@ DrNutt:

It's an awesome copy-editing piece of hardware.
Dahk's Avatar
Dahk at 02/15/2008 08:23
Lol @ Nick.

That was preeeeetty frickin' fast edit. =) *Thums up*
Syn's Avatar
Syn at 02/15/2008 08:30
I dunno, only having one band's music on it kind of turns me off, especially because its just Aerosmith.
Holyetheline's Avatar
Holyetheline at 02/15/2008 08:32
Um. That'd be cool if I still played GH3, seriously Rock Band ftw.
Snaileb 's Avatar
Snaileb at 02/15/2008 08:34
Well... a whole game of JUST Aerosmith? I dont think so.. but the free DLC for GH3 makes me happy.

:)
pierrerodriguez's Avatar
pierrerodriguez at 02/15/2008 08:44
let the absolute raping of the guitar hero franchise begin. doesn't this really fall under the dlc category? would any of you shell out $60 for a glorified expansion pack featuring a band as mediocre as aerosmith? This has gotten me so fired up that I need to relax with a big bowl ofRockin' Roni.
bassbeast's Avatar
bassbeast at 02/15/2008 08:46
Activision: The EA of the new century.

Jeebus...

No doubt of the game's success? I'm hoping that it tanks. Assuming that Rock Band can finally release entire albums by June, why the hell would I ever buy another Guitar Hero product? Activision is literally grinding it into the ground, pulverizing it into a fine pink powder that can be used to soothe jock itch (you know where I'm going).

With the download model that Rock Band has created, Guitar Hero is going to have to do a hell of a lot more than this.
Nick Chester's Avatar
Nick Chester at 02/15/2008 08:46
I sort of agree here, that this should fall into the DLC expansion category for the 360 (or the 330) and the PS3. Particularly when you consider there's nothing new gameplay wise. I suppose the presentation will be such that maybe it will warrant an entirely new game (I've yet to see it), but it's hard to imagine. I felt the same way about "Rocks the 80s," which I thought suffered because of it.
Eschatos's Avatar
Eschatos at 02/15/2008 08:48
It's gonna suck. I'll just get Rock Band.
that1dood's Avatar
that1dood at 02/15/2008 08:49
I got ripped off when I paid full price for the Wii version. WTF was I thinking?
BluDesign's Avatar
BluDesign at 02/15/2008 08:50
I like Aerosmith, but I wouldn't buy a game of just Aerosmith.

I already did that with the aforementioned Generation X game.
d0nfil0fi0's Avatar
d0nfil0fi0 at 02/15/2008 08:52
"The Wii(TM) version is being developed by Vicarious Visions."

*sigh*
h3lios's Avatar
h3lios at 02/15/2008 09:00
This is fail and outright GH whorage.

Why don't they make a Guitar Hero: Britney Spears and be done with it?
pierrerodriguez's Avatar
pierrerodriguez at 02/15/2008 09:02
Nick, you're right about the presentation aspect, but honestly, isn't the presentation of all the guitar hero games secondary to the songs&gameplay? I'm sure alot of people have a specific character/guitar they like to play as/with, but when you're playing, you're not paying attention to what the characters are doing, you're watching the fretboard. I've found that even when I'm watching I barely pay attention to the characters, I'm watching the notes fall. Once you get over the initial novelty of all the star power animations, there's not much there.
covah's Avatar
covah at 02/15/2008 09:07
Considering the only Aerosmith song I really want to play is "dream on" I might not have to buy the game hahah.
Gameboi's Avatar
Gameboi at 02/15/2008 09:36
Aerosmith is the greatest band evarrrrr!
Mxyzptlk's Avatar
Mxyzptlk at 02/15/2008 09:41
I'm curious what the "songs from celebrated artists that the band has either performed with or has been inspired by in some way" are going to be. I'll probably pick this up if it's $30 or less, or there's a ton of songs.
Necros's Avatar
Necros at 02/15/2008 10:20
All I can think of is this: Guitar Hero Encore: 80s Edition sounded like a good idea too.

@ h3lios

Because Britney Spears doesn't use guitars? Duh.
pierrerodriguez's Avatar
pierrerodriguez at 02/15/2008 10:23
hopefully it includes their superbowl showcase with n'sync and nelly
DJKoolaid's Avatar
DJKoolaid at 02/15/2008 10:40
I'm gonna be honest, I'll probably pick this up. But I won't like it. I'm a whore :'(


ROCK BAND RULES!
Corak's Avatar
Corak at 02/15/2008 11:08
Not paying $60 for this if it costs that. An entire game of just 1 bands songs doesn't appeal to me even if it is a big name band like Aerosmith. If it retails for $40 or $30 I might reconsider. The free download is nice though.
RHibiki's Avatar
RHibiki at 02/15/2008 11:18
@Nick Chester
"I sort of agree here, that this should fall into the DLC expansion category for the 360 (or the 330) and the PS3. "

You say that now, but with their current pricing strucure, the DLC would probably be sold as only a pack, and cost $150.
h3lios's Avatar
h3lios at 02/15/2008 11:44
@ Necros:

ORLY? i didn't know that.

/sarcasm
BigPerm692123's Avatar
BigPerm692123 at 02/15/2008 11:58
I see it now Guitar Hero Oldies play songs your great grandparents have only heard of what a good idea yea right
amalgamut00's Avatar
amalgamut00 at 02/15/2008 12:20
So for us to play GH3 again we are given a free song and then we have to pay another $60 to play some Aerosmith? No thinks I'll stick with Rock Band, they have an At the Gates song coming out in March
SWE3tMadness's Avatar
SWE3tMadness at 02/15/2008 12:32
Dammit. Sweet Emotion and Dream On are two of my favorite classic rock songs, and I'm stuck with the Wii version of GH3.

I don't really give a rat's ass about GH4 at this point, I just want the free DLC goodness for my Wii. ;_;
Comrade Snarky's Avatar
Comrade Snarky at 02/15/2008 12:57
Of all the bands to get a standalone Guitar Hero package...Aerosmith?
DaTgUy's Avatar
DaTgUy at 02/15/2008 13:03
I like Aerosmith but I dont want to play a game of completely aerosmith...Ill stick with Rock Band
Samit Sarkar's Avatar
Samit Sarkar at 02/15/2008 13:11
Considering that I haven’t touched my copy of Guitar Hero III since mid-November (I’ve been playing Rock Band, among other games), I doubt I’ll be picking this up unless it’s $40 or less. I like Aerosmith, but this just screams “franchise whoring” to me.
Sharpless's Avatar
Sharpless at 02/15/2008 13:28
I don't see how this is a good idea. A Guitar Hero devoted to ONE BAND? I don't see it selling well. I wouldn't buy it, even though Aerosmith does have some good songs. This just... isn't worth it.
FreePablo's Avatar
FreePablo at 02/15/2008 13:30
A free song and a new $60 purchase? No thanks.
Brandon Undead's Avatar
Brandon Undead at 02/15/2008 14:13
Yeah, they're digging the grave. Good job, Activision fuckwits.
Knives's Avatar
Knives at 02/15/2008 14:55
Mmmm...delicious franchise milk.
Robert's Avatar
Robert at 02/15/2008 15:01
Too bad the new notecharts suck. Go watch the videos of the Foo Fighters DLC, which SHOULD kick ass, but instead ends up looking excessively hard and pointless. I expect this shall be the same.

F this. Yay for Rock Band.
rerun's Avatar
rerun at 02/15/2008 15:24
robert you dick munchi'n ass wipe rock band is just a bunch of ass holes that copied off from guitar heros and added extra fuckin instruments
rerun's Avatar
rerun at 02/15/2008 15:27
respond if you fucking dare
InfernoDragyn's Avatar
InfernoDragyn at 02/15/2008 15:36
I'm curious as to why no one is mentioning that in addition to Aerosmith there will be songs from other bands as well. So in the end, depending on the full song list, I will decide whether or not to get it. Right now you just cant make an informed honest opinion, just knee jerk reactions to a press release. This could turn out to be a pretty bad ass collection of songs.
rerun's Avatar
rerun at 02/15/2008 15:43
infernodragyn I agree with you very much and whoever doesn't can eat fucking shit
rerun's Avatar
rerun at 02/15/2008 16:00
what feels better doggie style or head
Sharpless's Avatar
Sharpless at 02/15/2008 18:45
Hey, guys! Everyone come look! Look above me!

...

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Mxyzptlk's Avatar
Mxyzptlk at 02/15/2008 19:38
rerun is my new favorite troll!
yaisuah's Avatar
yaisuah at 02/15/2008 20:16
This is actually perfect for the Guitar Hero franchise after it completely sold out and went to shit with part 3, and Aerosmith just happens to be the greatest rock sell outs of all time, now all the people who like to play with and listen to the squishiness of dog shit can make their wildest dreams come true.
Kent's Avatar
Kent at 02/16/2008 01:04
Guitar Hero is so last year. Rockband ftw.
Id pay $60 for GNR, AC/DC, Zeppelin , Pink Floyd etc. albums for Rockband, but Aerosmith for GHIII? puhleease...
BMaN32x's Avatar
BMaN32x at 02/16/2008 09:46
Sounds like a really expensive expansion pack,

Wait... they're from Boston?
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