Activision sends us image of Guitar Hero: On Tour peripheral, it's still odd

10:16 AM on 03.20.2008   |   Nick Chester

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As you well know, Guitar Hero is coming to the Nintendo DS in the form of Guitar Hero: On Tour. Along with the Guitar Grip peripheral, the game appears to make an attempt to re-create Guitar Hero excitement on the go. At least that's what we're led to believe by the video promo featuring two High School Musical extras pretending to have fun.

While IGN got the exclusive reveal, Activision has sent along to us an image of the periperhal and well ... it's still kind of weird looking. It's an exciting and surprising design, to be sure; I'm sure most of us weren't thinking it would be a fretboard that plugged into the handheld's Game Boy Advance slot. I don't want to make assumptions before playing the game, but it sure does look hand-cramp-a-rific. It doesn't look like the kids in the video are in pain, but they're paid to make it look easy.

The idea of a portable Guitar Hero is an interesting one, and while I'm still not sure if this is something I'm going to want to play on a public train, I hope it can come close to capturing the now classic feel of the original. The official press release detailing game info can be found after the jump.

GUITAR HERO® : ON TOUR EXPLODES ONTO NINTENDO DS THIS SUMMER

New Game Introduces Revolutionary Guitar Hero™ Guitar Grip™ Peripheral for Anytime, Anywhere Guitar Hero® Gameplay

SANTA MONICA, CA – March 20, 2008 – 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®: On Tour for Nintendo DS™.  The game will deliver a unique Guitar Hero® 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™ Guitar Grip™ 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.