Here's what Activision should have released in Fall of 2008 -- an 8-bit version of the Guitar Hero franchise called D-Pad Hero.

Designed by Kent Hansen and Andreas Pedersen, this 8-bit remake of the now-classic formula is not only clever, but amazingly playable on any number of Nintendo Entertainment System emulators. The game plays out more like Dance Dance Revolution than Guitar Hero, with falling buttons and arrows, and is every bit as ridiculously silly and fun as it sounds. 

Included with the game are chiptune version of Guns N' Roses "Sweet Child O' Mine," A-Ha's "The Swing of Things," Michael Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel," and Daft Punk's "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger." It's tough to play, too -- the faling arrows and button prompts may cramp your hands using a keyboard, so now might be a good time to bust out your PC joypads. 

You can download a ROM of the game by heading over to the official D-Pad Hero Web site. Weekly downloadable content anyone?

[Via Offworld]