We sure are a giant tease this weekend ain't we folks? The latest bit of gossip I have for you is sure to tickle your fancy. We reported a couple of weeks ago that Haramonix is working on something that will blow the Guitar Hero franchise out of the water. Now, thanks to reader Farktoid, we have some new information on what Red Octane is potentially working on.

Marcus and Red Octane appear to have another plan.  He told us that they are currently in the design stages of something a little more complicated.  Something with more frets and strings.  Yep, it sounds like Red Octane is developing a full-fledged game that will teach you to play an actual guitar!  He gave us a line, and we all found it delightful: "Once you're done playing with your toys [the current GH guitars], you come see us."  He said they have plans to teach people not only how to play, but to make their own songs and share them across the tubes and challenge each other.  I assume this is all very early in design, but as one of those guys that picked up a real guitar after playing Guitar Hero, I was stoked to hear this news.

Whatup fellow robots, Farktoid checking in from the Bay Area.

I wanted to share with you all what went down today at the Gamestop in San Jose CA.  I'd never been to this particular Gamestop, and it was big.  Biggest I've ever seen. Tons of old PS1 games, mostly ancient editions of Madden and Triple Play. 

There was about 20 people in the tournament including myself and my friend D.  A couple of hot chicks showed up too, but naturally they were on the arm of some nerd or another. 

Things were going pretty well, and everyone was having a good time.  The chicks were surprisingly good.  However, and here's the interesting part, Marcus Henderson himself, the dude that performed the more difficult tunes in Guitar Hero I and II showed up with a box full of posters!  I must have been one of the only people who recognized him at first because I'd seen him in an episode of 1Up Yours, but once they called him out there were hoots and hollers all through the store.  The tournament continued as people lined up to get posters signed.  My friend D had his GHII guitar signed as well, which I thought was particularly badass.

Marcus Henderson is the nicest guy you'll meet.  He was incredibly friendly with everyone and answered all our questions.  I asked him about the 360 version of GHII, and he said that he performed the Iron Maiden song The Trooper on the new edition.  I then asked about the supposed 80's edition of the game, but he had little knowledge of it because apparently that version and the subsequent Guitar Hero III will not be done by Red Octane, but by Treyarch. 

Marcus and Red Octane appear to have another plan.  He told us that they are currently in the design stages of something a little more complicated.  Something with more frets and strings.  Yep, it sounds like Red Octane is developing a full-fledged game that will teach you to play an actual guitar!  He gave us a line, and we all found it delightful: "Once you're done playing with your toys [the current GH guitars], you come see us."  He said they have plans to teach people not only how to play, but to make their own songs and share them across the tubes and challenge each other.  I assume this is all very early in design, but as one of those guys that picked up a real guitar after playing Guitar Hero, I was stoked to hear this news.

Oh, regarding the tournament, me and D lost in the second round.  Some weird dude won.  They gave him a signed T-shirt and bragging rights.  I attached a camera phone shot of Marcus with the winner.

You didn't win a shirt Farktoid, but at least you meet a real guitar hero.