MTV Multiplayer has delivered information on the new Guitar Hero arcade machine, including the surprising news that rhythm game giant Konami is collaborating on the project. Activision, having no experience in the arcade space, asked the makers of DDR and rival console title Rock Revolution to recommend a developer for the project, resulting in the decision to hire on Raw Thrills.
The new game is based largely on Guitar Hero III, with some tweaks. While character options are being kept to a minimum, the machines will feature DLC options for owners of the unit, allowing them to update the game with new tracks as they become available. The controller is a specially-designed hybrid of the GH III peripheral and the one which ships with World Tour.
With the state of the American arcade market being almost non-existent, one has to wonder how successful a game like Guitar Hero Arcade can possibly be. Raw Thrills is stating that they’ve had more pre-orders for this machine than any in their history but, for a company who has only been in the business during a time when far more arcades were closing than opening, that can hardly be surprising (or heartening).
What say you? Will you be playing Guitar Hero in an arcade or stick to the living room? What would the game have to offer you to justify making the trip if you’re on the fence?
