Wireless Guitar Hero Redux

jeffb writes "I just finished a DIY project and thought you guys would enjoy a look. An improved upon idea: a redux of the wireless guitar hero controller, this time with perfectly functioning whammy bar, rechargeable NiMH pack onboard which can be charged from the PS2's built-in USB ports (for charging, and/or playing while docked), wireless link/activity indicator, and assembled with a nod towards a clean, and professional looking job. Complete how-to with parts list included. Best regards, rock out, and happy soldering! " The original piece on this as well.

Re:Call me crazy...

[PrescriptionWarning]

you are crazy. if this guy has this kind of talent, it could help him on his resume. i mean he did this from scratch on his own. thats incredible, and shows how hobbies can seriously get you somewhere if you do it right.

come on, people. what's gotten into you?

[KeiKusanagi]

I'm surprised to see this kind of response on slashdot of all places. OMG I PLAY REAL GUITAR HAHA U PLAY TOY LOSER!

It's called a video _game_.

Yknow, something that isn't real, you do for fun?

I play guitar, bass, piano, and drums, and recently picked up guitar hero. honestly? guitar hero's not at all like any "real" instrument, yes, but it's great fun, if you're not so insecure and self conscious about it that the fact it's not "real HARDCORE GUITAR AAARRRGH".

So slashdot, wake up, remember you're on a tech site and supposedly a fan of odd hacks and of gaming, and stop waving your e-peen about by declaring you're better than him for playing "the real thing"

Re:Call me crazy...

[zero1101]

It's a video game. If we're going to get asinine here, why don't you apply the same argument to "race a real friggin' car," "shoot a real friggin' gun," "use a real friggin' sword," etc?

(Also: you're crazy.)

Re:come on, people. what's gotten into you?

[gad_zuki!]

This is funny as I just bought the game last night and I do play guitar. Well, I love it. Its like being able to play covers without the all the effort of learning the song. I found myself acting like a complete jerk striking silly Keith Richards-like poses and the occasional Townshend windmill.

The real downside isn't the cable, but the game moves so quickly you can't see any of the background animation because you're always focused hitting the right "notes." This wireless hack is cute, but they give you more than enough wire with the little guitar. Also, I would love to see more songs for this. Shame the developers said they wont release an expansion back but potentially a new version of the game next year. Maybe.

As far as mimicking a real instrument. Well, it could be a gateway to playing a real guitar the same way american idol has turned everyone into some wannabe vocalist/karaoke nut. The difference being that a guitar is a real instrument while the american idol vocal mimickry involves none of the discipline of learning a new instrument. If not, its a cool little game all its own and getting to play that trademark Brian May tone on the Killer Queen was worth the price of admission.