'Rock Band' rival announced for Wii and DS

Disney Interactive Studios has unveiled a rival to Electronic Arts' acclaimed music game Rock Band.

Entitled Ultimate Band, the Wii and DS title, which utilises the Wii Remote and DS Stylus, is a clear rival to EA's music game.

According to Disney, its simulation has been put together after "working with some of the very biggest names in rock, alternative, popular, emo and indie rock music, allowing bandmates to play sets from a broad selection of current hits and all-time rock favourites".

The Wii and DS versions, however, will play differently. On Wii, players will live the life of a rock star by advancing their music careers and popularity from playing in a neighbourhood garage to performing in front of an international audience at a 'world famous venue'.

Discussing the Wii edition, a Disney spokesman said: "Ultimate Band utilises the innovative Wii Remote and Nunchuk to give fans the ability to play the drums, bass guitar, lead guitar, or take on the role of the frontman."

On DS, players will be treated to a rhythm-based music game with a built-in recording studio, where "players can also create their own original songs using the DS touchscreen and stylus to lay down tracks for each instrument and apply creative mixing effects".

A release date for both the DS and Wii editions of the game has yet to be announced.